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What is the 7-7-7 Rule in Collections?
by
Marco Maknown
•
January 28, 2026
•
20 min
Dealing with debt collectors can be stressful and confusing. Whether you’re facing collection calls for the first time or trying to understand your rights regarding old debts, knowing the rules that govern debt collection practices is essential. One of the most important regulations to understand is the 7-7-7 rule, which restricts how often collectors can contact you. Knowing your rights under federal law, and what happens when debt collectors cross the line, is crucial for both your financial and mental health. *
What is the 7-7-7 rule in debt collection?
The 7-7-7 rule is a consumer protection regulation established by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) that limits how frequently debt collectors can attempt to contact you about a specific debt. Under this rule, which took effect in November 2021 as part of updated Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) regulations:
- Debt collectors cannot call you more than seven times within a seven-day period about a particular debt.
- Additionally, if a collector has a phone conversation with you about the debt, they must wait at least seven days before calling again about that same debt.
This rule was designed to prevent harassment and give consumers breathing room from relentless collection attempts. Before these regulations were codified, debt collectors often called multiple times per day, creating significant stress for consumers already dealing with financial difficulties. The CFPB’s regulation clarified what constitutes excessive communication and gave consumers clear grounds to report violations.
It’s important to note that the 7-7-7 rule applies per debt. If you owe multiple debts to different creditors being collected by the same agency, the collector could theoretically call seven times about each separate debt within a seven-day period. However, most collection agencies understand that such practices would likely be viewed as harassing under the broader provisions of the FDCPA.
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What happens if a debt collector calls more than 7 times in 7 days?
When a debt collector violates the 7-7-7 rule by calling you more than seven times in seven days, they’re breaking federal law. You have several options for recourse:
- First, you should document every call, including the date, time, and nature of each contact. Keep detailed records because this evidence will be crucial if you decide to take action.
- You can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission through their online complaint portals. The CFPB investigates violations and can take enforcement action against collection agencies that repeatedly break the rules.
- You can also report the violation to your state’s attorney general office, as many states have additional consumer protection laws that may have been violated.
- Beyond filing complaints, you may have grounds to sue the debt collector. Under the FDCPA, consumers can sue debt collectors for violations and recover actual damages, statutory damages up to $1,000, and attorney’s fees. If the harassment has caused you emotional distress, financial harm, or other damages, you may want to consult with a consumer rights attorney who specializes in FDCPA cases.
- Additionally, once you’ve documented violations, you can send the debt collector a cease and desist letter demanding they stop contacting you. Under the FDCPA, collectors must stop contacting you once they receive written notice that you refuse to pay the debt or that you want them to stop contacting you, with limited exceptions such as notifying you of specific actions they’re taking.
What information collection agencies must provide to consumers
Debt collectors are legally required to provide specific information when they contact you:
- Within five days of first contacting you, collectors must send a written validation notice containing several key pieces of information.
- This notice must include the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor to whom you owe the debt, and a statement that unless you dispute the validity of the debt within 30 days, the collector will assume the debt is valid.
- The validation notice must also inform you that if you dispute the debt in writing within 30 days, the collector will obtain verification of the debt and mail it to you.
- It should explain that upon your written request within 30 days, the collector will provide the name and address of the original creditor if different from the current creditor.
- According to the Federal Trade Commission’s guidance on the FDCPA, this validation information protects consumers by ensuring they know what they allegedly owe and to whom, giving them an opportunity to dispute incorrect debts. Many consumers discover that debts have been incorrectly reported, are past the statute of limitations, or have already been paid when they request validation.
- Beyond the initial validation notice, debt collectors must identify themselves in every communication and state that they are attempting to collect a debt. They cannot misrepresent the amount owed, the legal status of the debt, or their authority to collect.
Understanding the laws governing debt collection agencies
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is the primary federal law regulating debt collection agencies. Enacted in 1977 and administered by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices when collecting debts. The law applies to third-party debt collectors, including collection agencies, debt buyers, and lawyers who regularly collect debts, but generally doesn’t apply to original creditors collecting their own debts.
- The FDCPA restricts when collectors can contact you—they cannot call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. in your time zone unless you agree.
- They cannot contact you at work if you tell them your employer doesn’t allow such calls.
- Collectors are prohibited from harassing, oppressing, or abusing you, which includes threats of violence, use of obscene language, or publishing your name on a “bad debt” list.
- The law also prohibits false or misleading representations. Collectors cannot falsely claim to be attorneys or government representatives, misrepresent the amount you owe, or threaten actions they don’t intend to take or cannot legally take.
- They cannot use unfair practices such as collecting amounts not authorized by the original agreement or depositing post-dated checks early.
Many states have additional laws that provide even stronger protections than the FDCPA. Some states limit the interest that can be charged on debts in collections, restrict the types of property that can be seized, or provide longer periods for consumers to dispute debts. Consumers should research their state’s specific debt collection laws for comprehensive protection.
How the debt collection process works
Understanding how collections work can help you navigate the process more effectively.
- When you fall behind on payments to a creditor, the account typically becomes delinquent after 30 to 60 days. During this period, the original creditor’s internal collection department will attempt to collect the debt through calls, letters, and emails.
- If the creditor cannot collect after several months—typically between 90 and 180 days—they may decide to “charge off” the debt, meaning they write it off as a loss for accounting and tax purposes.
- At this point, the creditor may sell the debt to a collection agency for pennies on the dollar, or they may hire a collection agency to collect on their behalf for a percentage of what’s recovered.
- Once a debt collector takes over, they will begin their collection efforts, which must comply with the FDCPA. They’ll send the validation notice and may begin calling you within the limits established by the 7-7-7 rule. Collection agencies use various strategies to encourage payment, including offering settlement amounts that are less than the full balance, setting up payment plans, or threatening legal action.
- If collection efforts fail, the agency may decide to sue you. If they win a judgment, they can pursue wage garnishment, bank account levies, or property liens depending on your state’s laws. However, many debts are never litigated because the cost of pursuing legal action exceeds the potential recovery, especially for smaller debts.
- Throughout this process, the debt will likely appear on your credit report, negatively affecting your credit score. Collection accounts can remain on your credit report for seven years from the date of the original delinquency, even if you later pay the debt.
How long can debt collectors legally pursue old debt?
The length of time a debt collector can legally pursue old debt depends on two separate timeframes: the statute of limitations for the debt and the credit reporting time limit. These are different concepts that many consumers confuse.
- The statute of limitations is the period during which a creditor or collector can sue you for a debt. This timeframe varies by state and by the type of debt, typically ranging from three to six years, though some states allow up to ten years or more. The clock usually starts from the date of your last payment or the date you last acknowledged owing the debt. According to Nolo’s legal information, once the statute of limitations expires, the debt becomes “time-barred,” meaning collectors cannot sue you to collect it.
- However, just because a debt is time-barred doesn’t mean collectors must stop attempting to collect it through calls and letters. They can continue these efforts indefinitely, though they must inform you that the debt is too old to be enforced through the courts if they know or should know this is the case. Some unscrupulous collectors may try to get you to make a small payment on an old debt, which can restart the statute of limitations in some states—a practice you should be cautious about.
- The credit reporting time limit is separate from the statute of limitations. Most negative information, including collection accounts, must be removed from your credit report after seven years from the date of the original delinquency. Some exceptions exist, such as federal student loans, tax debts, and certain other government debts, which may remain reportable longer.
Understanding these timeframes is crucial for making informed decisions about whether to pay old debts or dispute them as time-barred.
Are you obligated to correct wrong information given to a debt collector?
You have no legal obligation to correct wrong information that a debt collector has about you or your debt. In fact, providing unsolicited information or corrections could potentially harm your position. Under the FDCPA, the burden of proof lies with the debt collector, not with you. They must verify that the debt is valid and that they have the right to collect it.
If a debt collector contacts you about a debt with incorrect information—such as the wrong amount, wrong creditor, or even the wrong person—you should:
- Dispute the debt in writing within 30 days of receiving the validation notice. Once you dispute the debt, the collector must cease collection activities until they provide verification of the debt. You don’t need to explain what’s wrong or provide correct information; simply stating that you dispute the debt is sufficient.
- Providing information voluntarily can sometimes work against you. For example, if you acknowledge a debt that’s past the statute of limitations, you might inadvertently restart the clock in some jurisdictions.
- If you provide your current employment information, you might make it easier for them to garnish your wages if they obtain a judgment. If you confirm personal details, you might be helping them verify information they weren’t certain about.
The smartest approach when dealing with debt collectors is to provide minimal information, request written validation of any debt you don’t recognize or believe is incorrect, and consult with a consumer rights attorney if you’re uncertain about your obligations. You have the right to dispute debts and require collectors to prove their validity without helping them do so.
What two debts cannot be erased?
When people discuss debts that cannot be erased, they’re typically referring to debts that cannot be discharged in bankruptcy or that don’t disappear due to statutes of limitations. While most consumer debts can eventually be eliminated through bankruptcy or become legally unenforceable after the statute of limitations expires, two categories of debt are notoriously difficult or impossible to erase.
- Student loans, particularly federal student loans, are extremely difficult to discharge in bankruptcy. To eliminate student loan debt through bankruptcy, you must prove “undue hardship” through an adversary proceeding, which is a separate lawsuit within the bankruptcy case. Courts typically apply the strict Brunner test, which requires showing that you cannot maintain a minimal standard of living if forced to repay, that this situation will persist for a significant portion of the repayment period, and that you’ve made good faith efforts to repay. Very few borrowers meet this demanding standard, though recent guidance has encouraged more flexibility in certain circumstances.
- Tax debts are the other major category that’s difficult to discharge. While some older income tax debts can be eliminated in bankruptcy if they meet specific criteria, many tax obligations cannot be erased. Additionally, the IRS and state tax agencies have extraordinary collection powers that exceed those of typical creditors, including the ability to garnish wages without a court judgment and to place liens on property. Tax debts generally don’t have a statute of limitations on collection if the government files a lien, and the IRS has ten years to collect most tax debts, though this period can be extended in various circumstances.
Other debts that are typically non-dischargeable in bankruptcy include child support, alimony, court-ordered restitution, and certain fines and penalties. While these debts can become old, they generally remain collectible and are given priority in legal proceedings.
What are the 11 words to stop a debt collector?
The phrase “Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately” has been popularized as a powerful tool for stopping debt collector harassment. The concept is sound: sending a cease and desist letter is your legal right under the FDCPA.
- When you send written notice to a debt collector telling them to stop contacting you, they must comply with limited exceptions. They can contact you one more time to confirm they’re stopping communication, and they can notify you if they intend to take specific actions such as filing a lawsuit. However, they cannot continue routine collection calls and letters.
- It’s important to send this request in writing via certified mail with return receipt requested, so you have proof of delivery. Simply saying these words over the phone, while it may be noted, doesn’t provide the same legal protection as written notice. Keep a copy of your letter and the delivery confirmation for your records.
- However, sending a cease and desist letter doesn’t make the debt go away. The collector can still sue you, report the debt to credit bureaus (if it’s within the reporting period), or sell the debt to another collection agency. Some consumer advocates caution that sending a cease and desist letter might actually increase the likelihood of being sued, since the collector knows they cannot collect through less expensive means like phone calls.
For many people, a better approach might be to request validation of the debt first, then decide whether to negotiate a settlement, dispute the debt, or send a cease and desist letter based on the validation information received. Each situation is different, and consulting with a consumer rights attorney can help you determine the best strategy.
Can you dispute a debt if it was sold to a collection agency?
Yes, you absolutely can and should dispute a debt that’s been sold to a collection agency if you believe it’s inaccurate, already paid, or otherwise invalid. The fact that the debt has been sold doesn’t eliminate your right to dispute it under the FDCPA.
- When a debt is sold, you should receive a validation notice from the new collection agency within five days of their first contact. This notice must include information about the debt and your right to dispute it within 30 days. If you dispute the debt in writing within that timeframe, the collection agency must cease collection activities until they provide verification.
- Debts sold to collection agencies are actually more prone to errors than debts with original creditors. The information may be incomplete, the amount might be incorrect due to improper interest calculations or duplicate fees, or the debt might have already been paid or settled. Sometimes collection agencies purchase large portfolios of debts and have incomplete or inaccurate records.
- When disputing a sold debt, request detailed verification including the original creditor’s name, the original account number, a complete payment history, documentation of the sale and chain of title proving the collection agency owns the debt, and any other relevant documentation. Many collection agencies cannot provide complete documentation, especially for older debts that have been sold multiple times.
- If the collection agency cannot validate the debt, they must cease collection efforts and cannot report it to credit bureaus. If they’ve already reported it, they should remove it. If the debt appears on your credit report and you’ve disputed it successfully with the collection agency, you should also dispute it directly with the credit bureaus through their dispute processes.
Should you pay a debt that has been written off?
Deciding whether to pay a charged-off debt is complex and depends on your specific circumstances.
- When a creditor charges off a debt, they’re declaring it unlikely to be collected for accounting purposes, but you still legally owe the money. The debt can still be sold to collectors, appear on your credit report, and potentially result in a lawsuit.
- From a credit perspective, paying a charged-off debt generally won’t remove it from your credit report, though it will update the status to show as “paid charge-off” rather than “unpaid charge-off.” While this is technically better, the impact on your credit score may be minimal since the damage from the charge-off has already occurred. Charged-off accounts remain on your credit report for seven years from the date of first delinquency regardless of whether you pay them.
- However, there are good reasons you might choose to pay a charged-off debt. If you’re applying for a mortgage or certain other major loans, lenders may require you to pay off charged-off debts before approval. If the debt is still within the statute of limitations, paying it eliminates the risk of being sued. If you have a moral or ethical desire to pay what you owe, that’s a valid personal choice.
- Before paying, consider negotiating a settlement for less than the full amount, since charged-off debts are often sold for a fraction of their face value. Get any settlement agreement in writing before making payment, and ensure it states that payment satisfies the debt in full. Be aware that forgiven debt exceeding $600 may be reported to the IRS as taxable income.
- If the debt is past the statute of limitations, paying it could restart the clock in some states, giving collectors more time to sue you. For very old debts beyond the statute of limitations and near the seven-year credit reporting limit, it may make sense to simply wait for it to fall off your credit report rather than paying and potentially extending the reporting period.
What happens if you ignore calls from a debt collector?
Ignoring calls from a debt collector is legally permissible, but it’s not always the smartest strategy.
- You cannot be arrested or jailed simply for not answering a debt collector’s calls or for owing debt (except in cases of court-ordered child support or certain contempt situations).
- However, ignoring a debt collector doesn’t make the debt disappear. The collector will likely continue attempting to contact you within the limits of the law, send letters, and report the debt to credit bureaus if it’s within the reporting period. More seriously, the collector may decide to sue you for the debt.
- If a collector sues you and you ignore the lawsuit, the court will likely issue a default judgment against you. This judgment gives the collector powerful tools to collect the debt, including wage garnishment, bank account levies, and property liens depending on your state’s laws. Default judgments can be difficult to overturn once they’re granted, even if you have valid defenses against the debt.
- A more strategic approach than simply ignoring calls is to respond in writing. Request validation of the debt within 30 days of the initial contact. If the debt is legitimate, consider negotiating a settlement or payment plan. If you believe the debt isn’t yours, is past the statute of limitations, or has been paid, dispute it formally.
- If you’re being harassed by excessive calls or the collector is violating the FDCPA, document the violations and file complaints with the CFPB and your state attorney general. You might also send a written request for the collector to only contact you by mail, which they must honor.
Ultimately, while you can ignore debt collectors without immediate legal consequences, doing so may lead to more serious problems down the road. Engaging strategically, understanding your rights, and potentially seeking legal advice will typically produce better outcomes than simply avoiding the situation.
Protecting yourself in the debt collection process
Knowing your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the 7-7-7 rule empowers you to take control when dealing with debt collectors. Remember that you have the right to dispute debts, request validation, and be free from harassment. Document all interactions with collectors, respond in writing to preserve your rights, and don’t be afraid to seek help from consumer protection agencies or attorneys when collectors violate the law.
Whether you choose to negotiate, dispute, or pay your debts, making informed decisions based on accurate information about statutes of limitations, your legal obligations, and collector tactics will help you navigate the collections process with confidence. Debt can be stressful, but understanding the rules that govern how you can be contacted and what collectors can legally do provides a foundation for resolving these situations on terms that work for you.
There’s always JG Wentworth…
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SOURCES CITED
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “Debt Collection Practices (Regulation F).”
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “Submit a Complaint.”
Nolo. “Statute of Limitations on Debt by State.”
CBS News. “What is the 7-in-7 rule with credit card debt collectors?”
LegalClarity.org. “The Brunner Test Requirements for Student Loan Discharge”
* This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Such information or materials do not constitute and are not intended to provide legal, accounting, or tax advice and should not be relied on in that respect. We suggest that You consult an attorney, accountant, and/or financial advisor to answer any financial or legal questions.
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