Received a robocall from this number, purporting to be from the Attorney General's office, and alleging criminal activities, and pending charges. When I called them back, and calmly told them that this was illegal, and that they should not be misrepresenting themselves, the person hung up. I called back three times, and nobody would answer...
I recieved a similar e-mail. I only just opened, so I decided to call "Michael Jones". I got a very unprofessional response for such an important office. All it said was 'thank you for calling the attorney generals office,please leave a message, the voice on the other end sounded middle eastern, not sure the name Michael Jones is actually a real persons name, in this case, I think it's a made up name. I also got an attachment of an arrest warrant, I'm not sure this is how law enforcement works. Should I send them $1,800? They claim to be representing a loan agency, while I admit that I do have an unpaid loan debt, it wasn't even the amount they are demanding that I pay. They said they will call my employer as well. What should I do? Any advise would be helpful. I cannot afford an attorney.
No, you should not send any money - this is a scam! Fax, phone, text or email is not a valid legal means of notifying you that you owe someone money! Per the FDCPA, you should not pay any one who refuses to MAIL - via USPS mail - information showing that you owe them a debt. If they won't mail this information - which would include their company name and physical address, as well as the original creditor and amount owed - do not pay them! The letter should also tell you that you have up to 30 days to dispute the debt in writing, as well as the mini-miranda - that the letter is an attempt to collect a debt.
Debt is civil, not criminal, so there is no arrest warrant for defaulting on a loan - and in any case, if you had committed a crime, the cops sure don't give you a heads up they'll be by to visit.
More info on this type of scam here:
Extortion Scam Related to Delinquent Payday Loans
Washington, D.C.
December 07, 2010 FBI National Press Office
(202) 324-3691
— filed under: Press Release
The Internet Crime Complaint Center has received many complaints from victims of payday loan telephone collection scams. Callers claim the victim is delinquent in a payday loan and must repay the loan to avoid legal consequences. The callers purport to be representatives of the FBI, Federal Legislative Department, various law firms, or other legitimate-sounding agencies. They claim to be collecting debts for companies such as United Cash Advance, U.S. Cash Advance, U.S. Cash Net, and other Internet check-cashing services.
According to complaints received from the public, the callers have accurate data about victims, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, employer information, bank account numbers, and the names and telephone numbers of relatives and friends. How the fraudsters obtained the personal information varies, but in some cases victims have reported they completed online applications for other loans or credit cards before the calls started.
The fraudsters relentlessly call the victim’s home, cell phone, and place of employment. They refuse to provide any details about the alleged payday loans and become abusive when questioned. The callers have threatened victims with legal actions, arrests, and, in some cases, physical violence if they do not pay. In many cases, the callers harass victims’ relatives, friends, and employers.
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To File complaints FDCPA/TCPA violations:
Your State Attorney General
Their State Attorney general
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#&panel1-1
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
For Extortion Scam Operations, File reports with the FBI, your state attorney general and Department Of Justice,CFB,FTC & FCC..
[***] them losers. Its a scam.. No arrest warrent from any state is posted like that for public view. lol and If you owe money to a loan company in 99% of the cases its a civil case and they cannot post criminal charges for a unpaid loan.