How Many Calls is Considered Harassment? The Real Number Surprises People

Short Answer: How Many Calls is Considered Harassment Under Federal Law?

Under CFPB Regulation F, a debt collector is presumed to violate federal law if they place more than seven calls in seven days about the same debt. However, even a single abusive, threatening, or unlawful call can violate the FDCPA or TCPA—there’s no minimum threshold when the conduct itself is illegal.

Here’s how the main legal frameworks break down:

• Presumed harassment under FDCPA/Regulation F: More than seven calls in a seven day period about a specific debt creates a legal presumption of harassment. After a conversation ensues, collectors must generally wait seven days before calling again about that debt.
• Illegal robocalls under TCPA: Autodialed or prerecorded calls to cell phones without prior express consent violate federal law—even one phone call. Calls outside the 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time window are also prohibited.
• State telephone harassment laws: Threatening calls, obscene language, or stalking behavior can trigger criminal charges regardless of how many calls occur.

There is no magic specific number that universally constitutes harassment. Courts examine call frequency, timing, content, and whether you told the caller to stop contacting you.

This article focuses primarily on debt collection calls under the FDCPA, Regulation F, and TCPA, but many principles apply to other recurring unwanted calls from telemarketers or unknown callers.

Start documenting today. If you suspect you’re receiving harassing phone calls, begin keeping a detailed call log immediately. We’ll explain exactly how to do this later in this guide.

What Legally Counts as Harassing Phone Calls?

Telephone harassment generally refers to repeated or abusive phone calls made with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or intimidate. The legal definition varies depending on who is calling—whether it’s a third-party debt collector, an original creditor, a telemarketer, or a random person.

Here are the key legal frameworks that govern harassing telephone calls:

• FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act): Applies to third-party debt collectors attempting to collect debts on behalf of others. Prohibits conduct that is harassing, oppressive, or abusive.
• CFPB Regulation F (effective November 30, 2021): Clarifies when call frequency is presumed harassment, establishing the 7-in-7 rule for debt collection calls.
• TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act): Regulates robocalls, autodialers, and prerecorded voice calls and text messages to both cell phones and landlines. Requires prior express consent for most automated calls.
• State criminal and consumer protection laws: Many states have their own statutes that may make certain harassing calls a crime or provide additional protections for consumers.

Harassment can occur even if:

• You never pick up the phone or answer
• There’s only one call, if it’s threatening, obscene, or clearly illegal
• The calls happen during business hours but follow a pattern of relentless contact

Typical examples of behavior that often qualify as harassment:

• Calling repeatedly after being told in writing to stop calling
• Placing telephone calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. local time
• Contacting your neighbors, relatives, or employer and revealing details about your debt
• Making threats of arrest, violence, or wage garnishment

It’s important to note that creditors collecting their own debts may not be covered by the FDCPA. However, they can still face liability under the TCPA and state harassment laws. Don’t assume you’re without legal options just because the caller is your original creditor rather than a third-party collection agency.

FDCPA & CFPB Regulation F: When Do Debt Collection Calls Cross the Line?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), codified at 15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq., is the primary federal law governing third-party debt collectors. Congress passed this law in 1977 to curb aggressive debt collection tactics that were documented in congressional hearings revealing widespread abuses.

In 2020-2021, the (CFPB) issued Regulation F to clarify exactly how many calls is considered harassment—answering a question that had plagued courts and consumers for decades.

The Core FDCPA Rule

The FDCPA explicitly states that debt collectors cannot “cause a telephone to ring… repeatedly or continuously with intent to annoy, abuse, or harass” any person at the receiving end of those calls.

The 7-in-7 Call Frequency Rule

Regulation F established clear numeric guidelines:

• A collector is presumed to violate the FDCPA if they call more than seven times in seven days about a specific debt
• After speaking with you about a debt (when a conversation ensues), the collector must generally wait seven days before calling again about that same debt
• Seven calls in a seven day period is not an automatic safe harbor—fewer calls can still be considered harassment depending on timing, content, and the caller’s behavior
• This rule took effect on November 30, 2021, and applies nationally to covered debt collectors

What Regulation F Doesn’t Cover

The numeric limit applies only to telephone calls about consumer debts. It does not cover:

• Business debts
• Text messages, emails, or social media messages (which have related but different rules)
• Calls from original creditors collecting in their own name

Red Flag Alert: If you’re receiving more than seven calls in seven days about the same debt from a debt collector, that collector may be breaking the law. Document every call and consider speaking with a consumer protection attorney.

TCPA: When Do Robocalls and Autodialed Calls Become Harassment?

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), 47 U.S.C. § 227, is the main federal law limiting robocalls, prerecorded messages, and autodialed calls. This law applies to debt collectors, telemarketers, and anyone else using automated calling technology.

Key TCPA Rules

• Cell phone protection: No autodialed or prerecorded/artificial voice calls to cell phones without prior express consent (with narrow exceptions for certain government or emergency calls)
• Landline restrictions: No prerecorded telemarketing calls to residential landlines without prior written consent
• Time-of-day restrictions: Most regulated calls cannot legally be placed before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. in the recipient’s local time zone
• Caller ID and opt-out requirements: Prerecorded messages must identify the caller and provide a way to opt out of future calls

One Call Can Be Enough

Under the TCPA, even a single unlawful robocall or prerecorded message is a violation. Statutory damages typically range from $500 to $1,500 per illegal call or text message, depending on whether the violation was willful.

High-frequency robocalls or text blasts—especially after you revoke consent or reply “STOP”—significantly strengthen both harassment and TCPA claims. Courts have awarded massive settlements in class actions where debt collectors made 10-20 calls per week to the same telephone number.

FDCPA + TCPA: Double Liability

A debt collector can violate both laws simultaneously. For example, if a collector makes 20 autodialed calls per week at 7 a.m. with threatening messages, they may face:

• FDCPA violations for the harassing frequency and threatening content
• TCPA violations for each unauthorized autodialed call

Victims can potentially recover damages under both statutes, making it crucial to document every instance of inappropriate behavior.

How Many Calls Per Day or Week Typically Look Like Harassment to Courts?

There is no single nationwide rule stating that “X number of calls equals harassment.” However, clear patterns have emerged from case law and CFPB enforcement that help define what courts consider crossing the line.

Frequency Patterns That Raise Red Flags

What Case Law Shows

Courts have found harassment in situations like:

• Fox v. Citicorp Credit Services (6th Cir. 2018): 25 calls over five weeks were deemed harassing due to relentless pursuit despite the consumer’s disputes
• Alea v. Asset Management (D.N.J. 2013): Eight calls in four days were found abusive when the collector provided no new information

Conversely, courts have rejected harassment claims where only a handful of polite calls were made over several months and stopped once the consumer objected.

Beyond Just Counting Calls

Courts don’t just count the number of calls. They examine:

• Timing: Late-night, early-morning, or calls at known inconvenient times
• Place: Calls to workplace after being told not to, calls to relatives
• Persistence: Did calls continue after requests to stop contacting you?
• Content and tone: Were messages left? Were they threatening or abusive?

A Practical Scale

• 1-2 polite calls per month = Usually lawful
• 1-2 calls per day, several days in a row = Questionable, worth documenting
• 3+ calls per day or 8+ calls per week about the same debt = Often constitutes harassment under FDCPA/Regulation F

Signs Your Calls Have Crossed Into Harassment (Even Below 7-in-7)

Harassment is about behavior, not just a number. Even fewer than seven calls can be unlawful if the collector’s intent or conduct is abusive. The law looks at how the caller behaves, not merely how often they dial your telephone number.

Red-Flag Behaviors to Watch For

• Calling repeatedly back-to-back after you hang up or don’t answer
• Placing calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. in your local time
• Calling your workplace after you’ve told them your employer does not allow such calls
• Contacting friends, neighbors, or relatives and revealing or implying details about your debt
• Using profanity, slurs, insults, or yelling during calls or voicemails
• Making threats about arrest, criminal charges, wage garnishment, or seizure of property when they have no immediate legal authority to do so
• Ignoring written requests to stop calling or to contact only your attorney

Any of these behaviors can violate the FDCPA or state laws even if call frequency is relatively low. A single call with threats to have you arrested for debt—which is generally not a crime—can constitute debt collector harassment.

Many people minimize these experiences or assume “it’s just part of owing money.” But the law provides clear boundaries. You have legal rights, and collectors who cross these lines face real consequences.

When Frequent Calls Are Not Legally Considered Harassment

Not every annoying or unwanted call qualifies as illegal harassment. Where a legitimate business relationship exists and the caller stays within legal limits, repeated calls may be perfectly lawful—even if they frustrate you.

Examples of Lawful Repeated Contact

• A creditor or utility company calling weekly during business hours about an overdue bill, in a calm and professional manner, who stops once you request written communication only
• Occasional follow-up calls from a mortgage servicer during loan modification discussions
• A business partner or contractor contacting you about an existing contract when you have never clearly said “do not call me anymore”

What Keeps Conduct on the Legal Side

• Calls are spaced out and not excessive
• No threats, lies, or abusive language
• The caller honors cease-contact requests within a reasonable time
• Calls relate to a legitimate business, contractual, or legal matter

Some states require a clear “stop calling me” direction from you before communications can become criminal harassment. Others focus more on the content and pattern even without an explicit request.

Even if conduct isn’t clearly illegal, you can still set boundaries. Block numbers, move communications to writing, or send a formal cease-communication letter. You don’t have to endure calls that make you uncomfortable, even if they technically don’t violate the law.

How to Document Potential Harassment: Call Logs, Screenshots, and Recordings

Detailed documentation often makes or breaks FDCPA and TCPA cases. If you’re receiving what feels like harassing phone calls, start building your evidence file today—not next week.

Step-by-Step Documentation Actions

1. Maintain a written or digital call log recording:
   • Date and exact time of each call
   • Phone number displayed on caller ID
   • Caller name (if known) or company name
   • One-line summary of what was said, or note if there was not a conversation
2. Take screenshots of your phone’s call history and any voicemails or text messages from the caller, especially when you see multiple calls on the same day
3. Save voicemails, particularly those containing:
   • Threats of lawsuits, arrest, or wage garnishment
   • Profanity or abusive language
   • False statements about legal action
4. Record live calls if lawful in your state to capture tone, volume, and exact wording. Note that some states require both parties’ consent to recording—check your state’s two-party consent law before recording
5. Obtain phone company records through your online account or by requesting itemized call logs from your carrier

Why This Matters in Court

In lawsuits, attorneys can subpoena the collector’s internal call records. These will be compared to your log to demonstrate patterns of harassment and prove harassment with concrete evidence.

Example: A consumer documented 35 calls over 10 days from the same debt collector, including 4 calls placed after sending a written cease-communication letter. This detailed log—with dates, times, and notes about content—led to a favorable settlement without going to trial.

What to Do If You’re Getting Three or More Calls per Day From the Same Collector

Three or more calls in a single day from one debt collector is a common tipping point where people start feeling stalked. If you’re at this point, it’s time to take immediate action.

Action Steps

1. Start or update your call log and save all screenshots and voicemails from that collector
2. Answer once (if you feel safe) to:
   • Confirm who is calling and what debt they claim you owe
   • Request written validation of the debt
   • Clearly state how you prefer to communicate (e.g., “Contact me only by mail”)
3. Send a written cease-communication letter under the FDCPA:
   • Use certified mail with return receipt requested
   • Clearly instruct the collector to stop contacting you by phone
   • Keep a copy for your records

What Happens After a Cease-Communication Letter

After receiving a proper cease-communication request, the FDCPA permits only very limited further contact:

• To confirm they will stop contacting you
• To notify you of specific legal action they intend to take

If calls continue after your letter, that’s strong evidence of intentional harassment and significantly strengthens your legal claims.

For Robocalls and Text Messages

You can revoke TCPA consent at any time by:

• Clearly stating you do not consent to further autodialed or prerecorded calls
• Replying “STOP” to text messages

If the debt collector makes autodialed calls after you’ve revoked consent, each additional call or text message may be a separate TCPA violation worth $500-$1,500 in damages.

Don’t wait. If calls continue or escalate after you’ve taken these steps, speak with a consumer protection attorney promptly. Many offer free consultations.

Legal Options If Calls Cross the Line: FDCPA, TCPA, and State Law Remedies

Once you’ve documented a pattern of harassment, you generally have three main paths: regulatory complaints, private civil lawsuits, and sometimes criminal complaints for threats or stalking behavior.

FDCPA Civil Remedies

• You can sue third-party debt collectors in federal or state court for FDCPA violations (typically within one year of the violation)
• Potential remedies include:
  • Statutory damages up to $1,000 per lawsuit
  • Actual damages for emotional distress or financial loss
  • Attorney’s fees and costs (the collector may have to pay your lawyer)
• Note: FDCPA suits generally cannot be brought against original creditors collecting in their own name

TCPA Civil Remedies

• You can sue callers who violate TCPA robocall rules in federal court or sometimes small claims court
• Statutory damages:
  • $500 per illegal call or text
  • $1,500 per call or text for willful or knowing violations
• Large volumes of illegal robocalls can add up quickly—100 unlawful calls could mean $50,000 to $150,000 in potential damages

State Law Options

• Many states have their own fair debt collection, consumer protection, and telephone harassment statutes that may provide additional protections and damages
• Certain conduct—such as credible death threats or stalking via phone—can be prosecuted criminally
• In severe cases, you may be able to obtain a restraining order against the harasser
• Consider contacting local police in addition to a civil attorney if you’re receiving threats

Important Timeline Notes

Act quickly. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and legal deadlines are strict.

When to Call a Consumer Protection or Debt Collection Harassment Attorney

People often wait too long to seek help because they feel ashamed about debt or assume nothing can be done about relentless calls. The reality is that federal law specifically protects you, and attorneys who handle these cases understand exactly what you’re going through.

Situations That Warrant Immediate Legal Consultation

• You receive more than seven calls in seven days about the same debt from a third-party collector
• You’re getting three or more calls in a single day from the same collector or from multiple collectors about the same account
• Calls continue after you’ve sent a written cease-communication letter
• The caller uses threats, profanity, or false statements about lawsuits, arrest, or immigration consequences
• You’re receiving large volumes of robocalls or prerecorded messages on your cell phone
• A collector is calling repeatedly after you’ve said to stop calling

How These Cases Typically Work

Many FDCPA and TCPA consumer attorneys work on a contingency basis:

• No upfront fee—they get paid only if they recover money for you
• In FDCPA cases, the collector may be required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees if you win
• Free initial consultations are common

Take Action Now

If you’re experiencing debt collector harassment or relentless unwanted calls, you don’t have to handle it alone. Contact a lawyer who focuses on consumer protection law to review your situation.

Early involvement helps preserve evidence, stops harassing calls sooner, and protects your legal options before statutes of limitation expire.

The law is clear: No one—debt collector, telemarketer, or stranger—has the right to harass you by telephone. Whether you’re dealing with a single threatening call or dozens of calls per week from the same debt collector, you have concrete tools and legal rights to make the calls stop.

Start your call log today. Block numbers if needed. Send written requests to stop contacting you. And if the inappropriate behavior continues, remember that a consumer protection attorney can help you fight back—often at no cost to you.