This a phantom debt collector. Claiming to be a litigation firm handling a very old debt, that has sense been paid. She had no current information, and was phishing for current info. She claimed to be from "Madison Web" and tthreatened legal action and arrest. She wouldn't give a phone number for her firm or address, which is illegal!
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).
This phone number has been calling my work and wife's phone relentlessly. I have reported them to fraud.org as well as contacted a lawyer. This is a phantom debt collector who tries to use scare tactics to get money. They have called a total of 6 times to my WORK number so far and at least 10 times to my wife's phone. She told them to stop calling and they said, if you give us his (mine) phone number then that is the only way they will stop calling her. Hopefully this attorney gets to them and we can take them for everything they have falsely recouped so far. As a veteran with anxiety issues in the first place, this is adding more anxiety and anger to my already not calm nature. They are doing robo-calls now and can't get the hint. Look up Madison Web Dallas, TX and there is NO such company around. When you google a company name or the phone number they tell you to call and there is no such listing, it is NOT real. Do not fall for their tactics and do not give them any money. Mess with them if an actual person calls you, it's a lot of fun.
Just called this number back and got a guy who just answered with his name. It went right to him without any call prompts. I immediately asked for a mailing address and he said he was not at liberty to give me that information and then asked who I was. I told him that it didn't matter who I was, but to give me his address for my attorney. He then said that he didn't have to give me anything and hung up. Amazing how a robo-call can call you, but these same people pick up the phone everytime you call them. These people are a scam...