Smart aleck guy named Bret called to say he was conducting a review on a file that's been forwarded to him. Says that my input is appreciated but not needed to render a decision before proceeding with further action. Call him back immediately at 844-780-6772 x314. Good luck on your decision making capabilities!
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).
I got a phone call as well saying i am being sued for a bill i refuse to pay. She then said that i had no health insurance so this is all my bill. I tried to tell her i have always had insurance and i was worried someone has taken my identity. she would not shut up I told to shut the F up so i can explain. She hung up on me the called me back. She asked if i was on parole or on house arrest. I said NOPE never even have had a speeding ticket. She then said well then I would watch out because your fixing to and Hung up again. Of course I called right back and after twice getting hung up on someone else answered. I laid into them NO ONE threatens me. NOONE
Did the caller ever tell you the name of her business ?
This is why you must never argue with those scammer people. They are predators and everything they say is accusatory and derogatory. All you should tell them is to mail the proof of the debt to you and then hang up on them. For them to go to court, they have to fully identify themselves, before the court will issue a summons.
As for identity theft issues, time to get a fresh copy of your credit report.
this number called my cell phone looking for someone that is not me. They left a message stating that he was mr. Connerly from city management group and left a call back number of 844 - 780 - 6772. it is a debt collector. I am obviously not the person for whom he is looking and have no intention of calling him back.