A man from an unknown # calls my bf's phone stating that if i do not call him back at this phone # within 2 hours i will have an failure to appear in court. I called the phone # and a man named rick said he is an attorney and that his client is suing me for 1000 dollars for debt from Kay Jewelers. Told him i don't recall the debt. He said ok, well Kay Jewelers signed an affidavit and we know that it is you. We have all the legal documents ready for court. We already are going to take you to court there is nothing you can do. Unless you want to pay the full amount and i will let my client know to not take you to court. This made no sense. He had also told my bf on the phone that he had a sealed envelope ready to serve me and did not know what it was regarding but that i was being sued. Who calls someone before they serve them??Makes no sense. Asked him for his companies name and he became irate and told me to take him off speaker. I demanded comapny name and address and he said Berg and Associates 555 West 5th Street Los Angeles, CA. Kept trying to pressure me saying how do you want to handle this. He even had my social security #. Scary i have no idea how he had that because he had all of it!
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 feel so dumb. I was really believing it at first and when he asked if that was my social i said YES! Now they know its the correct social! What can i do about that?
Oh my gosh,yesterday around 11 am I got a call from our HR department saying that someone called from Berg and Associates asking for my address so they can send me a summons because I'm being sued.I called the number and the guy name Rick answer.He told me that he is representing Kay Jewelry and I'm being sued for the amount of $3,000 dollars.I said No way I put him on speaker and had my fiancé talked to him who also knows about laws and he told him that He is not suppose and allow to call my employer,Then Rick hang up .!!Someone need to do something about this!..This is a Scam.....