Botherd by a Collections Agency.

[wisone]

What is the name of your state? WI

I was on vacation for the last two weeks of december. When I got home, I noticed a number on my caller ID, that called at least once, if not twice a day, every day that I was gone. I called the number back, and talked to a rep for a company called "Value Services". I asked him why I was getting called. I told him my name, the number that was being called, and the last 4 of my social. He searched his records, and could not find any reason why I was being called. That was on Wednesday(Jan 2nd). Since then, they've called 5 more times, and have hung up every time I picked up. When I call back, either I get a message saying they're closed, or no answer at all. Any ideas on what I can do to get them to stop calling?

[Debt Guy]

You've got to deal with this from a practical perspective. The calls are not harmful -- merely annoying.

Things to consider:

1. call your phone service provider and ask if they or you can block all calls from the caller's number

2. let your answering machine screen the calls and just ignore them

3. Ask the phone company to change your number.

4. After about a thousand calls, talk to the police about filing charges for civil disturbance, harassment, whatever you can think of -- don't expect the cops to do much much more than roll their eyes.

5. Hire an attorney to figure out the name of the lawyer for the firm calling, make that lawyer to lawyer phone call

6. Buy a voodoo doll and a box of hat pins.

[debtcollector`]

Or, simply answer the phone and inform them of the wrong number.

[Debt Guy]

DC

The OP said "Since then, they've called 5 more times, and have hung up every time I picked up. When I call back, either I get a message saying they're closed, or no answer at all."

Sounds like a good faith effort.

[wisone]

Originally Posted by Debt Guy

You've got to deal with this from a practical perspective. The calls are not harmful -- merely annoying.

More then annoying when they call at 7am on saturday.

Things to consider:

1. call your phone service provider and ask if they or you can block all calls from the caller's number

Will be doing that today.

2. let your answering machine screen the calls and just ignore them

Don't use an answering machine. I might be able to ignore one call a day, but it's been increasing. It's only 10am here, and they've called 3 times.

3. Ask the phone company to change your number.

Would rather not, as I've only had this number for month.

4. After about a thousand calls, talk to the police about filing charges for civil disturbance, harassment, whatever you can think of -- don't expect the cops to do much much more than roll their eyes.

Thought about it, but figured it would be a waste of time.

5. Hire an attorney to figure out the name of the lawyer for the firm calling, make that lawyer to lawyer phone call

Tempting.....

6. Buy a voodoo doll and a box of hat pins.

Don't I need a personal item from the caller, like some hairs or something?

[TinkerBelleLuvr]

More then annoying when they call at 7am on saturday.

That violates the law. They can call between the hours of 8 am and 9 pm.

[wisone]

Originally Posted by Ginny J

That violates the law. They can call between the hours of 8 am and 9 pm.

Would that help me out if I do contact the police about them?

[Debt Guy]

Would that help me out if I do contact the police about them?

No. Ginny is wrong because neither she nor I nor you are even certain you are protected by the FDCPA. The FDCPA only protects the debtor. If you don't owe money to these people, then the FDCPA does not kick in. For example, you and I do not have a creditor/debtor relationship. I could call you at 2am three times a week if I wanted and you would not have a cause of action.

Next problem is that we don't even know that "Value Services" is a collection agency. If not, then FDCPA still does not apply -- if they are a telemarketer, a different law might apply.

I know this is a real Catch-22 -- but that is the way the law works.

[TinkerBelleLuvr]

Assumption was that it was a debt collector.

I know that on my phone up north, I had a service added to my phone that if it came in as 'unavailable' or 'unknown', the call was intercepted and they had to say who they were and I had the option of either taking the call or not. I don't remember what it's name was. Now, I just have a phone that rings and it is a mystery until I answer it.

[IrishNodak]

Originally Posted by wisone

Would rather not, as I've only had this number for month.

Calling that often, I think they are a debt collector. Being that you've only had the number for a month, I am guessing they are looking for the person that had the number before you. Turn off your ringer until you're awake on Sat. mornings.

[wisone]

Thanks all, for you help. I'm pretty sure they are a debt collector, as i've recieved calls from other collection agencies, all looking for the same person(not me!).

[Some Random Guy]

You've only had the phone number for a month so you can't be that attached to it.

Call the phone company and tell them you want a new number because of the harassing calls.

[wisone]

Originally Posted by Some Random Guy

You've only had the phone number for a month so you can't be that attached to it.

Call the phone company and tell them you want a new number because of the harassing calls.

After telling all my friends/family my new number, along with printing up new business cards, updating business contacts, etc, just changing it again would be a headache.

[VeronicaLodge]

Originally Posted by Ginny J

Assumption was that it was a debt collector.

I know that on my phone up north, I had a service added to my phone that if it came in as 'unavailable' or 'unknown', the call was intercepted and they had to say who they were and I had the option of either taking the call or not. I don't remember what it's name was. Now, I just have a phone that rings and it is a mystery until I answer it.

its called anonymous call reject