They have done so. I've gotten calls from the same collector who will use a toll free, then a number with an area code, then that number will be changed by a digit. Google the number. That is so helpful. It will tell you the company that is calling. It was always the same on. I agree this is wrong, misleading, a fraudulent way to deal with people. But the totality of all I am reading here is that collectors are harassing and do it by phone. The thing to do is put some teeth into the laws that prevent this. Now, the only thing consumers can do is sue. And for $1000 -- and you'd be hard pressed to find a lawyer who will sue for such a small amount.
It has become a situation that slams the consumer, it has evolved into that.
Thank you for your comment, jcolesrn. Your suggestion that debt collectors should not be allowed to alter their caller ID information is one that was shared by other commenters. If you’ve had experience with debt collectors, CFPB would be interested in hearing your story as support for your suggestion. You may also be interested in commenting on the topic, Questions about phones & mobile phones in debt collection.
gmt512
1
They have done so. I've gotten calls from the same collector who will use a toll free, then a number with an area code, then that number will be changed by a digit. Google the number. That is so helpful. It will tell you the company that is calling. It was always the same on. I agree this is wrong, misleading, a fraudulent way to deal with people. But the totality of all I am reading here is that collectors are harassing and do it by phone. The thing to do is put some teeth into the laws that prevent this. Now, the only thing consumers can do is sue. And for $1000 -- and you'd be hard pressed to find a lawyer who will sue for such a small amount. It has become a situation that slams the consumer, it has evolved into that.
View this comment in the discussion thread
Moderator
2
Thank you for your comment, jcolesrn. Your suggestion that debt collectors should not be allowed to alter their caller ID information is one that was shared by other commenters. If you’ve had experience with debt collectors, CFPB would be interested in hearing your story as support for your suggestion. You may also be interested in commenting on the topic, Questions about phones & mobile phones in debt collection.
View this comment in the discussion thread
Marian
3
Yes, that just happened to me today, someone called trying to locate a friend saying they were a "courier service."
View this comment in the discussion thread