I keep getting harassed by 'Portfolio Recovery Associates.' I have asked them repeatedly to not call me but they still do. I just got off the phone with them refusing to take me off the call list (and saying I have never previously requested this). It was a screaming match, and the lady never took my request. I am sick of this. Who do I contact?
Yes, they say they are debt collectors... BUT they are looking for someone else (who we do not know). I have told them this repeatedly, but they don't care. I don't even know if they are a viable debt collection agency. Regardless, I am not the person with the debt, nor do I know the person, PLUS have been telling them to stop calling!
I think you can contact the attorney general's office(lisa madigan) they deal with this type of thing.
Ask them to tell you as much information as they have about who they are calling. Ask these people what their information is. Ask them about where they live and their birthdays and their families. Turn it around and I guarantee they won't bother again. Get their names, their phone numbers, their children's names, etc. Of course they won't tell you, but they (I am also certain) won't bother you again. They don't like that. They are in the business of trying to get something from you. Get a caller i.d. and don't answer when they are calling.
Blow a whistle in their ears. I have done all of these after I was harrassed for no reason. Really works.
Have you googled the company name? If you do you'll find a slew of people claiming they are a scam. Of course there's 2 sides to every story, but be careful.
They do have a website with an address and 800 number. You could try calling them and complaining to the corporate office, but of course if they are a scam that won't help you.
Are they attempting to collect a debt?
I found this information online (federal trade commission website):
Where do I report a debt collector for an alleged violation?
Report any problems you have with a debt collector to your state Attorney General’s office (www.naag.org) and the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov). Many states have their own debt collection laws that are different from the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Your Attorney General’s office can help you determine your rights under your state’s law.
Good luck,
K.
You can only report them to your State Attorney General if you've enrolled in the Do Not Call Registry and they're not an exempt organization. Most non-profit organizations are included as those with exemptions, etc.
Since you have asked them not to call, though, they're in direct violation of the Telecommunications Act from the 1990's (I can't find an exact link).
I used to be a recruiter, and we had to be extensively trained on this. If a person requests you do not call, you can be fined $1100 for each additional call via the FCC.
You may want to Google it. Or, you can call your Attorney General's office and see if a staffer there can help you out.
Good luck!
The Do Not Call concept does not apply to debt collectors. And they ARE now allowed to call you at work and at home once per day. Settle the debt asap to get them off your back.
.
There should be a do not call list line in your state......get it and see if that will help........but I know the feeling.........I've donated money and such before, both of us are laid off now for over a year and a half.............I can't donate, I tell them that, but they keep calling..........since I like these charities, I didn't tell them to stop calling, but that I just can't do it..........
I put in Illinois do not call list.....and here is just one of the sites I got.....give it a try...........www.donotcall.gov/
Good luck and take care.
I just looked up "Portfolio Recovery Associates" and found "Portfolio Recovery Associates, Inc." They are a debt collection agency. Are they claiming to sell you something, or are they trying to collect a debt? Might make a difference in reporting harassment.
I would ask to speak to a supervisor or manager if they call again. Keep going up the chain if they still do not listen.
Each time they call I would say hold on a second and put the phone (without hanging up) in a drawer and go about your day. Unfortunately this can be an inconvenience for you, hopefully you have a cell or another way to make your calls. You may want to consider changing your phone number also.
