Internet's first get-out-of-debt community - 129,000 members

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 9:08 am Subject: calling my cell

does anyone know if debt collectors are allowed to call ur cell phone? I've always thought they couldn't unless u authorized them. Long story short i have no land line and have collectors harassing me on my cell. i ask them not to call and tell them its my cell but they claim since i have no other phone they are allowed to waste my minutes calling my cell, is this true?

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 9:30 am Subject:

They can call your cell until they receive a cease communication letter from you!

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 10:01 am Subject: Calling your cell

Oh gosh, mine is ringing off the hook as we speak. As far as I know, the original creditor can call all they want until you try deleting that # with them. Once it goes to collections, you can send them a letter telling them to stop. I leave my cell # because I like to know who is calling and when. I track them better that way...for now anyways. I just don't answer any more for them and waste my minutes.

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 1:04 pm Subject:

Hi there ~

Have you had the chance to speak with these collectors to see what they are looking for payment on? It's going to be unpleasant but if you haven't had the chance to do so...maybe you can answer the next time they call. Coming up with a solution to your collections will HOPEFULLY put an end to their constant calling.

As it's stated throughout this site...make sure you keep your cool...get a full name of who you're talking to and their CSR # if they have one...and document all of your conversations.

Good luck Smile

Guest · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 1:59 am Subject:

The collector's can only call your cellphone if you put it on the original application for credit.

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 5:34 am Subject:

yes--thats correct. They can only call your cell phone if you provided the number to either them or to the original creditor as a contact number. There is a reason for this--the FDCPA prohibits a debt collector from contacting you in the attempt to collect a debt in such a manner that will cost you money. Calling a cell phone and using minutes that the consumer has to pay for falls under "costing you money". If you did not give the OC the number or permission to use it, you didnt put it on the application or credit agreement as a contact number, and you didnt give the CA permission to call you there, then they cannot legally call you on the cell phone.

Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 5:45 am Subject:

Something else on this--I would notify them the next time they call that they are calling you on a cell phone, and costing you money with every call. Tell them that this is a violation of the FDCPA, section 808(1).