Add another scam call on the pile. Call initiated from a local number but requests a callback to 618-216-1501.
Last scam call attempted to speak names using a synthesized voice to legitimize the call. Tactic employed this time { given the name speech was horrible } is to "speak" a case number instead.
FRAUD/SCAM: Got a call 6/21 from a 415 area code [415-325-0620] telling me to call "Thomas Blackburn" [a long-dead American author] - at a 618 (Illinois) phone number - because a civil judgement would be flied against me in the next 24hrs resulting in wage garnishment. Obviously, this scum works hard. I've reported it to my local PD.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) (15 U.S.C. §1962) is a federal law enacted in 1978 to protect consumers from debt collector harassment and abuse. The law clearly outlines collection practices that are considered unfair, abusive, and deceptive.
Who Is Considered a Creditor under the FDCPA?
The FDCPA defines a creditor as the person or entity that extended you the credit in the first place (original lender). Since the FDCPA is designed to protect debtors against third party debt collectors, it does not apply to an original creditor or its employees.
However, there is an exception to this rule. When collecting its own debts, a creditor will not be exempt from the FDCPA if it uses a different name that implies a third party is attempting to collect the debt.
Know your FDCPA rights!
Whether you are receiving phone calls, letters, or have been sued, you have rights under the FDCPA. Even if you owe the debt and cannot pay it or dispute the amount claimed, debt collectors must comply with the law. Debt collectors are required to provide you with accurate information, produce proof of the debt upon request, and may never engage in intimidation or harassment.
Under the FDCPA, debt collectors cannot:
Call you if you have told them to stop.Call you at all, once notified that you are represented by an attorney.Call your family, friends, co-workers, or anyone else to discuss the debt.Call you before 8:00 am or after 9:00 pm, unless you have granted permission beforehand.Call you at any time or place which is inconvenient for you to receive such calls.Harass you by calling repeatedly.When calling family or friends, collectors may only call once, and only to request information on how to locate you.Lie or falsely imply, in any communication, that the collector is a government agency, is serving you with papers, that you are subject to arrest, or that you have committed a crime.Provide untruthful information about the debt or the amount owed.Threaten to harm you.Threaten to seize your paycheck, bank accounts, or property.Use obscene language in communicating with you.Publish your name on a "bad debt list" (except to a credit rating agency).Fail to identify themselves as debt collectors in every communication.Demand your social security number, credit or debit card number, or bank account number.Fail to inform you that any information provided to them will be used to collect the debt.Attempt to collect a debt that is so old that it is beyond the statute of limitations, unless the consumer is told.
Debt collectors must give you the following information upon request:
The amount of the debt.The name of the creditor to whom you allegedly owe the debt.A verification letter sent within five days of the first communication with the consumer.
The verification letter must explain that, unless the consumer disputes the validity of the debt (or any portion thereof) within 30 days after receipt of the notice, the debt will be assumed to be valid by the debt collector.The letter must say that, if the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the 30-day period that the debt (or any portion thereof) is disputed, the debt collector will obtain verification of the debt or a copy of a judgment against the consumer. In turn, a copy of such verification or judgment will be mailed to the consumer by the debt collector.The letter must say that, upon the consumer's written request within the 30-day period, the debt collector will provide the consumer with the name and address of the original creditor, if different from the current creditor.
https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/rules/rulemak ... ctices-act-text
To file a complaint: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#&panel1-1
Also file a complaint with your state's attorney general: http://consumerfraudreporting.org/stateattorneygenerallist.php
and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
Sign up for scam alerts: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts
Lots of helpful FTC links: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/credit-and-loans
Trust me, it's a scam. I work in civil law (in Pennsylvania) if someone is suing you, especially a payday loan, credit card, etc. anything financial, they don't just call you up and say "pay us or we'll sue you tomorrow." They just sue you. Via a reputable law firm, not a collection agency. Through the mail or you're served in some states. They started calling me at least 5 years ago, I have no debt so I know it's not legit. They can't even tell you what kind of debt you supposedly have (a credit card from 2004 which would past the statute of limitations in PA for legal action even if it was mine, they then say maybe a payday loan, then just say "financial fraud") However, I let them talk about "subpoenas" and "summons" and all the words they picked up watching Law & Order. Then I explain to them that I work in law and that this is not at all how any of this works. They then get nasty and tell me I don't know what I'm talking about. I've made numerous complaints to my Attorney General. It stopped for a while, then after a year or two they just started calling again. I just blocked it. Get the word out because unfortunately a lot of people fall for these scams and get their bank accounts drained.
Another piece of Sh#@ scammer. Of course no enforcement ever happens. They just change numbers and phish until they find a sucker. I just call back and harass them until they stop answering, Then spoof my number and harass some more. It doesn't stop them but, it makes me feel better.