Scam scam scam! REGINA WEST pretending to work for a bogus company called "Goldstein and Smith" a fake debt collection agency stating that I owed about $1,375 from Dec 2012 !! These people know my social security current address, email,etc....they refused to mail me a copy of my "debt collection" and not only that but this "debt" that I owe is not even on my credit report !! They even made up a fake Pay day loan company that I supposedly took a loan from "tax management group llc" that does not exist !!!!! Do not answer from a call from 855-331-6616 from a "Nicole Anderson" or "James Underwood" 716-954-7311...these people wouldn't like it if someone tried to scam them or their family !!!!!! They even refused to provide any proof that I took any loan out without me making a payment arrangement, these people are scam artists and they live such a sad miserable life trying to take hard earned money from us people !!!!!! Please watch out for these people and numbers, I have reported them to the police.
Scam scam scam! REGINA WEST pretending to work for a bogus company called "Goldstein and Smith" a fake debt collection agency stating that I owed about $1,375 from Dec 2012 !! These people know my social security current address, email,etc....they refused to mail me a copy of my "debt collection" and not only that but this "debt" that I owe is not even on my credit report !! They even made up a fake Pay day loan company that I supposedly took a loan from "tax management group llc" that does not exist !!!!! Do not answer from a call from 855-331-6616 from a "Nicole Anderson" or "James Underwood" 716-954-7311...these people wouldn't like it if someone tried to scam them or their family !!!!!! They even refused to provide any proof that I took any loan out without me making a payment arrangement, these people are scam artists and they live such a sad miserable life trying to take hard earned money from us people !!!!!! Please watch out for these people and numbers, I have reported them to the police.
Glad to hear you didn't fall for it. Refusing to mail verified proof of the debt is a CLEAR indication of a scam. You are well informed but for those who are not here's some info from the FTC on identifying these scammers and what to do in the case of a real debt collector. You might also enjoy the last link on the list as it is a news article of one woman's triumph over a phantom debt. Thanks for posting the number.
Your rights (what a debt collector can and cannot do).
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0149-debt-collection
How to tell a real from a fake debt collector:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0258-fake-debt-collectors
Woman awarded 82 million dollars for malicious prosecution by a debt collector
http://kcur.org/post/jury-awards-kc-woman-83-million-debt-collection-case
Omg she just called me telling about a payday loan I got in 2012 that if I dont make payment arragements by thursday that the company will take me to court and by then it will be $1300 and it will be fraud she even had my current address my siblings names my last employer I asked her what was the loan company's name the omly thing she gave me was CP Investors that I would have to look up the real name online I asked her for the phone number she said there wasn't 1 I asked het gor her name she said Regina West from Goldstein and Smith
Refusal to provide a phone number and making illegal threats---classic signs of a scam debt collector. Read on:
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).