After hours robot-greeter IDs himself as "Investigator" Paul Dixon, who also gives out an "ID number". Right.
Garden variety debt scamming outfit. Ignore and block any calls from this group.
Just because someone on the phone calling you says you owe a debt does not mean you actually owe it.
If a voice on the telephone claims you owe a debt:
1. Demand the person give you his or her name, company name, and address
2. Demand a debt validation letter by US mail. E-mail no good.
3. Do not pay the collection agent or anyone else a dime until the debt is validated
Of course they won’t do this, no scammer ever will, so simply ignore them and block their calls.
If they are bothering you, report them:
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0149-debt-collection (Threatening civil proceedings with no intent to follow through, or threatening criminal process in order to collect a civil debt is a violation of the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.) The same goes for endless telephone harassment
Also contact your local attorney general
If they continue to bother you, and you know you do not owe any money, tell them that you know this is a debt scam and that you are making a complaint to the police for extortion. Once you get a copy of the police report and they call you again , just read out the file number and the name of the PD or Sheriff’s office involved. Tell them you’ll be glad to send a copy to them at whatever address the jack***es are working out of now.
You'll probably have to yell at them and talk over them.
You have to get tuff with these people because, being akin to thugs, brute force is (metaphorically speaking), the only thing they understand.
My sister got the original calls leaving a msg for me to call. When I called they ask me my name and correct spelling. The name of this company is JAS Mediation. When my name and last four of my Soc Sec number was verified she transferred me to a supposedly Attorney. This lady advised I had possible criminal charges pending against me for a hot check written as postdated check to Ace Check Cashers . The check was written for 500.00 and amt I owed with all chgs was a bit over 1200.00. Both attys I spoke with were short and rude. I was told the check was dated 09/18/2012. That date just happens to be my birthday. And address was in Texas City, Tx. The address was the correct address I lived at for 4 yrs. Only problem was date check was written I happen to be living in Lufkin,Tx. I was sent to Rehab Center Dec 4, 2012 and released 02/28/2012. That was when I rented the apt whose address supposedly was on this check. The check was written on First National Bank. That doesn't even have a branch in Texas City, Tx.. after checking with Ace check Cashers and Galveston County absolutely no record of any kind was found and at that time they told me was most likely a scam
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).
A family member started receiving phone calls threatening that police officers would be coming to lock me (him) up if payment was received immediately. I then contacted them and began to ask questions pertaining to said debt and they became frustrated and hung up on me. Then they started calling me directly and state that a subpoena was being served to my address and asked to confirm my home and work addresses. I then requested the same pertinent information again and again they got frustrated, refused to provide the needed information and hung up on me again. Today it was escalated to the managing partner of the firm Mrs. Morris and before she could start her spiel I informed her that this conversation was being recorded and that I was calling my attorney via 3 way and again she hung up.