Stop paying them. When they call demand proof that you owe the debt. They are required by law to send you that proof by US Mail. An email is not enough. If they don't send proof you don't have to pay.
Never let bullies on the phone confuse extortion with debt collection. Honest debt collectors do not typically send their claims straight to a judge, and they don't take your ransom money to broker quick deals with so-called "process servers". There are no secretive "arbitrators", "assessment specialists", "detectives", "investigators", "mediators", "mitigators", or "prelitigation specialists". They are sweaty double-talking criminals with a script full of coercive remarks. The agents' horrid threats are empty and their conduct is illegal.
Lawful debt collection is a process, not an ambush. Early in that process you must be given a specific notice about your alleged debt and how to dispute it. From there, you have a right to obtain proof of claim *on paper*. Federal law does not expect you to take only the word of strangers on the phone that bad things are about to happen. Do not reward lawbreakers with your money. Challenge them always, sue them if you can.
FTC and CFPB material on US federal collection law:
http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpajump.shtm
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/search ... debt-collection
I received a call today from this number. I have been in the collection business for more then 15 years. What I found quite funny is they left a message on my voice mail for someone else. It stated that they stated that this person named Armando last name unimportant who is 28 years old has a legal complaint filed against him. It went on to say the legal complaint is from Wells Fargo. They had so many FDCPA violations I lost count. I called back to let them know that they had the wrong person. I told them my name was Donna and they had the wrong person. They stated that this number was associated with his social security number. I informed them of there many FDCPA violations and that I do legal collections with a law office. They hung up what a joke this place is.. I have done my own skip tracing and have filed an attorney general complaint and a personal complaint against the collector who left the message on my voice mail.
Thanks for this review,very helpful! I'm in the process of filing a complaint with the Attorney Gen as well. Not only have they been calling my cell phone, but also my office and some family members stating the same information. If this was a legit attempt to collect a debt, I'm pretty sure it's illegal sharing debt information with those other than the intended party.