How many times will a process server call you?

Will a Process Server Call You? Understanding the Rules 📞

 

Receiving an unexpected phone call about a legal matter can be confusing and stressful. As a result, you might wonder if it’s a scam or if it’s standard procedure. This often leads to a crucial question: How many times will a process server call you?

 

As of Thursday, September 25, 2025, it’s important for residents in Lafayette and across Louisiana to understand the facts. The short answer is: a professional process server will rarely call you, and they will never harass you with repeated calls. Instead, this guide will clarify the limited reasons a server might call, the strict rules they must follow, and how to tell the difference between a professional and a scammer.

 

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The Main Goal: In-Person Service, Not Phone Calls 🚶‍♂️

 

First and foremost, the primary duty of a process server is to deliver physical legal documents in person. Under Louisiana law, a phone call can almost never substitute for proper, legal service of process. That is because the entire legal system is built on the principle of providing official, physical notice. A phone call simply doesn’t meet this standard.

 

The goal, therefore, is to create a clear record that you received the documents, which is why personal delivery is the gold standard.

 

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Legitimate Reasons a Process Server Might Call You (It’s Uncommon)

 

While in-person service is the objective, there are a few, very specific situations where a process server might make a single, professional phone call for logistical reasons.

 

• To Schedule a Cooperative Service: For example, if a law firm has indicated you are willing to accept the papers, a server might call to arrange a convenient and safe time and place to meet. This saves everyone time and makes the process smoother.

 

• To Confirm a Location: If they are at a large, gated apartment complex in Lafayette or a hard-to-find rural address in Acadiana, a server might make a brief call to confirm they are in the right place before attempting to make contact.

 

• To Verify Presence at a Workplace: In some cases, a server may call a company’s front desk to professionally inquire if an individual is working that day, simply to avoid a wasted trip. They will not state their purpose is to serve papers.

 

In every legitimate scenario, the call is brief, professional, and logistical. It is a tool to facilitate the real goal: in-person service.

 

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Red Flags: What a Process Server Will NEVER Do Over the Phone 🚩

 

This is the most important part. Unfortunately, scammers often pose as process servers to intimidate people. A professional and ethical process server, like those at Lafayette Process Servers LLC, will NEVER do the following over the phone:

 

• Demand Money: They will never ask you to pay a fee, fine, or settlement over the phone to “make the case go away.” In fact, this is the number one sign of a scam.

 

• Threaten You: They cannot and will not threaten you with arrest, jail time, or wage garnishment. A process server is a neutral delivery agent, not law enforcement.

 

• Read Detailed Case Information: They will not discuss the sensitive details of the lawsuit. Their job is to deliver the documents, not discuss the contents.

 

• Call Repeatedly or Become Aggressive: Multiple calls, yelling, or calling from blocked numbers are all forms of harassment and, furthermore, are highly unprofessional and potentially illegal.

 

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The Lafayette Process Servers LLC Professional Standard ✅

 

At Lafayette Process Servers LLC, we hold our team to the highest ethical standards. Therefore, our policy is clear: our focus is on completing service in person. We only make phone calls in those rare instances where it is the most efficient and professional way to arrange a successful serve. Every communication is respectful, transparent, and compliant with the law.

 

Ultimately, if you are ever unsure about a call you’ve received, hang up and contact the law firm or the Clerk of Court in your parish directly to verify the information.

 

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⚠️ Disclaimer

 

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Moreover, if you believe you are being harassed or targeted by a scammer, please contact your local law enforcement. For legal advice regarding your specific situation, consult with a qualified attorney.

 

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📚 Sources & Further Reading

 

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Information on how to spot and avoid fake debt collector and process server scams. Link to the FTC Consumer Advice

 

• The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): A federal law that prohibits abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices by debt collectors, with rules that often apply to process server conduct. Link to the CFPB

 

• Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure – Service of Process: The official state laws governing how documents must be legally served. Link to the Louisiana Legislature

 

• Lafayette Process Servers LLC: Your trusted, professional partner in legal support. Link to Lafayette Process Servers LLC

 

• What Makes the Best Process Servers Near Kenner, Louisiana? A Checklist 🏆