Is this illegal?

Question

I have been receiving calls from some company's credit office, asking for my mom. I've already told them that she's out of the country and won't be back for at least 3-6 months. Then they asked me to give her a message. I did, but my mom said she doesn't have an account with them so she doesn't want to call them through long-distance. Then two days after the first call from the credit office, they called again, and I described the situation. Then they just insisted that my mom needs to call them. I said then it will probably be after 3-6 months. Then she said, "then I will have to keep calling". Which she did. It's been 1+month now, and they've called almost everyday, asking and saying the same thing over and over again. Sometimes in the morning when I am still sleeping, sometimes around 7pm in the night when I am having dinner. Is it ok for them to do this? Is there anyway that I don't have to suffer this?

Answer 1

Just tell them she doesn't live there, which for the time being is technically true....and that you will file a harrassment complaint if they do not stop.

Caller ID and screen your calls.

But if your mom doesn't have an account with them she should look into it...there may be an identity theft issue.

If she doesn't want to waste money on long distance, she could sign an authorization allowing them to speak to some one she trusts over the age of 18.

Answer 2

Something just doesn't add up here. If you mom doesn't have an account then she'd be wise to look into who does have that open account and get it taken care of before it really ruins her credit. That is the first thing.
The second thing is what they are doing is harrassment, it is illegal. Call your local PD. Next time they call let the caller know that you are very aware that what they are doing is illegal and you will file a complaint, get names of who you speak to and times.
I do think the most important thing here is to make sure your mom hasn't been a victim of identity theft.

Answer 3

They are harassing you now.. Tell them be firm about it.. to put you on their " do not Call list " and ask for a supervisor...

National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry is open for business, putting consumers in charge of the telemarketing calls they get at home. The Federal government created the national registry to make it easier and more efficient for you to stop getting telemarketing calls you don’t want. You can register online at WWW.DONOTCALL.GOV or call toll-free, 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236), from the number you wish to register. Registration is free.

The Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and the states are enforcing the National Do Not Call Registry. Placing your number on the registry will stop most, but not all, telemarketing calls.

This site has information for you – whether you’re a consumer interested in signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry, or a telemarketer or seller interested in learning more about your responsibilities related to the Telemarketing Sales Rule.

Answer 4

You can have the caller patch you through to the supervisor and he might be willing to listen. However, if the calls do not stop, you can lodge a complaint and have the phone company put a block on their number. If you have call display, just ignore it. If you want a good sleep, turn off the ringers until you wake up. Good luck. Stupid credit guys!!!

Answer 5

Credit Companies tend to be relentless. The only thing that think of is to a have a lawyer (hopefully, you have friend that is one) to write them a letter and tell them to stop calling you.


BTW - The national do not call list will not help. That list is only for unsolicited calls. The credit company has business with your current number and, therefore, is not unsolicited

Answer 6

It is possible that your mother is, unknowingly, the victim of identity theft. Someone may have used her identity to fraudulently obtain a credit card. That person used the credit card for various purchases, knowing that the credit card company would bill your mom for the purchases. If she is certain that she does not have a credit card issued by that company, you or she needs to very clearly advise the credit card company (Security Department NOT Collections) that this may be a case of either identity theft or mistaken identity. If you or your mom don't clear this up with the credit card company, your mom may be stuck paying the bill. I advise you to act quickly on this.

Answer 7

I've never heard of telemarketers doing this for such a length of time. Are you sure its not a collection agency? Your mother may not recognize the name. If they are trying to collect an unpaid bill and her home number is the contact listed with them- they'll keep calling until they get paid. Its legal if she does business with them and owes money. Otherwise- block the number or them you want to be on their do not call list.

Answer 8

Its not ok they can only leave a message for your mom they are not suppose to discuss the nature of the call...Ignore the phone get an answering machine let it pick up the calls.

Answer 9

Register on the national do not call list and after 30 days if they are still calling take down there info and report them.

Answer 10

She has to send a letter, and write just this:
"This is to advise you that pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (”FDCPA”) 15 USC §1692c(c), you are hereby notified to immediately terminate any contact with me, or any members of my family or household, regarding any matter
concerning the collection of a debt you allege is owed to your company or to your principal/customer/client. This notice shall include, but is not limited to written correspondence, as well as telephonic communication. This letter also verifies that I live at the address above, therefore, any further locator attempts would be a violation of the FDCPA."

By law, they have to get off her case or else deal with a lawsuit