I did indeed have a payday loan in 2009 so I thought this call was legitimate. I got upset because I knew I paid it and they said they couldn't give me a number to call anyone and that Payday loans is sending me to court and has nothing else to say to me. I told the representative there is no way I'm giving my credit card information over the phone because my identity was stolen last year and she said she will see me in court! Glad I Googled the number!
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).
6/4/2015 The past 3 days I have been getting calls from a processer threatening to serve me with papers Mike Hardiman calling from a spoof # 702-763-7448. He leaves a message for you, your family, friends and work saying he will find you, it is really embarrasing but just tell your friends and family that you are being targeted by scam artists. His UNKNOWN company phone is 844-228-2967.
Today 6/9/2015 another call from 213-379-9046 they are also 702-9221803 (using your local # as a spoof), 855-258-6272 or 888-870-4030 spoke with a Paul Dimarco saying I have a lawsuit pending, I asked for proof he said he cannot provide that because they only get a spreadsheet to call a list of people from. I have filed a complaint with Federal Trade Commission https://www.ftc.gov/ they are scam artist.
Iam also in contact with The Law Office of Craig J. Ehrlich, LLC Alex Simanovsky & Associates, LLC Consumer Protection Attorneys they are attorneys who would love to go after these companies this is a free service for us consumer's so if you are a victim of these scam artist who work out of their NY or CA basement.
My 1st advice is submit a complaint to your local State General Office, then Federal Trade Commission and then contact Craig Ehrlich. I know because I was a victim of a scam that was ready to pay them over $600 in debt because I was scared to go to court. these people will say you cannot claim them on your BK or they dont apply to Fair Credit Act, thats a bunch of c***. Know your rights!! I hope this helps you.
Thanks I got a similar call from Male Gates at 213-379-9046 AFS Legal Services with a very similar story. So I called my credit union to just confirm that it is a SCAM and of course it is!!! Glad I was able to Google the number saw your post and I was able to tell him that I would talk with my credit union and to have a good day.