I just tell them I'm at work and don't bother me here, and when I tell them to call me at home, after business hrs they ask for my # and I tell them, if you're a ligit company you should have it. Also I'm finding out Portfolio Recovery has several different #s in different area codes
Just so you know in case you did not realize it, according to the U.S. Attorney General companies have a total of seven (7) years to attempt to collect on a debt and that is all. These agencies (term used loosely) go by whatever your state allows and not be the feds. If your state allows more then the seven years they are in violation of federal statute because NO STATE SHALL PASS LAW THAT IS MORE LENIENT THEN WHAT THE FEDERAL GOVT ALLOWS. I live in IL and they allow ten years. These agencies also claim that the time period starts over each time a new agency gets it. This is double jeopardy.
I still get calls for debts from 2003. When I actually spoke to one the idiots they got indignant when I told them that they were in violation of federal law and to cease and desist. They still call but I ignore all those calls I do not recognize.
In response to my own comment, which was a response to another comment regarding Better Business Bureau in association with the unwanted phone calls of Portfolio Recovery.
800notes and other similar online services are very helpful. These websites offer something that has never been offered before, a place for individuals to discuss the time, nature, and particular means by which a caller from a particular unwanted phone call behaves. This is awesome! When we read reports of unwanted numbers, Portfolio Recovery is often reported as the culprit disguised by a variety of phone numbers originating from a variety of locations. Anyone reading these reports through can easily see the diversity by which the entity operates. which brings me to the important point I am adding to with further input as follows:
Let's say, for instance, someone is going through a divorce. There is much grief associated which such a thing and there are also attorneys involved in order to protect the interests of each party associated with the divorce, Keep in mind that in a divorce, everything from the towels and linens, to children and other family members are considered to be the interest of each party of the divorce. Enter the notion that there are a number of means by which attorneys collect information. Withe an outfit such as Portfolio Recovery available, for a fee, any attorney could ask them to call, and with a specifically tailored script, or series of questions, information can be gathered.
If the caller calls, and reaches someone who answers the phone, it will be recorded. Everything from tone of voice, attitude, background sounds, or even the personal greeting left on an answering machine advising the caller to leave a message can all be used as a means to gather information. Information about you. Information about me. Information about our children, brother in-law, sister in-law, nieces, nephews, mothers, fathers, lovers... Information regarding family, friends and acquaintances can all be gathered and analyzed. Such initial information then helps the divorce attorney determine where any weaknesses might be and then exploit those weakness in effort to prevail at the divorce hearing.
...And that is only a metaphor. The divorce attorney is the least of your worries associated with these kinds of calls. There is no debt to collect... remember that. Most of these reports here explain that no money is owed.
I wonder if these phone calls target specific geographic areas. The users of this website could help end this kind of harassment should enough people participate in a more detailed approach to explanation... without divulging personal information. A tough consideration.
I am in Southern Oregon. I get a call like this twice per month at minimum, sometimes as many as several calls per day. However, my job is dangerous with respect to these kinds of calls. That is to say, I expect them, and do what it might take to receive such a call... it's hit and miss, but I assure any reader, this Portfolio Recovery outfit has absolutely nothing to do with debt collection.
Thanks for reading. Please put extra thought into life issues which may be happening not only within your own family, but beyond that and including business relationships. If harassment comes, and later on a phone call like these comes, they may be related issues. I don't answer the phone often, but sometimes I will... " County Dump, how may I direct your call?", or my favorite, "Coroners Office, you bag 'em, we tag 'em... Please hold for the Governor". (it's helpful to have the phone number of the Governor of your state handy for this.)