Definition
Under the FDCPA, if a consumer notifies a debt collector in writing that they refuse to pay a debt or want the collector to cease further communication, the collector must stop, except to advise that collection efforts are being terminated or to notify the consumer that the collector or creditor may invoke a specified remedy, such as a lawsuit. Regulation F extends this to electronic requests, and consumers may also opt out of specific channels (for example, "do not text me") without stopping all contact.
A cease request does not extinguish the debt. The collector may still sue, report to credit bureaus where permitted, or sell the account, but may not continue collection communications.
Example
A consumer emails a collector: "Stop contacting me about this account." The collector may send one final message confirming it will stop and noting that the creditor may pursue legal remedies, and nothing further. A follow-up call two weeks later is a violation.
How HL Hunt handles it
HL Hunt detects cease requests across every channel, in writing, by text keyword, by email, in the portal, and in spoken conversation with the voice agent, applies them instantly to the account and all contact points, distinguishes full cease from channel-specific opt-outs, and sends only the permitted confirmation.