If you believe that the debt in question is not yours, in most cases you simply need to notify the collection agency. The debt collectors are just trying to do their job, and continuing to call a person that is not linked to the debt they are trying to collect will benefit no one. Sometimes this can be done over the phone, but if you are greeted by an automatic menu system it can be difficult to get in touch with the right person. The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau recommends that you write a letter to the agency explaining the error and provide any evidence you have that the debt is not yours. Using this method will give you a dated record of the request, should any problems arise in the future.
Remember, whether you own the debt or not, your rights against harassment are still protected in the FDCPA.
