Harrassing debt collectors?

Question

My mother in law used our phone number to sign up for credit cards once upon a time. She has messed up and been unable to pay. She has resorted to a debt management program. THe calls are still coming to us (she doesn' t live with us..or even in the same state.) They are becoming harrassing . Even if I say she doesn't live here to stop calling, they say they won't stop until the debt is paid. What can I do? Besides changing my number....

I mention to each caller that she doesn't live here anymore.

Today I was told "I know this and I've tried calling her at the number you gave us. She hangs up on us. SO, we will continue to call YOU until the debt is paid. No matter how long it takes."

That to me isn't right.

Answer 1

Send them a full cease and desist letter. Send it certified mail return receipt. (paper trail)

Be sure to include in that C&D that you have repeatedly told them that the person they are looking for does not live there. Also include the statement, they had made to you, that they won't stop until the debt is paid. (having that info on paper may help should you sue)

Take pictures of the caller ID every time they call. (proof)

If they keep calling, contact a lawyer and sue them. Get yourself $1,000 for all of the hassle they have put you through. You shouldn't have to deal with the calls and you shouldn't have to change your number because of them. Get them where they will feel it, in the pocket.

Things to do to them, for kicks, if they continue to call (until your suit against them is filed):

Buy a air horn and blast them with it.
Set the phone down and walk away leaving them hanging.
If you have a small toddler, let the child babble at them.
Make a tape recording of the cheesiest elevator music you can find. Play it and place the phone next to it and walk away

Or anything else you can think of. Don't harras them yourself, or use objectional language. That won't look good to the judge if you sue them.

Answer 2

You might have to change your number because these people are ruthless. I had a friend who invented this high-pitched device that you would stick to the mouthpiece of the phone and when someone not wanted called, a deafening sound would be sent to the person on the other end of the phone but this actually caused more trouble for him and he was almost arrested. But there is a new device out, its like a caller ID but you can program it so when these people call it will block them from your line and they will get a busy signal every time they call again. You can add these numbers yourself or just not accept any calls from out of state, ect.Many options to choose from. Caller ID Manager is available at PrivacyCorps.com or call 888-633-5777

Answer 3

Hi, just do like your mother in law does and hang up on them without saying anything else, say "bye" and that is it.

Then you can try and do everything other posters here suggested to do so long as you don't get these calls get hold of you in any way, do not explain anything to them or communicate, just say a polite "bye" and hang up. They'll eventually get the message.
You could also have an answering machine to screen the calls, this would have the added benefit of getting these harassers on tape.
Good luck.

Answer 4

You need to check with your state laws and qoute to them that they are no longer allowed ot call the number and if it prosists then you will take legal action against them in your state. Most states have a protection of its citizens against this action by debt collectors.

Also get caller ID and do not answer for those number that do not ID themselves or are unkown numbers.

Answer 5

Simple legal solution... Get the caller's name, company name, address and phone number (even if you act like you are taking this info down for her to call them back). Send them in writing a certified return receipt letter of ceast and desist. Let them know if they continue at any time to contact YOU at YOUR number any farther you will take action as it is within the confines of the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. After that, should that same company contact you again, report them to your states attorney generals office, they will be fined for violating the FDCPA.

Answer 6

Besides changing the number (best option), you might screen the calls with caller ID.

If the caller is always from the same number, you can ask the phone company from putting a block on it.

Answer 7

Get legal advice, call the police etc as long as you are in no way connected to the debt they cannot touch you. So there phone calls can be classed as threatening and Harassing.

Answer 8

Call a lawyer - hopefully you have a friend that is one - explain the situation you may need to pay a small fee. The next time the creditor calls tell them to call your lawyer - it is illegal for them to continue to contact you once you have given them the lawyers name and number.

Answer 9

Tell them she doesn't live there and to stop calling. Tell them if they call again, you will consider it harrassment. (If there's more than one company calling, make sure you keep track of which ones you are doing this to.)

The next time they call, tell them you have told them to stop calling as your mother in law doesn't live this and you are considering it harrassment and are going to blow a whistle in their ear like you would any harrassing call. Then, blow a whistle in the phone.

Legally, they have to stop when you tell them she doesn't live there.

Answer 10

Tell them not to call you again and that you know the law says if you tell them they have to stop. If they don't report them.
Also add your number to the do not call list