This number—833-493-4020—has been pinging phones across the U.S. for years now. People get calls from it at random hours. It says it’s looking for someone named Michael J. Bowler. Or sometimes just jumps into a message asking you to press 1 or 2. Most don’t recognize the name. Most didn’t ask for this call. And when you Google it, the rabbit hole begins.
So let’s break this down plainly. What is 833-493-4020? Who’s behind it? And what should you actually do if it won’t stop calling?
It’s a Robocall. A Persistent One.
The first and most consistent thing reported across multiple tracking platforms—Nomorobo, 800notes, Tellows, and RoboKiller—is that this number uses automated messages. No real person on the other side, at least not right away.
Here’s the script Nomorobo has documented:
“Hello. We need to speak with Michael J Bowler. If you are Michael J Bowler, press 1. If you are not, press 2 to have your number removed.”
Seems straightforward. But what happens when people press 1? Usually nothing. Or a hold tone. Sometimes they get a new voice asking for personal info. Other times the line just hangs up. That alone sets off red flags.
Tied to Franciscan Health or Medical Collections
This number isn’t always random. According to dozens of users on 800notes and YouMail, the calls appear linked to Franciscan Health—a real healthcare network based in the Midwest.
Several people report getting these calls after visiting a Franciscan Health facility or having an outstanding bill. It’s being used, apparently, by a debt collection agency working on behalf of the hospital. That doesn’t mean it’s always calling the right person. And it definitely doesn’t mean the process is being handled well.
If you’ve never been to a Franciscan location, chances are they have the wrong number. Or you got caught up in a recycled number scenario—where your new phone number used to belong to someone else with medical debt.
Frequency and Volume of Calls
According to RoboKiller, over 23,000 calls have been made from this number. That’s not low. And people don’t report receiving a single call—they get them repeatedly. Days in a row. Sometimes even after pressing the “opt-out” key or asking to be removed.
In one case, a user said:
“I’ve pressed 2 every time. They still call. No one answers. Total harassment.”
So the system doesn’t seem very responsive, and the automation appears to loop indefinitely unless blocked.
Is It a Scam?
Here’s where things get complicated. There’s no direct evidence that 833-493-4020 is a scam. If it is associated with Franciscan Health or a third-party collector, it may technically be legitimate—at least in terms of origin.
BUT—and it’s a big but—the way they operate mimics scam tactics:
- Automated robocalls without human follow-up.
- Requesting sensitive personal info before identifying themselves.
- No verifiable letter or written statement, which is required under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
- Vague and non-transparent caller ID.
If it feels like a scam and acts like one, most people will treat it as such. And rightfully so.
Common Complaints About 833-493-4020
- Silent calls: Many say they answer and hear nothing.
- Calls multiple times a day: Even after requesting removal.
- Wrong person targeted: Never heard of Michael J. Bowler? You’re not alone.
- Asks for private information: Birth date, SSN, address.
- No call-back success: If you try to return the call, it either doesn’t connect or leads nowhere.
- Spoofing suspicions: Some suspect the number might be spoofed by scammers using Franciscan’s name.
How to Handle It
Here’s what to do if 833-493-4020 won’t leave you alone:
Pressing “1” or “2” confirms your number is active. That can increase robocall volume over time.
2. Block the number.
Use your phone’s built-in block feature. Or install a robocall blocker like Nomorobo, Hiya, or Truecaller.
3. Don’t give out any personal details.
Even if they claim to be calling from a hospital. Ask for a mailing address. Legitimate debt collectors must provide a written statement.
4. Check your own medical bills.
If you’ve used Franciscan Health services, call them directly—don’t use the number that called you. Use a number from a bill or their website.
5. Report the number.
If you think it’s spam or abusive, report it to the FTC via donotcall.gov or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
When It Gets Weird: Michael J. Bowler
This name keeps coming up. But it’s not always tied to real accounts. Several users with no connection to Bowler keep getting called. That opens the possibility that the name itself is being used as a placeholder. Maybe the system dials randomly and reads the same name every time. Maybe not.
If your name is Michael J. Bowler, you might want to call Franciscan Health directly. Everyone else—just ignore it.
FAQs
Is 833-493-4020 a scam?
Not necessarily. But it uses robocall tactics that look like scams. And it’s handled in a shady way.
Can I get in legal trouble if I ignore it?
No. If they have real debt to collect, you’ll get something in writing. Calls alone don’t mean anything legally binding.
How do I stop it permanently?
Block the number. Use apps like Nomorobo. If it’s legit, request written validation. If it’s not, ignore it and report it.
Can this number steal my info?
Only if you give it away. Don’t share anything like your address, birth date, or Social Security number over the phone.
Conclusion
833-493-4020 is a repeat caller that frustrates thousands. It might be a third-party collector working for Franciscan Health. Or it might be a spoofed number imitating a legitimate entity. Either way, it’s operating in a way that’s hard to trust. Calls are automated, aggressive, and often pointless.
The best action? Don’t engage. Block the number. Report it. And don’t hand over your personal information to a voice on the line that won’t even tell you who they are.
Author: James
