Getting a new phone number doesn't work because collections agencies use a skip tracer called TLO, which uses Transunion's database. One of the best things you can do is buy a burner phone and leave a fake name as your voicemail. When I hear a name that isn't the person I'm looking for, I stop calling it.
It definitely works to get a new phone number but you can't report your phone number to your banks or any credit application- just your friends. It's easier just to keep your current number and convince the creditors it's not you. A burner phone would not work because they already have your old phone number, so the new phone does nothing. The voicemail thing also works if you leave the generic, non-personalized, default but just answer saying you are somebody else. Even if they don't believe you, it stops them from being able to fact find on you. It's just an awkward show down. "Welp, I'm not that person - so have a nice day."
We operate on volume. Saying "I'm not John Smith" will get me to remove your number, but another agency might add it again later.
Tell them the same thing, then. You people think you're so smart but somebody with a learning disability can spot you a mile away before you even speak one word into the phone.
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