# Can a debt collector keep calling me if I don't recognize the bill?

- Jurisdiction: United States
- Practice area: Consumer Law
- Published: 2026-11-05
- Last updated: 2026-11-05
- Canonical: https://lawasked.com/us/consumer-law/can-debt-collector-keep-calling-me-if-i

## Question

I live in Ohio and I am getting really stressed out by a collection agency that started contacting me last week. On October 12th, I received a single phone call from a guy claiming I owe $850 for an old medical bill from a clinic I don't even remember visiting. He didn't give me any details over the phone, just told me I had to pay it soon. Since that call, I haven't received any letters or paperwork in the mail from them, even though he said they would send something. I tried calling him back yesterday to ask who the original doctor or hospital was, but he just kept demanding that I pay the full amount immediately and wouldn't give me any proof that I actually owe this money. I am worried that if I don't pay right away, it will ruin my credit score, but I also don't want to pay for something that might be a mistake. If I send them a letter saying I don't recognize this debt and asking for proof, are they allowed to keep calling me and trying to collect the money until they actually mail me the verification they promised?

## Summary

No, they cannot keep calling you to collect the money once you dispute the debt in writing. Once you send a written dispute, the collector must stop all collection efforts until they mail you verification of the debt.

## Analysis

Under federal law, you have specific protections when you do not recognize a debt. Currently, the collector has contacted you via phone regarding an $850 medical bill but has not sent the required written notice. 

According to the law, a debt collector must "send the consumer a written notice" containing specific details like the amount owed and the name of the creditor within five days of their first communication [1]. This notice must include a statement telling you that you have 30 days to dispute the debt [1].

If you send a written letter stating that you dispute this $850 debt or that you want the name and address of the original clinic, the rules change immediately. The law states that "the debt collector shall cease collection of the debt, or any disputed portion thereof, until the debt collector obtains verification of the debt... and a copy of such verification... will be mailed to the consumer" [1]. This means they must stop calling and demanding payment until they actually mail you the proof they promised.

It is important to note that the collector is allowed to continue calling you during the initial 30-day window after their first notice, provided you have not yet sent your written dispute [1]. Additionally, they are prohibited from using conduct that results in "harass, oppress, or abuse" [2]. Repeatedly calling you with the intent to annoy or harass is a violation of these protections.

State laws in Ohio may provide additional protections regarding how often or at what times collectors can contact you.

## Statutory citations

- Consumer Credit Protection Act (Truth in Lending, Fair Credit Reporting, Fair Debt Collection), 15 U.S.C. § 1692g - Validation of debts [in force] (https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section1692g)
  > If the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period... that the debt... is disputed... the debt collector shall cease collection of the debt... until the debt collector obtains verification of the debt... and a copy of such verification... will be mailed to the consumer
- Consumer Credit Protection Act (Truth in Lending, Fair Credit Reporting, Fair Debt Collection), 15 U.S.C. § 1692d - Harassment or abuse [in force] (https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section1692d)
  > A debt collector may not engage in any conduct the natural consequence of which is to harass, oppress, or abuse any person in connection with the collection of a debt.

---
General information only, not legal advice. See https://lawasked.com/disclaimer