SILENCE THE HARASSMENT — Documenting Debt Collector Abuse the Right Way in California
When your phone won’t stop ringing and the voicemails get more aggressive by the day, it’s more than just annoying—it’s a violation of your consumer rights
Debt collectors in California are required to follow the law, and when they don’t, you may have legal grounds to take action.
At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys help clients fight back against illegal debt collection practices. If you’re being harassed by a collector, knowing how to properly document the abuse is a critical first step in protecting yourself—and potentially holding them accountable.
What Constitutes Debt Collection Harassment in California?
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and California’s Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act prohibit specific types of behavior by third-party debt collectors. Unfortunately, not all collectors play by the rules. Common violations include:
Repeated calls in a short time frame
Calls outside of legal hours (before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.)
Threats of violence or legal action
Use of obscene or abusive language
Calling friends, family, or coworkers about your debt
Refusing to provide proof of the debt
Lying about the amount owed or falsely claiming legal action is pending
If you’ve experienced any of these tactics, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless.
The Importance of Evidence: How to Document the Abuse
If a debt collector is crossing the line, documentation is your strongest shield. To build a potential legal case, start compiling the following:
Save All Written Communication
Keep emails, text messages, mailed letters, and any other written correspondence. These documents often contain threats or violations in black-and-white, making them powerful evidence.
Record Call Details (But Know the Law)
California is a two-party consent state, meaning you can’t legally record a phone conversation without the collector’s permission. However, you can keep detailed notes:
Date and time of the call
Who called you
What was said (word-for-word, if possible)
The frequency of these calls
Also, take screenshots of missed call logs or voicemail timestamps. These details help establish a pattern of harassment.
Log Messages Asking the Collector to Stop
If you’ve asked the collector to cease contact and they continue anyway, make a note of that, too. Keep a record of when and how you made that request and any continued contact afterward.
You Don’t Have to Tolerate Abuse—You Have Rights
Debt collection harassment is emotionally exhausting and mentally draining. But California law offers strong protections to consumers who are willing to assert their rights.
When you’re ready to take action, R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys can help you:
Evaluate whether harassment laws were violated
Enforce your rights under the FDCPA and Rosenthal Act
Seek compensation for emotional distress, statutory damages, and more
Put an end to the abusive contact—permanently
Our team has a proven track record of holding abusive debt collectors accountable and recovering real compensation for clients just like you.
R23 Law Protects Injury Victims from Financial Harassment
At R23 Law, we don’t just defend consumers—we advocate fiercely for those who’ve already suffered enough. If you’ve experienced debt harassment while recovering from a personal injury, illness, or traumatic life event, let us step in.
Debt collection abuse is not just inconvenient—it can further victimize people already navigating hardship. Our legal team is committed to protecting injured Californians from financial bullying and unlawful harassment.
Speak With R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Team Today
You deserve peace. You deserve dignity. And you deserve a legal team that takes consumer abuse seriously.
Contact R23 Law today for a free consultation. Our R23 Law California Consumer Protection Attorneys are fluent in the laws designed to protect you and ready to take swift action when they’re violated.
Let us help you reclaim your peace of mind—and hold unlawful collectors accountable.
