Claim to be calling from NCG(?) Consulting about a vague unnamed complaint implying legal action will be taken against me if the call is not returned; script was verbatim from other scam voicemails I received a few months ago from another Oklahoma number (918-791-0540) claiming to be from Howard & Stern - I still had those messages saved and was able to compare them. These people are scumbags. - caller: Holly Barrett
J and J Recover
Recorded message about vague threat to take legal action...about what, I have no idea
They want me or my lawyer to call them immediately about something...
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).
These people contacted my husband claiming to have case against for taking money from a "prince" off the internet. But they claimed it was sent to my email. They at first said it was filed through Erie County NY. Then I called them back I have 15+years of collection experience. I called their bluff. They then recanted their previous statements that it was not filed with our county but about to be. I also told them they had false information for my husband. She then said oh sounds like something malicious is going on. Also that of they are trying to collect on a debt it's against the law to divulge any information with verifying his personal information. And the BIGGEST thing they didn't do was say the mini Miranda. Just like the police, collectors, lawyers or not, have to say this when they are collecting on a debt. Once I told her that she then told me that she will take our number and we won't be bothered again.
Received a call on my cell phone from 580-215-6862 which went to voicemail. Message was from a Holly Barrett (sounded pre-recorded) from NCG Consultants "in reference to a complaint" they have received. They need to speak to me or my "legal counsel" immediately. If they don't receive a response they will document my file and submit it for processing. Blocked my number and called the number back. Gave my number but not my name or anything else. The representative who answered said they were looking for a person by a different name and hung up immediately.