Isn't this against the law or something?

Manx4

I keep getting a phone call from this collection agency asking for someone else.  I keep telling them they have the wrong # and they say "we'll just call back later then." and hang up. 

WTF!  NO don't call back later - you won't reach who you're looking for & you're driving ME crazy!

Unem

Wow, that really sucks.  I'm not sure if that's illegal, since I'm sure many people avoid collection calls by using the "you have the wrong number" line.

Maybe you could give them another random number. It's cruel, but it just might work.

I wish I had better advice.

MomiJerz

Most of these "collection agencies" that call are out of the country ( I have a few that call with heavy accents and make threats. I work for the Federal Government I brought it up to our security folks and they say even though its illegal if they are out of the country there is nothing  that can be done to stop them from calling you.

Hea0307

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the only way you will get them to stop calling you is to change your number.  

We had this happen to us when we moved into our new place 3 1/2 years ago.  We kept getting calls for 'Odette' who, judging by the volume of calls, apparently never paid a bill.  

I was forever telling collectors I was not Odette, didn't know, she didn't live here, wrong number, etc.  We would even call back the automated calls to request that we be taken off the list as it was the wrong number.  Of course, the all just thought I was Odette trying to avoid their calls and they would call at all hours, early mornings on the weekends, late evenings, whenever they thought Odette might be home.    

 And the problem was compounded when we discovered our phone number was listed on google for a beauty supply and salon, which finally explained the calls we would get looking to book appointments!  lol!   

 Eventually we just called the phone company and had them change the number.  No more calls for Odette since then, thankfully!   

lzmac11

Make sure your phone number is on the Registered Do Not Call List.  If it is then explain to them that the person doesn't live there, your phone number is on the list and if they call again after a 30 day period (they have 30 days to fix their mistake) that you will be taking action against them. 

This is the website - you can take action against companies right on the website as well:  https://www.donotcall.gov/register/reg.aspx/

 

Manx4

Thanks ladies.  It's my cell phone which makes it even worse.  It is on the DNC list though.  If (when) they call back I'll be sure to shove in "I'M GOING TO REPORT YOU IF YOU DON'T STOP" before they hang up on me.  haha.

hmp1

We moved in Aug of last year and whoever had this number before us had some serious credit issues. All but one has stopped but the one that continues is a machine that gives you options.  If you select "you don't know this person or how to contact them" it just hangs up but they still call. I keep meaning to press one of the other options to try to talk to someone but I'm always too lazy to deal with it when they call.

hmp1

lzmac11:

Make sure your phone number is on the Registered Do Not Call List.  If it is then explain to them that the person doesn't live there, your phone number is on the list and if they call again after a 30 day period (they have 30 days to fix their mistake) that you will be taking action against them. 

This is the website - you can take action against companies right on the website as well:  https://www.donotcall.gov/register/reg.aspx/

 

The DNCL is for marketers not creditors. If you owe someone a debt, they can  still call the number you provided even if that number is on the DNCL. 

lzmac11

hmp&mrj:

lzmac11:

Make sure your phone number is on the Registered Do Not Call List.  If it is then explain to them that the person doesn't live there, your phone number is on the list and if they call again after a 30 day period (they have 30 days to fix their mistake) that you will be taking action against them. 

This is the website - you can take action against companies right on the website as well:  https://www.donotcall.gov/register/reg.aspx/

 

The DNCL is for marketers not creditors. If you owe someone a debt, they can  still call the number you provided even if that number is on the DNCL. 

It's different there then.  Here if it is not for you and your number is on the list then you can make a stink about it. 

CatBus

LoisLane23:

Collection agencies don't have to adhere to the DNC list though since they aren't soliciting anything.

  Exactly. Follow the advice above: specifically state that you have never heard of the person they are asking for, and they need to stop calling or you will report them to the FTC for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

CatBus

lzmac11:

hmp&mrj:

lzmac11:

Make sure your phone number is on the Registered Do Not Call List.  If it is then explain to them that the person doesn't live there, your phone number is on the list and if they call again after a 30 day period (they have 30 days to fix their mistake) that you will be taking action against them. 

This is the website - you can take action against companies right on the website as well:  https://www.donotcall.gov/register/reg.aspx/

 

The DNCL is for marketers not creditors. If you owe someone a debt, they can  still call the number you provided even if that number is on the DNCL. 

It's different there then.  Here if it is not for you and your number is on the list then you can make a stink about it. 

Where are you? The DNC list is national and is federally regulated. Unless you're in a country other than the U.S., the DNC list you've signed up for is not different from anyone else's here.