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I still remember the first time I saw 9738697101 pop up on my phone screen. I was mid-bite into a perfectly toasted bagel, and my phone started buzzing like it had urgent news to deliver.
The number looked random, and something about it felt… off. I let it go to voicemail, and thank goodness I did. That tiny moment of hesitation saved me from what could’ve been a giant headache.
If you’ve been getting calls from this number too, I’ve been there—and I can walk you through what I learned, what worked, and how you can protect yourself without losing your mind.
When I first Googled 9738697101, I found that many people link it to Portfolio Recovery Services, a known debt collection agency.
The mention even popped up on A. Gruss Law Firm, which specializes in consumer protection and has dealt with cases involving this agency before.
It helped to know the basics:
Detail | Info |
Area code | 973 (Northern New Jersey) |
Possible formats | +1 9738697101 / 1-973-869-7101 / 973.869.7101 |
Reported purpose | Debt collection calls |
Knowing that it’s linked to a collection agency doesn’t mean you actually owe them anything. Scammers love to pose as legitimate companies, so it’s important to stay calm and smart.
Here’s what I noticed right away—scammers thrive on pressure. If someone from 9738697101 calls and starts threatening you or demanding immediate payment, that’s a huge red flag.
Real collectors must follow the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act in the U.S. That means they can’t harass you, curse at you, or threaten you.
If they do, they’re breaking the law. And if they ask for your bank details, Social Security number, or credit card info, hang up. Sharing that kind of information could open the door to identity theft.
I made the mistake of answering once. The caller wouldn’t even tell me who the original creditor was. That was my sign to back away fast and never answer again.
The first thing I did—and I recommend this—was stop answering. Answering can actually make the calls more frequent because it confirms your number is active.
Then, I blocked it. It took two seconds on my phone’s call log, and the peace was immediate. If your phone has a “report as spam” option, use it. This helps warn other people too.
If the calls get aggressive or they call from different numbers, reach out to a consumer protection lawyer. Firms like A. Gruss Law Firm offer free case reviews.
And here’s a perk: many of these lawyers get paid by the collector if your rights have been violated, so you won’t be stuck with a bill.
Just because someone calls from 9738697101 doesn’t mean the debt is real. I learned to always ask for proof.
You have the right to request written validation of the debt, which should include the amount owed and the name of the original creditor.
While you wait for that, check your credit report. In the U.S., you can get a free copy from each bureau at Annual Credit Report.
If nothing shows up, that’s another sign the call could be bogus. And if something does show up, you’ll know exactly who you’re dealing with.
Being proactive here saves you from paying money you don’t actually owe.
Here’s what worked for me and might help you breathe again:
Find the number in your call history and block it. That cuts off future attempts from that exact number.
Marking 9738697101 as spam on your phone’s dialer app helps alert other people. If enough of us do it, these numbers lose their power.
Where you report depends on where you live:
Following these steps turned my phone from chaos back into a calm little square of peace.
They might be trying to collect a debt—or it could be a scammer pretending to be Portfolio Recovery Services. If you don’t recognize the debt, don’t engage.
Block the number, request written proof, and check your credit report to confirm if the debt is real.
No. If the caller uses threats, abusive language, or nonstop calls, it can count as harassment under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Keep a log of the calls and report them to the Federal Trade Commission or contact a consumer protection lawyer for help.
It’s better not to. Answering confirms your number is active and might trigger more calls. If you must answer, don’t give personal or financial details. Instead, ask them to send official documentation about the alleged debt.
If the debt is valid, work directly with the collector—but only after they send written proof. Set up a payment plan in writing and keep records of all communications. If you feel unsure, get advice from a consumer protection attorney first.
Dealing with 9738697101 made me realize how easy it is to get caught off guard by scammy or aggressive debt calls.
But once I stopped answering, blocked the number, and checked my credit, I felt like I had control again.
If you’re getting calls from this number, protect your peace. Block it, report it, and demand written proof before you even think about paying anything. And trust your gut—if something feels shady, it probably is.
Your phone should be for brunch plans and cute dog photos, not stress. Guard it like the little happiness box it is.