know when a CA calls they have to identify themselves as a CA, but what about when they leave voicemails? I have several voicemails from a CA (I called from a payphone and hung up when I got the company name) but they just leave the persons name, number, and extension. They do not mention anything about what company they are with or anything else. Do they honestly expect people to respond to unsolicited calls asking you to call a 1-800 number?
Yup, that is the modus operandi for CA's. They call, leave a name, number but never tell you what it's for. But you know what it's for... If I were you, I would pick up the phone next time they call, tell them that this is their verbal warning to cease and desist and that your written request will follow. The next words out of your mouth should be what is your fax number/address so that I can send you a validation letter. Then, hang up. It's just that easy.
Is it legal for a law firm to call and leave a message to call them back leaving no info. You call them and they say 'oops we did not mean to call you. Call this number instead'. You call that number and it is a CA that is after you. I smell a rat.
i got a lot of calls with name, 800# to call back and a reference # left on my answering machine. One called several persons with my last name and left the same information on their answering machines.
You know what's REALLY irritating? The phone rings The answering machine picks up A recording says, "Please hold for the next available representative...." I don't think so! They want to call ME and put ME on hold.
There was a time when I actually got a completely computerized collection call! At one point the computer asked me when I intended to pay this debt. I didn't respond. It insisted I respond to the question and then asked it again. I answered when hell freezes over. The computer then said, "Thank you" and hung up! LOL what a joke! If the caller id says 'unavailable' I refuse to answer. Period. One thread I would like to start is to evaluate the legality of this. I do believe that the FDCPA states that the CA MUST identify itself in all communication. That they cannot use deceptive means to collect a debt. I call hiding their caller id is deceptive and not leaving their company name on a message is illegal. Shall we go after them for these violations? What do yall think?
The CA is following the FDCPA. The FDCPA prohibits a CA from telling others about your debt problems. If they called the wrong party and said "This is Strong Arm Collection Agency calling about the money you owe us.", the real debtor could then sue the CA for the violation.
Just to play Devil's advocate here....the CA is also not supposed to reveal information to a third party, so if they start leaving messages saying....this is slimeball CA calling john smith..please return this call at ..... then they would be violating our rights
Well, I did. I couldn't restrain my curiosity to find out who it was... Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought him back.
People who call and the caller ID shows up as "Unavailable" have no control over this. It is strictly the phone company and they way the call goes through. It would be different if they called and it says "Restricted" this means they are on purpose blocking their number and identity. If you do not want to have anymore "Unavailables", "Out of Areas" and such, I would suggest calling your phone company and ordering call intercept. You will no longer, never receive this message on your caller id again!! You will always know the person who is calling or the call will never go through! It was the best $5.00 I ever spent!! Stops telemarketers and CA's dead in their tracks!! Put's the "Telezapper" to shame! I would suggest anyone who is hounded by the above to call and order it. Tac
call intercept is the greatest!!! I LOVE to play the sales call refusals to them! I bet it irritates the hell out of them
What if your voicemail/answering machines clearly states your name? Something like "Hi, you have reached Joe Blow, leave your name and number. I will get back to you ASAP? This clearly lets them know that they have reached you. Shouldn't they have to leave their company name since they know they have the correct person (or the alleged debtor)? Just a thought.
If a collection agency calls you, just do this: Set the phone down on the counter, put both of your hands over your ears, and start repeating "La-la-lah-lah ... I can't hear you ... La-la-lah-lah"
