Regulations for Collection Agencies
Date: Wed, 03/15/2006 - 13:52
Submitted by Brooklyn Girl Fl Trnsplnt
on
Wed, 03/15/2006 - 13:52
Total Replies: 3
Regulations for Collection Agencies
First of all my telephone number is unlisted and yet they seem to be getting it anyway. Second of all I get voice mail messages saying "This is so and so, this is not a solicitation you need to call XXX-XXX-XXXX" for resolution. There is often not even an account reference number. They don't say where they are from or which account it is in reference to. We got a new number asbout 5 months ago and still have calls coming in for the previous owner of the telephone number and when I tell these people that she is no longer the owner of this phone number they act like I am lying and call back again (Even the CENSUS BUREAU?????) ugh. I have enough of my own problems without this. HELP!!! LOL
Terrell Informing them that they have the wrong number is the
Terrell
Informing them that they have the wrong number is the first step. Obviously asking them not to call is not helping you anymore. My advice would be to ask who is calling the next time someone calls for the previous owner, being sure they provide a company name as well. Explain to them after gaining such information that they have the wrong number. You may with to add that you feel this company has called before and that you're noting the callers name, company name, date, and time of the call, and that you wish to have your number removed immediately.
Chances are this is a collection agency who feels the need to be persistant. Thinking they have an easy file to collect on, and then being told they have the wrong number is a let down. However, you getting harassed is NOT acceptable.
Your next step would be to file complaints, and make a police report.
Regards-
Mike
Wrong-number calls to unlisted numbers
I've been in a similar position. I agree with telling them they have the wrong number, keeping records, and letting them know you are keeping records. However...
Filing a police report, or sending a cease and desist letter as I've seen recommended elsewhere, is problematical for someone with an unlisted number. Police departments by and large don't care about confidentiality or privacy, and giving them your unlisted number may result in it being made public. Likewise, sending a letter to the company telling them not to call requires giving your phone number, and again you've compromised your privacy by giving your unlisted number to someone who has demonstrated their incompetence and dishonesty. I would not feel safe doing that.
So.. any suggestions for getting such people to stop calling without giving out my personal information? I'm not the person they're trying to reach, and I have no business with the company, and really don't feel they're entitled to any information about me. Maybe I should make up a name and give that out.
Is there a way to stop the calls without giving personal info?
Is it legal for collection agencies to call relatives of someone
Is it legal for collection agencies to call relatives of someone who may owe money and keep calling even after you have said that person doesn't live here?