I took the call - threatening lawsuit and left a "case number" and a different phone number to return the call but I could not write the info down as I was in my car. Tried to call the number the call came in on but nothing rings and the call is always disconnected.
Given the threat I'm assuming it's a lowlife debt collector who doesn't care about the FDCPA
Received call from this number today. Name of company unknown but I spoke briefly with a "Mr. Brooks". The call starts with a recording stating that someone has filed/is filing a "civil complaint" against me and they want my statement before proceeding. This is connected to 423-708-3385 which calls with the exact same message and when you call back on the number they provide you, once again, talk with Mr. Brooks.
While the name of the company is not clear, they appear to be collecting for very old "payday loans" (in my case, over six years old)...from the timeframe they quoted me this was during a period when my identity was stolen and merchandise was purchased, "checks" I didn't write issued against my bank accounts, etc.; all of which is in the police report I filed. Since I told them this on Monday and they called again the very next day it seems apparent to me that this "company" is likely not very interested in following federal or state law with regards to the collection of debts (and given that they are making veiled threats of a lawsuit; something expressly forbidden by federal law). That said, even if a person actually owes the debt or any part of the debt be aware that any collection company that acts this way CANNOT BE TRUSTED nor can you DEAL WITH THEM...if their lips are moving they are LYING to you.
This is a common ploy by criminals attempting to extort money from people by scaring you into believing that you will be criminally charged, go to jail, lose your driver’s license, have wages garnished, be sued, and a variety of other variations on this, all for an alleged or nonexistent debt. One of the tricks they use is to call your work place repeatedly in an attempt to shame you into paying. They also use the “process server” who calls and claims he is going to serve you, but then says you could avoid it by calling another number.
Federal law (FDCPA) requires them to send you a letter (US MAIL ONLY) within 5 days of their first contact that contains their name, physical address, the creditor’s name, and the amount of the alleged debt. It also must contains “mini-Miranda” telling you that it is an attempt to collect a debt and that all information will be used for those purposes. The one other important thing that this letter must also have in it is that you have a right to dispute the debt within 30 days of receipt of the letter and if you do so, all collection activity must be stopped until the debt is verified.
Read up on your rights here, get template letters to send and also make a complaint at this government site: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/
Also file a complaint with your State Attorney General's office.
List of State AG’s offices: http://consumerfraudreporting.org/stateattorneygenerallist.php