What to Do When Fake Debt Collection Scammers Call
I got a phone call message which said someone would be by my home and place of employment to give me a summons. That kinda startled me. Then later I called the number back and spoke with someone. They said I had this old debt, I told them that I never had such a card. They then told me that I should be getting served a summons and would need to fill out my court documents. But, if that happen yet I could settle over the phone for .50 on the dollar.
They didn't know who was supposed to serve me (sheriff) and didn't even know where I lived. They just rattled off addresses.
They kept threatening that the court date would be set as soon as the guy showed up at my house.
In haste I made a payment in full (reduced amount of course) to settle and not go to court!
Thinking back, they totally got me! I totally drew a blank on the SOL.
What tricked me the most was they said I, or someone, had made payments for the last 10 years... Yeah right!
So what do you the best course of action is here? I paid on a credit card and was just going to pay it off (keeping a zero balance is habit now).
Should I cancel the payment? Did I screw up the SOL?
They also emailed me a contract but I haven't read it so haven't signed it.
I was thinking to reply that they need to state they won't take me to court and that they have called off the summons... Basically get them to admit to their illegal bullying threats so I could collect the fines from them.
What do you advise? Thanks.
Was I just scammed by a debt collector? What can I do now?
—TJ
Short answer
Never pay a debt collector who opens with a same day threat, mentions your arrest, calls themselves an investigator, or will not name the company they work for. Those are the marks of a fake. Take notes, file complaints, and speak with a consumer lawyer before you send anyone money.
Key points on this page
- A same day “or else”, such as being sued today or served at work, paired with an offer to stop it if you pay right now, is very likely a scam. Real collectors and process servers just show up.
- Any mention of arrest is a red flag. Unpaid credit cards do not lead to arrest. A bench warrant can only follow a failure to obey a court order, such as missing an asset discovery hearing, and collectors do not call to tell you about that.
- Anyone calling themselves an investigator, or threatening to involve one, is using an intimidation tactic. Properly trained collectors cannot act in a false or misleading way.
- Collectors are required to tell you who they work for and what debt they are calling about. Any hesitation or failure to identify themselves is a huge red flag.
- Scammers get real details from social networks, purchased consumer data, or a hacked collection system, so the debt they name may be one you actually recognize.
- If in doubt: take notes with names, dates and times, capture the caller number, keep any voicemail, file complaints with your state Attorney General and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, talk to an experienced consumer lawyer, and do not set up any payment.
Believe it or not, there are varying degrees of debt collection scams. And it is because of these differences, my feedback to people who interact on this, and other sites I participate on, can change. I wish things were more cut and dry, but because licensed and bonded debt collectors can say and do the darnedest things, even when they are collecting legitimate debts, there are blurred lines. Add to that the fact that fake debt collectors continue to get better at… faking it, things can become less clear.
What to do, and how to go about doing it, when you suspect you are being called by an outright debt collection rip off artist, can be different than when you are dealing with a debt collector crossing the line with their unprofessional actions. I am going to focus on the fakers first.
When Fake Debt Collectors Call You
There has been a rash of fake debt collection scams of late. Ten years ago it was not something I would run into. Nowadays, between my site, and many others that are part of my daily activity and news feed, I see a reference to some fake debt collector on a near daily basis. And some of what I see shows that the scam is getting more sophisticated.
Here are some things to look out for from a debt collection scam phone call.
- The debt collector opens the call with an immediate sense of urgency statement. This would mean saying something with an or else that packs a punch, like; you are going to be sued later today if we cannot get a payment set up right now; there is someone coming to your work to serve you a lawsuit.
Legitimate debt collectors and process servers do not make these threats. They just show up. The fact is, virtually any debt collection lawsuit that someone took the trouble to file, is going to serve you with it before talking word one about payments. That is just how that kind of escalated collection action works. There is such a low probability that a legitimate debt collector will both threaten you with an “or else” set to happen same day (or close to it), while simultaneously suggesting your payment will put a stop to it, that the chance of this being a fake debt collection scam are high.
- A debt collector mentions anything about your arrest.
There are very limited instances where you could be arrested for not paying an unpaid bill. Court fines and fees reach to that level, and so can unpaid child support, but unpaid credit cards and other types of debt do not. An exception could be if you were sued, and there is a legitimate judgment entered in the court. If there was an order from a judge that you did not follow, like appear for an asset discovery hearing, it is possible to have a bench warrant out there. But that would be for failure to comply with the courts order, not for lack of payment on a civil judgment. And debt collectors do not call you up to inform you of that in my experience.
- The debt collector refers to themselves as an investigator, or that they will contact the investigator on your case.
Debt collectors that are trained properly cannot act in a false or misleading manner in an effort to get you to pay. Referring to any investigator is awfully close to suggesting there is law enforcement involved in collecting the debt. This is an intimidation tactic. These kinds of words and phrases are not used by legitimate debt collectors.
- They will not name the collection company they are working for.
Debt collectors are required to inform you of who they work for, and the debt they are contacting you about. Any pause with, or failure to identify themselves clearly and immediately, is a huge red flag.
Debt Collection Scams are Getting Sophisticated
Some debt collection scams are designed for the quick cash. They need to scam as quick as they can using a few phone calls to their mark, or to your family members or work place. How is it that a fake collection scam can get the information they need to really cause you stress and pressure you to pay them something?
- They can learn about you, your family, friends and work place through social networks.
- Scam debt collectors with a higher level of sophistication can potentially purchase data about you directly from the credit reporting bureaus, or through a data aggregator or software company, just like legitimate debt collectors do today.
- A legitimate debt collector may have had your debt at one time. Perhaps they did not know their CMS or data management system was hacked, or files copied and sold to someone with a fake collection scam going.
In fact, the debt a scam collector may say you owe is something that could still show on your credit reports, or that once was on them. That is why you may recall the debt in the first place, and be susceptible to fork over some money to stop a fake lawsuit, arrest, or potential embarrassment.
Websites are now being published by some of the fake debt collection scams. When someone shares the name of the supposed collection scam company, I usually see what I can find online about them. I rarely see any company web presence. But more recently I am seeing some decently designed, but very basic websites with the scam company name, or something close to it as the URL. Legitimate debt collectors in this day and age have larger, more well put together web sites, and a strong web presence in general. Fake collectors websites that I have seen tend to have a home, about, and maybe one or two additional pages. The pages are skinny on any details and have no industry badging that you find on legitimate collection company sites.
When the Real Thing Looks Like a Fake
I was not kidding about some of the ways licensed and bonded debt collection agencies can be found to step over clear lines of consumer protection laws. It is not hard to understand why they do it. A real debt collector can have a real hard time getting paid when people are struggling to pay today’s bills, let alone pay for the past.
None of that excuses bad collection behavior, and it sure does not help public perception of debt collectors.
Real debt collectors may make empty threats about you being sued. These threats may not be as direct as the fake debt collectors, but the verbiage and tone that is used can be implied to the point that is what you think you heard an hour later.
Most legitimate debt collectors do not use “or else” type of threats to collect. They can be sued for these types of tactics.
In fact, virtually everything I mention that the fake debt collectors do, a real debt collector can and often will be sued for. The debt collection laws they would be breaking are both state and federal violations. Many consumer law attorneys will take these kinds of collection violations on at no charge to you, and instead are paid by the other side. This means all of their fees are covered. You could see some money back for your trouble too.
It is imperative for everyone who is harassed or abused by a debt collector to take action. You should connect with an experienced collections violation consumer law attorney. Post about your situation in the comments below and I can provide feedback and contact details to someone who can help you.
What to do About the Scam Debt Collector
You can legitimately owe a debt, but still be scammed, whether by real or fake collectors, so… when in doubt… never pay a debt collector making threats like I outline above. If you even have a whiff of concern the debt is not yours, too old to be collected, or that the collector contacting you is either a fake, or a collector willing to step over the legal lines and violate your rights, you should:
- Take good notes of any conversation.
- Write down names, dates, times.
- Capture the caller ID and/or write down any phone numbers they provided for return calls.
- Keep a copy of any voice mail recordings they left.
- File complaints with your state AG and with the CFPB when you have identified the collection company.
- Speak with an experienced consumer lawyer.
- Do not make, set up, or arrange for payments.
Having said all of that, I should mention again that most debt collectors you encounter are not going to be fake. They are not going to violate your rights. If you have a question about the legitimacy of a debt collector, or their behavior, lets talk about it in the comments below.
I reached out to the above reader offline to encourage getting those payments reversed. Hopefully he will share more about his experiences in the comments below.
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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.
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.