Wouldn’t doubt if bill collectors is one of the top reasons. I would also think they would be really hard to get them to stop calling you. I would guess bill collectors are used to getting lied to. They probably don’t believe the person when they say they are someone else. I would also think if I was getting calls I am not sure how much info I would give to creditors in fear that they are not really who they say they are and trying to get info on me.
Another big reason is crazy ex’s or just people that won’t leave you alone.
My reason was a bit different. I had to change my last number after I keep getting calls from jail. I got a new number and then about 6 months latter some crazy old lady started to call me. Thought about changing the number again but just put a bizarre voice mail message on my number and the calls stopped.
After annoying bill collectors would not believe me when I told them repeatedly that I am NOT the guy they were looking for, I got tired of the harassment and bought a whistle.
Next annoying call (and they were getting rude), I whistled LOUDLY into the phone.
No further calls.