We have been getting calls from this number with Verifast as the company name in caller ID on a daily basis for the past few weeks. They never respond when the phone is answered so we don't answer their calls any longer. It has evolved into major harassment. We have never done business with this company and would like their calls to stop.
Verafast is a legitimate company. Their purpose is to call people whose names are given to them by your local newspapers. Newspapers all across the country hire Verafast (because they're a call center capable of making high volume calls) to offer them deals on newspapers or give out free "Sunday Selects." However, they do make other calls. Including Start Renewals, Non-Payment Stops, ect. The newspapers that they work for are very much aware that Verafast is making these calls, as they are hired to do so. The customer service people are acting like they are unaware of any of this as to placate a complaining customer.
Also note, if Verafast calls you claiming that you owe money, it's because you do. You more than likely took a newspaper on a promotional period. Because you didn't read the fine print, you are unaware that delivery continues past the promotional period and therefor, you're at fault.
If you no longer want to receive phone calls from Verafast, all you have to do is tell the representative that you want your number placed on the Do Not Call list. They will abide and verify the number that they have dialed (which a computer actually dials, they don't have a list in front of them). Just a random tidbit of information, do not claim you're on a National Do Not Call list. The federal Do Not Call list is a sham. That kind of legislation is a job killer and so there are lots of loopholes. However, individual companies must abide by their own Do Not Call list per The FCC. So if Verafast calls you telling you that you owe money, it's because you do and they're trying to give you a discount on paying off your past due balance and restarting your paper. You can ask them to put you on their DNC list, to which they will abide. However, the outstanding balance will find it's way to a collection agency. Collection agencies are exempt from Do Not Call lists.
I know all of this because I'm a current employee. And a damn good one if I do say so myself.
P.S. The call center is located in Rocky River, OH. The reason weird numbers show up is because nobody is hand dialing you from one specific number. What you're seeing are the router numbers since the phone calls are being made from an intranet. Think of it as something similar to Skype.
Collection agencies are also required, by law, to send, via USPS, written information on all debts they are attempting to collect - not just make a phone call and claim that you didn't answer the phone. If any collection agency does not comply with ALL THE SECTIONS FOR THE LAW, you are permitted to file a formal complaint with the FCC and seek redress. Please do not hesitate to file complaints. You may also file a complaint with the Secretary of State in you state of residence and the Secretary of State of the state where the collection agency is located. The area code of the caller may not identify that state, but you can file a complaint with the identified state as well.
The number of calls, legal and illegal, that have been coming to our home has driven us to personally take action to protect ourselves against these intrusions. We do not answer the phone when calls come from numbers we do not know, people we do not know, or any unidentified callers. If they leave a detailed message, we will or will not call them back based on the information they provide and keep a record of their calls and messages. If they do not leave a message, we document the calls for future action if needed. Calling us again will not produce a different result.
If you have something to say to us that is important, please send the information to us in the mail. It is the only way you will get a response from us and will act as documentation of your requests.
Call from resumebucket.com claiming I had inquired about a job opportunity. They wanted to "help" me with my job search or to further my education. I haven't been job hunting in over five years. Hung up on me when I asked to have my name removed from their list.