You often receive wrong number calls from debt collectors, especially if you have recently changed your phone number. You may understand why the previous owner of the number didn’t provide new contact information to the collectors. They may have even changed their numbers to avoid collector calls, but that doesn’t mean you should be harassed over a debt that is not yours.
Send a Cease and Desist Letter to Stop Debt Collection Calls
A cease and desist letter is the best option to stop debt collection calls, even if the debt is not yours. Federal law requires debt collectors to stop calling if you inform them in writing that you wish them to cease communications. The cease and desist letter states: “Stop calling me about this debt.”
Debt collectors must respect the cease and desist letter and stop contacting you. They can call you once after receiving the letter, but only to inform you of what they plan to do next.
If the calls continue after the cease and desist letter, you should file a complaint and notify the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and your state Attorney General that the collectors have violated the law.
Obtain Important Information from the Debt Collector
Before you can send a cease and desist letter, you need to get the name and address of the debt collection agency. Unfortunately, this may mean that you will have to speak to the debt collector at least once. In that one call, get the name and address of the debt collection agency. Inform them that they are calling the wrong person. Then, prepare your cease and desist letter.
Cease and Desist Letter for Wrong Number
Address the letter as usual, with the date, your name, and your address at the top. Follow that with the debt collector’s information. Then, use this text to stop the calls. Make sure to update the bolded parts to fit your situation. “Under my rights under federal debt collection laws, I request that you stop calling ###-###-#### regarding account [wrong person’s name]. This is not the contact number for that person. You are aware that if you do not comply with this request, I will immediately file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General’s office in [your state name here]. Civil and criminal claims will be pursued.”
Tips for the Future
Sending the letter via certified mail with a return receipt requested helps. However, if you do not want to pay the extra fees, you can just stamp the letter and drop it in the mail. Since new debt collectors may resume calls after a few months, make several copies of the cease and desist letter so you can easily send it if you start receiving calls from new agencies.
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Sources:
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “How can I stop a debt collector from calling me?”
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-to-do-about-wrong-number-collection-calls-960592
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