I got the same call. Did some research on the Internet and discovered they're crooks. Here's some info I uncovered:
This is a group of people currently taking advantage of people across the United States. 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 ... 19642b&art=4334).
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!!!
Got the same call as everyone above. Mr. Johnson, civil suit, our county, number etc. We are alerting our Attorney General here in Missouri as we speak.
Had someone call and leave a message stating I had an unpaid balance on a consumer credit card from 2003 and to call 240-483-4254 asking for Alex Dufour. Ironically I have made two 12 month no payment/no interest purchases since them from the company spoken of... both purchases (of which) have been paid off early. I find it hard to believe that I wasn't paying my bills, yet theny allowed my to make two major purchases years later, and just forgot about any old balance. Like computers forget. Ha.
I filed against them with the FTC, Maryland state and THE FBI.
Original call from "Laura James" gave 240-483-4254 as a callback number for a "civil action" that would processed through "your County" with a reference number in this format; ABC1234. When I called I got "Laura James" and asked for some information on the company and a corp HQ # or managers #, she got angry, said she needed my reference #, when she didn't get it right away she just hung up. 2nd call was a repeat, she hung up again. Called back until eventually a man answered the phone saying his name was William or Williams. I asked the same questions and he quickly became enraged, cursing me and he hung up also. I called him right back, and when I asked him his name this time he gave me "Daniel Hoffman". Again he was very angry - cursing me, told me he used to be a Military Policeman and he knew how this worked, and eventually hung up again.
I found 240-483-4601 as a related number and called it also. The man who answered claimed he didn't know Ms. James or Mr. Hoffman, but when I gave him the number he was familiar with it. All he wanted was a claim number also, instead I asked to speak to his boss and he became evasive. I asked him his bosses name and he told me it was "Ron Burgundy"! He finally agreed to get "Ron" on the phone, when he came back a few minutes later it was the same guy. I asked if this was Ron and he said it was, when I asked if this was really Will Ferrell he said "yeah, this Will ^%*@ Ferrel... and hung up. I later called 4254 back, got "Daniel" again, argued about him providing me some info and the only thing he would give me is his number 240-764-4264.