Thank you so much for your post. I am wondering if you can direct me to the proper agency to report this sort of activity. I had the same experience and now have found that they are calling associated phone numbers today of family, etc and notifying them that I am involved in a so-called legal process and asking them for information. I'm sure there are many laws they are breaking and I hate to think of these people taking advantage of others who may not be as suspicious as I am.
Lady called saying I was about to be served court papers. Left a call back number and court case number but said she couldn't tell me more until I call 888-780-5411 and verify all personal information. 1- courts do not call to say you will be served, 2- if there is a case number it is already public record and ANYONE can know the information contained in the case so when she said it was sealed and she could not even tell me the court in which it was filed, it confirmed this is the scam that's been on the news.
Been getting the same calls. They have even called my mom and a family friend. How they got her number is a mystery to me. Same msg about court papers etc. Would give me no info either as I would verify nothing but told them I was reporting their number to the FTC and whomever else I could. If its my case and sealed how can u threaten and discuss it with someone else and tell me nothing-scammers everyone pls file a complaint
Got a call on my cell yesterday, didn't answer it, no message left. Called my house today & my husband answered, said the same thing about having a summons & gave a case number with a number to call to verify info.
Got a call on my cell just after noon today from a lady telling me legal papers were being filed against me tomorrow and I needed to call some other number and give them a docket number and they could explain what the legal papers were about. A couple of hours later a call to my mother in law looking for me telling her the same thing, and she had already talked to me. Who can we file a complaint with???
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).