Got a question for y'all....

[estirose]

Okay, here's the situation: I got a new number when I moved, 'cause I changed exchanges when that happened. I had to give up a really good number, but I got a decently rememberable number in return.

Problem is, the former occupant of the number had some collection problems. And either a buddy or a collection agent who called late tonight. (I was on the 'puter, so I didn't get the call.)

Now, on my last number, all I had to contend with was the local union and the state retirement system having numbers close to mine, so all I had to do was explain in my message was that I was not either of these. (Whoever had that number before me apparently remembered to tell everyone they weren't at that number any more.)

How do I word this message so that this guy's friends (and collections folk) don't leave messages on my answering machine? My generic message, for safety reasons, doesn't give my name.

Anybody got any ideas?

Comments

[weirdweb.livejournal.com]

Maybe you could try my tactic for telling Blake Construction Company callers to go stuff it - don't give your full name, but add a note at the end saying that this is no longer the old user's number and you don't know what it's been changed to? Giving HIS full name shouldn't be a problem.

If collections agencies still call, CALL THEM BACK and tell them flat-out that this is the wrong number. Get bitchy and demand to talk to a manager. My dorm phone had a similar issue with a credit card company harassing us and not getting the fact that "Angel" no longer had our number until I nearly took someone's head off over the phone for calling at 5:30 (the 9th time we'd told them where to stick it) on a Saturday morning. These kind of agencies expect evasion, but they will pay attention to outright screaming. And really, if they doubt your claim, all you have to do is tell a manager to LOOK IN A RECENT PHONE BOOK if you're listed. :)

What Mandi said!

[tptigger.livejournal.com]

Is there any reason you don't give your first name?

But Mandi's idea works. :) So and so no longer uses this number.

[altrn8realities.livejournal.com]

I second what Mandi said. First of all, definitely change your message to append the information to the end stating that "If you are calling for MR SMITH, he is no longer at this number and I am no acquaintance or relation."

Then to follow up as least with the Collection Agencies, call them and tell them that he is not at that number; tell them that it is your number, that you don't know him and never have and that you are requesting that they never call again and that if they do it will be tantamount to harassment and you will report them to the FTC.