I have a bill collector calling me that is trying to collect a debt that I do not owe. I read an article in my local newspaper that said debt collectors could freeze your bank accounts. Is this true? How likely is it that a debt collector would do this? How could I keep a debt collector from doing this if I don't want to pay the debt that they are claiming I owe?

If you have a debt collector bothering you, ** they will look for any person with similar names and just go after anyone hoping to get someone to pay.

But you write them a letter and state you do not owe the debt, ask for any verification of the debt, and that they do not contact you by phone on this matter again but only contact you in writing.

They will have to file a law suit against you, to get a judgement to freeze your bank account
In it you merely defend yourself, by proving it is not your debt ( well basiclyyou make them prove who it is, (

A collector can freeze your bank account IF they sue you and obtain a judgement against you. So you are a long way from that point. To obtain a judgement they have to file suit in court, you have to be served a summons informing you of the suit, they then have to have a hearing where they have to prove this is a valid debt for you.