Been getting quite a few calls from this number for the past few weeks. I don't answer since they have yet to leave a message and I don't have the patience to deal with it. Also, about 7 years ago I was a debt collector (not the kind that threatens you and acts like a jack@#*) for insurance companies that had simply overpaid hospitals, etc. so I have perfect knowledge on whats legal and whats not.
First of all, where I live the collector needs to send a letter stating whats owed and for what. If you aren't offered that and they call before you receive a letter, be firm and politely request a detailed letter explaining what's owed, how much and the person that they think is responsible for the bill. If they don't offer that chances are it's a scam or their bottom feeders (those who try collecting on debts that were already written/paid off or the time limit ran out).
Judging from the comments here about this caller I'd say it's most likely a scam. I've dealt with that before (not when I was a collection agent) and a company tried collecting on an old outdated small bill. They threatened to sue me and I simply sent them a registered letter stating they are to cease calling me and anyone I know or I would file suit against them. Btw, this was supposedly a collector from a law firm in Minnesota. Also, they wouldn't have gotten anything from me anyway since you cannot garnish social security benefits...unless your the government trying to collect on a past due student loan but that's a different story.
If anyone gets any of these calls and you can pull it off I'd get an address asking where they need payment sent. Once you have an address send a cease contact registered letter to them and don't forget to remind them that if they contact you after that you will sue.
Sorry so long winded but calls like these get me very worked up. Maybe I should invest in a whistle and share the joy the next time they call.
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