Posted by Michelle/AL on 5/1/08 11:52am
Msg #245822

Remind Me: What Can I Do About Harrassing Callers

What are my options? I keep getting calls for someone with the same last name as mine. I believe it is a bill collector. I've been very nice and have explained a bizillion times that no one by that name lives here. The company representative has told me more than once that "their file will be noted and they will discontinue calling" but they don't. Is there someone I can report this to? When the calls come at 9PM or on the weekend it just boils my blood. Suggestions? Thank you in advance.

Reply by jba/fl on 5/1/08 12:08pm
Msg #245823

My dau-in-law does collections. She says to get all the information about them that you can: name of co, phone number, address, etc. Then inform them that: 'this is my phone number, it does not belong to anyone else, take me off your list. I am reporting you to the State Attorney General's consumer protection division.

from: http://www.fair-debt-collection.com/searches/phone-calls.html

Calling the Wrong Person
If you receive calls from collectors looking for someone who lived in the house or apartment before you, had the phone number you have now, or the person's name is the same or similar to yours, here are some things you can do:

1. Do not take their harassment! Tape the calls and tell the caller that you are doing so for evidence of their illegal behavior and that you intend to file a complaint with your state attorney general and the FTC. Then, contact your State Attorney General's consumer protection division, use this attorney-general link to locate yours and file a formal complaint. While you're on the phone or the web site, ask if they can offer any assistance such as calling or sending the collector a written warning to stop harassing you. Also ask for a reference to any state laws that offer protection from harassment. Then, file a formal complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as well using their on-line complaint form

2. If they ask for your social security number DO NOT provide it. Not even part of it! Instead, have them tell you what number they are looking for and then you can verify whether it is or is not your number. If it is your number, and you believe there is a mistaken identity start thinking IDENTITY FRAUD and take action to protect your credit reports. Tell the collector you believe this might be fraud or ID theft Identity theft; how to prevent it and protect yourself! If the number is your SS number and the debt might be yours, then act in good faith and tell the collector so. Remember you still have the right to dispute the debt if, after discussing it, you believe it to be invalid.

Also be wary of credit scams and rip-off artists. Credit Fraud, how to avoid these top 10 credit fraud scams

Reply by jba/fl on 5/1/08 12:14pm
Msg #245826

Sorry - update:
The links in the article take you to the appropriate authorities, but those links do not show up on the forum, so make sure you do the online thing.

Reply by Adrienne Bailey on 5/1/08 12:11pm
Msg #245825

i let my 2 year old talk to them. he always wants to talk on the phone anyway. it's quite amusing and i can't help but laugh. at least it gives me something to look forward to.

i also ask them to hold and just let the phone down and go on about my business. they hang up after awhile.

i know it's no legal help, but it's all i got!

Reply by A-1 Signing Agents, LLC on 5/1/08 12:57pm
Msg #245834

something i do

when i continue to get a wrong call is to become that person or establishment. I recognize the number after a few times and eventually they get it right. I use to get a call for a girl named Tracy for literally years. At first I would tell them wrong # and then I started answering the phone and just start talking. It was a young girl who must have thought I sounded like Tracy. Only took about 5 years for her to get it right. Old people I am never able to mess with. I feel too bad about that and they are so nice. Lately I keep getting a call for a furniture store so it's about to become game time soon. I just get a kick out of it.

Reply by Nomad/OR on 5/1/08 8:04pm
Msg #245879

Is Betty there?????

And I always said 'no, you have the wrong number'. It was always the same guy. Finally, one day I'd had enough. I said we just got through having sex and she was asleep so I'm not going to wake her. He never called again.

NOWADAYS though, IF you have the right phone company, you can do call rejection (*60 for me) and put a block on that number. It works great for Lia Signings!

Reply by John_NorCal on 5/1/08 1:21pm
Msg #245839

Depends on who regulates them in your state. In California bill collectors are regulated by the Dept of Consumer Affairs, so I would start with them.

Reply by Kate/CA on 5/1/08 1:52pm
Msg #245843

All else fails, get a whistle

Seriously, we had a woman that gave our number to every medical facility in the area, I think.
Ran out on all the bills. Calls stopped when we moved. Sorry I not any help!!!

Reply by LKT/CA on 5/1/08 2:14pm
Msg #245847

Let your answering machine screen your calls.

Reply by Vince/KS on 5/1/08 2:15pm
Msg #245848

Like many other states, in Kansas it is the State Attorney General’s office that will assist if you are getting these kinds of calls. Had one collector much like you described that wouldn’t give up. I detailed for them the times and dates of the calls from Caller ID and provided the name of the individual, company name and phone number. They called back within 48 hours, right after the collector called and apologized for the inconvenience and wrongful info.

Reply by AAA LEGAL SERVICES - JOHN on 5/1/08 3:15pm
Msg #245854

I may sound sue happy to some but trust me, these callers (parasites) understand only one thing: their wallet. We try to get the company name and phone number. Sometimes we offer to make a payment so we can get the address. Once we get a verifiable address, then we send a cease and desist letter threatening a civil suit. We also contact the company they are collecting for by telephone and advise them we will file suit if we get one more phone call.
It has worked for us evey time. Certified mail works best.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 5/1/08 9:58pm
Msg #245894

Thank you for you responses

Some of your suggestions made me LOL. You guys are crazy!!! The serious suggestions I will try immediately. Thank you.

Reply by David Kral on 5/4/08 10:54pm
Msg #246313

Tell they you have a questions for them as well. 1) Either ask them about there relationship with the Lord. Tell them you would like them to join you at church and go on and on and on.
2) The them you like to swing and invite them to come to your swingers party. The latter works particularlly well for those that knock on your door. They tend to bolt from the property.