Yes, I received a call from this number and message indicated his name was Officer Frank and that I or my retained attorney needed to call him back ASAP as the matter at hand is extremely time sensitive. And if I don't, he wished us good luck.
How can I verify whether or not a debt collector is legitimate?
Here are a few warning signs that could signal a debt collection scam:
The debt collector threatens you. Legitimate debt collectors probably won't claim that they'll have you arrested or claim that they or their employees are law enforcement officers.
The debt collector refuses to give you information about your debt or is trying to collect a debt you do not recognize. You have certain rights to ask a debt collector to verify the debt. You can use this sample letter to request this information. Ask for an explanation in writing before you pay.
The debt collector refuses to give you a mailing address or phone number.
The debt collector asks you for sensitive personal financial information. You should never provide anyone with your personal financial information unless you are sure they're legitimate.
If you think that a caller may be a fake debt collector:
Ask the caller for his or her name, company, street address, telephone number, and professional license number. Many states require debt collectors to be licensed. Check the information the caller provides you with your state officials, or the state in which the debt collector holds a license. If the caller refuses or is unable to provide you with information about his company, or if you can’t verify the information he provides, do not give money to the caller or company.
Tell the caller that you refuse to discuss any debt until you get a written "validation notice." This notice must include:
The amount of the debt
The name of the creditor you owe
A description of certain rights under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
If a caller refuses to give you all of this information, consider requesting this information in writing or seeking assistance before paying the debt to make sure the debt, and the company, are valid.
Tip: You can consider sending the collector a letter requesting the information by using one of the CFPB's sample letters. You can also submit a complaint to the CFPB or you can contact your state Attorney General’s office.
Do not give the caller personal financial or other sensitive information. Never give out or confirm personal financial or other sensitive information like your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number unless you know the company or person you are talking with is a real debt collector. Scam artists, like fake debt collectors, can use your information to commit identity theft such as:
Charging your existing credit cards
Opening new credit card or checking accounts
Writing fraudulent checks
Taking out loans in your name
Contact your creditor. If the debt is legitimate – but you think the collector may not be – contact your creditor about the calls. Share the information you have about the suspicious calls and find out who, if anyone, the creditor has authorized to collect the debt.
Report the call. Submit a complaint with the CFPB or get in touch with your state Attorney General's office with information about suspicious callers.
Stop speaking with the caller.If nothing else works and you believe the calls are fraudulent, send a letter demanding that the caller stop contacting you, and keep a copy for your files.
Tip: You can use this sample letter to write a letter demanding the debt collector stop contacting you. By law, real debt collectors must stop calling you if you ask them to in writing.
Tip: If you're having trouble with debt collection, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB online or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372).
Received a message from someone with a foreign accent identifying himself as "Officer Frank Lesh" giving me the number to his "division" at this 718-770-3523 and saying that if I didn't provide him with information for my lawyer, he would wish me "good luck" because "the situation badly unfolds on" me. Thinking this was the worst collection agent in the world and being in a mood to torment the idiot, I called back. When I called, he said I owed money to the IRS and that I was about to be arrested for "tax evasion" before he quoted a mailing address I had a number of years ago. I kept grilling him for more information which he refused to provide. At the end of the call, he said that my lack of cooperation left him "no choice" but to contact the local authorities immediately to have me arrested for tax evasion. Meanwhile, he called back again three days later and left the same message.
Bottom line: this is clearly a phishing scam. #irstaxscam #phishingscam
It's a scam. The guy claims he's with the IRS and, because you owe back taxes, that you're about to be arrested for tax evasion. DO NOT GIVE HIM ANY INFORMATION.