How do collection agencies get phone numbers??

Lucy, I wonder if you can do anything to stop the CAs tracking information about you. They run all types of checks trying to locate you. Your parents can stop contacts from the CA after sending the cease and desist letter. Under the federal laws, the CA must not contact any third party after receiving the letter.

See a sample of the cease and desist letter in the link below and send it through certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep the green copy in your folder for proof

http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/template-cdletter.html

Thanks Andy. I'm aware of the C&D letter. I just want to stop calls from ever going to anyone else other than me. I never use or used their home phone number and I've not lived with my parents for about 5 years now, so it's a mystery to me how they get it to begin with. Thanks.

They might have searched the number from your previous credit reports or checked with your previous employers. CA's can view the credit reports at any time but they can't enter anything without legitimate purpose.

Maybe because when you signed up for their credit card (or service) you used your parents' phone number and that's why that number is still in your file. Another reason could be that they just randomly called whoever with the same last name in your city or cities nearby (do your parents live in the same state?) That's why I hate those b@stards!

Lucy, they not only have your phone number, they have access to ALL of your private information and you dont have to have any debt for them to dig it up.
Remember, these people are not govenment officials, theyre regular people - the same people who might steal from the cash register or rob your house, or maybe the same people who would give you their last 5$ in their wallet if you needed it. Its really luck of the draw.

Yes they most definetly can and will add anything they want to your credit file if theyre dishonest collectors.

All the private info you keep in your wallet safe from indentity theft is readily available to them and these people dont seem to have to answer to anyone or abide by any laws.
Our only defence is to file complaints if we even suspect criminal activity and to keep fighitng till were someone listens.

Good luck.

Where do they obtain personal information? Who gives it to them?

It is called skip-tracing. It comes from many sources. They pull your credit reports, your lists of previous addresses, which are generally also on your credit report. They sometimes call phone companies and utility companies to get info. As a last resort, they look up by last name and call anyone with the same last name as you in the area where you lived. They call them all until they get you or someone who knows you. They probably got your parent's address because you used that address when you lived there..not necessarily that you gave it as a refernce. But, if you went to school, or had a job or anything while you lived at that address, then it is on your credit report. They will continue to call your parents until they get you, because that is a strong link for them. The best thing you can do is either call them back, give them your number, then screen your calls if you do not want to talk to them. Or, give them your number, then get their info and immediately send a cease and desist letter CMRR, that way your parents don't have the unnecessary stress.

Shouldnt these people who are able to "skip trace" ( AKA commit identity theft) have to prove that there is accually money owing?
Its not right that I have to pay 28& for a credit file that belongs to me, to check for lies that certain colliction agencies file on your report. yet these fraudulent scam artists have full access without reason, or asking permission, or having a valid reason.



I believe that since we're forced to have SSN's and SIN's by the Govt in order to obtain employment that this info should remain private unless it is proven that the person accually does owe money.

TYhe CA's should also have to attempt to imform the "debitor, or non-debitor victim of the money apparently owing via mail or phone.

If a collector "skip traces" they are able to find out info on anyone who might or may have lived at the apparent debitors address.
If the original "debitor" cannot be found, the next few people who lived there are expected to pay the debt and will be harrased into doing so.

With some of the privacy laws now it is getting harder and harder to just call a company and get information on someone.

About 10 years ago you could call old and new creditors to get information on tracking a debtor. Some companies probably do still give it out but most do not.

No, they can not continue to contact your parents homes unless they believe they gave false or misleading information. If your parents don't give anyhting out they can't contact them unless you used them as a refrence or if they were a cosigner. If you used them as a refrence you basicaly told the original creditor that they have your permission to contact them to presue collection of said debt. That goes for any refrence you give also.

There are many ways to gain information on a debtor that it isn't even funny. It's hard to hide and run because you leave a paper trail unless you pay everything by cash and do not update your drivers license or order a social security card. It would also help to not apply for any credit ever.

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3p can verbally ask to be not called again the trick is (do not call me again) and let the collector know you are recording and they wont call cease and desist letter most people take as easy way of stopping annoying calls but its a bad idea as it can start more trouble for you




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