Received 7 calls from (305-842-2237 Michael Birch) in the last 3 days and now receiving calls from an associated number (786-429-0314 Mike Thompson). Michael Birch's calls are definitely recordings with a somewhat well-spoken voice. However, his African American vernacular does slip in from time to time. Mike Thompson's voice on the other hand sound to be an over emphasized and forced southern accent. Both have the same spiel about your Phone number and SSN associated with an investigation or financial transaction, however, Mike Thompson goes farther to say that your bank account numbers are involved and that your case is being "downloaded to your county tomorrow".
Any attempt to contact them after hours results in a voice mail but does not mention a company name. Neither one has said my name. Red flags, not saying my name, no company name on voice mail, not stating that this is an attempt to collect a debt. Good news, was mentioned that my bank account numbers were involved, now my bank can prove that none of these so called transactions have taken place if indeed there is any truth at all to the calls.
Bottom line, ask for the name of the creditor, ask for their name address and company name so you can ask for a written verification of any debt, NEVER give to them or acknowledge any personal information including your name until you send them a letter requesting verification as mentioned earlier.
These numbers appear to all be associated with the same scam.
786-520-2980 Steven James, Ms. Green
786-420-6063 Investigator Morgan Taylor
786-429-0314 Mike Thompson
305-842-2237 Michael Birch
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).
Same call here but I have never laughed so hard at a message in my life. Gomer Pyle sounded more sophisticated than this guy who obviously fell off the turnip truck and recorded this message.
This is about the third time I have received these kinds of calls all from different private investigators. Generally I just ignore them, but they had my full ssn and birthdate and that made me very nervous. I called them back and was able to get enough information that is was supposedly from some Wells Fargo litigation. She had an old address so when I told her I no longer lived a that address she jumped right into what I could to take care of the litigation. When I stated I wanted offical court documents sent to by mail with a court date and case number she hung. Really, do they have that many people that gulliable? These people really are the bottom drudges of society...
I also have had several calls from this number. Michael Thompson just called me and told me that my phone number and SSN are "associated with an investigation or financial transaction", as well as my bank account numbers are involved and that my case is being "downloaded to your county tomorrow" Ummm... really? OK..