collectors violate the do-not-call rules, yet the FTC does little to protect against automated calling systems

Question

I'm on a donotcall list, yet collectors who have the WRONG number constantly call using a computer automated voice system, prompting me to call back, the number on the caller I.D. allways seems to be a dummy number to throw off complaints against them, should the FTC be doing something about this? and should telephone companies have the capacity to help protect the consumer from these calls as well, or are they playing both sides for thier benefit?

Answer 1

Collectors are not covered under the DNC. If they are calling you then they think you have a bill with your name and social security number in their system or have been given your number as the number to someone who does. They are not calling to sell you something or ask you to donate money, which is what the DNC list is for. If a collector has the wrong # and you do not have anything in their system then you ask them to remove the number from the phone ID field and ask for a supervisor. You can also get the name of the manager of the company from the net and send a certified letter threatening legal action. They will then remove I promise.
A collection agency is required to tell you their name, the collectors name, the company they belief you owe the money to, how much the bill is and how old the bill is.
I advise talking to them, asking them the name of their company and then writing the letter. Also, even if the bill is yours and you owe it you have the right to send a cease and desist letter which will require the company to stop all calls and letters to you. If you go this route and you do have a bill, then make sure say you dispute the bill because they are obligated to report to the credit bureau's that you dispute it.
Hope this helps.

Answer 2

The "do not call" list is to stop telemarketers from soliciting by phone. It does not stop a company from trying to collect on a debt.

I get these from the person who had my phone number before I got it last year. I either answer the phone or call back and advise them that I now have this number and whoever they are looking for does not. I get the name of the company and the person I am talking to just in case they continue to call. I make a note of the day and time I talk to them.

It seems to work. I've had the number about a year now and rarely get any calls for the deadbeat they are trying to find.

Once notified that you now have the number, it is simple for them to confirm it and they will stop calling.

Good Luck

Answer 3

DNC list does not cover collectors.

You need to call them and advise-the calls will then stop. It is the duty of the person being collected upon to provide information, if that info is incorrect you should be mad at them, not the collection company, especially since it sounds like you havent bothered trying to correct the issue properly.

BTW, a voicemail recording will usually get rid of them if you say "(person theyre looking for) does not live here"

Answer 4

They are not trying to sell you anything. They are trying to collect money which they are owed. They have every right to call and are not covered at all by the do not call list.

The fact that you are receiving calls in error is unfortunate, but not illegal. Call back the number they leave in the message and tell them it isn't you.