Stopping a Debt Collector in Michigan
A debt collector keeps calling me — here's what Michigan law says and what to do next.
Statute: Mich. Comp. Laws § 445.251 et seq. (Michigan Regulation of Collection Practices Act)
Deadline: 2190 days
Penalty: Violations may result in actual damages, statutory damages, and attorney fees under Michigan's collection practices law
What is stopping a debt collector?
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that limits what debt collectors can do when trying to collect money from you. It covers third-party collectors — companies that buy or collect debts on behalf of someone else — not the original creditor.
Under the FDCPA, debt collectors cannot harass you, lie to you, or use unfair tactics. They cannot call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., threaten violence, use profane language, or tell other people about your debt. You also have the right to tell a collector to stop contacting you entirely by sending a written request.
What to Do If a Debt Collector Is Harassing You
Step 1: Ask the collector for a "debt validation letter." Under the FDCPA (15 U.S.C. § 1692g), the collector must send you written notice within five days of first contact that includes the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor, and your right to dispute it.
Step 2: If you do not believe you owe the debt, send a written dispute within 30 days of receiving the validation notice. Send it by certified mail with return receipt requested. The collector must stop collection efforts until they verify the debt.
Step 3: Keep records. Save every letter, write down the date and time of every call, and note what the collector said. This documentation is critical if you need to file a complaint or lawsuit.
Step 4: If you want the calls to stop, send a cease-and-desist letter by certified mail. Once they receive it, they must stop contacting you (with limited exceptions for legal notices).
Step 5: File a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint or call (855) 411-2372. You can also file with your state attorney general.
How Michigan differs from federal law
Michigan regulates debt collection under the Michigan Collection Practices Act (MCPA) alongside the federal FDCPA:
- The MCPA (MCL § 445.251 et seq.) prohibits deceptive, threatening, and abusive collection practices
- Prohibited acts include: threatening violence, using obscene language, misrepresenting the debt amount, and contacting debtors at unreasonable times or places
- Michigan's statute of limitations on consumer debt is 6 years for most written contracts and credit cards
- Michigan allows wage garnishment for consumer debts, but state and federal limits apply (generally the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 30 times the federal minimum wage)
- Michigan provides exemptions that protect certain property from debt collection (homestead exemption, personal property exemptions)
Additional steps in Michigan
File complaints with the Michigan Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at (877) 765-8388 or online at michigan.gov/ag. You can also file with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov. Consumers can bring private lawsuits under both the MCPA and federal FDCPA.
What you should NOT do
Don't ignore debt collectors entirely. While you have the right to stop contact, ignoring a legitimate debt could lead to a lawsuit, wage garnishment, or damage to your credit score. Understand what you owe before deciding your next step.
Don't give personal financial information over the phone. Scammers often pose as debt collectors. Never give your bank account number, Social Security number, or credit card number to someone who calls you about a debt.
Don't make a payment on very old debt without understanding the consequences. In many states, making even a small payment on a time-barred debt can restart the statute of limitations, giving the collector the right to sue you again.
Don't agree to a payment plan you cannot afford. Collectors may pressure you into committing to payments that stretch your budget. You are not required to agree to their terms — you can negotiate or seek help from a nonprofit credit counselor.
Don't wait — the clock is ticking.
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Generate your debt validation →This page is general legal information for Michigan, not legal advice for your specific situation. Laws change, and how a statute applies depends on facts we don't know. For advice on your matter, consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.