Carolinas Physicians Network left a message with an account number. It was about an outstanding bill. They will ask you for DOB and Social Security number. I found their "Billing Resources" and "Billing Policies" in their "Online Billing Manager" when pressing the ONLINE SERVICES button. Good luck.
Didn't get a call got a letter and can never can get anyone to answer the phone. So I called the Dr. office information in letter. Was told by business office they could not figure out where, what or when these charges were posted. Because from 2005-2015 nothing but 0.0's. But did see a balance for the same amount on letter. They did not understand where the charges originated. I am 88 have 2 insurances to cover all med. bills. The letter mentioned they would go after my state refund. Have not worked in more than 15 years do not file a return. Actually sounds like the Dr's office has decided to try and get more than the Government wants to pay for there services.--
Debt collectors do not have the ability to go after state refunds. They would need to properly serve you, take you to court, win, obtain a judgement, and seek to garnish your bank account or wages. Garnishment would only be allowed in those states that allow it, and SS money is never touched except for taxes, student loans, and certain other court ordered items such as child support.
Since they violated the FDCPA already, they also probably failed to do this:
Federal law (FDCPA) requires them to send you a letter (US MAIL ONLY) within 5 days of their first contact that contains their name, physical address, the creditor’s name, and the amount of the alleged debt. It also must contains “mini-Miranda” telling you that it is an attempt to collect a debt and that all information will be used for those purposes. The one other important thing that this letter must also have in it is that you have a right to dispute the debt within 30 days of receipt of the letter and if you do so, all collection activity must be stopped until the debt is verified.
Read up on your rights here, get template letters to send and also make a complaint at this government site: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/
Also file a complaint with your State Attorney General's office.
List of State AG’s offices: http://consumerfraudreporting.org/stateattorneygenerallist.php
Totally not true because I just got a letter from the State Dept of Revenue saying that I was not getting a refund because all of my $$$ had been given to a debt that I owed. Can't talk to anyone as no one will pick up the phone and did not even know that I owed anyone any $$$. Never even gotten a bill so don't even have an act # to give anyone if I do ever reach someone. So, you are wrong and they can and did take my $$$ ...never even knew this was possible and have never had this happen in my entire life as I always pay my bills!!!
Who are you calling - this number or the IRS? I would recommend calling the IRS if in fact you received a letter from them. They should be able to explain what your money is being held for.