If your phone keeps lighting up with calls from 800-846-6406, you’re not alone. This number is commonly associated with GC Services, a large third-party debt collection agency based in Houston, Texas. For many consumers, the constant calls feel stressful, intrusive, and sometimes misleading — especially if you aren’t even sure the debt is legitimate.
This guide explains who is calling you, why the calls happen, and the steps you can take to stop the harassment, protect your rights, and verify whether the debt is real.
Who Is GC Services and Why Are They Calling You?
GC Services is one of the largest private call-center outsourcing and debt collection companies in North America. While they frequently attempt to collect overdue student loan accounts, they also pursue many other forms of consumer debt.
Although GC Services holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, thousands of consumers have reported questionable or aggressive behavior, including:
- Calling about debts the consumer does not owe
- Calling at work after being told not to
- Contacting family, friends, or co-workers
- Ignoring written requests to stop calling
- Calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
If you’re receiving calls from 800-846-6406, understanding your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is the first step in stopping unwanted communication.
How to Deal With Calls From 800-846-6406
Debt collectors rely heavily on pressure, repetition, and urgency. But you have legal protections. Use the following steps to take back control.
Keep a Detailed Call Log
Each time 800-846-6406 calls:
- Write down the date, time, and frequency
- Ask for and record the collector’s name and ID number
- Note any threats, inaccuracies, or inappropriate behavior
- Save voicemails for documentation
If GC Services violates the FDCPA, this record becomes valuable evidence.
Know Your State’s Recording Laws
Some states allow you to record calls without notifying the other party (one-party consent). Others require you to inform the collector.
Legal recordings can support complaints, lawsuits, or FDCPA enforcement actions. Check your state’s laws before pressing the record button.
Request Debt Validation
If you’re unsure whether the debt is legitimate — or whether the amount is correct — request debt validation in writing.
A proper validation notice should include:
- The name of the creditor
- The amount they claim you owe
- An itemized breakdown
- Your right to dispute the debt within 30 days
Many collectors, including GC Services, often drop the case when required to validate the debt because they may lack documentation.
If GC Services continues calling after receiving your written request, they are violating the law.
Send a Cease-and-Desist Letter
A cease-and-desist letter legally requires GC Services to stop contacting you. You may request that all future communication be in writing rather than by phone.
Send the letter via certified mail with return receipt so you have proof it was delivered.
Note: This method is appropriate only if GC Services is contacting you about a debt you recognize — otherwise, pursue validation first.
Check Your Credit Report
If the debt seems unfamiliar or the amount looks incorrect, request your free credit reports from:
- Experian
- Equifax
- TransUnion
Look for inaccuracies, duplicates, or unfamiliar accounts. Errors can be disputed directly with the credit bureau, which must investigate and correct them.
What if GC Services Violates the Law?
GC Services has faced regulatory action, including a $700,000 settlement related to improper collection practices. If they continue harassing you, you have options:
- File a complaint with the FTC (877-382-4357)
- File with the CFPB (855-411-2372 or consumerfinance.gov)
- Report violations to your state’s Attorney General
- Consult legal assistance if harassment continues
Debt collectors are not allowed to intimidate you, threaten arrest, or contact third parties about your debt.
Final Thoughts: Take Control and Protect Your Rights
Calls from 800-846-6406 can feel overwhelming, but you are not powerless. By tracking calls, requesting validation, sending written notices, and knowing your rights under federal law, you can stop the harassment and ensure you’re not paying for a debt you don’t owe.
If you are ever served with a debt lawsuit from GC Services or another collector, filing a proper Answer before your deadline can prevent a default judgment — and stop wage garnishment, bank account freezes, and other serious consequences.