How do I stop debt collectors from calling the wrong number?

Debt collecting calls can be annoying and invasive. This is especially the case when the calls aren’t meant for you. In some cases, debt collectors may call the incorrect person when trying to collect on a debt.

Unfortunately, attempting to stop debt collectors from calling your phone number over a debt you do not owe can be a complicated process.

Why do debt collectors call the wrong number?

Debt collectors may call the wrong number for a variety of reasons:

• A debt collector may have recorded the wrong number.
• The person who initially owed the debt may have changed their phone number. They may have intentionally or unintentionally failed to update a debt collector about their information. Then, if you changed your phone number, you may have gotten a phone number associated with a past debt.
• Debt collectors may call someone with the same name as a person who owes a debt.
• In some cases, debt collectors may contact the relatives, or people presumed to be relatives, of someone who owes a debt. This is sometimes done in an attempt to get information about a person who owes a debt. However, debt collectors are generally only allowed to contact each person one time in an attempt to reach the debtor, and are not allowed the discuss the debt with them.

Is it legal for a debt collector to call the wrong number?

Of course, it is not illegal for a debt collector to call the wrong number — wrong numbers are often accidental, and there are plenty of reasons why a debt collector might call a wrong number.

It is even legal for debt collectors to call a phone number multiple times in an attempt to call someone, per the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. However, if a debt collector calls your number multiple times in attempt to connect a person who owes a debt, and you notify them that they are calling the wrong number, they may be in violation of the law if they call again.

The practice of calling someone they think might know the debtor’s whereabouts is called “skip-tracing,” and is legal, as long as they do not harass the person they are calling.

What can I do to stop debt collectors from calling the wrong number?

Because a debt collector calling the wrong number repeatedly is illegal in many cases, you do have some options to try to stop debt collectors from calling you.

With the help of a TCPA attorney, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the debt collector and collect between $500 and $1,500 per violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, or TCPA — a federal law that protects individuals from harassing and unwanted phone calls. This law restricts the use of certain kinds of automated equipment to place robocalls to people who haven’t consented to being contacted that way.

It may be helpful to keep records of every call you receive. Saving the calls or voicemails on your phone, or writing down the dates and times of calls as well as who the call was from may aid you in a lawsuit or complaint against the debt collector. Debt collectors are required by law to inform you of the name of the debt collection company or employer they work for.

Debt collectors can be liable under the TCPA even if they thought they were calling the right number. If you have asked a debt collector not to call you because they are calling the wrong number, they may be in violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act also protects people from harassment by debt collectors, notes The Balance. The FDCPA promotes fair debt collection practices, as well as offers a way for consumers to dispute and validate alleged debts against them. 

Blocking the phone number of the debt collector is often the simplest way to avoid a debt collector’s calls. However, some debt collectors will simply spoof their number, or make it look as though they are calling from a different number, in an attempt to persuade you to answer the phone. If they use multiple phone numbers or continue to try to connect you in multiple ways even after you have told them that they are calling the wrong number, you may need to take more serious measures.

In the short term, you can send a cease and desist letter to stop debt collectors from calling you. The Balance notes that the debt collector can contact you once after they receive your letter, but that contact can only be to let you know what they will do next.

You may also be able to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission to stop debt collectors. The FTC enforces the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, as well as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Consumers who are being harassed by debt collectors looking for someone else may be able to report these calls to the FTC through the agency’s online complaint assistant.

In addition to rules regarding how many times debt collectors may call relatives or friends of the debtor, there are also rules regarding how debt collectors must act on these calls. Debt collectors are not allowed to refuse to identify themselves as a debt collector, use profanity, or threaten violence.

If debt collectors do any of these things, you may want to keep a record of these violations to list in your complaint. If a debt collector has threatened you with violence and you believe yourself at risk, you may also consider filing a complaint with the relevant authorities.

If you have been targeted with unfair, deceptive, or harassing debt collection calls, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

Join a ‘wrong number’ robocall TCPA class action lawsuit investigation

If you received cellphone calls meant for someone else, you may qualify to participate in a wrong number class action lawsuit investigation, and you may be entitled to compensation under a federal law called the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”).

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.