GREENSBORO, N.C. — Calls from bill collectors are annoying as is - so imagine if they're not even calling the right person?
It happens more often than you might think. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says 44% of complaints against debt collectors are about attempts to collect a debt they don't owe.
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Adding to the problem, there's no limit on how many times a day or a week a debt collector can call you. The only rule, you can't be harassed. And that isn't even clearly defined.
First, make sure you dispute the debt within 30 days of getting a written notice. If not, the collector will assume the debt is valid. So put it in writing and send it through certified mail to the person trying to collect it.
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Also, ask for verification of the debt. By law, a collector has to send it to you - and stop calling until you get it. They should send you the name of the original creditor or a copy of a court judgment.
If it doesn't prove you owe money, send them a letter telling them to stop contacting you. Outside of a few exceptions, they'll have to stop calling. You can also file a complaint with the bureau if they won't stop. Click here to start one.