Got a call from this number (786-319-9228) twice. Caller ID shows "Legal Processing". Voice message said, "Regarding your social security number, I sent legal documents to your home which requires an immediate response. However, for whatever reason we still have not heard from you regarding this legal matter. This will be the last attempt to reach you before a legal complication takes place." Without leaving the caller's name of his company, the caller ended by asking me to give them call. The next day, I received the same call stating word for word exactly the same message on my voice mail, which led me to conclude that it was a pre-recorded message, a "robo-call." This is obviously a phone scam! Beware and do not give any of your information, or better yet tell them you are reporting them to the FBI and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC online at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1 or 1-888-382-1222). I did file my report regarding this phone scam with the FTC. I encourage all to do the same if you get a similar call. If FTC gets a lot off complaint about this number, it will prompt them to investigate, warn potential victims and perhaps shut down such number.
I received several calls from this number with the same message as everyone else, regarding a case involving my name and social security number. I reported them also to the FBI thing. Then I called them back and told them to take me off their list and that I reported them to the FBI. The lady on the other end just said "Umhmm" and hung up on me. Hopefully this ends it!!
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).
>>I called them back and told them to take me off their list<<
It would have been wiser not to call them back. A lot of times that validates your phone number to the scammer. Don't be surprised if you continue to get calls from this number (how effective is pressing 1 or asking a criminal not to call you?) or from other numbers, now that your number is flagged as live, one that will respond.
1) Don't answer repeated calls from unknown numbers, or if you must, answer and hang up immediately.
2) Never call back.
3) Find a call-blocking system or device that works for your phone, and have fun eliminating the aggravation.
Received a call from this number claiming to be "legal mediation" from an investigator White. I asked that I receive correspondence including the company name, original creditors, the address and phone numbers of both the original creditors and their office and was denied. Then I told them that I use to be a debt collector years back and I told them that I knew they weren't suppose to say that I was being charged with a felony and I was then hung up on. SCAM...