Received a voicemail msg saying the same thing. First and foremost...they are leaving information about another person(male) and I am female. It is illegal to leave that type of information(threatening legal action. the name of the actual individual, and the reason for the call) on a voicemail of a third party(me). And for any member of this "law firm" who may be monitoring this site...I know all about skip-tracing. This message was also left on my cellphone. Another no-no. Second, it is very obvious she was reading from a script. She kept stumbling on her words and had to keep going back to correct herself. Third party debt collectors always read from scripts. Third, when and if a company decides to bring legal action, they MUST advise you by mail...not over the phone, not in email, not via voicemail. This call was meant for a relative, but what the caller didn't realize, is, she just left a message on the personal voice mail of a consumer lawyer.
Ms Turner from Joe Ward and Associates called stating that i owed money from '08 and that if i didnt pay the 1102.50 that i would have 2 class D felony charges and a drivers license suspension.. BS I asked her if i could have some mailed information or an email and she stated that they didnt do that...
also she would not give me her first name...
Get a LIFE people
Ms Turner called for someone with the same last name, but doesn't live here threatening law suits. Who are these people and it sounds like they are leaches looking for some easy money. Watch out for these calls.
Got a call from MS Turner claiming that a bank account I closed 5 years ago received a deposit from a company called Riverland and threatened legal action. I asked for something in writing and she told me to take it up with county court and to "keep scamming people"
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).