Calls from debt collectors

[ua_guy]

Two years ago, we bought a home (no liens) free and clear. When we moved in, mail would sometimes trickle in for someone who I assumed was a previous tenant. We'd put it back in the mailbox, "return to sender." Some of them were from the IRS.

As far as I can tell, this person was a renter or somehow related to the previous owners, but his name doesn't appear anywhere on the title history or recorded documents for the home.


What's concerning is that I'm starting to get calls asking for this person on my personal cell phone, a telephone number that has never been connected to him, a number that I've carried now for 10+ years. I've also gotten calls on our home phone, another number that has no connection to the previous owners, or this person.

The only thing I can think of is these IRS/debt collector people are running searches on us as the owners of the home. Both our home and cell phone numbers are technically "unlisted" although I know that doesn't mean much these days.

Should I be concerned about identity theft? If so, what should I do?

Should I be telling these goons something so they don't call me again? (which, I'm pretty sure they just call from different numbers)

Can I file anything with the FTC or state attorney general, or the police?

This has finally reached ridiculousness as we've owned the home for more than two years.

[snafu]

I suggest checking the phone number[s] used via on-line reverse directory. If it's a collection agency, I'd likely consider it a nuisance. If it's IRS or a genuine government agency, I'd send and retain a text phone message. If it repeated I'd send a registered or some type of sign off written communication that explains the individual is unknown and that you consider this harassment.

[creditcardfree]

I had good luck actually talking to the collector in the past indicating I didn't know who the person was. I also indicated I didn't want them calling me again. They need that information from you so that they know they are following a bad lead.

In my case, the collector's were calling because we are related to the debtors, who all lived in another state and never lived with us in that home we were residing in. I denied knowing them to the collectors because I don't want to be involved. It's none of my business!

[GrimJack]

The IRS rarely call - most calls purporting to be from the IRS threatening you with lawsuits are 'impersonation scams'. Most states have fair practices laws that cover debt-collection harassment - check with your state's Attorney General office.

[richard johnson]

I suggest checking the phone number[s] used via on-line reverse directory. If it's a collection agency, I'd likely consider it a nuisance. If it's IRS or a genuine government agency, I'd send and retain a text phone message. If it repeated I'd send a registered or some type of sign off written communication that explains the individual is unknown and that you consider this harassment.

I agree with you.

[rob62521]

There used to be someone with my same name who lived in my city and I would get calls looking for debt collection. I answered the calls and politely told them they had the wrong person. Most were glad I told them they had the wrong person.