How to silence debt collection telephone calls

If you’ve been harassed by debt colllectors over the telephone, you might want to shut them up. NEVER FALL FOR DEMANDS FOR ADDITIONAL PERSONAL INFORMATION like a social security number! They are known to try this when calling about debts that are not yours-and so do identity thieves posing as bill collectors.

Instead, tell them to SHUT UP-by registered mail, return receipt requested. Here’s how AARP is telling our elders to shut credit card company and other parasitic bill collectors up:

“Send a registered letter (with “return receipt” delivery notification) to the agency saying you do not want to be called again. That won’t remove the debt, but once the letter is received, third-party collectors (companies hired by others to collect a debt) may not contact you again with two exceptions: to tell you there will be no further contact, or to let you know that they or the creditor intends to take a specific action, such as filing a lawsuit. Continued phone calls after this letter is received subject violators to a $1,000 fine.”

“If the collector is also the originator of the debt, contact your state attorney general’s office or consumer services agency or provide it a copy of your letter. In some states, “first-party” debt collectors are regulated by the state. “

http://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-09-2010/ask_sid_debt_collectors.html

Most but not all will comply with the law and stop the calls. If one does not, start logging the calls-and RECORD them, telling them you are doing so and hang up immediately if they do not consent to recording.

Now, if they do not stop calling, tell them that if they sue for the debt you will countersue, reminding them about the $1,000 per call criminal liability as well!

BTW,”phony” collection calls from throwaway prepaid phones could be a real nuisance for landlords, bankers, and other corporate criminals if they are taken by family members. Calls trying to “collect” say, gambling and brothel debts from Las Vegas, taken by a CEO’s wife, could be especially problematic!