Questionable Debt and Collector

[Phocea]

I am young and I travel for work so I don't have a home or perminant address of my own so I use my parents for most everything, but use my cell number as the contact number. They has been recieving calls almost weekly at home for a few months from a man John, who identifies himself as an employee of Elite Financial. My mother informs him that she will give me his phone number, but won't give him my number.

I googled the number and found a handful of forums and posts about what people felt to be shady and sometimes rude collection practices from that number and company.

My question is, should I contact them or continue to blow them off? My credit is in good standing and I have no idea what I could owe against. I have no credit cards, and all my bills are up to date. My mom wants me to get him to stop calling, but I don't want him to get my phone number. Is there any likelihood that this is a scam of some sort? I feel like contacting them will only encourage them.

I feel like if this was legit, then something would come by mail identifying who and what.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[jharris352]

You are correct, if it was legit you would get something in writing. Although it is probably a scam, I would think you owe it to your parents to look into it so they don't continue to call them. It sounds like you don't want to call them because it will inconvenience you if they have your number! I hope that's not what you are saying because they are inconveniencing your Mom and Dad now.

In any case, call them from a pay-phone (if you can find one), or block your number using *67, before calling. Find out exactly what debt he is supposedly collecting for. If it sounds even remotely legitimate have him MAIL you evidence of the debt and a letter giving you an address to send the money to (if you sound like you are going to pay or might, he will cooperate). When you get the letter and the address and if you determine it is fraudulent, take it down to the police and file a complaint. Next time he calls let him know you filed a complaint with the police and he will stop calling.

If it is legit, you need to deal with it so your credit isn't harmed. Good luck.

 

[Phocea]

Thank! I appreciate the advice.

 

[mightymoose]

Also, when contacting him, be sure to get his name and business address. If the debt is not legitimate insist on written documentation from the company if they intend to try and collect. If they can not produce evidence of a legitimate debt to collect, then the phone calls can be reported to the police as harassment, which is a misdemeanor. Otherwise, legitimate attempts to contact you by phone, even at your parents number since yours is private, is fair game. If you ignore them then they will not stop calling.