They call several times a week. Leave a robo message "If this is __ __, press 1. If this is not __ __, press 2." They are looking for someone who has the same last name as us, but we don't know him. I'm not about to pick up or press any number. Just wish they'd get the message that we're not answering.
This number called (caller ID reads "caller unknown") and the automated attendant stated if I was the person they were calling for to press 1, if this was the correct number to reach that person to press 2 (which I did). The person they were trying to reach, whom I knew, died in 2013 and I attempted to let them know that fact. The automated attendant stated to hold for a representative and the line was then disconnected. When I attempted to call back, I received the message that the phone was not in service.
These people appear to be very dishonest and probably unethical, based on the way they do business.
Just FYI, the National No Call List refers to unsolicited calls from companies who have no business dealings with you. Being a debt collector, ERC most definitely has business with you in regards to unpaid debt. However, as a third party debt collector they are bound by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Familiarize yourself with it...it will help you out a lot. Basically, it governs how often they are allowed to call you and what they are allowed to say to you. Most importantly, they are required by law to stop calling you once you inform them that they must stop. Once you make this declaration, any call after that carries a penalty that is spelled out in the FDCPA. Calling "the police" will do you absolutely no good. As it is a Federal Law enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, you need to file a complaint with them instead.
>> Being a debt collector, ERC most definitely has business with you in regards to unpaid debt. <<
No, not necessarily.
1) The poster to whom you responded denies having an unpaid debt.
2) ANY debt collector MUST send a written Validation Notice within 5 days of the call, via USPS mail.
The collector MUST prove the debtor owes a debt, and also must prove the collector is legally entitled to try to collect that debt.
Yes, the FDCPA is the source for good information about debts and debt collecting.
They call all hours of the day and night. They have never left a message in 2 months. I suggest that you use your caller block that may be available thru your phone service.