How can I get my Co-workers to mind their own business?!?

I work in a call center with people ranging from ages 18+. It feels like I am in Highschool with all the rumours and backstabbing that goes in within the building. I keep personal tiffs and my business to myself but I am constantly badgered by people asking me about my personal life. I politely tell them "My personal life has nothing to do with my job and I would like only to discuss business related matter while I am here, please refrain from prying into my personal life". However, once said the rumours fly and the gaggle of woman on my floor are constantly making up reasons as to why I am not wanting to get into a discussion with them about my personal life. I have even had to go to HR to explain myself when rumours of Restraining orders I had supposedly placed on a co-worker were floating around! I said no such thing, but because of my refusal to speak on personal issues, the woman made up their own and it ended up in a defense war with my HR dept as to why the rumours started!

How can I get my co-workers to butt out of my business and mind their own? I am tired of constantly having to explain myself and retract rumours which have absolutely nothing to do with my employment! It has gotten to the point of my coming off as a cold-hearted witch at work that no one wants to talk to because I am too terrified to say anything for it may be taken out of context or just made up anyways! Help!

You are in the unfortunate position of having to defend yourself because you are professional. Others who are not have found that you make an easy target because you resist being drawn into their petty situations.

They will not change. This situation didn't happen overnight and you can't fix it. But, you can leave--and they will still be stuck in their pointless ruts.

It's time for you to move on since management is not supporting you properly. And, your coworkers know it.

In a way you are being harassed, but in such a way that you can't do anything about it so, before this situation affects you more, get out.

OMG, I am so sorry. That is not the way to solve this kind of issue. How untenable is that. Having to defend oneself from yet another confrontational situation?

Good--glad you quit. I'll bet you will now find a position that is right for you.
Brom Report It

Make up some seriously outrageous stuff - you were late because a herd of wild elephants came crashing through your home, you are tired today because you took a 7-hour tour of the martian spaceship that landed in your backyard last night, etc.

I think you should start looking for another job. If management cannot or will not provide a professional environment it is time to move on.

Why do you care what these idiots think or say. As long as your employer does not have a problem with you or you work, forget about it. These aren't people you want to have as friends.
If you are working in a call center, how does anyone have time to be chatting this m