A call from 602-598-8606 is highly likely from a debt collection agency. This number has been frequently reported by consumers as being used by collectors attempting to recover various types of debt. The impact on your financial health is direct and severe. When a debt is placed with a collection agency, a new negative entry is created on your credit report. This collections account is a major derogatory mark that can cause a significant drop in your credit score. A lower score signals to lenders that you are a higher-risk borrower, leading to difficulties in securing loans, credit cards, apartments, and even some jobs, often accompanied by much higher interest rates. Ignoring these calls will not stop the damage; it often results in the debt remaining on your report for the full seven-year period and increases the risk of the agency escalating its efforts through a lawsuit.
While this number is associated with legitimate debt collection activity, scammers frequently "spoof" (fake) legitimate numbers to trick you. Therefore, verification is essential before acknowledging any debt or providing personal information.
Steps to Verify Legitimacy:
You are protected from harassment by the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). To stop unwanted calls, you must take formal, documented action.
Action Plan to Stop Harassment:
Blocking the number may provide temporary relief but is a risky strategy. Ignoring a debt collector will not make the debt disappear and can lead to a lawsuit and a default judgment against you, which can result in wage garnishment or a bank levy.
A more strategic approach is to:
Yes. If the debt is valid, substantial, and within your state's statute of limitations, the agency behind this number has the legal right to sue you for the balance. Ignoring a lawsuit summons will result in a default judgment against you, granting them the power to use aggressive collection methods.
Key Considerations:
Legitimate debt collectors obtain personal information (name, address, SSN, account details) from the original creditor when they purchase or are assigned the debt. This is standard practice. While they already have this data, you should never confirm or provide additional sensitive information over the phone until you have validated the debt in writing.
This number has been reported in connection with the collection of various unsecured consumer debts, commonly including:
The most reliable method is twofold:
Your primary protections are federal laws:
Online forums and complaint boards contain numerous reports about this number. Common themes include persistent calling, attempts to collect on various types of debt, and frustration with the collection process. These sources can provide insight into the collector's behavior but should be weighed with caution, as individual experiences vary.
Yes. A collections account is one of the most damaging items on your credit report. Removing it is crucial because:
1. What is a "pay-for-delete" and how do I negotiate it?
A "pay-for-delete" is a negotiation where you offer to pay the debt (often for less than the full amount) in exchange for the collector completely removing the collections account from your credit report. This is the ideal outcome. The key is to get the agreement in writing from them before you send any payment.
2. I paid the collection agency. Why is it still on my credit report?
Paying a collections debt does not automatically remove it. The account will be updated to a "paid collection" status, which is slightly less harmful but still a major negative. This is why negotiating deletion before payment is critical. After payment, your option is to wait for it to fall off your report after seven years.
3. The debt is old and past my state's statute of limitations. What should I do?
If the debt is time-barred, they cannot successfully sue you. Be extremely careful—if you make even a partial payment or verbally acknowledge the debt, you could accidentally "revive" it, restarting the statute of limitations clock. You can send them a letter stating that the debt is time-barred and demanding they cease contact.
4. What if the debt isn't mine or is a result of identity theft?
If the debt is not yours, you must dispute it immediately. Send a dispute letter to the collection agency and to the three national credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). If it's identity theft, include a copy of your FTC Identity Theft Report and a police report. They are required to investigate and remove the inaccurate information.
5. Should I hire a lawyer to deal with this collector?
Consulting with a consumer protection attorney is highly recommended if: you are being sued, the harassment continues after a cease and desist letter, or your rights under the FDCPA/FCRA have been violated. Many attorneys offer free consultations and may take cases on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless they win.