Creditors calling my mother!!!

[MajorMike]

All of a sudden TWO creditors called my mother. We have the same last name but I haven't lived with her for over 20 years and she changed her phone number 5 years AFTER I moved out. When calling the creditors, they said they don't have her number listed on my account and don't know why they were calling her! What gives??

[EveryDayAdam]

it's pretty typical. Does your mother live in near (50 miles...approx) where you currently live? or near any addresses that might have been given to ANY creditor (and listed on your credit report as a previous address)?

That's what the credit card companies pay the collection agencies for...to FIND people...they will go out and just call people with the same last name in just about ANY directory they can find that lives near where you live, or where you used to live...in hopes that they can track you down...it's a part of their job.

These guys are sneaky...in the last year, I changed jobs twice. Both times I moved to a new city for my new job...once in an entirely different state. I wasn't doing this to evade my creditors...that's just how it happened to work out...shutting them up for a few bit was just an added bonus.

Within 2 months of me moving BOTH times, even though I had an unlisted phone number, they had found my work numbers at both places. It was pretty easy to shut them up...just had to tell them to not call me at work any more or face legal action...but still, they found me alright.

[treehugger1]

It's not all that hard for others to cross-reference you with past credit apps, etc. Did you ever list your mother's phone number as a reference?

Here is what I would do. If you know for certain that the CA or creditor called your mother to "discuss your debt," I would first send off a complaint to your AG's office. However, there is a catch. If they didn't mention they were attempting to collect a debt when they spoke with your mother, it will be hard to get anything against them.

If you know who the collection agency is, you should immediately send them a cease and desist letter where you make it crystal clear that they are not call you, or any other third party. Allow them to contact you via USPS mail only.

Let them know that you understand your rights.

[MajorMike]

No, that's what is so odd. Yes she lives near me, but never used her phone number OR address for credit. It's so odd....and then they tell me that her number isn't listed ANYWHERE on their records.

[lrprn]

Skip tracers can find anyone and their relatives for a fee - http://www.infoguys.com/article.cfm?id=1

Frankly, it isn't that hard to unearth personal information about most of us and doesn't have to cost a thing - http://www.skipease.com/

[Boscoe]

You filed, so this behavior (i.e calling your mother or anyone else in connection with this debt) is prohibited by the automatic stay.

Send them a copy of your filing paper (the one page document with all the deadlines on it) and tell them to cease and desist....