Ms. Collins called and stated her client was going to press criminal charges on me and was seeking restitution. I told her to go right ahead and do that. This is a total scam, saying that I owe for a cash advance loan from 2012. She doesn't even have my name right and stating this was done in a state I was living in.
They are not a legitimate debt collector. They are trying to scam people out of money by threating legal action. No place keeps calling and saying they are going to put a judgment against you. If they were legitimate they would serve you with papers and no one would ever call. Don't fall for "Mrs. Collins" scam. She is leaving really nasty message now because I won't call her back. And I never will. So call away Mrs. Collins. I have already reported you and all of your numbers to the FCC and the Arkansas Attorney Generals office.
Ms. Collins called and stated her client was going to press criminal charges on me and was seeking restitution. I told her to go right ahead and do that. This is a total scam, saying that I owe for a cash advance loan from 2012. She doesn't even have my name right and stating this was done in a state I was living in.
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).
Does anyone have an address for these guys. I have it appears to be 3 different companies harassing me for a single very old payday loan they say I didn't repay. However none of the companies including this one will validate the debt, they just keep harassing my wife at home and me at work. I have reported all of them to the FTC, BBB, and my State Attorney General when I can find an address but that only makes them go away for a month then some "different" company starts up with the same script. Now they are all calling themselves locators, that is the one that isn't claiming to be an agent of the court. I know what they are doing is a violation but what if anything can we do about it. Now its effecting my job as they are just calling my company's phone directory and leaving messages for me to call them on random phones.