Why am I suddenly getting loan or debt calls?

Usually because your number is on a marketing list. Different lists have different off switches, so it helps to know which kind of call you are getting.

Sales calls offering a loan or "preapproval"

Lenders can get lists of people from the credit bureaus. The CFPB: Credit card issuers, auto finance companies, and other lenders or insurers can ask the credit reporting companies for a list of names and addresses of individuals who meet certain criteria (CFPB). You can opt out of those lists at OptOutPrescreen.com or 1-888-567-8688. The FTC says that will stop only prescreened offers that are based on lists from the major credit bureaus (FTC).

People-search sites and data brokers also sell contact details (FTC). The opt-out tracker on the main page links to each site's own opt-out page.

Offers of business funding are a market of their own. An FTC staff report notes that merchant cash advance providers often rely on large networks of brokers and lead generators who market through telemarketing (FTC staff report).

Recorded messages

The FTC: A robocall trying to sell you something is illegal unless the company trying to sell you something got written permission, directly from you, to call you that way. It also says robocalls that try to sell you services to lower your debt are illegal and are almost always scams (FTC).

Calls about a debt you actually owe

A real debt collector follows different rules. The CFPB: You have the right to tell a debt collector to stop contacting you. and Keep in mind, though, that you could still owe the debt. It publishes sample letters for this (CFPB).

Calls offering to settle or reduce your debts

The FTC warns about debt relief and credit repair pitches, and its Telemarketing Sales Rule bars companies that sell debt relief by phone from charging before they have settled or changed at least one of your debts (FTC).