What to Do When Fake Debt Collection Scammers Call
I got a phone call message which said someone would be by my home and place of employment to give me a summons. That kinda startled me. Then later I called the number back and spoke with someone. They said I had this old debt, I told them that I never had such a card. They then told me that I should be getting served a summons and would need to fill out my court documents. But, if that happen yet I could settle over the phone for .50 on the dollar.
They didn't know who was supposed to serve me (sheriff) and didn't even know where I lived. They just rattled off addresses.
They kept threatening that the court date would be set as soon as the guy showed up at my house.
In haste I made a payment in full (reduced amount of course) to settle and not go to court!
Thinking back, they totally got me! I totally drew a blank on the SOL.
What tricked me the most was they said I, or someone, had made payments for the last 10 years... Yeah right!
So what do you the best course of action is here? I paid on a credit card and was just going to pay it off (keeping a zero balance is habit now).
Should I cancel the payment? Did I screw up the SOL?
They also emailed me a contract but I haven't read it so haven't signed it.
I was thinking to reply that they need to state they won't take me to court and that they have called off the summons... Basically get them to admit to their illegal bullying threats so I could collect the fines from them.
What do you advise? Thanks.
Was I just scammed by a debt collector? What can I do now?
—TJ
Short answer
Never pay a debt collector who opens with a same day threat, mentions your arrest, calls themselves an investigator, or will not name the company they work for. Those are the marks of a fake. Take notes, file complaints, and speak with a consumer lawyer before you send anyone money.
Key points on this page
- A same day “or else”, such as being sued today or served at work, paired with an offer to stop it if you pay right now, is very likely a scam. Real collectors and process servers just show up.
- Any mention of arrest is a red flag. Unpaid credit cards do not lead to arrest. A bench warrant can only follow a failure to obey a court order, such as missing an asset discovery hearing, and collectors do not call to tell you about that.
- Anyone calling themselves an investigator, or threatening to involve one, is using an intimidation tactic. Properly trained collectors cannot act in a false or misleading way.
- Collectors are required to tell you who they work for and what debt they are calling about. Any hesitation or failure to identify themselves is a huge red flag.
- Scammers get real details from social networks, purchased consumer data, or a hacked collection system, so the debt they name may be one you actually recognize.
- If in doubt: take notes with names, dates and times, capture the caller number, keep any voicemail, file complaints with your state Attorney General and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, talk to an experienced consumer lawyer, and do not set up any payment.
Believe it or not, there are varying degrees of debt collection scams. And it is because of these differences, my feedback to people who interact on this, and other sites I participate on, can change. I wish things were more cut and dry, but because licensed and bonded debt collectors can say and do the darnedest things, even when they are collecting legitimate debts, there are blurred lines. Add to that the fact that fake debt collectors continue to get better at… faking it, things can become less clear.
What to do, and how to go about doing it, when you suspect you are being called by an outright debt collection rip off artist, can be different than when you are dealing with a debt collector crossing the line with their unprofessional actions. I am going to focus on the fakers first.
When Fake Debt Collectors Call You
There has been a rash of fake debt collection scams of late. Ten years ago it was not something I would run into. Nowadays, between my site, and many others that are part of my daily activity and news feed, I see a reference to some fake debt collector on a near daily basis. And some of what I see shows that the scam is getting more sophisticated.
Here are some things to look out for from a debt collection scam phone call.
- The debt collector opens the call with an immediate sense of urgency statement. This would mean saying something with an or else that packs a punch, like; you are going to be sued later today if we cannot get a payment set up right now; there is someone coming to your work to serve you a lawsuit.
Legitimate debt collectors and process servers do not make these threats. They just show up. The fact is, virtually any debt collection lawsuit that someone took the trouble to file, is going to serve you with it before talking word one about payments. That is just how that kind of escalated collection action works. There is such a low probability that a legitimate debt collector will both threaten you with an “or else” set to happen same day (or close to it), while simultaneously suggesting your payment will put a stop to it, that the chance of this being a fake debt collection scam are high.
- A debt collector mentions anything about your arrest.
There are very limited instances where you could be arrested for not paying an unpaid bill. Court fines and fees reach to that level, and so can unpaid child support, but unpaid credit cards and other types of debt do not. An exception could be if you were sued, and there is a legitimate judgment entered in the court. If there was an order from a judge that you did not follow, like appear for an asset discovery hearing, it is possible to have a bench warrant out there. But that would be for failure to comply with the courts order, not for lack of payment on a civil judgment. And debt collectors do not call you up to inform you of that in my experience.
- The debt collector refers to themselves as an investigator, or that they will contact the investigator on your case.
Debt collectors that are trained properly cannot act in a false or misleading manner in an effort to get you to pay. Referring to any investigator is awfully close to suggesting there is law enforcement involved in collecting the debt. This is an intimidation tactic. These kinds of words and phrases are not used by legitimate debt collectors.
- They will not name the collection company they are working for.
Debt collectors are required to inform you of who they work for, and the debt they are contacting you about. Any pause with, or failure to identify themselves clearly and immediately, is a huge red flag.
Debt Collection Scams are Getting Sophisticated
Some debt collection scams are designed for the quick cash. They need to scam as quick as they can using a few phone calls to their mark, or to your family members or work place. How is it that a fake collection scam can get the information they need to really cause you stress and pressure you to pay them something?
- They can learn about you, your family, friends and work place through social networks.
- Scam debt collectors with a higher level of sophistication can potentially purchase data about you directly from the credit reporting bureaus, or through a data aggregator or software company, just like legitimate debt collectors do today.
- A legitimate debt collector may have had your debt at one time. Perhaps they did not know their CMS or data management system was hacked, or files copied and sold to someone with a fake collection scam going.
In fact, the debt a scam collector may say you owe is something that could still show on your credit reports, or that once was on them. That is why you may recall the debt in the first place, and be susceptible to fork over some money to stop a fake lawsuit, arrest, or potential embarrassment.
Websites are now being published by some of the fake debt collection scams. When someone shares the name of the supposed collection scam company, I usually see what I can find online about them. I rarely see any company web presence. But more recently I am seeing some decently designed, but very basic websites with the scam company name, or something close to it as the URL. Legitimate debt collectors in this day and age have larger, more well put together web sites, and a strong web presence in general. Fake collectors websites that I have seen tend to have a home, about, and maybe one or two additional pages. The pages are skinny on any details and have no industry badging that you find on legitimate collection company sites.
When the Real Thing Looks Like a Fake
I was not kidding about some of the ways licensed and bonded debt collection agencies can be found to step over clear lines of consumer protection laws. It is not hard to understand why they do it. A real debt collector can have a real hard time getting paid when people are struggling to pay today’s bills, let alone pay for the past.
None of that excuses bad collection behavior, and it sure does not help public perception of debt collectors.
Real debt collectors may make empty threats about you being sued. These threats may not be as direct as the fake debt collectors, but the verbiage and tone that is used can be implied to the point that is what you think you heard an hour later.
Most legitimate debt collectors do not use “or else” type of threats to collect. They can be sued for these types of tactics.
In fact, virtually everything I mention that the fake debt collectors do, a real debt collector can and often will be sued for. The debt collection laws they would be breaking are both state and federal violations. Many consumer law attorneys will take these kinds of collection violations on at no charge to you, and instead are paid by the other side. This means all of their fees are covered. You could see some money back for your trouble too.
It is imperative for everyone who is harassed or abused by a debt collector to take action. You should connect with an experienced collections violation consumer law attorney. Post about your situation in the comments below and I can provide feedback and contact details to someone who can help you.
What to do About the Scam Debt Collector
You can legitimately owe a debt, but still be scammed, whether by real or fake collectors, so… when in doubt… never pay a debt collector making threats like I outline above. If you even have a whiff of concern the debt is not yours, too old to be collected, or that the collector contacting you is either a fake, or a collector willing to step over the legal lines and violate your rights, you should:
- Take good notes of any conversation.
- Write down names, dates, times.
- Capture the caller ID and/or write down any phone numbers they provided for return calls.
- Keep a copy of any voice mail recordings they left.
- File complaints with your state AG and with the CFPB when you have identified the collection company.
- Speak with an experienced consumer lawyer.
- Do not make, set up, or arrange for payments.
Having said all of that, I should mention again that most debt collectors you encounter are not going to be fake. They are not going to violate your rights. If you have a question about the legitimacy of a debt collector, or their behavior, lets talk about it in the comments below.
I reached out to the above reader offline to encourage getting those payments reversed. Hopefully he will share more about his experiences in the comments below.
Need some personalized help?
If you would like confidential help you can…
- ask a quick question here
- request a general debt consultation here
- get a settlement estimate here
- use the CRN Platform to settle your debts or find dedicated Debt Coach here
Not sure where to start? Click on the big blue “Get Debt Help” button.
About Michael BoveeMichael started CRN in 2004 with a mission to provide people in need with detailed debt and credit help and education. Michael has participated as an expert panelist in federal consumer protection rule making, collaborated on state law changes governing debt consolidation, has worked as an expert witness in court matters related to the debt relief industry. He is available to speak with you about your financial struggle and helps people resolve their debt problems daily.
Read up on the comments and something similar happened to me recently. Can you please look up a Jason Russo phone number 888-215-9833 and the collections agency number is 855-977-2125 representative’s name is David claimed I’m going to be served because of an old HSBC account from like 2006 requested documentation and they both came up with an excuse just for fun gave them my debit card info and set up a payment plan then rang my bank reported the card stolen told them what happened and they sent me a new a card took the info and said that they’d look into it and let me know if anything fishy came up they haven’t called me back yet today the david guy called me back from a restricted number left a different number and left me a voicemail saying actions speak louder than words and that he called trying to find out what happened and the actions part because I had my card reported as stolen I honestly have no issue paying anyone back just trying to make sure it’s not a scam and that it’s legit do you think this is a scam I couldn’t find anything on my credit report the lawyer guy did talk about how hsbc had sold their assets to another company blah blah blah he had my social old address info, etc what should I do
I moved your comment to this page about scams and fake debt collectors. Review the original article and some of the comments. I think you are dealing with one or the other.
Get them to tell you the name of the company that bought the debt and who they work for if you can. If you wanted to ignore them completely I wouldn’t blame you.
i believe it is also a scam a collector will not call from a blocked or private number and i am sure most states statue of limitations is under ten years mine (Indiana is 7 years) so you are safe there as well if they contact you again demand them to send something in the mail with their company name stating that you owe the money if they refuse on my behalf and the others please have some “fun” with them!!!!!!!!
i received a call claiming the same old credit card from bank one in 2002 for the amount $7,900.00 arguing with him he was serving me with papers and i would actually owe more around 34,000.00 would not send a paper from his collection agency stating that i owed and they where trying to collect he knew everything about me even my social security # and all family member names i have taken every step possible to farther protect myself and im poor enough he can only help my credit!!! so my advice to everyone else is do what i told him i was going to do “find me and i will wait on those papers” i hope they call back i have more i want to say to him he claimed to be working under the law office of julie anderson from California when i asked for proof or credentials im transferred to a mike slater fraud services he refused to send anything in the mail did not have my correct address and was very irritated when i mentioned attorney general office i also hope he calls back!!!!
Mr. Hover, this past Monday (Feb. 15, 2016) I received a phone call from a Collection Co. Called Zenco Collects. A woman ask me to speak to my husband and I ask who she was. She proceeded to tell me he was being advised of a court date in our local county regarding a debt he owes. I explained to her that I had gotten absolutely zero correspondence or previous phone calls regarding anything to do with this. She said that letters had been sent several times and that my husband’s wages could be garnished, liens on assets could occur, court fees, etc. if we didn’t agree to settle the debt that day. Every time I would ask logical and common sense questions, she would raise her voice. She said the debt was from a credit account, and when I told her my husband and I had taken bankruptcy in 2003, discharged in 2004, she said this debt was not included on that. I was literally scared to death not to settle with this company. I kept asking questions I needed answers for, but she finally told me I was “insulting” her and wasting her time. Then she transferred me to a “Mr. Lee” who continued to not answer my legitimate questions and told me we were free to go to court. I finally gave in and made payment via two credit cards that day, and when I got off the phone I was sick all over. I have never dealt with anything like this in my life, and I’m 62 years old. We placed all the debt we had, as far as credit accounts into the discharged bankruptcy, and that was discharged 12 years ago. I know in my heart we’ve been scammed, but I don’t know if we chalk it up to a lesson learned or if there are other options. Should I report this to someone? Should I get a lawyer and try to figure out what has happened? Is there any way to hold them responsible for trying to get money for debt we don’t owe? I have researched this since Monday. It sounds exactly like “Zombie” debt, which I had never heard of until now.! I checked our credit and there is no debt like this in our report. I have requested a certified copy of the original bankruptcy, but I won’t have it for several days. I have also learned that more than likely the SOL was out, even if we owed the debt. I believe that is 6 years in Tennessee. If you have any options you feel might help I would most sincerely appreciate your time. This is a nightmare I can’t wake up from. Many lessons learned on President’s Day 2016! I learned don’t pick up the phone when it’s a strange area code. I feel sick that this is going on everyday:( Thank you sir for any assistance
I moved your comment to this page about dealing with fake debt collectors and scams. Based on all that you shared in your comment I am of the opinion that is what you are dealing with.
Read the full article above and follow through on all of the action steps that make sense for you.
I received a call from Zenco today with exactly the same scenario; threat of a pending court date in 4 days as the result of a Chase audit and referral from their client DeVille Asset Management.
After two abrasive conversations and 15 minutes on hold, I was escalated to Mr. Lee who advised me to seek counsel and hung up on me. He started out sweet and chatty and then became hostile and accusatory. He told me that the call was being recorded, accused me of recording the call myself and wished me luck.
At no time would they explain the particulars of the debt which originated in 2010 (Chase/WaMu); allegedly for $5282,) which they offered to settle today for $2500.
What concerns me is they have my cell phone #, home address, employer, etc. I called the Superior and District Courts and nothing is on the calendar for the 29th and according to their on-line records there are no pending actions filed against me in the County Courts..
I was at work so can’t check my records but I believe this debt was settled through a previous collection agency (he says there were 6) as it does not show on my credit report as an open collection,.
I have never received anything in the mail from them although Mr. Lee basically called me a liar and told me I had. I have not been served papers but am now concerned they may. I will check my credit report and files tonight. Kinda ruined my day….
I would encourage you to call and speak with an experienced collection defense attorney in your state. Post a reply with where you live and I can send you an email with several attorneys with the experience you need.
Because there is a Chase account involved, that is of a certain vintage fitting the description of accounts included in the consent order Chase signed with the CFPB, a few things are noteworthy:
1. Chase data for accounts that went delinquent in your time frame is found suspect.
2. Debt buyers with accounts included in the CFPB complaint who sue would be highly unlikely to sue, and if suing, a skilled defense would point out the consent order the suspect data to the degree you have a fair chance at a dismissal.
3. Chase agreed to suppress credit reporting of accounts included in the consent order. That could be why you do not see any from them.
Zenco’s website is exactly the type I had in mind when I mentioned scammers putting up decent looking, but thin websites.
Be sure you have taken accurate notes with dates, times, names, etc., and consider filing that debt collection complaint with the CFPB.
Thank You; I am in Seattle and would appreciate a referral. This account was opened in 2005 and last payments made in April 2009 so it appears to be beyond Washington’s Stature of Limitations although I’m not sure that’s applicable.
I haven”t heard from then since they gave me a deadline of 2/29/16 to respond. I haven’t been served and no proceedings appear in the on-line court calendars. I appreciate the help; Best Wishes.
I sent you an email with contact details to an attorney on the eastern side that covers the state. He offers a no cost consult so take him up on that.
Hi Michael,
My friend is getting numerous phone calls and email from LTS Collections, LLC. I was wondering if it’s a scam or not. They say that she owes close to $1000 for streamenergy from 2006. Her family did have streamenergy but they are not sure what year. LTS said they sent mail concerning this debt to an address. But, they never lived at that address. My friend mistakenly had given her credit card info, but luckily she cancelled it the following morning after thinking through the phone call. So after cancelling the card, the debt collectors called again talking about how the card was declined and that she needed to set up a new payment method immediately. She told them she would if they sent a physical copy of everything to her address. They said they sent it last week but she never received anything. And now they won’t stop calling or emailing her. Please let me know your thoughts on this.
Thank you,
Sara
I would contact an experienced debt collection defense attorney in your state and ask for their feedback. Post the state this is going on in and I can email you contact details to any I know with the experience you need.
Houston, TX
I think I may have paid a fake debt collector – any advice on next steps?
If it were me I would immediately contact my bank and tell them what happened and that you want to reverse the charges, and for fraud if necessary.
Post more details in a comment reply as to what happened and the name of the company. It can help others.
Hi! I just received a phone call telling me that I needed to call a number they provided within 2 hours or I would be sued due to some disturbance, I called the number and it was Fillmore & Associates. They insisted that I owed over $1000 for a past phone bill from T Mobile- I had a T Mobile account like 10-12 years ago but I never owed any money. I did a quick google search and there were a lot of people on multiple sites claiming this “company” is a scam. Even I did owe money to T Mobile, wouldn’t it show up on my credit report? Wouldn’t the 7 years already have passed in which they could have sued me. I am confused and mad. I feel like they are trying to scam me and that makes me angry. Is there anything I can do to resolve this situation or anyone I contact to report them? Thank you for your time.
Follow the tips I give for reporting debt collection abuse and scams in the original article above.
Hi Micheal, I had a debt with cash net USA back in 2007. At the time Ilived in CA. I received a call about 2 months ago stating that cashnet USA was trying to sue me for $600 and press charges against me. I advised the lady that I could not pay that amount so she said if I paid $150 they would close the account and no further legal action would take place. I never received a notice about the charges or them trying to sue me. I contacted the BBB and the lady I spoke with said she could not find any information on the company that called. Yesterday I received another phone call they left a message that they had a complaint on me and that I was contacted before and the matter was not resolved. This was the last attempt and that I had 24hrs to return their call or I will get hit with papers to appear in court. My question is can they still take me to court and sue me? I called cashnet USA and they said it sounds like fraud.
I moved your comment to this page about debt collection scams because what you shared is very similar to I outline in the original Q&A above. Based on what you shared I believe you are being contacted by debt collection scammers. Follow some of the suggestions in the above piece and post updates if anything new comes up.
The name of the company was K&M F Group.
I sent you an email with contact details to 3 experienced consumer law attorneys in the Houston area. Let me know how you progress.
Hi, I also received a phone call from different ladies stating I owed a debt from back in 2005 from HSBC and if I did not pay they were going to show up at my place of business and home and sue me. And I had 24 hours to get back with them with a payment.
I am in Houston, Texas. Can you please refer me to an attorney I can discuss this matter with.
Thank you!
For the past 9 months, a man who only identifies himself as “Jeff” has been calling my cell phone from 4 different numbers claiming to be a debt collector. I have repeatedly asked him to identify his company and what the debt is but he refuses. I even called back on the 800 number he called from and a woman answered “operator?”. I asked what the company is and she refused to tell me saying that she “answers for multiple companies”. She then transferred me and that jeff guy answered. I demanded to know what this company is and he asked me for my phone number. When I refused, he said and I quote “If you won’t give me your phone number I can’t help you” and then hung up on me! This is obviously a scam, but this is getting ridiculous. I get calls from this man multiple times a week and I just let it go to voicemail now, but this is ridiculous. For 9 months, I have been getting at least one call a week from this guy and he won’t stop even after I told him the last time he called that I knew he was a fake. I told him straight up I know you’re not legitimate and I’m not going to EVER fall for your scam, he continues to call playing the debt collector role. What can I do? How can I get this man to stop calling me?
I’d also like to say that i googled all 4 numbers he’s calling from and they all link to a debt collection service called American Collection Services. After doing a LOT of research today AND finding their supposed address just down the street from me- I visited the “office”. It’s a run down building that doesn’t appear to have any business in it.
I would file a debt collection complaint with the CFPB with all of the details you have, and also talk to an experienced FDCPA violations attorney near you. If you post or email me the name of a large city nearby I can email you contact details to any I know of in the area.
I have never had a debt default but my ex son-in-law had one and an aggressive collection agency had my address and phone number as his residence and contact info. After a bunch of peace disturbing calls from this number I didn’t recognize I decided to answer to find out who/what they wanted. No matter what I told them they insisted I was him and a dead-beat of which being called a liar was insulting to say the least. When it got threatening (credit ruin, law suit, etc.) even though I did know where he could be contacted/found I kept quiet as my own little F-You. I got a message to him about the call and to never use my numbers for contact. I can’t imagine what it would feel like being the recipient of a call like that for a debt owed that couldn’t be immediately paid .I was in a position of power knowing they could do nothing to me. I wonder how successful filing a complaint against aggressive collection truly is when it would be my word against theirs.
I moved your comment to this page about collection scams. Review the above article and follow any of the suggestions to report the debt collector. You could encourage your son in law to do the same.
Nashville, TN
My sister in law received a phone call today asking for me from an unknown woman. This woman wanted to remind me that on Tuesday we were meeting at my house to sign some paperwork. First, I never talked to anyone about meeting at any time to sign any paperwork. Two, she never stated where she was from. Three, cant figure out how she got my sister in laws cell number. My sister in law called the number back and a man answered. He states that in 2011 I had taken out a loan at Ace Cash express and never paid the money back. I have no memory of this but it is possible since I was in a major financial situation that year. He claims he had sent me several emails which I never received. He said he was going to send me another today. I finally received it and the “letter” that was attached was dated with todays date, like they just typed it up. It was from Red Cedar Associates from Buffalo, NY. This is the first thing that I have received in 4 yrs concerning this account. Is this legitimate?
In your situation I would consult with an experienced collections violation attorney. Post the name of a nearby larger city and I will send you an email of any experienced ones I find that offer a no cost consultation to go over your rights and options.
I am posting the following comment on behalf of a reader who had called in for a consult and submitted the following:
“On November 17, 2015 I received a message to call 855-315-5042 leaving a case # regarding our son, who is an adult, age 32. When I called I asked who I was calling and the receptionist said Corporate Towers in Beverly Hills California. She asked me for the case number and with that she still could not tell me what company as they had many in the building. I was connected to a Mike Wells with American Financial Solutions, 8200 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 400 Beverly Hills CA. He said our son opened a credit card on 8/12/2002 and it was closed on April 29, 2006. There was a protection plan with the card in case of job loss, death etc. He stated they have tried to reach him. Our son works and lives overseas but does list our address as a mailing address. I look at all mail coming in and did not see anything. Mr. Wells also gave me his direct line 310-504-1704. He stated that he owes $4533.64 to Maryland National Bank for a credit card and this has been turned over to collections. Initially he implied that an attempt had been made to serve a court document but through the conversation he said that if I would hold he would call the attorney’s office to see if they would hold off for 24 hrs. They agreed to do that and settle for 2533.64. I did tell him our son works and lives overseas, he is not someone who doesn’t pay his bills. I would try to reach him and he granted 24 hr extension.
Mr. Wells said that they look at their credit and assets and don’t pursue those who cannot pay but those who can pay they do pursue.
He said that this was a civil law suit and if ruled in their favor they could garnish my son’s wages, put liens on property etc.
We are in Maryland and according to what I found online the statute of limitations on credit card debt is 3 years to sue but that doesn’t mean they couldn’t pursue this for 12 years from the date of last payment or closure and could be placed on his credit report
The credit card number they gave has never been listed on his credit report with Experian, so I don’t know if it was ever reported.
My concerns are, can they sue him and garnish wages etc. Can a credit company wait this long to put something on someone’s credit report.
If it is pursued would the filing of the court documents have to be in the county they believe he resides in. If they file it and they attempt to serve and obviously he cannot accept them since he is out of the county can they still move forward with the suit. Also does the court mail a copy so we would have a record of exactly what they are referring to.
When I asked for specific information on the credit card, other than the card #, dates opened/closed I couldn’t get any information from Mr. Wells. He said that was all in the attorney’s office.
If need be we will get a Power of Attorney from him but I need to know what to expect.
Mr. Wells called me last night as he hadn’t heard back from me as I had indicated we would take care of the debt if it was due.
My son’s credit is spotless on Experian so I don’t want anything to put a black mark on this.
Thank you for your assistance.”
I spoke with her today and the collector had gone on to call the debtors uncle and sister.
This kind of thing is brazen.
Hopefully she follows up with filing her complaints to the CFPB and her state attorney general.
I received information from this mike wells person today. He said he was with allied financial solutions though. It was preceded with the same call stating I had legal paperwork waiting. When I spoke with Mike wells, he told me I had a check that bounced to my doctors office (who I still see regularly) in October 2012. I told him I knew nothing of it. He said it was through sage payment solutions who handled their check service. The check was on a very old account I haven’t had in years and for $30.38. He said the process server was looking for me and I needed to pay over $530.00. I questioned extensively and put my doctors office on the phone as well. He said they would never have known because it went through sage payment solutions. He gave me a bank the bank account number used and the check number. My dr said I didn’t write a check for that amount and that this was a scam. To be safe and before I checked the laws and facts, I gave him a prepaid card number stating he could withdraw a settlement a week from this Friday of $103.38. The card has zero dollars on it and that is why I gave that card number. I figured if it was real, I could deposit the money but if a scam, I can just not fund the card. I received a letter asking me to sign and return via email. I have not signed. I am still digging but I cannot find anything on this company other than on this comment thread. Is there any way that this is a real debt?
I would not pay a thing. Even your doctor verified you have never paid a bill for that amount.
Check your credit reports to see if there is anything related to this on there.
Hi Michael, i am in Florida and received a call from Zenco Collections agency about a car i purchased in 2006 that was repossessed in 2006 due to job loss. The guy stated he was a legal assistant and that we would settle the debt for $2,000 if i could pay it by 11/30/15. If i couldn’t pay it then there would be a judgement placed against me and i’d have to pay the total of $4,500 that is left owed because i was never legally released from the contract. He also went on to say that the company i purchased the car through would definitely win the judgement and my wages would be garnished because i own no property. I told him that i was in nursing school and had no job and he told me that there are extensive background checks when you’re going for nursing (i guess in an attempt to scare me into paying). So my question is does this sound like a scam and can they legally go after me since it’s been 9 years since the car was repossessed?
The SOL to legitimately file a collection lawsuit has passed in Florida. The debt collector giving you the “pay now or else” and threatening to do something they are time barred from doing is a scam. Legitimate debt collectors do not do that. I would file complaints with regulators and move on. Double check nothing about an old debt like this is appearing on your credit reports any more. Post an update if you do see anything.
Will do. Thanks for your help.
I received a voice mail from same the guy i spoke with a few weeks ago that represents Zenco Collections and he was certainly ticked off. In the voice message he stated “TW you are definitely testing me”. I couldn’t help but find that funny. He also left a message last week stating that my deadline to agree on the lower settlement of $2,000 would be on November 30th. I have continued to receive calls past my “due date”. I think it is now safe to say that this was an attempt to scam me out of money.
Have you filed the complaints?
I have not but I will be sure to do that today.
We too are being harassed by Zenco. The lady today said she was with The Prosecutors office in the Criminal Division
Mike slater director of fraud recovery from harbourside called me saying that i hace and outstanding debt from 2006 and that they would settle out of court well i agreed to make a payment that following week after ive gotten some advice I decided not to pay well they just called me again saying they are going to contact the police in the county I live in so I til them to go ahead cause they are a scam and he told me to hang up on him i think i just made him mad
Hi Michael,
Today my mother received a call from a woman named Julie stating that I need to contact them within 2 hours and if they did not hear from me I would be served at her residence with legal papers and be taken to court. She said that she was from Dallas Court Courier, my mother asked her how she got her number and she told her it didn’t matter and then hung up on her. So my mother then called me.
I called the number back 1-855-251-0543 and spoke to a guy named Roland Shane. First he asked if I had been serve my papers yet, and I said no. He claimed that he was working on behalf of his client Summit Recovery Services, for an old HSBC credit card. He claimed that they sent me a letter a month ago stating that I had 30 days to respond or they would place a judgement against me, and but that they never received a response. I asked him what was the address that they sent it to, he had the correct street name and number but the incorrect apartment number. He said that the original amount that was charged off was $372 but it had earn interest at 32% so the balance was now $562 and if I didnt make a payment, they will sue me and then I will have to pay $3649 for the cast of debt, plus court and attorney fews. I stated that this was and old account and it was past the statue of limitations in Texas to collect. He said that it wasn’t because it was opened in 2005 but was not charged off until 2011. Which makes no sense because I am almost certain that I have not paid this card since probably sometime before 2007. So I am almost certain that it was charged off before that. The he tried to say the the collection agency that had it did not charge it off until 2011. So I then asked him who was he collecting this debt for, and he just kept saying “his client”. I said well who is your client, and he said that he told me that already and would not repeat himself. I asked again and he said his supervisors. Then he starts to get all snappy. So, I then asked what was the name of his company, and he said that his told me that already, which he did not. All he said was something about on behalf of Summit Recovery Services earlier in the conversation. So I asked if he would send me the papers again since I never received them the first time, and he said no, that the info would all be in the packet when I get served by the process server. I stated that I need to do more research before I pay anything and I had been laidoff and didnt have any money would need an written agreement. He said that I could not get a written agreement b/c until I made a payment and it would be on my payment reciept. And also I couldnt arrange payments because I did not have a job. So I then again asked him who he worked for and once again he said he told me that already and that I wasting his time and then hung up on me. I even called back to see if they would say the company name when they picked up, but they answered “corporate office”. I asked for the name of the company and then they guy asked for my file #, turns out its they same guy, and he still would not answer my question, so I just told him I would call back on Monday, and of course he said that they would put any legal action on hold until they hear from me on Monday.
This call left me very frustrated. So I decided to submit a complaint to CFPB website, but I was unable to put a company name but I did put the number on the complaint.
I then went to check my credit report and the HSBC is no longer listed on any of my credit reports, nor is Summit Recovery Services. But I did notice they was an inquiry a couple of days ago 11/2/15 from a company called Temescal Financial Services, there was an address but no number.
I tried searching the number (1-855-251-0543) that I called online but I could not find any results, but I did find results for 1-855-251-0541 (one digit difference) and the person who posted that number said it was from Temescal Financial Services also claiming to serve them with papers in 2 hours. I thought that was a huge coincidence.
So, am I correct in thinking that this is a scam?
And if so, what else do you suggest that I do?
Could the company be Temescal Finacial Services?
Thanks
I do think you were contacted by a debt collection scam. I would file a complaint with the Texas AG and include all the information you gathered after you filed with the CFPB. I would connect with an experienced collection abuse lawyer in your area and run the scenario by them, and include the credit inquiry information and what you found about Temescal Financial Services. See if there is something they suggest you do next.
Are you near Dallas? I can email you contact details to attorneys I know of in the area that offer a no cost consult.
Yes, I am near Dallas
I sent you an email with half a dozen attorneys in the area that have the experience you need. Let me know if anything develops with your complaints or with one of the attorney consults.
Thank you
I did call one of the attorneys that you emailed me but I have not heard back from them yet.
But after several calls back to the collector, I finally got a name from them Summit Recovery Services, exact same city as Temescal Financial Services.. I also did Debt Collector Search on the Texas Secretary of State website and found that there is no Summit Recovery Services listed with an active bond in Texas.
I stopped paying my credit card over 8 years ago. I received a call from Brookstone United Capital telling me that I needed to pay my credit card. They said if I didnt pay them they were going to take me to court. They also said that they had mailed me some paper work which I never got stating that I needed to pay them within 30 days or they would take me to court. Do I still have to pay them?
What state are you in Irene?
Texas
Your old credit card appears to be well past the Texas 4 year statute of limitations to file a legitimate collection lawsuit. I would highly recommend calling an experienced Texas consumer law attorney who focuses on collection abuse. You have a legitimate concern, and the consult will be no charge.
Post the name of a large city near you and I will email you attorney contact details to several I find in the area.
I live in El Paso Texas
I did not find a good contact for you in El Paso. But the attorney I did send you is highly experienced, and despite the distance, is in the same judicial district as you for federal cases. I would suggest you contact her and talk over the details.
Michael,
I was contacted today by a company claiming to be collecting an outstanding debt for The Cash Store. The collector called claiming to be Illinois Legal Services. They stated that I was being served Monday and that charges filed against me for this debt. I called the company back in a panic. My first mistake. I talked to them and I had taken a Liam our in 2006, but they claim this is from 2009. I know the 2006 loan was sent to legal bank in 2007. However, this company which goes by Clear Credit Resolutions, had a different amount that was outstanding. I initially thought it wss legit and was put on the spot to pay. I got my credit card info to pay, but they need me to sign an authorization to complete the payment. What should I do?
I would contact an experienced debt collection defense and/or FDCPA attorney and talk over the circumstances with them first. Post the name of a larger city near you and I will email you contact details to attorneys with the experience you want who I know offer a no cost consult too.
I’m near Chicago. But closer to Joliet.
I sent you an email with contact details to 3 attorneys with the experience you need. Please let me know how things go.
On September 24th, 2015, I was contacted by a man who said his name is Greg Wilson with Harbourside. He was trying to collect on a debt that was from 2008. This falls outside of the statute of limitations for debt collection in Alabama. He said they were sending the local police to my work. I told him I had not received any information from them in the mail. He proceeded to tell me that if I did not make an agreement with them that he would have to send the police to my work (again). So he asked me to pay $500 towards the balance and payments and I told him I could not afford that. He kept on forcefully attacking me to the point I was scared. I can’t have the police come to my place of employment. He asked for my credit card number to verify that I was going to pay it. He said they would not charge it until they got a paper back saying that I authorize it. I told him I needed to read the paper and I needed them to verify that it was my debt. He asked for my email address to send the verification to me as well as the letter. I received an email from Giovanni Mitchell with a contract. I did not receive the proof it was my debt. (I had never heard of the cc company he said he was with). I read the contract, talked to a lawyer about it. He told me not to sign it. I did not sign the contract, nor did I return it to them. I was advised to send them a letter stating to cease contact with me. On 9/28/15 I sent the cease letter via certified mail. I had the form for delivery acceptance mailed back to me. It was delivered to Harbourside on 10/8/15 and signed for by Christie Galvez. Then yesterday evening I received a call (after they received the cease letter a week before). I did not answer the phone because they called from a blocked number. He left a voicemail. He said his name was Mike Slater and he was with Harbourside ‘fraud’ dept. (I still have the vm saved). The call said that if I was going to send them a letter I should have gotten my information from a competent person. Told me it wasn’t past the statute because I made an agreement to pay (which I didn’t) and I gave them my email address. Also said that he was contacting the Birmingham Police Dept and if I wanted to call them to verify I could and proceeded to give me their phone number. I called the number and explained what was going on and they said that they couldn’t come to my work unless they were instructed to do so by the court. So, they have ignored my cease letter, threatened me with the police, called passed the statute of limitations & tried to collect on an old debt, and used abusive language with me. That I believe is 4 things that they are not allowed to do legally.
What can I do about them contacting me AFTER the cease letter?
I would suggest you immediately file a complaint with the CFPB.
I would also connect with an Alabama fair debt lawyer about your options. I can email you some contact details to some attorneys I know of that specialize in this area who also offer no cost consults. What is the name of a larger city near you?
Thanks Michael. I filed that complaint yesterday. I am close to Birmingham. These ppl are scums.
Give that attorney in Birmingham I emailed you a call. Let me know how it goes with the complaint and if you call the attorney too.
I got the same call from harbourside