Feels like a scam… when was your last payment on this? How old is the debt?
Want to mess with a debt collector? Answer the call, ask them to stop calling and only send letters, then hang up. Keep a record of every time they call. If they keep it up, start asking for the name of their agency and the person on the phone. Then send them a formal letter asking for contact only by mail. Get it notarized and send it priority mail with a signature request.
If they refuse the mail, it might help you challenge the debt. Credit agencies take harassment seriously. And by law, they must respect your request to only be contacted by mail.
This won’t wipe out the debt instantly, but it could help. There are guides online to help you handle it. Remember, don’t engage over the phone; ask for everything in writing. Debt collectors hate this since they can’t use their usual tricks. Stay calm, and don’t give them any info they can use.
@Keenan
You can also file a complaint through FDCPA and FTC. They must:
- Send a notice by mail.
- Only say they’re a collection agency without disclosing debt details to others.
- Provide a statement saying ‘This is an attempt to collect a debt’ if third-party.
- If you send a certified cease and desist, they have to honor it and can only contact you in writing.
State laws sometimes add more rules on top of federal ones. (Former collector here).
@Ozzie
They’re legally bound to stop calling if you ask. The FDCPA website has forms to end contact or set up specific ways to be reached.
Honestly, don’t give them what they want. Just ask for written contact and document everything. If they ignore it, report them.
Don’t respond until you see legal action. Check your county court records from time to time. But if they actually file something, don’t ignore it!
Hale said:
Don’t respond until you see legal action. Check your county court records from time to time. But if they actually file something, don’t ignore it!
I’ve read a lot about this and still don’t get how they can just set a court date without notifying someone. Some people say they only find out when their wages get garnished. And I’ve heard of people getting sued in other counties they don’t even live in anymore. I’ve moved around a lot, so this worries me.
@Taryn
Telling someone to ignore it until it’s a court issue is risky. They do have to serve you before court.
Honestly, you should talk to a lawyer if you’re thinking of suing them. If they’re third-party, they’ve already broken some federal laws. And be careful who you take advice from on here.
Are they a direct collector or third party? You’re calling them shady, but at the same time, you’re calling and hanging up on them… seems like a bit of a game here.
Charlie said:
Are they a direct collector or third party? You’re calling them shady, but at the same time, you’re calling and hanging up on them… seems like a bit of a game here.
So me hanging up makes me shady now? They never said who they are with in the voicemails or texts. I called to hear their name and then hung up to look them up. This is the first time they’ve reached out, and I don’t pick up random numbers.