If you filled out loan aps online, this is one way they manage to steal folks information. Its not hard for them to search and gain other information even if its old. Even if you had taken a loan, they can not use fraud nor file fraud. Debt is a civil matter, not criminal, not even for a payday loan, which in some states is illegal BTW.
You can go here and see the laws for your state, also links there for who to file complaints with as well.
Payday loans
http://www.paydayloaninfo.org/state-information
For Extortion Scam Operations, File reports with the FBI, your state attorney general and Department Of Justice,CFB,FTC & FCC.. Emails can be attached to complaints filed with IC3, the cyber crimes division of the FBI.
www.naag.org (you can find your state AG at this link).
http://www.nw3c.org/
http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx
http://www.fbi.gov/
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#&panel1-1
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us
http://www.fraud.org/
http://www.stopfraud.gov/report.html
Tip off FBI about this extortion attempt by filing form at: stips.fbi.gov/
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/haunted-phantom-debt
Also see here:
http://800notes.com/arts/I2neMkbUAAo/where-to-report-phone-crime
https://www.westernunion.com/us/en/fraudaware ... and-answer.html
Also read up on the laws and your rights:
http://800notes.com/arts/Jb8EW-eDhQA/harassin ... ou-need-to-know
See Residents post here also:
http://800notes.com/forum/ta-34af6a034ba34b6/unending-collection-calls
Templates of Letters:
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-319-242-7350
Washington, D.C.
December 07, 2010 FBI National Press Office
(202) 324-3691
— filed under: Press Release
The Internet Crime Complaint Center has received many complaints from victims of payday loan telephone collection scams. Callers claim the victim is delinquent in a payday loan and must repay the loan to avoid legal consequences. The callers purport to be representatives of the FBI, Federal Legislative Department, various law firms, or other legitimate-sounding agencies. They claim to be collecting debts for companies such as United Cash Advance, U.S. Cash Advance, U.S. Cash Net, and other Internet check-cashing services.
According to complaints received from the public, the callers have accurate data about victims, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, employer information, bank account numbers, and the names and telephone numbers of relatives and friends. How the fraudsters obtained the personal information varies, but in some cases victims have reported they completed online applications for other loans or credit cards before the calls started.
The fraudsters relentlessly call the victim’s home, cell phone, and place of employment. They refuse to provide any details about the alleged payday loans and become abusive when questioned. The callers have threatened victims with legal actions, arrests, and, in some cases, physical violence if they do not pay. In many cases, the callers harass victims’ relatives, friends, and employers.
Whatever you do, don't give these scammers the pleasure of becoming their next victim by answering or returning their calls. First red flag is that they do not ask for you by name and they don't give the name of their company. At times, there is a woman who leaves a message, saying that your phone number is part of an investigation for fraud. That's ridiculous! If a true investigator were to actually call you, they would not diclose the reason over the phone and they would ask for you by your name. Second, they say that papers will be filed in your county, which they do not say either. The woman, or man calls from about ten different numbers and uses different last names, which is a huge red flag. These people want you to call them back, they will ask for your name.....that's when they got you! They will tell you that you owe this bogus amount of money that you know nothing about. They will try to scare you by telling you that Court papers will be filed or even something stupid like arrest warrants will be issued for your arrest for fraud, which is illegal to tell anyone. First, if a collector calls you, they cannot disclose the matter in which they are calling you, over the phone. Second, if papers are filed in your county, it will be by certified mail. If you have to appear in court, it's no big deal. You simply arrange payments with the court and decide what kind of payments that u are able to make. After almost having a heart attack because of these scammers, I started researching these scam artist on the Internet. I owe no bills and I would never get payday loans through the Internet. Whatever you do, font answer phone numbers that you don't know. Block them, but I warn you that they have about 20 different numbers. This is another HUGE Red Flag. Don't have a personal voicemail with your name in it. Use the automated voicemail. Times have changed and there are so many scams out there. Never give out your personal information to callers, no matter what. Never open up email attachment to websites. Always type it in........But don't let these scammers intimidate you. I'm so fed up with them....Smh
I got the same call as well. They left some bogus message on my voice mail. It is a scam. I reported this phone number to the Attorney Generals Office.
It's a scam. Don't answer their number or any other number that you don't know. They may call you for a while trying to get hold of you. Eventually it will stop but it will take a while. I too was going to sign up for a payday Liam. After I put in my information, I chickened out and deleted everything. Somehow they stole my information nd I started getting calls 10 minutes later. It took almost a year for them to stop, but now they called again. It's horrible harassment, but don't let them get to you. Until this day, I never got any of those Court papers that they were talking about.
It's a scam. I have had this happen off and on now for the last 3 years. Once it was supposed to be the Treasury Dept, then someone else etc. So I called the Treasury Dept, and filed a complaint, and talked with an agent who informed me this is a scam attempting to defraud me. The way this works by the LAW is this: #1. They will send you a letter, or two. Most likely a phone call, and will identify themselves. Then if you don't respond #2. They will send you to collections, who will send you a letter and most likely call you, but they have to Identify the company, themselves etc. If you don't clear it up then #3. they go to court and you'll get a summons etc. Then if you don't respond they will most likely do a garnishment or repossession. This is WHAT THEY HAVE TO DO BY LAW. IF they aren't doing this, its most likely a scam! He also told me that if you ask then for documentation of the "alleged" loan etc. They have to send it to you and Cease and Desist for 30 days so you can verify etc. Just be SURE NOT to give them any information like address, bank or credit card info etc. You can get as much information from them as possible, and file a complaint with the Treasury Dept on line. It most likely won't stop the calls but you've covered your butt, and you can tell them you have talked to the authorities and filed a complaint, and they need to quit calling. It will stop them for a while. I just don't answer numbers I don't know. Bottom line is, if you didn't default, you are good. If you didn't apply or receive any funds in your account you are good. Don't let them scare you, they will take your money and disappear. Be Strong!