Bill collectors with wrong number. Need ideas!

[cstreit]

Okay gang,

So several years ago when we moved I got a new number for my home office. This number is published quite a bit and known to many clients so i don't want to change it.

The problem is this: I get 1-2 calls every day from various "businesses" and "individuals" looking for two people. From their persistence and less than creative tactics I am relatively certain they are bill collectors and agencies. So these two deadbeats obviously either had this number before me, or used it fraudulently with their creditors... and now they must owe a lot because these places calling me are b*stards.

At first I politely informed the various agencies that they had the wrong number, but the calls continue. I can't believe that these deadbeats owe money to each of the several hundred places that have called me over the last few years, so their original creditor must constantly be resubmitting it. Last week alone I got calls from 3 law firms, 5 various named businesses, and 3-4 "friends" looking to speak with them urgently.

So how to I a) stop it and b) have enough fun doing it to make it worth my time? Creative suggestions will be appreciated.

[Rikao4]

take their #. give it to the next guy that calls,
Rika

[osidak]

"they died"

it's a ***** to undie once you are in the system as "dead"

[the]

[stomachmonkey]

Ask for co name and contact info.

Then tell them to never call you again.

You will report them under the Fair Debt Collection Act.

Make sure you have caller ID.

They will usually call from an 800, blocked or unavailable number. Never answer those.

I had a second line with the same issue.

Finally dumped it.

[tabs]

I told them that the guy was murdered. Caught in bed with another guys wife.

[legion]

Can someone post the Tom Mabe bit when a telemarketer calls? I can't do it at work...

[the]

click above

[legion]

Oh, and I had this happen to me once. I actually knew the guy who gave the collection agency my phone number. I simply gave them his real phone number and address and they never called me again.

[cstreit]

Well generally I don't answer any more, but then they will call back every hour for days and days which absolutely kills me. I end up running up to get the phone in case it's a "real" call.

Most are using caller ID spoofing that shows up as some "Cellular phone" number.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by cstreit

Well generally I don't answer any more, but then they will call back every hour for days and days which absolutely kills me. I end up running up to get the phone in case it's a "real" call.

Most are using caller ID spoofing that shows up as some "Cellular phone" number.

They are harassing the debtor. Not legal.

Answer and tell them that you have no idea who the person is, you were assigned this number recently and you will report them if they continue to call.

[911Rob]

When we first moved into this house we got creditor calls all the time for previous telephone number client.

Funny thing was, we personally knew the lady that they were calling for.
We'd even been providing her with some financial support as her loser husband has just left her with two kids. She would tell my wife that everything was OK, but we knew better.
Kinda off topic, but made me think of this, FWIW?

[Scott R]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

They are harassing the debtor. Not legal.

Answer and tell them that you have no idea who the person is, you were assigned this number recently and you will report them if they continue to call.

They don't care, in fact they threaten right back at me. "West Collections Inc." out of Dallas Texas calls us every night looking for someone. They won't tell me who it is, and in turn will not speak to me unless I give them my social.

I called the local district attorney in Dallas, he doesn't care, and honestly I don't think he believes me. I've tried various different things, like setting the phone on the counter, playing loud music through it, nothing works.

I even tracked down their CEO to a home and office number, he won't take my calls. The supposedly collect medical debt, and judging by how they do things they are probably pretty good at it. We don't have any medical bills, I even had a PI check into that for me.

[cashflyer]

I had to deal with this when I opened my business 3 years ago, then again when I added a second line. The information that follows is from personal experience - not just hearsay.


When you answer and they ask if Mr such-and-such is there, before telling them anything, ask them what company they are with. Be persistent if they are reluctant to tell. At least get the company name, but if possible get the address also. Ask for a supervisor if necessary.

Now, Google is your friend. Google the number that shows up in your caller ID. And Google the name of the company. Cross reference everything until you are satisfied that you have identified the company correctly. Google for the address of the headquarters office.

Send a letter on company letterhead. Send it certified with return receipt to the headquarters. My letter reads as follows:

Sirs:

Your company has been calling our business number, 864-xxx-xxxx, in an attempt to collect a debt. Your callers and their supervisors have been informed repeatedly that the number is a business number and that the calls are a disruption to our business.

This letter shall serve as notice to your company, employees, agents, and representatives to cease and desist from calling 864-xxx-xxxx. I will extend to you a 15 day grace period in which to take action on this notice, after which time your calls will be referred to the FTC as a possible violation of applicable Federal laws.

Sincerely,


Javier Rodriguez
Legal Department
ABC Corporation, Inc.



So far, it has worked without fail.

[MT930]

Keep an air horn next to the phone. Give them a good a blast in your mouth piece, they will stop after a couple calls.

[Groesbeck Hurricane]

cashflyer is on!

When this has happened to me before several times I always try to work towards the supervisor or be really nice to the person on the phone, the first time through. I explain my situation and let them know they are after the wrong person. I even suggest they take the person to court and file criminal charges against them. It won't hurt me at all. The letter has only been a last resort once. None have been so persistant once they learn they have the wrong number and I will follow through against them and charge them for my time.

[vash]

same thing has been happening to me. the pain is; a friggen computer calls, and it cant recognize my message recorder. therefore, my machine starts to record, and all i hear is a computer generated voice asking for a rick smaltz...right when it gets to the number, my machine cuts it off!!! i finally got a hold of them, and i asked for a supervisor. they took me off a list, and now i get zero messages. i may as well toss my recorder out...

good luck, start by calling them back and asking for a supervisor.

[cstreit]

Where's the FUN though? Personally I've enjoyed by practicing for a leading roll as a Turets sufferer.

THe last attorney that called 4-5 times...

Me: Mr so-and-so can you write my number down a piece of paper.
Him: Yep, okay got it.
Me: Now roll that up into a tube, fill it with broken glass and go (impregnate) yourself with it.

He hasn't called back.

[Laneco]

The last office I worked in, I continually got calls from a most unpleasant collection agency for a person who had NEVER worked there... Nothing would make them stop.

We started dropping the handset into a metal trash can and bouncing the can around so the handset banged into the metal sides. Funny as hell and a great stress reliever.

But no where near as funny as Tom Mabe

angela

[vash]

haha! the best i ever did to a telemarketer, is;
brriinnng!

i say, "hello?"
they say, "hi, this is so and so, can i speak to the woman of the house?"
i say, "speaking..."

better if you have a very manly voice. but the lady went..,"huh...(pause)..ooookaaaay"
sometimes, living in the bay area has it's advantages.

i didnt know you wanted to fcuk with them. i think you should keep it simple, and become an annoying kid. repeat exactly what they say to you. it would annoy me. or...pretend to catch your dog, peeing in the house, and proceed to kick the crap out of it. but that would require fake dog screams.