Total scam. I did take out payday loans at one time…and paid them all off. Somehow, my information is being passed on to all of these pukes. My advice---change your cell phone number. If you don't want to do that…then USE your cell phone and call them back…tonight, I had a little fun and called as many as I could using *67. I left them all messages using their counterparts names and basically gave them the same crap they give me. So…I called as Archie Johnston to Julie and left her the same crap message that they give me all the time. This is total bs. Do not fall for their crap. My advice, however---alert your families to this. If you, like me, have taken out a payday loan in the past, they will find out who you are related to and try to scare them into thinking you are in trouble---trying to get money out of them to save you. My mom, sister, and brother have been called by these pukes saying I'm going to be "prosecuted" if I don't pay x-amount of dollars…OR they can pay the amount for me and avoid legal proceedings. This is total crap. Alert your families. If they called the right people, some would panic and give in to "save" you. Sorry---I've been dealing with this crap for 4 years…the last time I took out a payday loan. They are awful. Call them if you're bored…*67 then their number. Sorry for all who have had to deal with this.
Received a call from this number today and they left a voicemail:
My name is Julie Hyman calling from the Legal Mediation Firm. This is our final attempt to contact you regarding an open case we have here involving your name and as well as your social
This is an urgent phone call and your last opportunity to resolve this matter voluntarily without action being taken place against you. Please give me a call immediately at 303.565.5762
I have also received numerous calls from the 303-565-5762 number over the past 2 days with the EXACT same message and voice. All of this has started since I found out my Identity was stolen.
OBVIOUSLY a scam! According to my attorney brother, if it is for real, they will have a Toll free number for you to return a call to! I learned the hard way a few years ago and got taken for a couple of thousand by people like this!!!
Ask for ANY/ALL information you can get if you do get stuck talking to anyone like this!!!!!
got the same called..My name is Julie Hyman calling from the Legal Mediation Firm. This is our final attempt to contact you regarding an open case we have here involving your name and as well as your social..total scam!
I recieved multiple phone calls from this number claming to be Archie Johnston a private investigator. Investigating a financial transaction tied to my phone number.
Call regarding multiple questions in a legal matter.
I think this is someone scamming money.
Thank you for posting rosiegal68 -- I live in Sacramento, Ca and your experience is mine exactly -- 2 numbers, voice messages saying the same thing. It's June 19, 2015. I received 3 calls in the same day June 15, and just now, at 9:10 a.m. Pacific Time.
I'm an educated individual who is pretty logical and these calls scared me. If you or someone you know gets these calls, don't take the bait. Watch your accounts closely and change passwords.
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).