Weird phone call

[wolfie]

For the past couple weeks I've been getting calls from an 800 number with a recorded message saying that (name I've never heard of) needs to call the number regarding file (case number). Finally called them back, and after a long time on hold (with messages saying that wait time was under a minute) got a live person on the line.

I told them about the repeated calls at a number I've had for roughly 10 years, and that I'd never heard of the person, so I suspect that either someone gave them the wrong number or it was transcribed incorrectly. They asked if the calls were for (name), and I said that they were. They said that they'd take my number off their records.

I asked what sort of business they were in (since message when I called back was in both English and French - most common for government offices), and they said that they were a collection agency. My response? That's probably why they gave a wrong number.

[Pixelated]

Well, up until now it's been an honest mistake on their part.

As long as they stop calling you, it will stay that way.

[drjonah]

If they continue to call you, send them a cease and desist letter and make sure you send it registered mail with a return receipt. Then you have a right to sue them if they do not stop immediately

[Nunavut Pants]

Is that also true in Canada? The comment about English and French makes me think that wolfie is north of the border. I know that in the US, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a very large stick with which to threaten collectors who are overstepping. (Which, in my experience, is the majority of them.)

[drjonah]

Oh yeah didn't think about that. I actually got a down payment on my car thanks to a naughty collection agency

[Pixelated]

Is that also true in Canada? The comment about English and French makes me think that wolfie is north of the border. I know that in the US, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a very large stick with which to threaten collectors who are overstepping. (Which, in my experience, is the majority of them.)

Your question intrigued me so (as I do live in Canada) I thought I'd check into it.

Apparently we DO have aggressive collection agencies over here (I have, thankfully, never been on the receiving end of one). Here's a few things I found out:

• Most provinces prohibit agencies from contacting you between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. (Alberta allows from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Newfoundland/Labrador from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.)
• Sundays and statutory holidays are also "partially" prohibited days in most provinces.
• In Ontario, debt collectors can't email, leave a voice message, or speak in person with you more than three times of week after the first conversation with you. If I understand the rule correctly, though, they can snail mail you all they want (I guess the lawmakers figure if the company wants to spend the money ... and anyway, written letters aren't as annoying). Alberta and Nova Scotia have a similar "three strikes" rule.
• They can't recommend or start legal or court action without notifying you.
• They can't continue to demand payment from someone who claims not to owe the money, unless they have taken reasonable steps to ensure that the person does indeed owe the money.

[Nunavut Pants]

Thanks for the info, Pixelated! (Tell me, Pix, why are you so elated?)

I was able to shut two collection agencies up by asking them to send me evidence that the debt was real. I did have an ace in the hole--I knew that it wasn't, because I had the paperwork on the loan. They didn't have it, and one actually asked me to send a copy of all of it. I laughed at them, and only sent a copy of the part of the paperwork that said why the debt did not exist.

...They then sold the same debt to another agency, who again got obnoxious. And was similarly shot down...

Thank heaven for the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act!!

[MadMike]

We've had quite a few strange calls from collection agencies, or possibly scammers claiming to be collection agencies. Had a few for one of my wife's sisters, who has never lived with us. And not too long ago, we got a few for my ex, who hasn't lived with me in over 20 years.

And then there was this one that kept calling and leaving messages, but wouldn't say who it was for. I looked them up, and apparently they won't even talk to you unless you give them your SS number. Well, that's never going to happen. They called almost every day for six months ago, sometimes from different numbers but always leaving the same recorded message.

[BPFH]

Apparently we DO have aggressive collection agencies over here (I have, thankfully, never been on the receiving end of one).

Oh, my yes, you do. My wife was on the receiving end of one about 10 years ago. We had to hire a lawyer to get those guys to back off (though admittedly part of the reason for hiring him was because we're in the States and wanted someone in Canada to handle the matter).

[CyberLurch]

Aren't there also scams related to collection agencies? I seem to recall there being a story about one that would simply buy contact information, then begin relentlessly calling people on the list, claiming there was a debt in the hopes that the 'target' would simply just write a check to get the 'agency' off their back.

[mjr]

We've had quite a few strange calls from collection agencies, or possibly scammers claiming to be collection agencies. Had a few for one of my wife's sisters, who has never lived with us. And not too long ago, we got a few for my ex, who hasn't lived with me in over 20 years.

A collection agency called my house once looking for my sister. Seems she'd put me down as a "reference" or whatever for a loan -- then either got behind on it or didn't pay it back.

But my wife answered the phone. She basically told them if they haven't been able to get in touch with her, they probably weren't going to, and "good luck" getting the money back.

[MadMike]

Aren't there also scams related to collection agencies?

Yes, hence the reason I wasn't about to give my SS number to some cold-caller.

[Pixelated]

Thanks for the info, Pixelated! (Tell me, Pix, why are you so elated?)

*snip*

Nice catch! When I first joined here, my name was Pixilated (my posts had an avatar ... is that the right word? ... of Dumbledore with his arms outspread from Prisoner of Azkaban, and the words "Group hug!")

But I lost track of my original password, so rejoined with a similarly spelled name ... because it's easier on my ageing and deteriorating memory ...