Creditors Calling For Previous Resident

[Not Me!]

What is the name of your state? -- Arizona

I bought a house two years ago. Shortly after moving in, I began receiving mail for a previous resident. I always marked it 'not at this address' and returned it to the post office. I still get mail for the previous residents from time to time. But here's the thing -- I didn't buy the house from the previous resident. I bought it from a Realtor, who bought it from the previous resident. The Realtor never lived in the house. So what's happening is creditors are calling my home number asking for someone who owned the house before the person I bought the house from owned the house!

The calls are coming several times per week at different times of day. The number that is calling is 1-800-395-8289. I did a little detective work using the county's property records website and found that the person they're trying to reach still lives in my town. Can anyone please give me some advice about how to handle this? If I give the creditors the person's address, will the creditors stop calling my house? I don't think it's fair that because I live in a house that was once owned by someone who didn't pay their bills that I should be harassed about a stranger's debts!

Thank you in advance.

[Ozark_Sophist]

You need to ask for their address and write a certified letter stating you are not the person they are attempting to find nor do you know that person. Until then, they can legally keep calling if they believe you are that person or know how to reach that person. Once you give them written notice, if they call you can report it to the FTC.

[Ozark_Sophist]

Write to this address. Include your name, phone number, and the name of the person CBCS is trying to reach. Tell them you are not that person, nor do you know that person, and that your written notice falls under the Fair Debt Collection Protection Act (google this term and find the specific clause). Let them know further phone calls from them concerning this debt will result in your filing an FTC complaint and a complaint with your state attorney general's office for EACH call.

CBCS
PO BOX 1810
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43216

[url]http://www.cbcsnational.com/index.html[/url]

[Ozark_Sophist]

My wife experienced a similar problem except she did know the person (from about 10 years ago because he raped her) that a collection agency was trying to reach.

I managed to find the CEO's phone number (thanks to help from other members here), and I also found his personel email address. He apologized personnally, and the calls stopped immediately.

[Not Me!]

Thank you so much! I'll do that.

[Not Me!]

And may I add about your wife's situation -- YIKES! That's much worse than the pain in the neck that I'm dealing with.

[moburkes]

Originally Posted by Ozark_Sophist

My wife experienced a similar problem except she did know the person (from about 10 years ago because he raped her) that a collection agency was trying to reach.

I managed to find the CEO's phone number (thanks to help from other members here), and I also found his personel email address. He apologized personnally, and the calls stopped immediately.

I remember when you posted that. Still think its a crappy situation to be in.

[debtcollector`]

Originally Posted by Ozark_Sophist

Write to this address. Include your name, phone number, and the name of the person CBCS is trying to reach. Tell them you are not that person, nor do you know that person, and that your written notice falls under the Fair Debt Collection Protection Act (google this term and find the specific clause). Let them know further phone calls from them concerning this debt will result in your filing an FTC complaint and a complaint with your state attorney general's office for EACH call.

CBCS
PO BOX 1810
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43216

[url]http://www.cbcsnational.com/index.html[/url]

Unfortunately, there is no provision in the FDCPA for this. And making threats is not the way to handle it.

Ozark_Sophist's situation was a little different with actual harm being cause by each call. The OP is at most annoyed.

The letter will most likely not be effective as the OP doesn't have the account number -- this can best be handled by answering the phone and telling them you are not the person they are calling for.

DC

[seniorjudge]

This happened to me.

I got the phone number of previous deadbeats.

I finally told all the debt collectors to please sue me because I needed the money I would get from my countersuit.

The phone grew silent afterwards.

Another thing: Answering machine.

[TXPI]

Most states have harassment laws (AZ's is found in section 13-2921). If you notify them by certified mail as suggested you may be able to bring criminal charges (a class 1 misdemeanor) or file for an injunction under section 12-1809 (which is free except for the service of process).

[DisabledonSSI]

I don't know about your state, but I lived with my sister who had a number that belonged to someone in the same town. The collectors were very nasty. I got the phone number and address of the collector and called the local police. They stopped.
You can also file a complaint with your state Attorney General. Please also inform the phone company. If you can, block calls from this number. Most telephone companies have a "service" (about $1.50 a call) called "call trace", it is logged automatically with the police department. Check your local telephone book for the correct * or # number. In NY they require three harassing or hang up calls from the same number (most 800 numbers from the same collection agency tie in to a main number). So for about $5 you can have it computer logged and file charges (I think you can file charges with just one call anyway, but the police probably will give you a hard time).

Originally Posted by Not Me!

What is the name of your state? -- Arizona

I bought a house two years ago. Shortly after moving in, I began receiving mail for a previous resident. I always marked it 'not at this address' and returned it to the post office. I still get mail for the previous residents from time to time. But here's the thing -- I didn't buy the house from the previous resident. I bought it from a Realtor, who bought it from the previous resident. The Realtor never lived in the house. So what's happening is creditors are calling my home number asking for someone who owned the house before the person I bought the house from owned the house!

The calls are coming several times per week at different times of day. The number that is calling is 1-800-395-8289. I did a little detective work using the county's property records website and found that the person they're trying to reach still lives in my town. Can anyone please give me some advice about how to handle this? If I give the creditors the person's address, will the creditors stop calling my house? I don't think it's fair that because I live in a house that was once owned by someone who didn't pay their bills that I should be harassed about a stranger's debts!

Thank you in advance.

[TiredOfAbuse]

Can anyone please give me some advice about how to handle this? If I give the creditors the person's address, will the creditors stop calling my house? I don't think it's fair that because I live in a house that was once owned by someone who didn't pay their bills that I should be harassed about a stranger's debts!

You could forward the information to the harassing collection agency, but for the trouble they have put you through why help them?

You are right it's not fair. If you have the mailing address of the collection agency calling you constantly, write them a letter stating there is no person by the name of [whoever they are calling] at [your telephone number].

Collection Agencies use computerized systems to look up information. A telephone number is enough to pull up the account. You do not need to have the actual account number.

Once written, send the letter Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested, so that you get the green card back. If they keep calling, talk to an NACA attorney to see if you can help this agency see the error of their ways.

TiredOfAbuse

I am not an attorney, just a fed up and educated consumer. I do not post advice I myself would not do in your shoes.