WHEN DEBT COLLECTORS CALL FOR SOMEONE ELSE’S MISTAKE — Why It Could Be Identity Theft
Collection Calls You Don’t Recognize? R23 Law’s California Identity Theft Lawyers Know What to Do Next.
Credit Damage from Phantom Debts? You’re Not Alone
If you’re receiving collection calls about bills you don’t recognize, it may be more than a clerical error. In many cases, it’s the first red flag of identity theft—a growing threat to California consumers. With identity fraud losses totaling over $1.6 billion in recent years, the consequences are often deeper than financial stress. You could be facing:
Damaged credit scores
Denied loan applications
Reputational harm
Legal obligations for debts that aren’t yours
At R23 Law, we help consumers across California fight back with legal tools grounded in the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, and California’s Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act (CCRAA).
What Identity Theft Looks Like (Before You Even Know It Happened)
Many victims don’t realize their identity has been stolen until:
They’re denied credit
They receive calls from debt collectors
They see unexplained activity on a credit report
They get bills for unfamiliar purchases
Thieves often apply for credit cards, personal loans, or store accounts using stolen personal information. Once approved, they charge up balances and vanish, leaving you to deal with the aftermath.
If collectors are calling about accounts you never opened—or debts you never agreed to pay—you may be dealing with identity theft.
4 Immediate Steps to Take When Debt Collectors Call About Fraudulent Accounts
R23 Law’s California Identity Theft Victim Lawyers recommend taking the following actions:
1. Gather Information
Ask the debt collector for:
The business they represent
The amount owed
Who the debt is supposedly owed to
Never agree to pay or acknowledge the debt until you’ve confirmed its legitimacy.
2. Don’t Confirm or Correct Personal Info
Collectors may ask to “verify” your name, address, or phone number. Resist the urge to confirm—you could inadvertently tie yourself to someone else’s debt.
3. Request a Validation Notice
Under federal law, collectors must send a written validation notice if you request it. This outlines who the original creditor is and why they believe you owe the debt. This is critical in identifying potential fraud.
4. Get Legal Help
R23 Law’s attorneys can intervene with credit bureaus, debt collectors, and even file lawsuits when your rights under the FCRA or California consumer protection laws have been violated.
California Consumer Protection Laws Are On Your Side
Whether your credit has tanked or you’re fending off aggressive collectors, you don’t have to face this alone. R23 Law’s experienced legal team has successfully helped California residents:
Dispute false debts under federal and state law
Remove fraudulent accounts from credit reports
Pursue damages for FCRA and CCRAA violations
File identity theft affidavits and police reports as needed
We’ve represented clients dealing with everything from credit card fraud to medical identity theft to auto loans opened in their name—and we do it with compassion, precision, and legal firepower.
Real Consequences Deserve Real Action—Let’s Get Your Credit Back on Track
If you’ve received collection calls for accounts you never opened or debts you never owed, don’t wait.
📞 Call R23 Law’s California Identity Theft Victim Lawyers today
💻 Or contact us online for a free consultation
Let’s make sure your name, credit, and peace of mind are fully restored.
