Why am I getting calls about debt?

But why do debt collectors call? You typically only receive collection calls when you owe a debt. Collection agencies buy past-due debts from creditors or other businesses and attempt to get you to repay them. When debt collectors call you, it’s important to respond in ways that will protect your legal rights.

What do I do if I answer a spam call?

Finally, contact the FTC to report your experience. You can do that online at ftc.gov or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP. To learn more about illegal robocalls and what the FTC is doing to stop them, visit That’s

What to do if you get a call from a debt collector?

A debt collector has to send you that information within five days of contacting you. If you know you owe a debt, call the business you owe. Ask them if they sold your debt to a collector, or hired a company to collect the debt. Ask them if the company that called you is working for them.

What to do if you get a phone call from the IRS?

Hang up and call a phone number you can verify online, says Sileo. This scenario is similar to this call that almost always means you’re about to be scammed. The IRS will never call, but your bank might, which makes it harder to figure out if it’s the real deal.

What should I do if someone asks for my phone number?

Legitimate collectors will provide this information. Don’t give additional personal information. The collector might ask you to confirm personal information. If the collector has the wrong information, like an address or phone number you’ve never used, don’t correct the mistake with the right information.

What happens if you call back a call from an unknown number?

Calling back verifies your number belongs to a real person, plus shows you’re the type of person who will return a call from an unknown number, says Velasquez. Now you’re at risk for scammers to call back another time, she says. Even if a real person does answer, keep your wits about you, says Sileo.