Just got a message from 240 235 5616 saying that they wanted to talk to me about a legal matter....It is definitely a SCAM..... DO not fall for it .....REPORT it ASAP to your local authorities.
I got a call saying that someone at my number was being sued in a civil matter and if we did not respond that further charges would be filed. As it turns out, it was a collection agent looking for someone else. How rude.
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!!!
Just got a message from 240 235 5616 saying that they wanted to talk to me about a legal matter....It is definitely a SCAM..... DO not fall for it .....REPORT it ASAP to your local authorities.
I also got a call stating that they were a collection agency and if I did not pay it would be brought to court. Not sure if this is a scam because they were asking about an ATT Wireless bill in my name- I've never used ATT Wireless... weird.