Debt collection agency call, what to do?

I don't know enough about debt collection to give you an answer, but did ask someone to help respond to your question.

In the mean time, I want you to recognize the possibility that this is a Phishing scam call. Meaning, these calls may not be legitimate and its only purpose is to extract private information such as birth date, SSN, credit card number, etc. from you. So don't give them any information in the mean time!

Answered by Pinyo at Jun 16, 2009 10:43 AM

First, don't worry. It will be easy to get to the bottom of this. 

Whatever you do, don't call the 800 number from your cell phone. They already have your home phone number so go ahead and call from that number. If you call from your cell they will see your number you are calling from even if you have requested to have your caller ID blocked. It has to do with the 800 number.

You've done the right thing and checked your credit reports. Good job there.

What we need right now are facts and the only way you are going to get those is by calling and asking questions. Try to ask questions from a third person point of view. Don't make this personal. They will try to rattle you, don't let them. Also, don't answer any question you don't want to. Just because someone asks a question, doesn't mean you have to answer it.

Once you get the facts then we'll know what we are dealing with here. Until then it is a mystery that needs to be solved.

If you need more help, please feel free to reach me on Twitter @GetOutOfDebtGuy and I'll guide you through this. 

Steve

Answered by getoutofdebtguy at Jun 16, 2009 10:51 AM

Does the automated message specifically ask for you? You have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act if you cannot find where you actually owe a debt to these people they may be trying to locate someone with a similar name who does owe a debt.

I would suggest calling them back but do not provide any information to them other than the number they are calling and the name they are asking for. Ask them what debt they are attempting to collect and explain that you do not in fact owe them money. Tell them to remove your telephone number from their system and to cease calling you immediately, if they continue to harass you for a debt you do not owe they could be in violation of the law.

I want to stress that if you don't owe anything to this company do not do anything other than provide the number they are calling and explain they need to stop calling you immediatley or you may take legal action. They cannot continue to call if they have been notified they have an incorrect number.

Answered by SuburbanDollar at Jun 16, 2009 10:57 AM

As others have mentioned, I might try calling them back (from my home phone since they have that) and then getting some more details about this supposed debt.  Keep in mind that you do have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices act, and that if they are indeed a debt collecter, they  have to abide by those rules.   Inform them that you don't owe any money, and that this is in fact an error. Don't give them any further information.  Good luck!

Answered by biblemoneyma... at Jun 22, 2009 11:44 AM

Dear Sir,

You may bea victim of harassment by a debt collector, they are not supposed to call at unreasonabe hours under the Fair Credit and Debt Collection Practices Act.  You should get legal advice to see if you can sue them.

Kind Regards,

David Coleman

Answered by debtrecovery... at Feb 19, 2010 05:47 AM