Typical scare tactic by criminals posing as debt collectors. Not showing up in their office or calling them has nothing to do with your right to see a lawyer. You have been targeted by extortionists.
This is a common ploy by criminals masquerading as debt collectors who are attempting to extort money from people by scaring you into believing that you will be criminally charged, go to jail, lose your driver’s license, have wages garnished, be sued, and a variety of other variations on this, all for an alleged or nonexistent debt. One of the tricks they use is to call your work place, friends, or relatives repeatedly in an attempt to shame you into paying. They also use the “process server” ruse who calls and claims he is going to serve you, but then says you could avoid it by calling another number. Please note that process servers do not ever call ahead. That way you can’t dodge them.
Read up on your rights here and also make a complaint at this government site: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/
Also file a complaint with your State Attorney General's office.
List of State AG’s offices: http://800notes.com/faq/attorney-general
Just got off the phone with a Richard Kline from this number.
He claims I committed fraud on a payday loan over 10 years ago! That if I didn't pay x amount, they would have no choice but to forward my case to the "state". I explained to him that I don't live at the address he has on file for me, therefore I wouldn't have received any correspondence. He told me I had one of two options: 1) Move forward with them sending my case to the state where things would go "sideways" for me. Court fees, lawyer fees, and a potential felony charge on my record. 2) Pay a "settlement amount" of about 75% of the original balance.
Had him on the phone for 20 minutes, and explained to him that without any paperwork how could I legitimize this claim? He said that at this point the ONLY way to get said paperwork would be through the courts during the discovery period of my case OR if I paid the outstanding amount I would receive an "exoneration" letter, along with the original documents.
He sounded legit. Definitely intimidating. I told him to call me in a week to setup payment, which he agreed to after having to "check with his processors". I don't plan on paying one dime of this crap, but I did want to post as much info about our conversation for anyone else receiving these calls.
***UPDATE***
Called back and asked the young lady that originally left me a message what was the name of the company of firm?
After asking my name (I told her), she PUT ME ON HOLD then came back and said Pete Stein & Associates. After doing some searching online, I found this link with other people getting calls from this number: http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-770-645-0819
I have been receiving repeated messages like the others listed. I have blocked this num b er from my phone and yet it keeps coming through. I also have had my identity stolen. yoy can wait until he'll freezes over - you aren't getting any money!