They get information from the papers that come from the debt they are trying to collect. The papers could include info such as social security numbers. With social security numbers, they can find out just about anything about you. That's one of the reasons ABC did the expose. When a company sells debt, they sell very sensitive information that comes along with the debt papers, and that info can get into the hands of dubious people.
This number has been calling my family looking for me and threatening them if they don't give informatgion about me. If it is a bill collector how dare threaten my family. Is it legal?
I got a message from him as well from Jonathan Black, he did not say what company that he was calling from but the message was threatening. He said that he was calling about my file coming across his desk that my name and social security matched to. I got a call from family that I don't even talk to that said, they got the same call for me and Jonathan told them it was for MY BANK FRAUD. I know that creditors are not supposed to give out personal information like that and I think that they are supposed to say the company name when identifying themselves. I searched the number and
Marthe Noblet (404) 228-4361 2271 Hosea L Williams Dr, Atlanta, GA 30317-2639
when I called the number it goes to Jonathan Blacks vm and he said its the firm of malcon duit and luna (?) I can't find them.... any help would be appreciated.
Most likely either an outright scammer or a sleazy debt collector who's breaking all the rules. If you do have debt, be aware debts do not go away but get sold on to sleazier and sleazier collectors who will harass you continually. I recommend settling at some point if you do have debt but you should not be abused by sleazy collectors.
Read all about debt collection rules here http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre18.shtm which states:
"What practices are off limits for debt collectors?
False statements. Debt collectors may not lie when they are trying to collect a debt. For example, they may not:
* falsely claim that they are attorneys or government representatives;
* falsely claim that you have committed a crime;
* falsely represent that they operate or work for a credit reporting company;
* misrepresent the amount you owe;
* indicate that papers they send you are legal forms if they aren’t; or
* indicate that papers they send to you aren’t legal forms if they are."
The FDCPA http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre27.pdf *requires* debt collectors (it ain't optional) to give debtors *written* notice of debt on pages 11 and 12. The key word is "shall" in paragraph 809(a).
"§ 809. Validation of debts
(a) Within five days after the initial communication with a consumer in connection with the collection of any debt, a debt collector shall, unless the following information is contained in the initial communication or the consumer has paid the debt, send the consumer a written notice containing—
(1) the amount of the debt;
(2) the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed;
(3) a statement that unless the consumer, within thirty days after receipt of the notice, disputes the validity of the debt, or any portion thereof, the debt will be assumed to be valid by the debt collector;
(4) a statement that if the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, the debt collector will obtain verification of the debt or a copy of a judgment against the consumer and a copy of such verification or judgment will be mailed to the consumer by the debt collector; and
(5) a statement that, upon the consumer’s written request within the thirty-day period, the debt collector will provide the consumer with the name and address of the original creditor, if different from the current creditor."
Do not verify anything for the caller - if he asks if he's speaking to justme, your reply should be who do you wish to speak to. Do not verify or give out any numbers - SSN, cell phone, bank accounts, whatever - if it has numbers, don't verify or give it out.
If you determine that Jonathan Black's a scammer, buy a whistle or air horn and use it, God will forgive. Bon chance.
This phone number called A FRIEND OF MINE looking for me...and said something about allegations of fraud...and to call back and reference a file number and his name was Chief Inspector Black. I did NOT call back the number, however when I searched it online it is listed under the name Marthe Noblet in Atlanta, GA.
HOW DID THEY GET MY FRIEND'S NUMBER????? could this have anything to do with being an AT&T customer??? Does anyone else use their service?