I am currently going through the same thing, however I thought it was legit, I gave them info, and wanted to stay out of court, and they took money out of my account, they had all my info that's why I thought it was legit, they said they were from Orchard Bank. They called left a message I called right back and someone answered, when I called today I gotta bogus voice mail. I'm freaking out. I called the police and they told me to contact my bank to stop payment. I can't believe I was so stupid to allow this to happen.
Apparently this scammer has been very very busy, just got the same 2 calls from them yesterday and today. We will see what tomorrow brings. Thank you everyone for posting about this. I will not call them back, if I owe anything you should get something in the mail. But it is scary to see this many people affected by the same scammer, wonder what we all have in common.
These scam artists buy old debt and try to scare unsuspecting people into paying. This is typically debt that has long passed the statute of limitations. If you are being harassed, do not respond. Legitimate debt collectors don't use these scare tactics and are required to provide all the information about the debt. You can also insist on a validation letter from a debt collector.
Check your credit report. If a debt has passed the statue of limitations, it can no longer legally be collected. But that doesn't stop this type of operation.
got a phone call from "James Howard" from process mediation, which is not located anywhere as a company. The number is once again a 302 area code, 302-497-7113. This stems from a supposed debt that is over 20 ago, at a store which no longer exists, so my records don't mean much, can't verify with them. It was a recording tell me that if I didn't comply they would search me out for legal action. Nice little subtle threat.
A debt that old is also certainly "time barred" meaning they cannot possibly sue you to collect unless you acknowledge with them the debt is valid which can reset the clock on the statute of limitations. You can read what the FTC has to say about Time Barred Debts and also consult your State's Consumer Protection office for the relevant details for your state.