Can I stop a collector from contacting me?
You can ask a collector to change how and when they contact you, and in some cases to deal with someone else on your behalf. Here's how.
This guide helps you
- Understand what contact you can ask to change
- Know how to make your request properly
- Keep ignoring genuine debts from making things worse
- Find free help to manage contact
6 min read
What's happening
You can't always make a genuine debt disappear by stopping contact, but you can usually influence how and when a collector reaches you — for example, by letter only, at certain times, or through a financial counsellor.
The goal is to make contact manageable while still dealing with any real debt.
Your first steps
Decide what would make contact workable for you:
- Choose a preferred method — letter, email, or through a representative.
- Note any times that don't work, such as during work hours.
- Put your request in writing and keep a copy.
If you've authorised someone to act for you, tell the collector to deal with them.
Step by step
- Set your preferences clearly and in writing.
- Nominate a representative if you'd like a counsellor or trusted person to handle it.
- Keep engaging with genuine debts through your chosen channel.
- Log any contact that ignores your request.
- Complain if reasonable requests are not respected.
Your rights
You can make reasonable requests about contact, and collectors should respect them. There are limits on harassment and unreasonable contact, though the specifics can vary by situation and state. You can authorise a representative to deal with the collector — see our guide and the bodies in our directory.
Where to get free help
A financial counsellor can deal with collectors on your behalf at no cost. Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007, or visit our help centre for more on managing contact.
Key takeaways
- You can ask a collector to change how and when they contact you.
- Stopping contact doesn't make a genuine debt disappear.
- You can authorise someone to deal with the collector for you.
- Free help is available on 1800 007 007.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a collector stop contacting me completely?
You can limit and redirect contact, but a genuine debt still needs dealing with. A financial counsellor can handle contact for you.
How do I ask them to only write to me?
State your preferred method in writing and keep a copy. Log any contact that ignores your reasonable request.
Can someone else deal with the collector for me?
Yes. You can authorise a trusted person or financial counsellor to act on your behalf and ask the collector to contact them instead.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Your situation is unique and rules can vary by state and over time — for advice on your circumstances, speak to a free financial counsellor (National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007) or get legal help.
Know your options, know your rights
A free, plain-English guide to dealing with debt in Australia — and the people who can help.