[mszkoda]

You shouldn't need a lawyer, but it may require a couple hours of time (but not all at once).

The next time they call, tell them that the person they are looking for is a minor and you are their guardian and because of that you are required to speak on their behalf.

Immediately inform them that all further communication must be done in writing and that you are requesting that they validate the debt in writing. They are required by law to communicate in writing if you request it and to also validate the debt.

If the next letter from them is not a debt validation, you should send them a simple cease and desist response stating they have not validated the debt and may no longer contact you. Send it certified, return receipt requested. Keep a copy for yourself.

If it doesn't stop at that point, you will need a lawyer, but it will most likely be at no cost to you:

If they send you another letter or call you again attempting to collect, get their information and if you are inclined, contact a debt collection attorney. You would be able to sue them for up to $1,000 per incursion plus the fees from your lawyer. Provided you collected their information and have your initial letter, it should require very little time from you to go through the legal process.

[wool_gather]

+1 to this -- and I'll add that you can find decent sample legally-phrased "f••• off, idiots" letters on the web (they should cite a specific U.S. law that establishes the two requirements mentioned: communication in writing, and verification of the debt on demand -- I can't recall the law's citation number off the top of my head).