Why Debt Collectors Block Their Phone Numbers?

There’s just one reason why debt collectors block their phone numbers

To intimidate others.

Debt collectors are legally allowed to block their numbers when calling consumers, based on current court law and statutes. This was confirmed in the case of Glover v. Client Services 2007 WL 2902209, where the court ruled that collectors can indeed call with a blocked number.

In other words, the act of simply “blocking” a telephone number cannot be considered unfair or unconscionable under the law, as long as it is done in accordance with other applicable laws and regulations.

It’s important to know that the FDCPA does not make it illegal to call from a blocked number. While this may be unsettling for some people, debt collectors do this sometimes because it can be more effective. Additionally, since the number doesn’t show up on caller ID, it makes it more difficult for people to block the call.

How To Block Debt Collector’s Calls

You should send them a debt validation letter as your first step. This will request that they provide proof of the debt, and cease all communication with you until they do so. You can find government-approved templates for this online.

Other Ways Debt Collectors Can Violate the FDCPA

Although hiding their phone number isn’t illegal, there are still many things prohibited by the FDCPA that debt collectors can’t do. This includes making false, deceptive, or misleading representations when trying to collect a debt. The following is a list of examples of such conduct that would violate this section:

1. The use of any badge, uniform, or facsimile thereof that falsely implies the debt collector is affiliated with the United States or any State.

2. Any attempt to collect a debt through fraudulent means is illegal. This includes falsely representing the character, amount, or legal status of the debt, or receiving compensation for services rendered in the collection of the debt.

3. Any communication that gives the impression that it is from an attorney when it is not, is considered a false representation.

4. Debt collectors and creditors cannot lawfully threaten to arrest or imprison someone or seize, garnish, attach, or sell their property or wages unless they actually intend to do so.

5. The false representation or implication that a sale, referral, or other transfer of any interest in a debt shall cause the consumer to lose any claim or defense to payment of the debt; or become subject to any practice prohibited by this subchapter.

6. The consumer is falsely accused of committing a crime or other misconduct in order to disgrace the consumer.

7. It is illegal to communicate false credit information to any person, including failing to mention that a debt is disputed. This can be done through oral or written means and can result in penalties.

8. The use or distribution of any false or misleading communication which is made to look like it is authorized, issued, or approved by a court, official, or agency of the United States or any State, with the intention of creating a false impression.

9. The use of any false representation or deceptive means for the purpose of collecting a debt or obtaining information about a consumer is prohibited.

10. If you’re contacted by a debt collector, they are required to disclose that they are collecting a debt and that any information obtained will be used for that purpose. They must also disclose this in subsequent communications. This doesn’t apply to formal pleadings made as part of legal action.

11. Fraudulent misrepresentation of accounts as having been turned over to innocent purchasers for value.

12. Documents that are falsely represented or implied to be legal processes can cause major problems.

13. Any use of a fictitious name by a debt collector is strictly prohibited. This includes using any business, company, or organization name other than the true name of the debt collector’s business, company, or organization.

14. Fraudulent documents are those that appear to be legal process forms or require action by the consumer but are actually fake. This can be a serious problem if the consumer relies on the document and takes action based on its content.

15. The deliberate misrepresentation of documents as not being legal process forms, or not requiring consumer action, is misleading and unfair. This can lead to serious consequences for the unsuspecting individual.

16. A debt collector may not falsely imply that they are a consumer reporting agency as defined by section 1681a(f) of this title.

So, the next time you get a call from an unknown number and it turns out to be a debt collector, don’t be intimidated. Just remember that they’re blocking their number because they know it intimidates people, and you have every right to ask them to stop calling. And if they persist after you’ve asked nicely, then it might be time to reach out for some help.

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