Image

Will a Process Server Call You? Understanding the Rules πŸ“ž

 

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. It will also explain the strict rules they must follow. Furthermore, it will show how to tell the difference between a professional and a scammer.

 


 

The Main Goal: In-Person Service, Not Phone Calls πŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈ

 

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.

 


 

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.

 


 

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.

 


 

The Lafayette Process Servers LLC Professional Standard βœ…

 

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. Alternatively, reach out to the Clerk of Court in your parish directly. Verify the information this way.

 


 

⚠️ 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.

 


 

πŸ“š Sources & Further Reading

 

 

  • 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