Stop Sallie Mae Calls: 5 Effective Ways to End Harassment

• As a loan servicer, Sallie Mae isn’t bound by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, but you can still ask them to limit their calls.

• Sending a written request to communicate by mail only can help reduce unwanted phone contact from Sallie Mae.

• If you’re working with a student loan attorney, having them send a notice of representation can often redirect Sallie Mae’s communication away from you.

If you’re searching for ways to stop Sallie Mae’s incessant calls, you’re not alone. Constant phone calls can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already struggling with student loan payments. While Sallie Mae isn’t legally required to stop calling you under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you still have options to manage and potentially reduce their contact.

This guide will walk you through effective strategies for handling Sallie Mae’s calls, protecting your peace of mind, and taking steps toward addressing your private student loan debt.

We’ll cover how to request limited contact, the benefits of attorney representation, and practical ways to manage incoming calls.

Remember, stopping the calls doesn’t make your debt disappear, but it can give you breathing room to explore your options and work toward a long-term solution.

Whether you’re dealing with calls to your phone, your co-signers, or even your friends, we’ve got you covered with practical, actionable steps you can take today. Let’s get started on regaining control of your situation and finding a path forward with your Sallie Mae loans.

Related: What Happens If You Default On a Sallie Mae Student Loan?

1. Send a Written Request to Limit Contact

Send a certified letter to Sallie Mae asking them to limit their communication with you. Sallie Mae isn’t legally bound by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act as a loan servicer and private lender rather than a third-party debt collector. However, many servicers will still honor requests to limit contact.

State your preferred method of communication (e.g., mail only) in your letter. This won’t make your debt disappear, but it can stop frequent calls. You can send this request at any time.

To help you take action, we’ve provided a sample letter you can use as a template when writing to Sallie Mae.

This letter is a starting point.

Adjust the content as needed to accurately reflect your circumstances and communication preferences.

Be sure to send the letter via certified mail with a return receipt requested to have proof of delivery.

2. Provide Notice of Attorney Representation

If you’re working with a student loan attorney, have them send a notice of representation or limited power of attorney to Sallie Mae. Many servicers will then direct all communication to your attorney instead of you. This can significantly reduce your direct contact with Sallie Mae and provide a buffer as you work on resolving your loan issues. Implement this as soon as you engage an attorney.

3. Use Call Filtering Features

Use your smartphone’s built-in features or third-party apps to manage incoming calls from Sallie Mae. You can silence unknown numbers, send them straight to voicemail, or use apps that flag potential debt collector and collection agency calls.

While this doesn’t stop Sallie Mae from trying to reach you, it can give you more control over when and how you engage with their calls. Set this up at any time for immediate relief.

4. Document All Communications

Keep detailed records of all your interactions with Sallie Mae. Note dates, times, and content of calls, and keep copies of all written communications. This documentation can be important if you need to file a complaint or work with an attorney later. It also helps you track any agreements or promises made by Sallie Mae representatives. Start this practice right away and continue throughout your interactions with them.

5. Explore Loan Resolution Options

Investigate ways to resolve your loan delinquency or hardship. This could include options like deferment, forbearance, or alternative payment plans.

Addressing the underlying loan issue can reduce the need for frequent contact with Sallie Mae.

Contact them to discuss your options, but be prepared with your financial information and be cautious about any promises or agreements.

Start exploring these options as soon as possible to prevent further delinquency or default.

Related: Sallie Mae Financial Hardship Options

While many borrowers believe the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act applies to Sallie Mae, the reality is more complex:

• The FDCPA primarily applies to third-party debt collectors, not original creditors or loan servicers like Sallie Mae.

• As a loan servicer, Sallie Mae is generally not bound by FDCPA restrictions when contacting you about delinquent (but not yet defaulted) loans.

However, you still have rights and options:

• Request to stop calls: You can ask Sallie Mae in writing to stop calling you. Many servicers will honor this request while not legally required to comply under the FDCPA.

• Workplace limitations: Inform Sallie Mae if their calls to your workplace are inconvenient or prohibited by your employer.

• Other applicable laws: Sallie Mae must still follow the Federal Trade Commission Act’s prohibition on unfair or deceptive practices. Harassment or abuse could violate these laws.

• State laws: Some states have debt collection laws that may provide broader protections. Check your state’s specific regulations.

• Attorney representation: If you’re working with a student loan lawyer, give Sallie Mae a notice of representation or limited power of attorney. This often results in the servicer directing communication to your attorney instead of you.

Remember:

• Stopping calls doesn’t erase your debt. You’re still responsible for the loan and monthly payments, and the past due payments will be added to your credit report, hurting you and your cosigner’s credit score.

• It’s generally best to maintain some form of communication with Sallie Mae to explore options for resolving the delinquency.

• If you believe Sallie Mae’s practices are abusive or unfair, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state’s attorney general office. You may also be able to take legal action against Sallie Mae for violating state and federal laws.

• Consider consulting with a student loan lawyer who can help navigate your options, potentially negotiate with Sallie Mae, and protect your rights throughout the process.

Sallie Mae’s calls don’t just affect you – they can also harass your co-signers, family members, and friends. Here’s how to shield your loved ones from these intrusive calls:

For Co-Signers:

• Notify Sallie Mae in writing they don’t have permission to contact your co-signer about your debt. This can stop the calls, but doesn’t remove the co-signer’s legal responsibility.

• Update Sallie Mae with your current contact information to reduce their reason for contacting your co-signer.

• Advise your co-signer of their rights. They can also ask for Sallie Mae to stop calling them directly.

• Understand that while calls may stop, co-signers may still receive written communications about the loan.

For References and Friends:

• Inform your contacts that they might receive calls from Sallie Mae and aren’t required to provide any information.

• Advise them of their rights to tell Sallie Mae to stop calling. This request should be made in writing for the best results.

• Include third parties in your cease and desist letter to Sallie Mae, explicitly stating they should not contact any third parties about your debt.

• If possible, contact Sallie Mae to remove or update reference contact information, including any outdated phone numbers they may have on file.

Important Reminders:

• These steps can help maintain your relationships and prevent undue stress to your loved ones.

• The most effective long-term solution is to address your loan situation directly, through repayment, loan modification, or other means.

• If Sallie Mae continues to harass your co-signers or references after you’ve taken these steps, consider consulting a student loan lawyer.

Stopping Sallie Mae’s relentless calls is possible, and you have the legal right to do so. Here’s what to remember:

• Use cease and desist letters, call blocking, or asking for mail-only communication to halt the harassment.

• Protect your co-signers and references by telling Sallie Mae not to contact them.

• These steps provide immediate relief but don’t erase your debt. Addressing your loan situation is important for long-term financial health.

• If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that you’re not alone. Many borrowers face similar challenges with student loan servicers.

• Consider seeking expert guidance to navigate your options. Our student loan specialists offer 1:1 consultations to help you develop a personalized strategy.

• Whether you choose to consult an expert or tackle this on your own, taking action is the first step towards regaining control of your finances.

UP NEXT: How to Get Rid of Private Student Loans