I’m feeling stuck. A debt collector has been calling me nonstop. My spam filter blocks most of the calls, but they’ve even contacted my husband’s ex-wife, my sister, and the HR department of a job I left years ago.
They claim I owe money from around 2009. I told them months ago that I don’t recognize the debt, but they said they sent a letter to an old address I haven’t lived at since 2009. There’s nothing on my credit report, and they’re now saying it’s a breach of contract, not a debt collection.
They used to call 3-5 times a day for a week straight. How do I get them to stop? Has anyone dealt with something like this?
They can try to collect, but legally, you’re not liable for a debt that old. There are laws to protect you, and they shouldn’t be calling anyone else about it.
When you tell them to stop contacting you, they’re legally required to stop. They can only send you written communication.
I had a similar situation with a debt collector over a very old debt they bought for pennies. I told them to take me to court if they believed they had a case and not to contact me again unless it was through legal action.
@Devon
The last time they harassed me, I called them back and got the same woman answering under two different names, pretending to be from two separate businesses. I wish I’d recorded the calls.
This sounds like a scam. Any legitimate debt from 2009 would be past the statute of limitations unless there’s been a judgment. If there isn’t, they can’t legally collect.
Also, no real debt collector would bring up ‘breach of contract.’ If they’re claiming to collect a debt, they need to stick to the rules.
Let your family know you’re being targeted by scammers and tell them to ignore any calls. Block the numbers and don’t pick up. While you could report it, tracking down scammers is often next to impossible.
@Levi
If they’re legit, they’ll send something in writing with proper contact details. If they’re throwing around legal-sounding terms like ‘breach of contract,’ it’s probably a scam. Real debt collectors don’t waste time calling repeatedly—they’d take legal action if they had a valid case.
Even if the debt were real, it’s probably past the statute of limitations. They’re likely just trying to annoy you into paying. Don’t fall for it.
If they call again, tell them the debt is beyond the statute of limitations and you won’t pay. You could even mention filing harassment charges to see if that makes them back off.
I’ve been dealing with something similar with a debt that’s over 10 years old. These bottom-barrel collectors or scammers can’t actually collect. They’re just trying to intimidate you.
Don’t engage. If you recognize their number, don’t answer. If you don’t, hang up immediately. Eventually, they’ll move on to easier targets.
You should send them a debt validation letter. If you’re in the US, most states have statutes of limitations that prevent old debts like this from being collected. What state are you in?
Tatum said:
You should send them a debt validation letter. If you’re in the US, most states have statutes of limitations that prevent old debts like this from being collected. What state are you in?
I live in NY now, but the debt would’ve been from SC. I think it’s way past the statute of limitations, though I’m not sure how it works if they’re trying to sue for breach of contract.
@Reese
If it’s past the statute of limitations, they can’t sue. You’ll need to confirm what the time limit is for SC. Honestly, these collectors are just fishing for money at this point.
Avery said: @Reese
If it’s past the statute of limitations, they can’t sue. You’ll need to confirm what the time limit is for SC. Honestly, these collectors are just fishing for money at this point.
I think SC has a 3-year limit. It honestly feels like a scam. It’s crazy how many people they’ve contacted about this.
Tatum said:
You should send them a debt validation letter. If you’re in the US, most states have statutes of limitations that prevent old debts like this from being collected. What state are you in?
Last time I asked them for an address to send a letter, they just hung up on me.
Send a certified letter requesting that they only communicate via mail. Legally, they have to comply. If they don’t, you can report them, and they might even lose the right to collect the debt.
Jules said:
Send a certified letter requesting that they only communicate via mail. Legally, they have to comply. If they don’t, you can report them, and they might even lose the right to collect the debt.
This whole thing feels like a scam. It’s been going on for years, though.