Great answer! Yep, its a very OLD tactic that scumbag collection companies use. the debt is NO longer valid. they buy them for pennies, use volume/auto dialers to reach as many people as possible. NEVER answer the phone, and if you do, hang up once they identify themselves. IF debt is old you owe nothing!
Man this company does not get it. I have had calls from over 27-30 different fronts that they use. They dont leave messages. Apparently the debts are way over due, and they are the bottom feeders. I admit, I have unpaid debt, but they reallyyyyyyyy get on my nerves. :) peace everyone!
Of course they want to fool people. They also know people can block numbers so they need a revolving stable of numbers that show up on caller ID. They can leave a brief message but generally don't because they are the 3rd or 4th level of collections. Basically it's an account that is delinquent that the original debtor was unable to collect and which the debt was still viable probably one or two others tried. This type of company purchases uncollectable debt (the debt so old they have no legal recourse to collect) then tries to harass you enough that you pay them something just to get them to leave you alone. They know those people probably aren't calling them back so their best offense is to call from a number you don't recognize on the off chance you'll answer and once they have you on the phone the attack begins. They know if you don't answer you won't call them back and leaving messages takes time. They traffic in volume and fear --- call as many people as possible and hopefully get a live person then threaten, intimidate and instill fear. Sadly too many people who have uncollectable debt cave and the collection agency gets something.
First off, know your rights. Keep a record of any phone calls whether you answer or not. If they do NOT have permission to call your cell phone number you can sue them; recent court cases have affirmed this. Do NOT affirm that you have any debt. Demand that they send you validation of supposed debit, including original debt holder, amount of debt, date on which it was reported, and when they bought the debt. Get their official company address and phone number. If they cannot provide said info then they have a problem and if on your record then you can challenge/have it wiped off. Never Admit Possible Debt!!!!