Got a call from someone that could barely speak English. Said litigation was in process and we need to call him back. My attorney said if someone is filing charges, we would get either a letter from a Magistrate or a Certified Letter from an attorney. Don't be fooled by these people. They are trying to collect on a debt that is UNCOLLECTABLE...
Glad you guys realized they were scam artists before they got any money out of you. They're a bunch of crooks -- They go by a variety of names and phone numbers -- some of the names they use include Global Asset Investigations, Worldwide Recovery Services, Worldwide Asset Investigation Services and North American Asset Investigation Bureau (NAAIB). Last year they were operating out of Cleveland, OH, until they were shut down -- the Cleveland BBB named them as one of the top ten scams of 2007: http://cleveland.bbb.org/WWWRoot/SitePage.asp ... b91931&art=1377
You can get more info here: http://www.budhibbs.com/debtcollectorpages/NAAIB.htm.
They will probably continue using this MD number until they get shut down again, then start using a new area code, but the MO is always the same: they call and identify themselves in a way that implies they are either working for a lawyer, the court system, or the police department (all of these misleading statements are illegal); tell you that there has been a civil case filed against you, they give you a case number, and tell you that you must contact them before a warrant is sworn out against you. When you contact them, they tell you that they are investigating a debt that is 10, 12, 15 or so years old; they'll name some bank you've never heard of, or a credit card you've never heard of. They'll have just enough information about you to make you nervous and they'll be phishing to find out more information. They'll tell you that the debt is some ridiculous amount -- let's say $10,200 for an example -- but if you're willing to pay today, they'll reduce it to, for example, $650. But they can't give you an address. Instead, they will ask for your bank account or credit card number. They'll tell you that if you don't settle on the phone with them that moment, a sheriff will appear at your door within 48 hours to arrest you. NONE OF THIS IS TRUE. Complaints have been filed to the AG of OH, MD, TX, NY, and IL, as well as to the FTC, FCC, and the FBI (as they are trying to illegally extort money over the phone). They often target the elderly and infirm. Do not speak with them, and save whatever messages they leave on your phone. If you get a phone call, file a complaint online with the following organizations:
http://www.oag.state.md.us/Consumer/complaint.htm
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/FTC_Wizard.aspx?Lang=en
http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm
as well as the Attorney General of your own state. Remember: whether the debt is yours or not, you should not be dealing with these people. They are not a legitimate organization.
PLEASE -- file a report. You were smart and savvy enough to do research on this number; not everyone is that lucky. REPORT THEM!!!
A man called, left message that a civil suit was in process. Did not say what for, or county, or city, or state. I must call immediately, etc.
Did not say any law firm, he did say he was "special investigator" Joseph Katcham?? I really couldn't understand him. There was no company name. He left a "affidavit" reference number. There were many other voices in the background, like a phone bank, people talking on the phone.
I did a reverse look up, it is a land line, residential. Paetec Communications, Inc. - Md Bethesda, MD Montgomery county.
The whole call sounded fishy.
a woman called and left the same message i tried to call the # she left and a so called investigator answered through a voice mail joe feurgueson,this is fishy,due to the fact that i don''t live in maryland.
A man calling himself a special investigator, reported to have filed a lawsuit in my county and to call them back with a claim affidavit number? Who are these ppl? They had my maiden and married name?