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Caller ID Spoofing A Debt Collector Trick


A debt collector can use caller ID spoofing to make a fake caller ID message appear on a debtors phone. Debt collectors may be reluctant to answer the phone when a caller ID display might resemble a collection agency. Caller ID spoofing is one of many tactics a debt collector has available to initiate communication with the debtor. By using caller ID spoofing, a debt collector can arrange the debtors own home phone number, or any other phone number, to appear in the caller ID box. The practice more than often catches the debtor by surprise; they think they’re about to hear their wife, children, girlfriend or boyfriend on the phone, only to be surprised by the debt collector. I can only imagine the humor debt collectors experience when they catch their debtor by surprise.



How do you stop a debt collector from using caller ID spoofing? A debt collector can convey information to you concerning a debt through numerous mediums; including fax, telegram and written communication; however, a debt collector may not send you a debt collection postcard. To stop a debt collector from using caller ID spoofing, send a letter to the debt collector requesting them to cease further phone communication with you. All further communication with you should be written. Also inform the debt collector that if they don’t honor your request, you’ll be force to terminate all communication pursuant the Fair Debt Collections Act (FDCPA) section 805(b).



At this time, caller ID spoofing by debt collectors has not be criminalized; hence, if you own a debt, don’t be surprised in the near future if you receive a call from a debt collector originating from your home phone.

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