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
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.
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.
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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.
Currently I have been receiving calls from a “central mediation services” they have contacted my daughter, myself and my mother so far in the last 2 days saying that they’re coming to my home or work place to serve a subpoena then if I want anymore information I need to call this 800 number. I’ve contacted the police department in the location the area code and they said only the sheriff could do this. I’ve contacted the number and I end up getting into arguments and they hang up and then the “manager” will laugh and argue back and then hang up and I’ve yet to be informed of what it’s in regards to. I’ve never seen the company a day in my life. It’s causing distress on me and my family especially with someone leaving voicemails saying I’ve been running from the law when I have not and then concluding with their statement by calling me stubborn.
Received three robocall messages today… 12:34pm, 1:02pm, and 3:57pm. All three show different 1-800 numbers… 800-769-2216, 800-082-9834, and 800-253-2973. All three left the same cut-off message. “House so if you want any further information about this case please press one to get in tough with the officer at headquarters if we don’t receive a response from your side please be prepared to face the legal consequences as the issue will be extremely serious and time sensitive so press one to get in touch with the officer….”
Got a call from a blocked number today so I didn’t answer. They left a voice message and this is the transcript from the van. I called back the number they provided and a guy answered called Keith Allen. I gave him the referee number then he asked me if I have received any docuAttention this is ____________________ for ————this is Lauren calling with the process that we have a documentation that being issued out to the home premises for your cell if you will not be available to receive and signed off or do you have any further questions and or concerns on the pending action that may be filed against you it would be in the best interest you report to the issuing agent the legal department immediately affirm can be reached at 866-994-7603 number you will need to reference is 711_____your _______ to contact reassuring office may result in any further decisions to be made without your consent…”ments on that yet. I said no. He said he was going to connect me to the person handling my case. He placed me on hold for a very long time till I got tired, suspicious and hung up. They haven’t called back yet.
I’ve gotten this call too. They called me Friday as well. I haven’t called any number they’ve given me.
I get this call everyday: from 830-202-2396 ‘Process Division’ -This message is intended for ______contacting you from the process division. I received an order for you. It looks like two pending matters. Now unfortunately because I am unable to reach you by phone. I will be actively pursuing you at your place of employment and your residence. Your case number is ______. Press 1 if you would like to speak to a live representative or you can contact us at 702-751-2843.
I called spoke to a Gretchen Services at Process Division and they said if I need to pay $3000. or payments $173 will be garnish starting this 8/14/2019 from my employer. I said – I’ll wait for the papers she said no more papers will be send, – but I never got any papers.. she yelled and said well your wages will be garnish and hang up.
My family are getting false calles grom “National Location Services” saying that our county wants to locate me and serve me papers. My county knows where I live. I own a home and have a business licence. Servers don’t call asking for directions from family. Phone number they give 866-945-0571 and name of “company” doesn’t show up in google. I have reported this to the police and the DA.
Federal Location Services have been harassing me and my family. They left messages, sent txt and have called about four times today
Ugh me too! I called back and the women put words in my mouth and hung up on me. Then I called back and she went to hang up on me meanwhile saying have a good “debter’s” day. Asshole.
I received a call from a “No ID” phone number so of course I didn’t answer. Then they left a voice mail stating “I’m calling from the county courier service our office has been retained to deliver legal documentation to your property address this is regarding a pending action against …”. I called back with the CA number they gave me in the message and used the case number they told me to use. The lady said I had a bank acct. in 2009 that closed with a negative balance of $200 something and that now its $800 something before all the attorneys fees and courts fees which then brings my total to $2000 something. She said if I settled now she’d waive the fees and I only had to pay an amount of $500 something or have a payment plan set up of $200 something a month. I told her I couldn’t do anything without first speaking to my husband and she said well then I suggest you call your husband and then call me back and I said my husband does not get out of work until nine he is in meetings it’s impossible for me to call him and she said well I will give you 24 hours before the sheriff serves you with the summons after that I can’t help you she gave me her name first and last and her extension number part of it sounds legit but other parts are sending red flags to me. I even asked her how do I know she was legit or I’m being scammed and she said well you can call the bank corporate number In which she gave me and I did verify it and Collett and the bank said that since it’s 10 years old they probably don’t even have any information anymore and then if I owe them money they would have contacted me. Unfortunately though the department then I need to speak to him already left for the day so a gentleman from the bank is supposed to call me back tomorrow.
Follow up from yesterday. So I called the bank that my acct was sold to but it’s 10 years old they no longer had records. They said I do have rights and suggested that I request from this “collector” a proof of debt in writing. I immediately called the “collector” and she started off all nice saying yes we spoke yesterday I instantly said “I am requesting proof of debt in writing” her tone changed and she said “you are getting sued and the summons…” I cut her off and repeated my statement. To that she yelled “YOU ARE GETTING SUED!” and hung up. I’m almost sure it was a scam now.
Sounds like a scam debt collector to me Sharon.
That brought back my experience with the company that called me. Mine was also a bank account that went negative from 2009. I told them I would call them back the next day and when I did and asked for proof he said he wasn’t going to send proof and then said since I know the law so well then they’re going to process the information they had and my wedges will be garnished by August. I said but you will have to take me to court first and I still need proof. I then told him to stop calling me. He said he was going to process me and have me served and hung up…that was June 12th this year…today he called again (using a different number) and asked me if I wanted to pay by month on what I owed. I told him I thought I told you to stop calling. He said I just needed to hear that from you. I said I told you that last time you called. He got mad and yelled “Well I’m going to process you” and hung up. Each time he wanted me to pay that day or else I was going to get processed.
I got a call a few days ago, I didn’t answer cause I didn’t recognize the number. The voicemail was a robot voice, “Important documentation of an urgent nature has been excepted on behalf of (my maiden name). Previous attempts to deliver documents at the address on file has expired. In order to resolve this matter in (inaudible word) further action is required that you made contact with our offices at 1-844-332-5692 or press 2 to speak to our team”
So I called the number back but the call dropped. A few seconds later I get a restricted call and don’t answer. That voicemail said “This message is intended for (my maiden name). My name is Ms. Ray (or Ms. Reed) contacting you from the office of regional calling because I received a missed call from this number resulting in your case that we are seeking a file with an order of location attached against you for documents to be processed at your place of employment. Either you or your attorney does have the legal right to contact the number back. Your file number linked to this case being verified to be filed is 844( this is the beginning of their phone number) I’m sorry your phone number (think she meant case number) is 811235- the last 4 of my social (which she had). Understand at this point MR. ( I’m a MRS. My maiden name) this is considered legal notification by telephone and you will be processed at the premises of your employer for your upcoming court date uh being filed out of (my county) unless I do receive further instructions.” And she hung up.
Do I take this serious? Who is the office of regional? Plus, they can’t serve my employer cause I’ve been permanently disabled since 2008. I’ve lived at the same address for 20+ years so how has my address expired? And they think I’m a man? I’m concerned they had my last four of my social…what should I do? Ignore or call back?
Sounds like a scam to me, and one I would ignore.
Got a Text message saying I owed a debt. Being that I’ve been in trouble financially before, I ,of course, call.. he says who is “JPM group” and I say I have the wrong number. He says “No you don’t”.. I said, excuse me.. “He said, we texted you, no you don’t”.. I called back and talked to someone that said it wasn’t her account and she doesn’t get paid enough for this but read off a legitimate payday loan I had in 2011. Down to the TIME I took it out.. References I listed, and scarily enough.. my routing number and Account number from this old account. Says it’s going to litigation.
I ask for a phone number and she doesn’t give it to me. I asked again, She said ” It’s urgent and don’t be rude”. I hung up. I call back.. I tell the “SUPERVISOR” on the first ring mind you, that I needed a phone number. They knew who I was talking to and the extension.
They have called me twice today…
SCAM?
Sure sounds like one to me Shaunna.
It’s a scam. The same thing is happening to me, but now these a-holes are calling my family members as well. Not sure what to do. They have all my info including my SS number. I put a credit freeze on all credit agencies so that no one can open anything up in my name. It’s frustrating. Not sure what else to do. I did call a law enforcement department. They said it’s a scam and advised that I let my accountant know so that a tax return isn’t submitted in my name. Simultaneously, I was alerted that some of my personal information is circulating on the dark web. Great!
Anyone else dealing with this and can provide viable information for protection? They are nasty and persistent.
I have been getting calls from a local number that identifies themselves as “Federal Location Services” they state that they have a case file from and issuer and I need to contact a completely different 888 number immediately to prevent further escalation. They called me at the end of May, I requested a debt validation letter and I know that they have 5 to 7 days to comply. They sent me a letter 11 days later and didnt include a lot of information. I contact the bank they stated I owed the money too and they have no record of an account from 2009 for me. They didnt contact me again until just yesterday so it had been over a month since their last attempt. Do you believe this is a scam?
Yes. I’ve received 4 calls over the past 2 weeks from a Leonard McFadden of Privaye Courier Services. Pretty much the same story as yours. Call this 866# & reference a particular claimant #. I have already consulted with a credit attorney (about 3 years ago) because of old debt from a bad divorce. The statute of limitations had long passed. In our case, you’ve got to know your rights. If you have zombie debt as I did from several years ago, don’t fall for this. Even if you had a judgment placed against you, check your state laws. In most states, if the judgment holder doesn’t reup the judgment every so many years, the judgment becomes unenforceable. Your situation sounds like zombie debt. These types of bottom feeders probably bought your old debt from some other debt collector for 10 cents (or less) on the dollar & they’re trying to score a big payday on a debt that was written off or sold by the original creditor a long time ago. Or these people stole your old debt information from some other place and are trying to collect off you. Blow these people off. Know your rights. Or, if you want to give them a good scare, have a credit attorney contact them back on your behalf. They’ll get reported to the right government agency & will be fined and shut down. Also know that Trump’s got a guy on his staff who’s been quietly dismantling alot of consumer safeguards against this sort of activity. Pay attention to this sort of stuff because those safeguards are important!
If they creditor they say they are collecting for has never heard of you, yes, it sounds like a collection scam.
I was contacted by someone today stating they were from national processing and i owed a pay day loan for over 500$. They had my old last name my old address and a closed bank account. They stated if I did not pay the amount today I would be charged with check fraud and like 3 other things and I should be hearing from an attorney shortly. They also stated a place I worked at like 7 years ago. I have NEVER taken out a payday loan but they had all this information including the last four digits of my social security number. I did not provide any personal or financial information. They stated they were going to email me some contract with options to pay off this debt. I still have the voicemail from the original missed called.
I just had someone call me from a *67 number so I didn’t answer it. They left a voicemail and is transcribed below. Is this real or does it sound like it could be fake? The call went as follows: “Hi guys this is an urgent notification intended for _____ _____ also known as _____ ______ my name is Brooke Davis I’m contacting you with the Department of verification in regards to some certified legal document been trying to get out to your residence ________ documents do require a signature from you and they’re showing that they are undeliverable at the location that we have for you on file this point what you’ll need to do is speak with the legal issuing firm that’s handling the case I have those documents rerouted to the proper residence phone number is a toll-free number of 844-821-4415 when calling please be sure that you reference your file number of file number is going to be 810-2323
That is typically not how legitimate collectors talk or leave messages.
My entire family has recieved threatening phone calls by a Rosenberg & Assoc? Claiming I’m going to be summoned, and gave different case numbers? This is a scam, if I was going to be served, I would be, with no forewarning ,correct? I feel we are being harrassed, the call back # is 888-613-3286… either its busy , or I get a recording. Did a reverse number search, and this did not belong to any law firm! How do I make this stop!! Really mad at this point, I dont owe any money to anyone!
Correct. Scammers behave this way, where legitimate collection firms would not.
You can file the compaints with state and federal regulators and make sure the scammers know you are not falling for it.
A few weeks ago I got a call from a private # so I didn’t answer. My brother who lives out of town came to visit for the weekend and told me that some woman called him looking to get in touch with me.. he couldn’t remember the exact details, but I just brushed it off thinking they would call back. He received the call the same day i got the private call. That was on a Wednesday.. When I finally checked my vm it was a lady who I could barely understand because she was talking so fast when she gave her name and company name. She said the last 4 of my social and that this was a “summons” and that if I didn’t cooperate they would come to my place of employment. They would also have to go to the HR department and also have a supervisor present.. She gave me an 844-425 number to call back. She also stated when she left the voicemail that on Friday someone was going to come to my house between 3-5 to serve papers and to make sure I was there.. no one came to my house. I was off work and there all day. When I did call the 844 # back, the same lady that left the vm said I had an old medical bill back from 2008.. When I told her I felt like this was a scam, she got a little irritated and said she is taking that as I am not going to cooperate.. I said well no one showed up at my house at that time like you said they would.. she said that they did show up at the address they had on file for me.. When I asked her name, she hung up.. If it was legit, wouldn’t they have my correct and current address?
Yes, they would have, and they would not have called and made those threats if it was legitimate.
I got a voicemail from a unknown 888 number from some guy threatening me if I’m not home with with proper identification when he shows up with sealed documents he will put it down as a refusal to cooperate. Then gave an 866 number to call to reschedule. I’m guessing scam? Scared the crap out of me at first though!
Sounds like a scam Chrissy. Legitimate collectors, and even legit process servers, typically do not talk that way.
So I actually had the same voicemail but for some reason on my uncles phone he let me know I called she wanted to verify my identity tho with my birthday and last four of my social. But everything else that was said I feel like I just read a transcript of the beginning of the conversation. Oh and they knew I actually did owe 300 to Wells Fargo in 2009 but they said I owed 5000 soo I am thinking I need to find a way to protect myself somehow now to stop them from stealing my identity? How do I contact proper authorities on this matter
Check out this post about ID theft: https://consumerrecoverynetwork.com/identity-theft-prevention/
The Police will not Call you and warn you about a summons or court appearance. I received a call today from a debt collector. First, he called private as if he was the sheriff or something. I asked him to verify address the officers supposedly was coming to serve me. He said he couldn’t. Law Enforcement will not warm you, they just come. To either serve you or arrest you. I have not done anything to wArrNt either. He said to call back a toll free number and provide a case number. Don’t let these clowns scare you. If u were in troulbe. This is not how they would do it.
I got a call from 202-914-1405 with an urgent message about magistrate court and tax evasion. They asked me to call back but I’d rather report them because they are a scam and this is a waste of everyone’s time.
I keep getting called from Intergrated Recovery 780-306-1114 telling they have tried several times to reach me and that they will take me to court if I don’t respond. I answered once and they never asked my full name just went into a speech that I owed money and to pay now!! I told them I couldn’t talk and hung up. She was abrasive, rude and never even confirmed my identity. They call every day sometimes twice. It’s harassment now or feels like it with threats. Suggestions other than to not get in debt which I’m fixing now. She also said she mailed me information that I never received.
Received a voicemail on a Monday from a very fast speaking woman and the only thing I could make out was the case number, the phone number to return the call as well as something about a complaint and avoiding further legal action. Of course that made me a little nervous so I called back to find out who was complaining about me. Well after putting me on hold a few times, these people had me in such an uproar about a debt from what they said was from 2012 from an old bank account that was charged off. The lady that I spoke to (which was not the lady that called) asked “have you been served?” “I said no, served with what and for what?” Then she said, “I’m surprised you haven’t been served. We’ve also tried to previously settle this with you for $2000 and sent several notices to your house.” She even went as far as to say they had sent something to my house 30 days ago and of course they didn’t. Somehow she had an address of where I lived back in 2010 and my current address and I’ve lived another place since then. She also had my ENTIRE social security number and I was dumb enough to confirm that it was mine. I asked if I could settle it before I received a summons for court and she was going with it until I told her I would only give her 20 bucks at that moment. That’s when the call became a little more hostile. I then asked if I could pay next month and her response was “if you don’t have it today then you won’t have it next month.” We went back and forth and she talked over me the entire time until SHE hung up on me. Now today, I received a call from her again “Toni” but today she says she is with the Department of Courier Services, which is not where she claimed to be from during the first call and that my paperwork “landed” on her desk and that I needed to call back to schedule a time to have these papers delivered to me. The phone number I was given was 844-862-4807 and she said I needed to call the legal department. These people have even called my daughter. I’ve verified the debt with the bank and they said it was from 2010 and was charged off and given to a collection agency that has long gone out of business. Can I even still be sued for this according to Ohio’s Statute of limitations be it 7 years or 9 years of age and can these people continue to harass me and my daughter? Should I just continue to ignore her and wait to see if I actually get served?
It sounds like a scam.
I would report this to your state AG and the CFPB.
I was called and the number looked like a local number so I called back and the message was from a 3 yr old debt (which I have the banks support in a stop payment
situation for services not approved ) …NOT an NSF but a “stop payment”
I think this business wrote it off or perhaps it went to collections.
Yet I had never heard anything and now have: an aggressive, rude, threatening voice and calling from numbers which when called back are the sheriffs office ,etc…
the caller says things like ” I am sitting here with detective so and so”…….and they are making a decision as to filing criminal charges…..you need to call within 24 hrs…..then it directs to a “attorney” which number has been discontinued or is the same persons voice.
The local sheriffs said they would NOT deal with a collections , nor did they have
anyone by the name that was mentioned as a “detective” .
This person also calls from numbers (which then when called back are actual authority numbers…yet they are not the ones’ calling) …….can they use fake or phone
apps???….I am afraid as these were large checks ………and this person said you will
be pursued and charged with felonies…..
I called the bank and have copies of the stop payments and the bank backed with comments of support of me. My dog died and I was taken advantage of by this vet.
I have saved yet blocked all numbers……..I have moved and do not have a forwarding address. Can they find you by companies you order from ?????like online orders?
I am scared…..and need to focus on a new job………please do not share my name or email at all….
Thank you,
I live in CA…….
When you publish comments to some websites, including this one, the name you enter in the comment box shows, but never your email. I removed your name.
This is an obvious scam. You did the right thing by contacting the authorities.
I received a phone call from a no caller Id last Friday. I was not able to answer the call. Someone left a msg saying that they received a complain against me. And i need to call the office 1-855-508-3402 as soon as possible. With a case number. If not they will make a decision on my complain. I decided to call the office out of curiosity. A lady answer did not say what company she is from. I asked her she said it was a law firm that i am calling. I asked her name she said she is KathLynn Walker told her that someone called and left me a msg to call this number. She ask if i got the case number. Gave it to her then she said there is already a case filed against you. Told her that i was told to call this number. She said ok give me a minute and i will look up your case. Then she said that we send a notice to you 45 days ago and didn’t receive a response. That i why they proceeded with the complain. She knows all my information from my name, address, social security, the company i working. She mentioned that i have a loan on opened with Wells Fargo 2006 and i was in good standing until 2012. Then it become delinquent. She said that i have a car loan with Wells Fargo that will put to lien, garnished my refund and garnish my paycheck. They will take 30% of my paycheck. The loan was $15,000. And can be settled for $2,184.26. I asked her if i can do installment payment. Kathlynn said no. Because the decision was already made. Then asked me if i got my refund. I told her i don’t have that money. They asked me if you have have a $1000. I said no, ok then just pay as what you have today then will arranged the rest of the payment. she said if we don’t get payment today. The amount will be tripled. Send me an email and want me to docusign that has my credit card info. I got very scared after the conversation. I felt that it wasn’t right. Recalling the conversation I felt that i was scammed. The following day i called my bank and informed to them about the incident. Close my credit card . They were using a different name of the company that will take money from the account. Which is FIRST FINANCIAL. I have did a research at the Secretary of State website business research and found some information about Williamson Morgan & Associates . Registration: 09/09/2016 Jurisdiction: Delaware Entity Type: Foreign. Status: Active. Agent of Service: Corporation Service company will do business in CA AS CSC – Lawyers ( C1592199 ) Entity / Mailing Address: 8816 Foothill Blvd Ste 103-272 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. Person I spoke her name is Kathlynn walker. She is the Case Management Specilaist. 1-855-508-3402 ext 102. 909-494-4231. According to her they are member of Secretary of State
I would file complaints with the agencies I refer to in the article above. There are several things you outlined in your comment that paint them with a scam brush.
If you’re being called by one of these scammers and they are also continuously harassing relatives, would it be a good idea to call them back, give them your name (since they already know it) and ask them all of the necessary questions that make them realize your on to the scam, so that they will stop calling. We are getting the same calls for my husband as so many have outlined here (complaint will be filed, case number with last 4 of his soc included, etc.) so I called them today and refused to give them any info (even his name.) I just told them I needed their companies name and address (as they were required to do under FTC guidelines) so that I could speak to my lawyer about them and verify who they are. I also told them, that once we did that, I would call back and would want a validation letter. The guy gave me a run around and then hung up. I did not give them any info at all though and throughout today, they proceeded to call my husbands parents and brother. I feel like if I had given his name, they would’ve taken us off their list because we’re clearly on to them. Any thoughts? Thank you.
I hear a mixed bag of results from people. One person calling them out for the scam like you did, and fully identifying, resulted in the scammer calling family on purpose anyway. Others share the calls stopped.
I received a call from a debt collector saying that they work for CFM and Associates out of Irvine, California. The number I called back was 1-844 618 7837. I spoke to a gentleman named Benjamin. It seemed legit but they were trying to collect a debt from 9 years ago. They had my number, my wife’s number and even called my parents. They also know where I currently live. He tried collecting payment but wasn’t pushy about it because I told him about how hesitant I was about due to the fact that I hear about these scams. He’s supposed to send me an email with the payment breakdown and other information. I need help here. Not sure if anyone knows if this is a real debt collection company or a scam. Please help.
Debts do not disappear from age and can remain valid to collect. But in California, there is a 4 year limit to legitimately file a lawsuit to collect, and then there is a 7 and one half year limit to show as a negative on your credit reports. Watch this video about zombie debt. It sounds like that is what you are dealing with.
I recieved a call from CFG (Cobalt Financial Group) Asset Recovery stating there was a judgement against me for a payday loan from 2013 and to call them. Initial contact information from the company was hidden by all zeros. Later phone calls came through as 800-564-9895 and (800) 563-4062. Upon calling them, they informed me that i had defaulted on a payday loan May 17th, 2013. The amount of the loan was $200 and they were trying to collect $400. I contacted my prior financial institute about the situation and they found nothing in the records for an attempted ACH from my bank account and they told me it was a scam. I got another call from CFG a few days later about the same loan but the amount went from $200 to $300 and they were trying to collect $480. I asked for a letter of validation and they told me they didnt have to provide one as that was the responsibility of the creditor. I asked for the contact information of the creditor and they told me they could not provide this information as they do not deal with third parties and they had vought the debt. When I asked for validation of the debt they stated they would email me the documents. I told them this was not good enough and that the validation letter needed to be sent via regular mail. They then transfered me to a supervisor, and he told me they didnt have to provide this information as that was the job of the creditor and I should have received the letter in 2013. Upon hearing this for a 2nd time, i asked them for the physical address of the company and the business license or registration number. When the supervisor Mr. Vincent Chase heard this he got made, started talking over me and started quoting FDCPA regulations at me. I had already done my research on the AG and FDCPA websites and knew he was not being truthful with me. He hung up the phone on me and I received a phone call again from the same number and another gentlemen asked if I were home so they could serve me papers. When i researched the company initially I could not find a website for CFG. Later a one page website has become available but there is no contact information as far as phone number, email, or customer service service. I researched the state website for registered businesses and at first they were not there but now they are. Researching the Florida State Financial Regulation page does not show the business to be a registered debt collector. I tend to lean towards the assessment of my previous financial institute as this being a scam. Should I be concerned?
Everything you shared clearly indicates to me this is a scam.
My mom got a call and was told I had a judgement against me. I called the number and it was for several medical bills from 2007. They told me they tried to serve me papers at my current address and confirmed It never happened. He told me I was going to be garnished and served papers today. I paid him 500.00. was told I owed 1000.00 by the end of April and 150.00 for two years. He kept complaining about the amount of paperwork I was causing him. He also keeps promising me an email with all the case info, hasn’t happened. Also, I have yet to get a receipt for my payment.The payment was made to Harbour side financial. Feel like I’ve been taken for. Any ideas
If it were me I would call my bank and dispute the payments and try to get that money back, while also filing complaints I outlined in the above article.
Hi Yesterday my mom received a call from Arizona number about civil papers and to contact another number in a different state with a case number So I called was half asleep guy asked me all these badgering questions about ever being summons etc Then said he has all my info and then said what case was for to collect a debt from Personal Cash advance (this company has no legit contact can’t get in reach) for 12251 and had two options monthly payment of 13 which equals to 1500 or pay half which was 596 After hearing talk and say do I want to take this matter on my own terms to avoid court and attorney fees that was guys favorite line so I just agreed to make payment but after doing quick research my heart’s pounding I can’t find any reason why I am liable for something I NEVER RECEIVED and he says they sent a notice about 45 days ago to sum it up is this a scam and should I remain calm or remain cautious as they have all my info which I never gave to them and is someone actually going to my house to summons me or is this false info to here to scare me the number is 8556901225 name is John Seriano as he claims
The threat of suit like you described is most typified by scammers. I would file the complaints I outline above if it were me.
I received almost this identical call saying I owed money to Personal Cash Advance for a payday loan (I have never looked into or received one of those) he tried the scare tactics with threatening police arrest and lawsuit being served tomorrow if I didn’t settle today over the phone, when I started to ask more questions he pretended the line was breaking up and kept putting me on hold. This scared me at first but now I’m just angry.. I will be reporting this to appropriate authorities in TN.. thanks for sharing your almost exact same story, confirmed my scam suspicion.
Me and my family are getting threats about an old payday loan. What do I do?
Can you post more details about what is happening and who all you are dealing with?
We are getting calls from 214-945-2027 with the name Jeff Corbin saying I need to call an 844 number to set up payment arrangements or I will be served a summons to appear in court. When asked what the summons was for, he said he didn’t know, they don’t give him that kind of information. He said I would be served at home by the end of business
Let me know if anyone shows up to serve papers. I suspect that will not happen.
Debt collectors that file lawsuits do not call first and demand payment.
It’s very stressful, especially when they are going down the family tree making threats. Telling my family members that they are filing theft charges against me
The full number is844-442-3833
I received a call from an unknown caller, and they gave me a phone number and a case number. I called and it was McKinley and associates LLC in corona CA trying to collect an old debt from 2009 or I was going to be sued. They said the SOL does not apply because of a tolling agreement that allows him to still sue me. It seems a little fishy to me. I spoke to a Kimberly o Connor first on Friday and then a Robert Carter the following Monday. I asked them for this debt in writing for validation, but he said it was already passed that. Since it has been longer than 7 years, the old debt does not show on my credit report. What do I do?
…on that same day I spoke to McKinley and associates, I checked my credit report and found out that a Leigh and associates made a hard inquiry which will stay on record until 2019…I found that strange too…
I would dispute any hard inquiry.
I would file complaints as outlined in the above article. I would also reach out to an FDCPA attorney. What state are you in?
I got a similar phone call today.. Angela from National processing called (a restricted number), told me that I needed to call McKinley and associates at 855-228-1528 about a summons. Angela said that I needed to call urgently or they may “be forced to make a decision without my consent”. So I called the McKinley number and spoke with Veronica, she asked if I’ve received any documents from them. I said no. She would not give me any further information unless I gave my social security number and date of birth, and they were using a last name I haven’t used in more than 10 years. Also they only had the city for my last address. She would not take my new address unless I provided SSN and date of birth. So after I said I wouldn’t provide that to a random company that called me, she hung up.
It all seemed very scammy – they have my newer phone number, but not my correct name or address? And I received a jury summons recently, so I know the court system has my correct address. We actually do have a local firm in Nevada called McKinley and Associates, but Veronica said her company was based in Corona, CA.
I received a call today asking me to have my ex-brother-in-law call them back regarding a check fraud case. I know it’s a scammer. I haven’t been in contact with my ex’s brother for about 8 years now, and the caller had my current name, not my previously married name- this is also concerning to me. I forwarded the voicemail to my ex-husband to pass along so his brother can give them a piece of his mind but I feel like that’s not enough. Should both of us file complaints? Just him because he’s the subject of the call? Just me because I’m the one receiving the calls?
I would file complaints if I were you, while encourage my ex relative to do the same.
Both me and my daughter got a call saying someone was coming to serve me and wanted to know if there was going to be any trouble and did they need to bring a constable. When I called back the man said that it was regarding a bad check from like 8 years ago. He had my dob and ssn and address from that time. He gave me a case number and phone# of mediator to call. He then said a warrant could be issued for my arrest. I haven’t called the mediator yet. I’m torn between thinking I’m being scammed and just wanting to pay because I’m terrified of the arrest threat.
It certainly sounds like the same type of scam that has been posted many times in the comments. I would file complaints with the state and federal agencies I refer to in the article.
I received a call and a voicemail from an unknown number. I listened to the vm and they gave me a phone number to call: 844-618-7837. They said their name was Consumer’s First Management Group, an investment company that bought my debt from HSBC. I had a credit card with them 8 years ago. CFM said it had been charged off and sold. I plan on contacting them to see who to was sold to. When I called CFM, I spoke to 2 people, a Bob Wells and Dana Roberts. Bob told me I owed over 1k but could settle the debt with a down payment and payment plan, otherwise I’d be looking at a civil suit. Both Dana and Bob gave me about the same info, but when I spoke to Bob a second time, I asked for their professional license number: 160003709. I continued to question him and he ended up hanging up on me. I called the back a third time and spoke to Dana. She gave me more information on my credit card debt. I told he what I told Bob, about the getting a letter sent to me via USPS to verify my debt. She told me that the way they do it today is they send out emails. She did not want to send a letter thought the mail. We ended up arguing and I just told her to send me a letter and hung up. Oh and when I asked for their professional license number, she told me NO, because I was being uncooperative. Very fishy to me. This is the address they gave me:
CFM: 17901 Von Karman Ave, Irvine CA
They called me too and said I owed over a thousand too. I gave them my email. Did I mess up by giving them my email?
I would not be concerned about giving a debt collector my email address. I would rather hit delete than hear the phone ring.
Got a call from my brother and my aunt, Saying a company called the national locating services was trying to get a hold of me…called them back and they said to call Williamson Morgan and associates. So I gave them a call, I spoke to a Jennifer Tatum, who told me that if I don’t pay them 852 from a 10 year old bank account that they would continue with legal proceedings and there would be a Warrent out for me. They even sent me a docusign letter which they wanted me to sign WITH my credit card information. After searching these guys on the Internet found out it was a total Scam. There address is a mailbox at a UPS store. I filed a complaint against them today I hope these guys get what’s coming to them.
I recieved a call yesterday at a number i never list, And was told to call this number 866-309=4228. with a reference #. I called the number to a company called Difinitive Consulting.. I was forwarded to a person named Jill. I asked what this was about. She said she was litigation and i needed to settle a past debt. she had info on me but my last name incorrect.. When I asked the company she said it was HSBC. Told her i never had a card with them especially using the incorrect name i Asked when this debt was from and she told me 2011. And had no payment since 2013. When asked who HSBC was she said it could be Orchard bank,Capital one. First of all my capt one is in good standing. Ans second never heard of orchard bank I asked that proof be mailed to me . She said she could not mail it to me since time was of the essence and this needed to be handled within 48 hours or legal action would begin. …but her “secretary ” would email it to me. I agreed so i would have proof . When the document arrived some 5 hours later…. it is again in the incorrect last name,EVEN THO I continuously stated that the name was wrong.In pdf form and requiring an electronic signature thru docu sign, I did not reply or open the email any further. I was not putting any signature on something like that.I am to call her by 48 hours to set up a payment plan. Asked my options. Eor 8 months at x amt of dollars or 60% which was over $1000 one time payment. I did tell her none of my card limits are that high but she said being that it had been thru numerous attempts to collect since 2013 that this was all the interest that others have applied. Im am very sure that SOL would apply even if this was a legit debit, Scared me to death with the threats, Should i be thinking big scam on this. Orgiinal call came from 951-391-7704. Any guidance on this is greatly appreciated.
It walks like a duck.
So my heart attack in progress should be called off?
ummm…. yes!
I believe I’m being scammed. Was told I was going to get served to go to court over some medical bill. I have written down everything to the best of my memory as to our correspondences. I feel very confident I am being scammed. What should I do? Please help or advise
I would reach out to the state and federal regulators listed in the article above and file complaints.
I received a call last week about a 9 year old debt I was suddenly being contacted for and if I didn’t set up payments or pay in full I would be sued. I mentioned statute of limitations and they kept pressing saying it didn’t apply when seeking judgement. I set up a payment plan and paid them $185. I got a call from the same number later that day and let it go to VM. They didn’t leave a message &I I started thinking it felt fishy. Turns out someone called my grandmother’s home looking for me asking all sorts of fish in questions claiming they were from the state of Michigan and there was a case against me (they gave a case number) but I haven’t lived in Michigan for almost 10 years & never owed the state for anything. I’ve since canceled my debit card so they can’t withdrawal any more payments, and plan to ask them to send me written verification of the debt as well as their company information before sending them any more money. Did I do the right thing?
BY cancelling the payment… absolutely!
I’ve blocked the numbers I know they’re calling from, but how long before they just give up and move on to the next name on their list? I’ve also reported them to the FTC and plan to call my state attorney general Monday. Is there anything else I need to be doing?
Letting them know you are on to the scam, or asking for debt validation will sometimes cause them to move on.
Michael your website is very helpful and a great place to get the word out about these scammers. I have been harassed and called all week, these sneaky so and so’s call from private numbers so you can’t block them. They are now calling my teenage son about me.. I am being called from a Steve Collins on behalf of McKinley and Associates. Thank you again for giving us a place to share, who has time for this BS.
Nobody. No one has time for this crap. And I see the scams becoming more prevalent compared to just a couple years ago.
The story above is almost identical to mine. Last week I rec’d a call from my HR department stating they had a very important message for me and that it was urgent. It was a “documents services” company and the told my HR lady I had 2 hours to get back with them to prevent being served at my place of employment. They gave her a reference # to give me & everything. I of course, in a panic get straight on the phone & call the # to which a man answered “This is Brian” I explained who I was and that I had a message to call him immediately, gave him the reference # that I was given. He proceeds to tell me he is calling on behalf of a law firm by the name of Donley & Associates regarding an outstanding credit card balance I had that dates back to 2009. I’m caught so off guard by all of this that I can’t even process the info fast enough before he has me talked into setting up a payment plan and giving him my bank card info to supposedly stop me from being served a wage garnishment lawsuit at work. I hang up with him (in tears) and call a friend of mine and I tell her what had just happened & she convinces me it sounds like a scam so I immediately called my bank and had my card marked for fraud so they could not access my account. I call this supposed law firm back and I ask for their name, address & the name of the credit card company I supposedly owe. I also explained to him I had spoke to my attorney and was advised to call and get more details as well as a written proof of debt. He gives me the name of the firm & address which I’ve yet to be able to find online and he proceeds to tell me since I’m threatening him with an attorney he is cancelling the payment arrangement and they’ll just proceed with serving me at work and he hangs up on me. In the meantime I call the credit card company that I supposedly owe and they can’t find me in their system. 4 days pass and I hear nothing more from this law firm. On the 5th day I get a call from them and it’s the same guy, “Brian” wanting to make sure I’m not interested in a payment plan before they proceed with legal action. I again ask him for proof of debt in writing and he tells me I can get that from the credit card company. I tell him I tried but the credit card company cannot find me in their system. I have since contacted a lawyer and they are investigating this for me but I had to end up informing my supervisor of this whole situation because I’m just not sure if this is legit or not. This has been a humiliating situation and I hope my story can help others be more aware. It’s sad what our world is coming to.
Thank you for sharing with everyone. It will help many. And it is sad that this can happen.
I’ve had the same thing just happen to me. I didn’t pay anything. A guy called my job asking for me yesterday but I was gone for the day. I got an email saying I had to call ASAP. I called and was told I and a judgement against me for an account from 2009. If I didn’t pay (yesterday) they were going to garnish my wedges. I asked if I can wait a little to sort things out and he said only if I haven’t been served yet. I said I haven’t and he said well we haven’t put it in yet. (I should have paid attention then. Was I already served before the call or not yet. And he kept lowering the amount I was to pay. It went from I can pay a little over $5000 to $3500 down to $2000 and each time it was lowered he said he was talking to the original account owner and he was the mediator to go between us.) When I called back and ask for proof of what I owe in writing he said it was sent out months ago. I said I didn’t receive it and he said well we sent it and there’s nothing we can do. Since you know the law then we’re ending this conversation and I am filling sue in your name. I wish you good luck and he hung up.
I forgot the number was 855-225-3073 Mckinley and Associates i talked to Rebecca Myers… I looked and found a few people on the web scam pages and they said the same name and phone number. I find it weird how they wont send me anything in the mail and how they dropped the price so many times……… I still have the messages on my machine of when they called and the guy paul made it sound like i was in trouble!!
Well first i got a call from a guy “Paul” he did not say where he was from but it was urgent for me to call this number and left me a case number. He said it was urgent to call so they can make a judgment against me or not. I was curious so i called the number and talked to a Rebbeca Myers. She proceeded to tell me I have an outstanding credit card for 300 dollars and with fees i have to pay 1250 dollars or they will be taking me to court. She did have a little info on me but i never got anything in the mail about this matter. She said if i could pay a good faith payment they wouldnt sue me. The conversation went on and on and she put me on hold and low and behold she got it down to 650 dollars instead of the initial 1250 she wanted. She said if i dont settle it they would freeze my bank accounts and put liens on my car,home ext. I asked her to send me in writing all these fees and she said she would only fax or email it?? I found it odd so i just stopped the call and gave them no info. I forgot to add rite before the guy called he called 5 min before and mispronounced my name the said blah hung up then called and left the message i first told you about. I looked for a Mckinley and associates but couldn’t find a WEBSITE WITH THAT NAME FOR COLLECTIONS OF DEBT! It just didn’t seem rite how she kept putting me on hold and lowering the money to pay in good faith. What do you think?
I think they are running a scam on you.
After reading this page I kinda thought so. Thank you very much for the reply!
Received call from mc kinley &assoaties corna ca trying to collect credit card debt from 2005 they stated all my personal info such as social security etc! Even sent e doc for me to sign saying I would pay them 2300.00$ today to stop civil lawsuit when I google there listed address it’s a mailbox store I have nothing on my credit report saying I owe this debt could this possibly be legitimate? Or is it scam? Is there statues of limitation on debts? Should I ignor these calls emails ect
It certainly sounds like a common debt collection scam. What state are you in?
I and numerous friends and relatives have been receiving calls from someone saying they are from Hauffman and Associates looking for me. On each call they specifically say my name and then say they have been trying to get a hold of me for a debt and if I don’t pay they will be sending law enforcement to my home or place of employment. If the person does not answer, they leave a detailed voicemail on their phone as if its my number, saying I owe a debt and they have a case number and will be sending local sheriff to my home. The persons they call have never been used as a reference on any finacial documents by me. I have instructed all persons to save the voicemail.
I got fed up and decided to call the person back. He identified himself as Gregory Ross and told me I had to set up a payment arrangement by the end of the day or I would be summoned. He instructed me to get a prepay debit card and set up arrangements.
All the elements of a scam.
Hi There and thank you for this service and great insight.
I get one of these blowups once every couple years. It’ always the same old account that I settled in 2012. I have a letter showing it was settled. I also have docs showing that it was bought from B of A by the company I paid off.
Today “Walliamson Morgan and Associates” called my mother, my ex-wife, and my sister. Saying there is a judgment against me about to be filed and I need to call in immediately.
So I called and after reading a huge list of all the liens they would be putting on my car, property, paychecks, etc, She finally told me it was teh B of A account. So I asked how I could send proof that it was settled. She gave me a fax number that didn’t work after 3 attempts. She kept claiming it must be my fax because they were receiving other faxes. Of course there was no other way to get her the letter.
Then she asked me for the last four digits of the original account number for the B of A account in question. The last 4 digits were one number off so she of course she said it must be a different account.
She then asked how much I settled for and what the company’s name was claiming that I probably got scammed before because there is no record that it was paid.
This happened a couple years ago as well same account and that time they confirmed that there was a payment made but they tried to say that it was not enough to settle the whole debt and that the creditor B of A still wanted to file a judgment against me.
I know it’s all BS.
Sorry for the long story but this is such a headache and embarrassment every time it happens. How can I fight back and/or get off these lists?
Thank you in advance for any advice,
S.
From what you shared, I believe you are being contacted by scammers. There is no legitimate way to get your self off a scammers list. Its not like they care about your rights.
I do recommend filing complaints with the agencies I refer to above.
I received a call today from 855-311-8605, which I looked up is a civil court in DE. That’s great and all, but I live in Georgia, and the debt apparently was from a payday loan taken out when I was in Minnesota. When I called, they just asked me when I would like to schedule my court summons to be served and would not give me any details. I had to speak with a litigator to get that information, so they had me call 866-637-6196. The person I spoke with never gave me his name, and barely would tell me what the case was regarding. When he finally did tell me who the “plantiff” was, it was for a payday loan place that I had not even heard of. When I explained this to the litigator, I was told that they would settle with me for $638 or if we have to go to court it will go up to $1098. He also told me that they are trying to file that I was defrauding the system. I told the litigator that I had filed bankruptcy and all of my debts were claimed in the bankruptcy, and I told him I need to see this demand for payment or summons. To which he told me that he would have them serve me, and that I am turning down the settlement. I told him I was not turning it down, but I have a legal right to the paperwork for this. He told me they would not offer the settlement if they have to serve me, and that the complaint was opened in Stillwater, MN (where I used to live years ago). I told him I have not received anything, and then he seemed to know my current address. He told me that I would be served on 1/26 between 9-3 and that I had better be there to get it. I checked my credit report, and there is nothing filed against me from this place and I checked the Minnesota court records, and there are no open cases in my name. I am not really sure what to think at this point, any help would be greatly appreciated. Obviously, we will find out for sure if anyone shows up this Thursday.
I am sorry, they called me from 302-856-1447 and made me call 855-311-8605.
Sounds scammy to to me. What is the name of the collection company?
I cant remember the name if the creditor but it was pay cash advance something. I’ve never heard of that place. He told me he was with a law firm though. I asked my friend about the situation and he said a civil court would never call you. I find it odd that im getting a heads up about being served as well.
How can you make sure it’s not a scam?
You can call your original creditor and find out who they have your account out with for collection, or who they sold your account to.
You can often tell if someone is running a scam by what they say, and how old the debt is.
I believe we are being scammed, they called my wife at work and told her they were on the way to serve her and to stop it she needed to call a number to stop it. Then she called the number and the guy had all her information from address to old accounts that where paid off . They said she had 48 hrs to call to see if she would pay 200 for 15months or 1500 for a one time payment. My wife is worried
Who is the agency? That kind of collection tactic, we are driving to the court to file unless you pay right now, is the hallmark of a scam.
They said they were with management and litigation associate the gentleman on the phone had all her information Hana verify last 4 digits of your social and ask her if she would make a payment of $200 for 15 months or $1,500 one time payment and she had 24 hours to decide
My opinion is this is a collection scam.
Hi,
I think i am being scammed. I was hoping you could help determine if this is a legitimate debt collector.
I was contacted by Edward Mason, he claimed that his company CIG (Cambridge Investment Group) bought my debt from 5/3rd bank, an account i created in 2009. I do recall opening a checking account back in the day, but i remember having a zero balance. He said if i don’t pay $900 there will be a civil judgment filed against me, Below is the information he sent me, No website was provided.
Cambridge Investment Group
400 w cummings park suite 1725-135
woburn MA 01801
Toll free number: 8887648596
What state are you in?
Any debt collector that says pay up or a judgment will be placed against you could be violating your legal rights.
Hi Michael, I am in similar situation with Edward Mason from CIG (Cambridge Investment Group).
400 West Cummings Park
suite 1725-135
Woburn, MA 01801
Numbers : 888-627-0946, 978-484-6068, 888-764-8596
He claims I owe some credit card debt and threatened many times with legal actions and told me they will see me at court when I refuse to pay him. I have no idea where this credit card debt is coming from,
Any suggestions, what should I do next ? I am being threatened and possibly he is already taking legal against me. Please help.
Talk to an experienced FDCPA attorney in your state. I can email you some if you like? What state are you in?
My sister got a call telling her the my mother is getting sued. So she called my mother an told her to call this number 1-855-611-0271 and find out what’s going on. She talked to Rebeca for McKinley and Assistants from California she told her that she’s getting sued for an unpaid credit card, but get this she said that there previous payment made. And that they have prove that they can only show us in court. Thay had all her information, her social, her previous addresses, etc. That was opened in 2009, and that she had to pay $3,ooo today or go to court and pay the amount plus legal fees an what not. The other option was to pay half of the payment now and stop the sue. My mother was terrified of going to.court, so we payed will my sister was trying to find the company on google only to find that theirs no such company, well there is but is a architectural company in California. So I rushed to the bank and cancelled my debit card. It’s the scariest thing that can happen to anyone.
Thanks for sharing Jessica. It is scary. I am glad you caught the scam in time.
Same person I talked to from the same Mckinley and Associates the ladies name was Rebbeca Myers. The 300 dollar credit card was from like 12 yrs ago…. I also looked up the company and,cant find anything about them. No website at all…. Paul was the original name i got that left the message.. they were Gonna sue me unless i made a good faith payment. Im glad i found this page……..
Hello, a “debt collector” has been trying to reach my fiance. They said it was for a debt that he really does owe. But the guy was being mean and aggressive. Asking for payment within an hour???? Just unprofessional. He did sound American and knew the exact debt. But I just wasn’t sure. Now my family is getting calls saying that there is a civ suit for stolen items? He didn’t steal anything. He was give a credit card in his early 20’s when he didn’t even have a job. He was irresponsible and now owes more then he can afford to pay back. But if they want to sue wouldn’t we get something in the mail? I had that happen to me before and I got court papers in the mail. I was able to pay it before hand but mine was $900. Not like $6000. And with how much jewelry stores charge it isn’t hard to rack up a bill like that. Okay thanks
Who is the collection agency the collector works for?
Who is the original creditor?
When did your fiance last make a payment?
What state are you in?
I suspect your state SOL has passed and this debt collector is violating your rights.
Received a call today and they left msg that I needed to return call and there has been a complaint filed against me. They also called relatives telling them the same thing about me.
I called the number and they answered by saying answering service and wanted my reference # and then transferred me to Shannon Hill. She informed me that they had been trying to serve me papers but no one had been home to sign so if i could pay this credit card debt now she would be able to drop the penalty and interest fees. I was hesitant but knew I had old credit card debt so I went ahead and paid it not knowing about SOL.
This debt was from 2009 and I am in Indiana. Once I was off the phone I started to think back that I had a call like this before in 2014 that I paid on so I looked through my files and found that I had already paid this one in Oct 2014 to Pacific acquisitions & associates. I called Shannon Hill back to tell her within an hour and she said I need to call PAA and ask them why they sent my account to them and she would do the same. Guess what. The phone #s I had for PAA have all been disconnected so I called Shannon back again. She then got the director of operations on the phone (Anthony Mendez). He said I need to call my bank and have them refund me the money from 2014 but there was nothing on his end he could do. Was not his problem. I said I would forward the paid in full statement from PAA and that he needed to refund my money. Was not my fault they bought a debt that was already paid. When I forwarded the email is when they finally said Harbourside Financial is his company and he would look into it. I called my credit card company I used to pay this to dispute it but I want to wait until it posts since it is still pending. What do you recommend I do or am I just out all the money not from 2014 and today? Sorry for writing a book. Thank you.
I would call and cancel the payment with my bank immediately and then I would file a complaint with the CFPB.
My parents have been receiving calls from a collector. They are extremely angry and think I am not paying on a debt. The call comes from 580-382-2771, which is an Oklahoma number when I google. The lady says her name is “Linda from Capital Sulutions Associates” and says they need to hear from me by end of business day, or they will be forced to move forward with legal action” etc and gives no other information about what they are calling about.. the number they tell me to call back is 786-220-4253, google shows that to be number in Miami. Neither numbers come up with a business or individual name. I also googled the company name and get nothing on them. I currently live in Wisconsin.
Am I right in assuming that this is likely a scam?
I would assume as much. Tell your folks it is scam and send them a link to this page to see how rampant it is.
Help was left a message tonight and said they were calling to set up a time to serve me. Before I pay yet another scammer I want to know what to do. Thank u
If you have been sued legitimately, I would wait for the papers to come and deal with it then. But process servers do not typically call ahead, so that is a red flag to start.
You can look up your name in your local court and see if anything has been filed if you want to set your mind at ease.
Thanks so much! I jhave been receiving several calls from CFM Associates from 714.591.8128 – althought their company phone number is supposedly 844.616.7837. All my debt has been paid off for several years. They claim they are Civil Matter Attorneys and that there is now a lien against my property. Good one – since I don’t own property actually.. They keep calling and calling, but don’t leave messages when I don’t pick up.
I was contacted by “Jason Russo” . A criminal defense attorney from a legal firm called Watts out of New York. I live in California, He stated that I have a debt from ace cash express which is in fact true. I was told I can be looking at jail time for check fraud of the issues summons got to m before I paid. He said he can stop the summons if I paid or made a payment arrangement . He then transferred me to ” credit payment solutions llc, I spoke to a woman named marissa and set up a payment plan starting 1/19 for two payments of 212.50. Yet I was told that the full balance is 425.32. But the remaining 32 cents are no big deal. I took down as much information as I could. I researched both the attorney and the credit company, there is very vague online information about both. What are the possibilities this is a scam. And how do I go about verifying this is legitimate or fake?.
When did you stop paying Ace Cash?
Criminal defense attorneys are not typically involved in debt collection. That is a huge red flag scam warning, as are other things you are reporting. I would put a stop payment on anything, if it were me, until I could find out the validity of the collectors working for Ace. I would also file complaints with the CFPB as outlined in the article above.
We own a small construction business. We did work for a contractor who,after several paid invoices, has stopped paying our last two final invoices.
We filed a mechanics lien and a few weeks later a representative from Morgan Philips contacted us saying he’d represent us. Is this legit?
It sounds like you are being solicited by Morgan Phillips to represent you to get the money you are owed. Is that correct?
I was contacted about a debt I had between 9-12 years ago and they threatened to sue me for legal fees court cost and what I owed. I was startled, scared you name it. So they emailed me some document stating that i could settle out for $522.50 and it has to be paid by a certain date. The papers were from right signature to sign I signed them then I started to have questions? This company said they were Allied financial solutions out of California and also they said that I was being charged on 2 different crimes. I’m lost right now please help
Debt collectors that refer to unpaid credit card bills as crimes you committed are running a scam on you. If it were me I would file complaints how I outline in the above article and not give them the time of day.
I received a second call today at my job asking me to pay a debt related to hospital bill but I do not think she gave me nor did I ask for the year the bill was from. She was very nice and asked if I remembered our conversation from December and the circumstances preventing me from paying and asked me if I was ready to settle the debt or come to agreement today. Then she stated the conversation was being recorded. What is really bothering me though is she didn’t have me correct last name (the last name she had was before I remarried) and she had an old address. She did offer me a settlement offer and stupidly I accepted (again I was at work and trying to be as discreet as possible, trying to get the conversation over with). I am really freaking out now because after I Googled the name that would show up on my bank statement transaction…. Avante USA (NOTHING BUT BAD REPORTS AND SCAMS WHEN SEARCHED). She gave me a call back number of 832-476-1739 ext 802. Again I Googled the phone number and scam related comments. Thinking back she only gave me the company name she was calling for when I asked about how it would show on my bank account. I did not give a debit or credit card but did a check payment giving routing and bank account number and set up for payments with the first 3 being a lower amount and then a lump sum for the 4th amount. Do you know if this is a scam or potential scam? Is there anything I can do/should do ASAP to stop payment? The first payment is scheduled for tomorrow 01/12/2017.
Sorry Annie, but I was on vacation, and only now reading your comment.
What state are you in?
Do you remember the medical bill… is it yours?
When was the service or hospital visit date?
Definitive Consulting Services 844-349-9264. The website gives their office location as 41831 Mcalby St Ste E Murrieta, CA 92562. Someone from National Document Delivery called my mother saying that they were attempting to deliver a subpoena. They would not give my mother any information, but gave her the number for Definitive Consulting and told her that perhaps someone there would be able to give her information about what I was being sued over. My mother called and talked to a Daniel Soto, who told her it was over a loan I had taken out in 2008. I knew that I had no loans then because I was in bankruptcy then. I called Definitive and told them my mother had given me a phone number and a case number, I had no idea what it was about. Daniel said that it was for an HSBC credit card that I had in 2008. The balance was $1700,and it needed to be paid, or I would have attorney fees and other court costs added on. I told him that I did not recall having a credit card at that time. The only information he would give me was an account number. He said all the information was sealed, and that I would be able to view it during Discovery if we went to court. He did tell me the account was opened in December of 2008. I told him I was going to do some investigating of my own, and I would call back in a couple of days. He said if he did not hear from me, then he would have to proceed and file with the court. I did call Capitol One ( who bought out HSBC) and talked with a representative who was able to pull the account number, but it was opened March 25, 2006 and closed in December 2007. He told me that chargeoff had been sold to another company, but could not see what the balance was. I still do no remember having a credit card during this time. I feel like this is a scam because the information that Daniel is giving is so sketchy. He only had two old addresses. He said they had mailed settlement letters to both a couple of weeks ago. I never received any mailings at all. I lived in Indiana at the time I had the card, and I believe is it past the SOL for that state. Just looking for some advice on how to proceed. The account is not on my credit report, as it is so old it has dropped off.
What state are you in now? If this was last paid in 2007, it is highly likely it is past the SOL no matter where you live, and that these guys are running a scam on you with the legal threats.
Hi Michael,
Thank you for this very informative article. Yesterday 1/9/17 someone called my father stating that they wanted to know if I would be there ( I have not lived at home for almost 10 years/ Married now) to serve me with “legal documents”. They then gave my father a #WNP26652-1190 and the following phone number 844-597-8698 and asked that I call them. I called the number and it took me 5 calls to get the “name of the company” EME Group then MEM Group then Morgan Edwards Mediation Group. The person on the phone “Amy” Ext 301 said I had a cc from 2012 that was some 2000 some odd dollars with HSBC/Direct Merchant’s. I have never been with either company ever. I told her that I have never been with any such company nor have I ever rec’d any information about this via mail. I said I needed to pull my credit report and contact our family lawyer for more information on what to do. But I told her that I never had this debt. She did not really try to get money from me but when I asked for their address she flat out refused to give it stating that it puts there safety at risk?? She did say that she put in her “system” that I dispute the dept and something about 120 days. I am really confused. I did call back and got a po box from someone else with the last name Ross it is as follows Po Box 357 Ocala FL . Thanks for any help.
Misty
Sounds like a scam to me Misty. And looks like one from what I reviewed in a few searches. I would steer clear of them if it were me, and also not give it another thought.
I have a company named Civil Court Services that wants to put a lien on my bank account due to a bill of 125.00. The debt is from an actual company and debt is owed to the company but the amounts are different. I don’t know if these people are real or not. The website they gave me was www. Civilcourtservices.com and phone exchange in 888 811 9482.
I would not take any debt collector with that shoddy website seriously if it were me.
I received a call from a restricted number. They left a message on my voicemail saying that were calling on behalf of a client and had legal papers to serve me that were refused by someone else. They called my mother also, wanting my phone number. She did not give it them. I called the number They said I needed to call “within 2 hours to avoid further legal action” and I was told by the person who answered that I had reached Robert and associates. He asked me to verify my social security number and date of birth which I refused to do over the phone. He argued with me about how he already has the information and would not tell me what they were “suing” me for unless I verified the information right then. I told him I would not do that over the phone and that I would first do some investigating to find out if they were legit or a scam. He kept saying “you know what, don’t waste my time.” The phone number to Robert and associates is 4242423147. The person I spoke with identified himself as Mark Rodriguez. How can I know if this is legit?
Any debt collector that says you have 2 hours to respond or legal action is being taken is likely a scam.
Ya I read this entire article and I believe I received a scam call today. It was a company called Trident Consulting Company. A guy named James Emery, and was pushing to have me pay the Same Day to get me off the “legal calendar” so he said he took me off the “legal calendar” for a couple hours because I told him I didn’t have a bank account or credit card, so he said he’ll give e me 2 hrs to call my family or friends and see if they will help with a credit or debit card. I said I’ll probably have to use a pre paid- but he Insisted I try and find a credit or debit card before I go the prepaid route. Now remember I said it was Trident Consulting Company…..Well when I called back the secretary answered Trident Consulting Firm….After she told me 2 times before it was Trident Consulting Company. They didn’t have all my addresses…Or phone number. They got in contact with my boss and he told me who to call. I also did some research and could find NOTHING ON THE COMPANY or the Guy James Emery. And when I told them to serve me a summons at my lawyers office, because I thought it was a scam….He got angry and said that I would have to pay for a lawyer too, and that it’s going to be way more money, and people wont stop calling and harassing me unless I make immediate payment to them today. Well I didn’t, first off the credit card was 8-10 years ago atleast…And I haven’t heard from them in years. Never received any paperwork…No voicemails…Nothing. it just seemed way too much like all the scams I hear about, even though he did have my social security number, but my address from 10-11 years ago….That would be SOL correct? And it was a 350$ credit card and now I owe $5,000.00! I Reported it to the local police and they said it definitely sounds like a scam. I put in the guys name and phone number on Google and all these scam complaint s came up. Was I right to assume this is probably a scam? Thanks very much.
I would have done the same.
hello Michael
my wife got a call from a unknown number stating that this person was a process server and is a independent legal services representing Bristol county and surrounding districts for the state of Massachusetts. I’m attending to notify (my wife name with the last 4 of your SSN (which they have correct) the i have a summons for you and i will be at your place between 12 to 5 pm. you need to make yourself available to sign however if you would like to read the charges that are filed against you or you need to reschedule your availability contact the party at 866-319-0885. if i don’t receive a receive a sub order from the party i will be escorted to your place of employment and you will need your supervisor to witness your signature. My sister in law also received this call for my wife and i also did . is this a scam and what can i do about this i have the recording as well as a transcript of the call.
Sounds just like many other scams. I would file complaints with the authorities outlined in the article above.
I keep receiving voicemails from an unknown number stating they are investigators and/or process servers that they will be delivering me a court summons to my job or home they have called a family member left the same message then I get a call today where the lady slipped up and told me a name Caldwell and Associates law firm 877-608-5490 looked them up couldn’t find anything googled the number nothing so I called recording says you have reached Caldwell law firm I hung up I don’t know who this is and what it’s about but it need to stop I’ve not received any correspondences nor do they have the right address
It sounds much the same as the other debt collection scams covered on this page.
I got a letter from eos cca saying I have a debt with att but I haven’t had any business with that company for more than 18 years. They said I can dispute it within 30 days otherwise they will assume the debt is valid. What should I do? I wouldn’t like to provide them with sensitive info from me. If this debt is true, does paying it reset the SOL because it is not in my credit report.
It is possible to receive a collection notice on a debt that is no longer on your credit, or that is passed the SOL to sue. Debt does not disappear after this long, but most legitimate debt collectors do not waste resources trying to collect on accounts this old.
I would ignore collections on debts this old if it were me (unless they continue to try to collect, or prove themselves a collection scam).
I received a phone message on my cell phone from a private number that said a complaint was forwarded to their office and I needed to contact them immediately as this was urgent. This is about pending action to be filed against me and if they don’t hear from me they’ll be forced to make a decision about the situation. Red flags went up for me but wanted to research this. The number they left was 855 291 1216. Anyone else heard of this?
That is the kind of message many fake debt collectors leave to begin their scam.
I received the same call today from the same number. They referenced a debt I paid two years ago but said I still owe. I asked why it was not on my credit report and all they said was some mumble then clearly stated well it was with an old bank account and bank accounts do not go on your credit. I called the previous collection company to confirm payment and they are re sending me proof. Just freaked me out because I have nothing showing on my credit report nor have I received anything. I requested they send me something in writing via email which I still have not received. I also filed with all major credit agencies that there may be fraud activities on my credit. Is there any other steps I can take?
What is the name of the collection outfit you dealt with back then, and who is contacting you now?
I just had the same thing happen yesterday and today so I called it was McKinley and associates llc a guy named Robert Carter telling me if I don’t pay them $2400 today I was going to be served papers its a load of BS it was from 2008 3 years after the sol I told him this he began to call me vulgar names
I would file the complaints outlined in the original article above.
McKinley & Associates LLC from Corona, CA called last night to say they had tried to serve my husband papers. They claimed he overdrafted a checking account in 2006 with Wachovia – but he didn’t have a checking account in 2006 because he was on the road. They said he would be taken to court anyway and have to pay for a lawyer. They threatened to put a lien on our car and savings accounts if we didn’t make a wire transfer immediately for $2877. They even gave us a wire transfer account through Chase. I Googled this web site and learned they were scammers and hung up. It is terrifying all the information they had on my husband going back decades including his SSN, drivers license number and former addresses.
I got a message with the same info, from the same number-but not for my name. Someone I never even heard of.
I called back after hours, and it said it belonged to a McKinley and Assoc. Only such company I found using Google was an architecture firm.
The whole thing definitely had a scammy whiff about it.
I just had an identical message left on my phone. Same number was left but was from an unidentified caller & no company name was given. Did anything ever come of your call? I think this screams scam personally c/s there are too many red flags (plus, I don’t have any current debts that I’m aware of either).
Hi. Somebody called my husband and left a message about a legal action against me. They called from 817 945 9267 and left a case number. I called and a woman who identified herself as Patty Phillips said she works for Zinco. She said she would transfer me with her legal department after confirming the last 4 digits of my social. I told her I wanted someone who speaks Spanish, because although I have good social English I cannot deal with legal matters in English. She said one moment and started to talk to someone then she returned to me and asked me if I understood it was something important. I said “si” and she started yelling at me saying I was pretending not to speak English, then she kept yelling I had to find someone who translate for me and I told her she had to do it because her company was calling me. She didn’t let me talk, she was yelling no, no, no while I was talking. I decided to hang up.
They had called three times already. They never said what debt I had.
Got a blocked ID call today, referencing a case number and asking me to call back, It was a 800 number that dialed a call center, which eventually was transferred to someone by the name of Anthony Mendez of Harbourside Financial. He told me that I owed First Bank of Delaware/Continental credit card (which by the way got shut down 8 years ago for abusive practice) but I can settle the debt and pending legal proceeding, if I agreed to pay $500. I initially refused to provide my CC number over the phone, but he said that he’d send me an email with the info on it.
After checking up on the company and review of this person, It seemed like a scam so I replied back to him that I would not sign and not to reach out to me again.
Btw, the http://www.harboursidefinancial.com is not even up and running and this was the url attached to his email address. The email that came in was sent thru rightsignature.com.
I was to save the form, sign it and then email it his email address, which showed as axm@harboursidefinancial.com
Hi I was contacted by an Albert Banks today from an unknown number, In his voice mail he tells me I need to make myself available to him between the hours of 12-3, he says he needs to reach regarding sealed documentation requiring 2 forms of ID and 2 witnesses. He states that he is coming by my work 1st, if I am not there he will speak to my supervisor or HR Manager and then he will be entering my home and my family members homes. If I want to cancel his appearance at those places I need to call (844) 344-5267 for direct reversal. If he does not reach me today, he will take it as direct refusal and further final action will be taken. He does not tell me where he is calling from or what it is regarding. I called the number and it is a place called Oakland Recovery Group, I was not able to find out much about them on the internet and I did not speak to them, because I believe it is a scam debt collector and don’t want to get further involved. Is there any way to know for sure if this is a scam or if it’s a legitimate company?
They also called my uncle and left a message on his cell phone number for me, the weird thing is that I have never given his number out to any one as a reference. His number is only a couple years old, I don’t even really use his number, how would they get it?
Once they know the connection (social media etc), they can skip trace your uncles number, and other people too.
File complaints with your state AG and the CFPB. No legitimate debt collector says those things.
Thank you, I really appreacite your help!
I figured they were getting info from my social media.
Thanks again!
I was called by a supposed debt collector which identified herself as a Dallas county process server and that a judgement had been made against me but i could have the judge and lawyers sign off if i could pay today. This woman has now called my brother (whom I have not spoken to in over a year) saying that i put him down as a reference and he is going to be summoned to court as well. She has also called my office saying that i need to call her back by 3pm today in regards to the litigation.
I did get a free over the phone consultation with a debt attorney and was assured that this is a scam.
Is there any way that this can be legitimate and that i can actually be getting sued or as she said having a warrant issued for my arrest?
Not in my opinion. This has all the identifiers of a debt collector scam.
I spoke with them today and asked for a validation of debt to be mailed and they said that they don’t have to do that and are informing me that they are filing a suit for check fraud. I asked for the name of their agency and address. I was given the run around but finally was given a PO box address and said that the company name was ARA (I asked if they are asset recovery associates and he said no. The company name is just ARA.)
That screams scam.
That’s what I’ve been told. I’ve done even more research into these people and there are at least 15 different 800 numbers that they give to people to call them back but none of the numbers are linked to a company. Every time they call me the number is blocked. I filed a complaint with the FTC. They haven’t called me today but I haven’t been served with papers either. If they are a legitimate debt collection agency they have violated multiple things within the FDCPA as per an attorney I talked to so if something comes up I’m told I have a strong case for a counter lawsuit.
Hello I have been receiving calls for about 3 years now regarding a pay day loan from 2012 that’s about 500.00. These people have threatened me with 3 to 5 years of prison telling me I will be charged with 2 counts of fraud if I didn’t pay immediately over the phone. I never paid and several years later here they are again calling me leaving crazy voice mails talking about setting up a possible court case. They have my last 4 digits of my social number but not my current last name. The company they say they are with often changes to different ones and I did research and they either don’t exist or are a scam. Now I have a certified letter in the mail that came but I havent went to see what it is… I see alot of scams going on. These people also call from private numbers. Can’t remember all the companies they said they are with. They also said they are going to issue a warrent for my arrest if I don’t pay as well and get it approved by the judge. What is this??? They where pretending I believe to be attornies reading off all these penal codes. Told me to prepare if I had children for them to stay with someone for when I go to prison. It scared me so bad I was shaking.
The newest number I was given to call is 18775051694. However when I call there is never an agent available and it goes to a voicemail that doesn’t even tell me what company they are with. I erased all my other voice mails and only have 1 now. Thought they would stop calling but they havent. I still refuse to see which certified mail they sent me because I think that will be a scam as well. None of the past businesses they gave me was found online. They are using my past pay day loan from ace cash express from 2012.
File the complaints with the agencies I reference above. You may also want to think about filing a police report.
I often encourage people to speak with an experienced debt collections violation attorney in your state. You can often pursue collectors for bad behavior at no cost to you. The problem with scammers is that they cannot be found to sue, or simply shut down that operation and start as a new scam.
If you would like to talk to a knowledgeable consumer law attorney in your state that handles things like this, post a reply with your state and I will email you a list.
Yes I would like to speak to one. I am in Texas. Thanks.
Thanks so much for your help. These people are calling themselves RNA recovery group which can’t be found on the Internet and they hung up on me when I asked them for their physical address because I refused to give them my personal info. I’m just writing this just incase for anyone else they might try and scam. The names always change. This time I will keep all records to turn into attorney.
Greetings. I have a scammer who has now called my place of employment twice. It’s a scam but the secretaries don’t know and I am incredibly upset. What can I do? Can I call the police? Please advise. I live in Miami.
You may be able to file a police report about harassment. The problem here is that scammers… scam. They often do not care. They do not think they will be caught.
You can file complaints with your state attorney general and the CFPB.
My mother received a phone call and message stating theor a complaint against me, she gave me the name of theach guy number and case number. I called and gentleman stated that back 2005 I had a capital one credit card, never I had a credit card in my life and there is a remaining balance of $1200 or more on this card loan, there was one yr of payments made and then the payments stop. He states that they sent notice to my house which I haven’t lived at for about 3 yrs and sent notice to my mother house but I never received no such letter. He stated that the account has been sold to HSCB to collect the debt and if I don’t come up with a payment arrangements they will be taking me to court to sue me for $5000 due to interest. Doesn’t sound right, because when I explained to him I don’t live at either address so I’ve never received any notice in regards to credit card ba lance due. What I find strange is I check my credit report often and I don’t see anything on there in regards to capital one or HSBC for those dates or amounts……if I owed or was late on any payments wouldn’t I see it on my credit report? I live state of PA
Trying to collect on a debt from 11 years ago, and threatening to sue in the same breath, is typically something I would call a scam.
Who is the collection company involved? What is the guys name and phone number?
He never says were he is from he just saI’d house Renaissance collection agency or Renaissance collection agency something to that effect. His nane is Keith Abram, file number is 361526-01 and call 855-758-7836
I Received an automated voicemail on my cell phone while I was at work on Friday about about an outstanding debt with Victoria Secret. I called back and spoke with a man who claims to be Michael Salerno from Delta Group (888-607-9251). He proceed to tell me that this was in regards to my Victoria’s Secret account. This was a legitimate account that was opened in 2006 and charged off in 4/23/2009. He actually gave me that date. My initial response to him was that this account is well outside the statute of limitations for California and that I did not owe the debt.. He gave me an explanation as to how it never really goes away when it is charged off.
He stated that I had 48 hours to settle this debt by payment or it would be automatically referred to a court calendar for hearing and that I would be responsible for the $748.57 plus court fees and attorney’s cost. He caught me completely off guard, as I was at work and already in “fix-it” mode. I was not on a recorded line this entire time but I started to buy what he was saying and didn’t want to go to court. He said he would contact the other attorneys office to see if they would accept less. He said for me to send a money order for $475 to the following address:
PERSOLVO
7421 Douglas Blvd.
Douglasville, Georgia 30135
He said that the name “PERSOLVO” stood for every one of the attorneys that own the firm. He said that I needed to call him back by 12:00 today with the next day air tracking number or else it will automatically default to the court calendar for hearing. He asked told me that he needed to switch to a recorded line for a second to protect him. He asked my name and if I agree to pay $475″. He then said he turned off the recording.
I was very angry with myself after I hung up because I actually studied consumer credit law on my own for months and was able to clean up my credit because of it. I know that although this debt did exist, it is so far outside of the 4 year statute of limitations in California.
I am hoping that this was a fake debit collector and not a real one. If it was real, they violated my rights by actively pursuing a debt that they knew was outside of the statute of limitations and by not sending me a debt validation notice within 5 days of their office receiving the file.
Of course I did not send the money and he was calling me first thing this morning. I told him this debt was outside the statute of limitations and that he was violating my rights. He did not argue and just said he would send it to the courts.
Do you think I have anything to be worried about? If it was real, do you think I may have accidentally re-set the statute of limitations?
My opinion is that you have nothing to worry about, it is not a legitimate debt collector (even though the debt may be a valid).
It is true that the debt does not go away after the SOL to sue passes. But his threats result in an attempt to scam you.
I would file complaints with the agencies referenced above. Check out this recent video I did with an excellent California debt collection violations attorney, Jeremy Golden. You may want to call in to his office for a free consult.
Does a Linda Kirkwood ring any bells? I received an email from her today saying I owed $890. And to avoid going to court for wire fraud for using the internet to commit to a debt, that I should pay today. There was no company name listed. No phone number. No info at all really.
I would not say she rings a bell, bit the scam you just outlined is real familiar.
I was contacted today by an unknown number and was told to call 832-709-2096 because I was going to be served tomorrow!! I was terrified and called the number right after hanging up with the lady that called me and I spoke with a John Mason and he told me I was being taken to court for a payday loan from back in 2013. He told me the only way to not be taken to court was if I gave them a credit card to put on file so they could deduct every payday! So I put my debit card on file and had my husband contact his lawyer ASAP. Well my husband contacted the 832-709-2096 and gave them my case number and no one could find the “case” so they asked who I had spoke with and he gave them John Masons name and he was the only one that knew about my “case.” My husband asked for their attorneys number and address so his attorney could contact them and Mr Mason said he didn’t know which attorney would be serving me but when I had spoken to him he had said ” Just a second let me get the hard copy from the attorneys desk” which then flagged me that I was being scammed so I rushed to my bank to close my account! Please people don’t fall for this debt scam! They knew the last 4 of my social and my date of birth which made me believe it was all true. My question is how did they get that info about me??
The accurate private information collection scammers use can be the result of access to your credit reports. It can also be due to stolen or hacked information that was part of a once legitimate collection, or that was purchased legitimately, but that is not be collected on with the intent to deceive.
Received a call today from a private number, stating he was going to serve me tomorrow and was seeing if I would be at my address. I told him no I had moved out of state. He proceeded to give me a case number and a phone number to the company proceeding with the law suit. He also stated it was with the same County in which I had used to reside in. The number given was 832-709-2096. I called that number hurriedly since I was at work. The other man answered and proceeded to tell me there was a lawsuit against a debt from a payday loan from 2013. I was to pay the amount and the lawsuit would be ceased. I payed the amount however am considering flagging the charge on my card as fraud. The company that is supposedly filing a suit, has publicly stated on their site that they are no longer a company as of June 2015. Do you believe I was scammed? If so should I proceed to cancel the charge?
Yes I do believe that you were scammed. I would call my bank and stop payment or trigger a fraud alert if it were me. What is the name of the company?
National recovery is trying to. Collect on a debt is 9 years and 11 month old
What state are you in? What was the debt at issue about (credit card, personal loan, etc)?
I was called by Allied Financial threatening a law suit for $2,000 and that I had been served at my old addresses and they will put a lean on my car and more threats. The debt was from Wells Fargo so I thought it was real and got scared because I did owe Wells Fargo $150 five years ago. The original debt they claimed was for $965 and I was in such a hurry that day I wasnt thinking and I was scared so i gave him my bank account number to take the funds out in 24 hours if I settled for $335. Well anyways I had time to google them later and they didnt even have a website or anything and a whole bunch of scam pages came up in google for them so I realized I was probably scammed. So I called my bank and froze my account and cancelled my debit card. Now I am going to use the advice on this page to help me.
My husband received a call about credit card debt from Delaware Bank from 10 years ago. Said they were getting ready to file suit again him and would take him to court. But we could make a payment today and keep it out of court. The company name was Williamson Morgan and Associates in California from #855-867-6061. The gentleman emailed me a credit form and would not take a credit card over the phone. Is this a scam??
A ten year old credit card debt is more than 3 times passed the Statute of Limitations to sue in your state. Even if this was a legitimate debt collection agency, which I doubt, they are running a scam on you.
Dear Michael,
My brother received a call today from someone claiming to be at a firm and in reference to a complaint filed against me. They had called me just before but I did not pick up the phone as it was “unknown” on the caller ID. I called back because I don’t appreciate my family being informed of “complaints” filed against me, knowing this is probably one of the scammers.
When I got the person on the phone and provided the reference number, I found they are calling on an account that is more than ten years old. SOL in Arizona is 6 years. I told them that account is beyond the statute and they need to stop calling. The person on the phone claims to have a recording of me agreeing to pay the debt from some years ago, which I know to be false as I have never spoken with a debt collector about the account in question. He refused to provide me with verification of the debt, or the recording, as he claimed to be a pre-litigator and could only handle negotiation of the debt. I advised him that unless he could produce proof that I agreed to pay over the phone resetting the SOL, that we had nothing further to discuss. He advised me that the recording would only be played at the mediation phase of the trial.
I know this is probably a rhetorical question, but does this sound like scammer to you. I called him out and told him I think he’s one of those places that bought debt for pennies on the dollar and he’s just trying to scare me into agreeing to pay, which he of course denied.
Thoughts?
My opinion is that this is a scam. It would help if you named the company and people involved. That can help protect later readers from being scammed.
Hello I received a call a work today from lady named Stephanie said there was a complaint filled in me and she needed to take my statement before it went to court. I explained to her that she was to never call me at work again. She told me to take this number down and call her when I could I explained to her I won’t call her until I get something in mail in writing and who this is from. She never once told me who she was with or what it was about that she was only trying to mediate so I wouldn’t get served.
Your interaction has several scam elements to it. I would waste no time filing complaints with the information you have to go on, and would not take any collection threat from her seriously.
I’m getting lots of calls from Zenco Collections. How do I verify they are not a scam. It seems that lots of others are having the same issue. badfinance.org/review/1715352/zenco-collection-llc-debt-collection
Read deep into the comments on this page. Zenco is well represented.
I got a call from an Anthony who worked for an unknown clerks office from unknown state. They stated that I was either the daughter or close to Ken of this person that they were trying to locate to serve papers. They new that I was from my home state but now living in another state at my new address I just moved to 3 months ago. They have called on my cell and new home number. The most recent call states that they will be sending the papers to my address. I have n relation to this person they are naming and they are using my maden name and not married name. I’m assuming this is there way of getting me to call.
Yes, scammers have all kinds of tricks to play. Nice job not letting this get to you. File complaints how I reference in the article above.
My aunt, dad and sister received a call from a women (blocked ID) stating that:
trying to get served to Megan if you could have the defendant make contact with the plaintiff immediately at 855-219-7104 she will need to reference her case 198070 it is imperative Megan ____ contact immediately to advoid the plan of moving forward in her absence it is _regarding a legal matter outside of Suffolk county. I do thank you for your assistance of my own going to investigation and let Megan know good luck…” so I call the number back and they state that she was a locator, the women i spoke with next told me they were calling to inform me that they were filing check fraud charges against me. (I put stop payments on my account because it had gotten tot he point where I couldn’t do it anymore) I paid off most accounts. I think there is one or 2. The company I had spoken with that I owed told me a year ago that they wouldn’t send it out to a company like this. I had gotten a smiliar call like this a year ago and I told them to get lost and never heard anything else. So anyway they are giving me names of two companies I never borrowed from, they are stating that it can be the head name of the company and that’s why I don’t recognize it: she said she had dates of deposits but put me on hold forever and then came back and either she hung up or we got disconnected. She’s was insistent that the paid in full letters wouldn’t match the account numbers she had which of coarse they didn’t but it seemed like she was too sure of it. She stated that they were just calling to inform me that they are going ahead with proceeding to file charges with my county and gave my county name. Said their was nothing I could do. I got nervous and stayed if I owe something I’ll pay it but I want to make sure it’s legitmately owed. Then all of a sudden if I gave them a card over the phone for 1000$ they would settle the debt. I don’t have 1000$, and I explained there was no way I’d be able to do that, I would have to make small payments. She said that wasn’t a option had to be by end of November, couldn’t be a check due to me not being able to be trusted. Do u think this can be real? I will be contacting other companies to try and find out where I still owe and if this is legitimate. I’m in ny, can I be arrested for check fraud?
You are being scammed. File complaints in New York and with the CFPB.
i was contacted today of a 10 yr old debt. he said if i didn’t pay the full amount today i would get served court papers and would have a judgment made on my spouse and i. my spouse is in the military. i told the man i did not have that kind of money. i told him i would have to call him back. i called back and suggested i could maybe come up with $1000.00. he said he would have to put me on hold to go talk to the lawyer. he came back and said he could do that and then monthly payments of $200.00. i got a call from my spouse and my spouse told me to hang up, it’s a scam. i hung up right away. i didn’t give out my personal or bank info. i just threw out an amount. i am scared i restarted the debt and i am scared i will get sued and have to go to court. money of which i do not have that they are coming after me for.
You did not reset the SOL by talking about your debt with a scammer. You will not be sued by the scam either.
Hi Michael, received a call from Anthony Mendez of Harbourside Financial stating I had an old credit card debt of 1500 from 2001 and that legal proceedings were being issued and all that goes with that. Offered to settle, In a panic I did. Is there any comeback?
I would try to reverse the payment immediately if it were me.
Received a call from Zenco about a debt. Last payment on the account by me was in 2008.
A lady spoke to me and said they needed payment now. She then put me in the phone with a guy who got quite aggressive. They threatened me with a summons and court action etc. and wanted my back details over the phone after which they emailed me a form to sign.
I would file complaints with the regulators I mention in the original article.
I got a call on 11-10-2016 from a lady say that there was a court summons going out for me. that I will need to be home from the hours of 10-5 to recived the letter or call an local number for further details. So I called them back the next day I was told that the summons for a payday loan I took out in 2012. She told how much that balance was I ask her from what payday loan company it was from, she gave me the name and had all my personal info to. She ask how I would like to handle this I told her until I received the letter in the mail I’m not paying you. She ask to make a payment now cause it got to the point that the duet was past. I told her when I received the letter I will contact you. So put me on hold and claim that she was calling the creditor to see about payments arrangements. Then a man came on the line telling me about the duet and he said all my personal info to me and he had my lic plates number. I told until I get a letter in the mail I’m not paying anything. So he said ill send you a letter in the mail and a email copy to I said the email not valid. He gave me his name and number to call him and ext and this number was different. I look them up and saw a lot of complants I look up there address and got two different locations. I think its a scam but don’t know really.
What is the name of the collection agency? What state are you in? When did you last make a payment on the loan?
The company name direct capital. I don’t recall when I made a payment. I look up the address it came up a storage company. They told me the loan came from check dupe I look up the company and didn’t find anything
The whole thing is sketchy.
Hi, I was called about two months ago about a unsecured cc debt that I owed from 2009. I had disability for several years and was unable to pay this card. The credit limit was very low like 300. About two years ago I got off disability and have been actively trying to get my credit score better by paying off student loans. So when this collector called me two months ago I had asked if I can make payment arrangements for my debts and I was unaware of SOL. The debt was originated in Texas and I was living in California at the time. The collector said no payments and they needed the debt to be paid in full. It was 2,690. I said no I can’t do that. He then proceeded to say that they will be taking this debt to court in October. Now October came and my husbands job had located us in New Jersey. I received a phone call on October 25 with the collector saying they served me court papers to my work and home and were unable to reach me and that they needed a statement for the judge, I explained I had moved and no longer lived in California and he then proceeded to agree to the payment arrangement of 100 a month. I did an edoc agreement and with 400 being my first payment. The thing that made me believe this was real is because this McKinley and Associates LLC is registered through the California State Gov as a company to do business in California.
After I made this payment arrangement I started receiving several scam calls that I could tell were not real but this got me to search out more about what I had just done. I believe now this was a zombie debt that I now have revived because I signed an agreement to the debt. I did this out of fear that a judgement would be made against me and he had said an officer went to my work and gave me the location of where the officer tried to reach me. Am I correct in believing I was scammed? And if so, I am now legally bound this contract even if it was a scam?
This may not have been a full on fake debt collector, but one that has scammed you nonetheless. A debt last paid in 2009 would not be able to sue with a 4 year SOL in California, or a 6 year SOL in New Jersey.
Call an experienced FDCPA attorney in New Jersey. I can send you an email with several contacts if you like?
Yes, I would really appreciate that. Do you need my email?
I sent the email to the one you use when comment on the site. Let me know if you did not get it.
Thank you so much! I contacted Marcus Zelman! He took a look at the contract I signed and the receipts I got for the payments and he told me that I have been scammed. He said for me to stop payments immediately and to report the company to the California Attorney General.
I called the company that is scamming me to get more information and the person answering is saying they are a law firm yet when I found their website online half the links don’t work. The receipts I got for my payments look like someone typed them up in notepad really quick. I don’t mind paying my debt but if this is a scam it will mean nothing and I will have thrown away 2,690.
Do you think I should request a validation letter or is it too late? I am just trying to think about what they will do when they find out my payments are stopped next month…maybe I should already send them a cease communication letter?
Thanks again! I really appreciate your help and your website.
Scammers do not care about debt validation letters or cease communication notices. File the complaints with the AG and move on is what I would do.
Received a call from Cheyenne Wyoming 307-274-4866 claiming company name CRS MEDIATORS collecting on a online loan that was done in June 2013. They had the last 4 of my social and the name of my bank. The loan was for 850. I called my bank and they said I didn’t have any outside deposit for that amount. What should I do? They already took me for 285 on another claimed online loan. I was scared and they threatened to serve me with a law suit and legal fees so they offered me to settle for 285.00. This was in Sept 19 2016. Scared what do I do?
Never pay a debt collector for a debt that you do not know to be yours. Stand your ground and demand they send you validation of the debt. That will include the amount owed and who the debt originated with. A legitimate debt collector will tell you their address so that you can send them your validation request in writing, and will also inform you of where the debt originated from so that you can recognize if you ever did business with that lender.
Hi Michael, I live in Denver. Revently I got 3 business cards 1 week apart stuck between my door from a Legal Processor called R & R, no address just name Robert Stewart Jr 720-675-3692. On the back he wrote my name or current address please call Rob this is an URGENT Legal Matter! ASAP Please
I did recieve a collection letter from Nelson & Kennard located on behalf og Citibank/ Cavalry Portfolio in Sacarmento last month. Checked my credit report and the account is in collections from Cavalry Portfolio Services. I sent a certified letter yesterday to verify the debit, still with in a 30 day window to dispute the debt.
Also get calls about 2-3 week from NCB Mgt. Debt collector.
Whats the deal with the legal process server leaving a card to call & no indication he has papers to server? I check Denver County Court and no case listed.
Thanks
Do you have other unpaid accounts out there? It is a bit odd that the process server is trying to serve you, but the case is not filed in the court. You could call him and arrange for service if it seems he will end up serving you anyway.
Let me know what’s up when you get the papers.
What is your goal for resolving this?
Thanks Michael. Got three other bad debt on my credit report, 1 was charged off/closed 2013. The other one not in collections but showing last activity 2013. The last one, a creditor got a judgment and garnished my wages so that account is paid in full, even though I was Never Served with a summons and complaint.
I did receive a collection letter from an Attorney for unpaid Toll Road charges and paid the balance in full on October 28, the day I got the first procecess server business card. I think his records shoukd be updated by now after 3 weeks. So this makes think the matter is related to something else.
I know that I’m not obligated to call anyone back no answer my door and will wait it out to hear back from the Attorney representing Cavalry. Should they respond without providing adequate proof of validation and the account remains on my credit report and they tempt to serve me with a judgment I would seek the advice of a low cost Consumer Debt Attorney to represent me to ask the judge to dismiss the case. I do not want to settle with a 3rd party debt collector nor do I plan to file bankruptcy as these deliqent accounts are schedule to be removed from my file in 3 years.
I will update you should I receive further information from either the Debt Attorney or the process server.
Your advice is appreciated.
Okay. Don’t be too quick to refuse to settle with a third party debt collector. That is how you prevent a lawsuit, and also often where you get the best possible savings too.
Hello I was hoping for some feedback . My husband has a legit debt but I feel like the “debt collector” who keeps calling is a scammer. He claimed to be with a company called “clark & associates” first a woman called saying someone was coming to our house to serve him papers for court if he didn’t pay this debt off. Not even 30 mins later a guy calls and tells my husband he can pay this over the phone right now so he won’t have to go to court . My husband told him he was still waiting for his new debit card to come in the mail (which is true) and the guy said ok. This was 3 days ago. He just called me again saying my husband was supposed to call him back with his debit card number . He called from a Los Angeles area code and gave me a toll free 800 number to call back . My husband wants to pay because he’s scared but I keep telling him something sounds fishy
It is likely a scam. Legitimate debt collectors do not call you to tell you someone is coming to serve you. Everything after that is just a follow up on the scam.
I am also having the same problem with clarke and Associates. They are now calling my husband and sent me a message on Facebook! I just want them to stop
File complaints with your state AG and the CFPB.
I did with the CFPB but I think they are having trouble identifying the company even though I gave them their website and number. Every time they call it comes up on my called ID as Maureen Wilson. Even more of a reason I think it is a scam.
I am a 70 year old widow and these people keep calling me and they have contacted my granddaughter. They won’t tell me the name of the company or what the paper’s they want to deliver are regarding. I have avoided them, but they are supposed to be here this afternoon. I will not answer the door because the above article has raised concerns regarding the legitimacy regarding this company.
A debt collector would identify themselves by company name. File complaints with your state AG and the CFPB.
ok im so upset they got me yesterday at work i got a call on my cell phone and because i was at work i said where i worked and gave my address . the girl said i missed jury duty and that i will be getting something in the mail it was a 347 area code when we called her back later from home she called us back with 2 different out of state numbers and then tried to tell my boyfriend she was calling him about jury duty he said bullshit and im reporting you she said go ahead and hung up . i dont know what to do now or what i should do or if i should be worried or not. is this gonna turn into identity theft or is this a collection agent doing things against the law on an old dept.. can someone please help
I do not hear about this type of fake call. Is that all they are saying, that you missed jury duty, and nothing about a debt or fine to pay?
Hello! I was hoping you could help me, I had a debt collector call my father and mother trying to get ahold of me. I phoned the number they gave me and the man who answered said he represented zenco and that I had a delinquent balance from Citi bank. The original balance was 1217, but with the now added court fees it is 3316. Their website looks legitimate to me but I’m not sure. He told me they had me on surveillance camera using the card to make purchases from 2008-2009. When I asked him questions to try and verify if this was a legitimate claim (which it may very well be, but I consolidated my debt and have since paid it off-or so I thought) he became extremely hostile. The information he was giving me wasn’t adding up, wrong name and age for my mother, wrong address listed for me ect. I have a different Citibank card now and when I asked him about this he told me they were going to deactivate my current card (which is paid on time, every month) He told me they were going to sue me and not to drive around because they were looking to serve me. I asked him if he could send me this in writing and he told me that because I moved so much I ‘forfeited my right to recieve mail from them’. Is this legal? Honestly, he was so rude and aggressive its really scared me. I don’t want to go to jail, and I thought they couldn’t contact me after a number of years. I live in Texas and have not changed my mailing address in years. Please help! Thank you!!!
Totally bogus debt collector. File complaints with the agencies I list above.
My employer received a call to day from Gregory and Associates (415-326-4384) saying that they were looking to serve me with “papers”. I called the # they gave and spoke with Brian Richardson who politely informed me that a judgement was going to be filed for garnishment of wages. I asked if there was some court appearance that I had missed and he said no I would need to be served first and a court date set. He claimed that as I had not responded to a letter allegedly sent to me 45 days ago (no such letter received), they were proceeding with this action.
He admitted that “they” should have sent the letter registered but nonetheless he was calling regarding a Credit One account from 2009. An unpaid balance at the time of $1449 had now reached $4,229; he asked if I would like to make payment arrangements today. He also gave me an account # and suggested I speak with Credit One to “confirm the debt” as it had never been disputed but that and that they would likely refer me back to him.
This account no longer appears on my credit report; I found the debt on an old report and Credit One closed that account and wrote off the unpaid balance in 2010. When I mentioned that the Statute of Limitations may have passed, Brian indicated that the last interest charges were added by Credit One in March of 2012., which seemed odd as my report indicates that they had closed the account 2 years earlier.
I have not spoken with Credit One and see no pending court action in my municipality. I’m not sure how to proceed. Thoughts?
I would file complaints with my state Attorney General and the CFPB.
I have actually gotten a call from this same number in reference to a court date I had missed. Never gotten anything in the mail about this court date when I called back I just got voice message. They said they were calling on behalf of NDF ( nothing on my collections close to that) the lady gave me a case number ( 207008) I looked that case number up in my area ( Washington State) and California cause that was the area code for the number but no case. They left a message saying that their phone call was the proof they needed to say I was contacted but that is it. I have no clue what it was for since any debt I had was paid off or dismissed from a chapter 7. Anything on my credit now is just from me trying to repair my credit. But I also have a credit one credit card. I will still call tomorrow to see what its for but will not make any payments over the phone.
Sounds scammy to me. Please do post updates with anything new that occurs.
I got a call from them today, and it says it is from “Court Document Services”. They stated that a document they certified to deliver was undeliverable. They stated to call back before any further legal action was to be taken.
This is a scam i believe. i owed a bill 10 years ago, but statute of limitations is way past, and nothing on my credit report. I am not going to call them back. If it were legit, they would have my new address (moved out of state 2 years ago), as that stuff is not hard to find for companies.
Hello. Recently I have been contacted several times by a woman from Legal Recovery Network via Litigation Recovery System she states is the firm. Her name is Gail Robinson. She states she is calling in regards to a summons on 2 complaints and that it is urgent that I call her back or this will be forwarded but does not say to whom it will be forwarded nor what the debt or allegation is?!? Any recommendations?
I would call and find out what kind of scam they are running. But that is me. Many people would not waste their time.
Lawyers that sue just sue. They do not play phone call games.
I received a phone call from retrieval mediation services out of Georgia saying I owed for a payday loan from 2010. They provided me with a validation of debt statement that lists the original lender as Alpine Direct services. I can’t find any information on either of these companies!
That is a huge red flag that you are being contacted by a scammer.