Broken Communication by Design
Imagine a debt collector calling you on an antique "candlestick" telephone. They hold the mouthpiece up and shout demands at you. But there is one problem: they have cut the cord to the earpiece. They can speak, but they cannot hear a word you say.
This sounds absurd, but it is exactly what is happening in digital debt collection today. Collectors are using tools like no-reply text messages and do-not-reply emails to demand payment while systematically blocking your ability to respond. We call this the "Candlestick Theory" of liability.
Key Concept: If a debt collector uses a communication channel to demand payment (speak) but refuses to accept replies on that same channel (listen), they are violating the core purpose of the FDCPA.
Why One-Way Communication is Illegal
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) guarantees you specific rights that require two-way communication to exercise. If a collector blocks your reply, they are effectively blocking your rights.
Rights They Are Blocking
- The Right to Dispute: You have 30 days to dispute a debt. If they send a text saying "Pay Now" but you can't text back "I Dispute," they are hindering your federal right.
- The Right to Refuse to Pay: You can tell a collector to stop contacting you or that you refuse to pay. A "no-reply" system makes this impossible.
- The Right to Stop Communication: A simple "STOP" reply should end SMS messages. If the number doesn't accept replies, you are trapped in a harassment loop.
Recognizing the "Candlestick" Trap
How do you know if you are being subjected to this tactic? Look for these signs:
| Communication Type | The "Candlestick" Violation |
|---|---|
| Text Messages | Texts come from a shortcode or number that replies with "Invalid Command" or simply "does not accept replies" when you text back. |
| Emails | Messages sent from "noreply@agency.com" with instructions to "Log on to our portal to message us" (forcing you to agree to new terms). |
| Voicemails | Robocalls that leave a message demanding a callback but don't connect you to a human when you answer. |
How to Fight Back
If you fit this pattern, you are not just experiencing bad customer service—you are likely a victim of an FDCPA violation. Courts are increasingly recognizing that debt collectors cannot choose to use a medium for outbound harassment while shutting off inbound consumer rights.
Don't let them cut the cord on your rights.
Are you receiving one-way demands? Contact Hyslip Legal to see if you have a claim under the Candlestick Theory.