The debt collection industry has been a steady source of complaints to Clark’s show. That’s due, in part, to the fact that the debt collection industry is in a major growth phase right now. They have new tactics in buying up obsolete and uncollectible debt from banks. They offer those banks money to have the right to collect on debt that’s been around for years. Clark refers to these outfits as scavenger collectors because they end up making 12 or 13 cents on every penny they pay to the banks. The problem is that employees break the law to collect the debt. The law is called the “Fair Debt Collection Practices Act” and it prevents collectors from mistreating you in any way, including calling you if you don’t want them to. Even worse, these scavenger collectors go after people who don’t owe a debt. They simply pick on people who have similar names to those who owe money. So, you definitely should not be harassed by these people in that case. To ensure you are not, record the calls and let the collectors know they are being recorded. Tell them they are in violation of the law by calling you and you will sue them under that law if they contact you again.