Same, got call saying I owed for online loan @ cashnow from 3 years ago. Guy new where I worked, last 4 of my SS#. Said I owed $4000. When I asked when & how much was original loan, he couldn't tell me that. Named company I was working at, at that time, havne't worked there in 7 years. Tried to scare me saying summons will be served in next few days. Talked with Stanley Richardson from Michael Michael Green & Associates.
How can I verify whether or not a debt collector is legitimate?
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).
We got the EXACT same call yesterday. I called back today and asked for their business information and he would not give me anything. Tried to get me to give him info. I am going to report it.
I got a call from a company by the name of Michael Green & Associates. The person on the call name was Rebecca. The first call I received from them was last week from 406-205-1473. They told my husband that I was going to be served paper work. She told him the last 4 digits of my social and ask him to verify it. My husband got really upset and called me as he was speaking with the Rebecca. She told him that I committed a crime and I was going to be charged. I called her back and she told me that I was going to be served with paper work for a very old pay day loan that I knew nothing about.. She stated that the amount had went from 500 bucks to 3800. She told me that she would settle with me in the amount of $864 and that I could set up payments for that amount. I asked her who is suppose to be serving me and when? . She said she did not know.
I asked her how long ago was this loan supposedly done, she told me it could have been 36 -42 months maybe longer. I asked who was the loan through she said Alliance Payday Loan. I asked her to provide the necessary documents to show proof of the debt . She stated that she could email it to me and I would need to sign paper work for a payment agreement. I told her by law I thought you have to mail it to me since I requested it. Rebecca stated that since this was a sensitive matter that needed to be address asap she could only email it. She than got upset with me when I told her I was going to contact my lawyer.
She called me again this morning from a new number 307-200-0857 saying she needs to hear from me today.. I don't feel like this is legitimate. I ask for paper work , the company will not produce it. They call from so many different numbers: I was a victim of identity theft and I have never had an issue with a company providing proof of any debt that I owe. I did a search for the numbers and found that other people have gotten these threatening call too. I want them to stop harassing me.