It's been about a year since this has happened to me, but debt collectors have started calling my house again. They're looking for dh's brother and wife. I just don't get it. Are they getting our number from the phone book or are the in-laws putting our number on something? I'm sure it's never fun to field calls from these companies, but it sure is a pain when you're not even in debt. :roll:
Several years ago we received calls from a debt collector looking for one of my sisters and her husband. I asked them point blank why they were calling me. I found out that they had given our names and phone number for use as a reference. When they couldn't locate them, they called us to try and find out how to get in touch with them. It could be your relative has done the same thing? Next time they call, I would ask why they were calling and then request them not to call again as this has nothing to do with you. That is what we did. LR
I actually had to have a lawyer intervene when we recently were getting calls for DH's ex-wife. They have been divorced for more than 18 years and she was immediately remarried. The debt was only two years old!!!! They compile records from various companies and data lists and find anyone you're connected to. It didn't matter how many times we told this company that she did not live with us, never had, and, in fact, lived out of state (though we weren't 100% sure where), they continued to call multiple times a day for weeks. Fortunately, I have a friend who is a bankruptcy attorney. He sent a cease and desist letter for us. That stopped the calls. If you can't get it resolved quickly, let me know. I'll see if he can tell me any key phrases or written verbiage that will help you.
We've had that happen, too. My in-laws stayed with us for a couple weeks while moving, and my FIL gave our number to a cc company to call him ONE time and they persisted for months. At our current house, we consistently get calls from a collection agency for people who used to have the number. The collections agents are good about purging our number from the database when I explain, and the calls will stop for a few months. Then, they start again. Apparently, the number is on their credit reports (ugh), and until it gets purged from there, (now) our number will continue to reappear as a number to try for reaching them.
After we moved into the new house, I got a call from a collections agent, and the lady was asking if "Angela" was home. I said "I think you have the wrong number. There is no one here by that name." The lady: "Oh, I think there is. Put her on the phone now." Me: "I think you are crazy - we just moved in two months ago and there is no Angela in our family. Get your records straight and DON'T call back or I'll report your A$$." Me: hang up. One week later: ring ring . . .me: "Hello?" Lady: "Is Angela available?" me: "As I told you last time, there is no one here by this name. I am now contacting my attorney for harrassment. I need your name and the name of your company." Click. I don't put up with ANYTHING.
We get them for people we never even knew. And one lady comes to the door about every 6 months claiming we owe money for the mortgage of the people who owned the house before us. :roll:
Dh's cousin was a mega flake and we received MANY calls because we shared the same last name. They get the info from the phone book and what ever info the debtor listed on their application or addl. info they provide via phone.
We get calls for bills run up by my late brother's "wife"! She's the one we all suspect murdered him, and to get harassed by bill collectors due to her is just pouring more lemon into an open cut. At least I only get called once every few months. My parents get called every week.
