I had the same phone call yesterday by a very rude lady. She asked for an owner or controller in an investigation. I said it was a private residence. She hung up...The number was blocked so I could not trace it. I just was kinda freaked on it. I am glad to see that this is nothing but a scam and will pass it along..
This number called me and asked to speak with the owner or controller of the business regarding a claim that was on hold. I hung up- it did not sound legit.
This number called me also, but when I asked what a controller was... "do you mean office manager" The woman told me I was being a smart [***], also called me a few other choice names after asking her where she was calling from. I tried to call the number back, but it is not a ligit number to get through on. No listing with 411 either. How can this company be traced? It is out of Longview Washington????????
I paid to have the number traced. It belongs to a company named Level 3 Communications, LLC. http://www.level3.com/about_us/contact_us/index.html On this website you can contact the Vice President of communications. I think if he gets enough e-mails and phone calls he will know how we feel!!!!
Caller asked for "Owner or controller, regarding an investigation". I have had this call many times, with many different area codes and phone numbers. (Including: 206-315-9967, 805-987-3073, 866-987-3073, etc.) Due to the specific way the caller asks for "Owner or controller" I believe this company to all be the same company, and that company is "Joseph Steven & Associates". This company has also claimed to be "Commercial Investiations Forensic Case Management" and "Specialized Recovery" and "James Mitchell & Associates". Basically, they are a collection company that (in my experience) is trying to solicit business to collect on past due accounts. I looked "Joseph Steven & Associates" up on Ripoffreport.com and the Better Business Bureau website before doing any business with them. I was horrified at the information I obtained about this company.
Their employees also have "matching" names, i.e. Pummel, Payne, Hammer, etc. (I guess you have to have a sense of humor to work for that company.)
Also, they appear to be located out of Ventura California, but usually have phone numers that are not of the Ventura area code. I believe they are using different communications companies, (i.e. Level 3 Communications and XO Communications) as a means to hide their true identity. Thus making it difficult to report their solicitations with the "Do Not Call Registry", etc.
My only advice is if you do receive this call, and decide to do business with their company, please research this company as thoroughly as possible.