I got the exact call and message left on my vm on two different dates, one on March 3, 2015 and one today March 16, 2015. The number that appears on my caller ID is a local number from my area, but gives me the same number as yours (850-546-6444) to call back. I tried calling that local # 559-201-1377 and it rings one time then goes straight to a message saying " thank you for calling Legal Mediations Services". Also I called that 850# and its the same message. I wonder if they leave the same "Case #" for everyone that they call. My first three numbers on the case that they left on my vm are '891___' This definitely sounds like a scam call. I've been getting calls like these way too often that it's annoying. So don't fall for it.
To avoid any problems, if you get a call from a number you do not know, DO NOT ANSWER. Let it go to a non-personal voicemail and look up the number on here. If it is a reported scam, just block the number and report it. If it is not, and they leave no message, apprently it was not that important. If the number continues to call and leave no message, just block it to be safe, you never know.
If you do decide to call them back, block your caller id and remember:
1. NO valid debt collector, goverment officiate, police dept etc is going to leave you a message stating:
"Going to serve you at your residence or place of employment."
or
"This confidential message is to inform you that you have a legal matter pending to be filed against you within the next 24 hours. To make your statement against this claim, which could result in garnishment or civil judgment, you must call" some random number with a fake case number...
If this was legit, don't you think they would have that info and already have been to your home?
They don't pre-warn you are being served, they just do it. If you get a case number on the call and are still concerned, call your local circuit clerk. They will be able to verify it and let you know also if they see anything else that may have been filed.
2. Never give any information over the phone!
Ask for verification in writing and do not CONFIRM any information either. The information they may have maybe old or out of date and they are trying to get new information to harass you further. If this is a valid debt, they will have the correct information to submit the verification letter. Collect as much information as you can to report to the FTC or attorney general such as:
Name of rep and supervisor name and direct number
Name of company calling and physical address (no po box)
name of company that the debt is from and physical address and phone number.
By law, they have to give you this information and they have to send verification of debt in writing, not by email or phone. If they resist in giving this info, hang up and report what you have.
_______________________________________
3. To report, see the article below from 800 notes.com
I received a call on 4/1/2015 (go figure-April fools day). Same messages as above but different phone number (443-214-1140). In listening to the message he did not Identify his company but did instruct to telephone him at 850-546-6444. In reading your messages above, I decided not to call but notify my attorney and the Federal Trade Commissioner. He stated his name as Thomas (faded out the last name).
Got a call from number 423-252-1537, saying there is a legal matter pending against me and could result in garnishment or other legal action. Asked to call 850-546-6444. Must respond in 24 hrs. Same call several days ago. These people call me at work and on my cell phone. Have even called my daughter on her phone, saying I missed a court date and it was imperative that I call them. This has been going on for years, looks like they would figure out, I am not giving anyone of these scammers money.
called left me a message multiple times. "This confidential message is to inform you that you have a legal matter pending to be filed against you within the next 24 hours. To make your statement against this claim, which could result in garnishment or civil judgment, you must call Thomas Bates at (850) 546-6444. Your Case No. is ______. For immediate assistance, please press 1." Finally called back to see what they wanted. Complete GARBAGE. Talked to a guy named Miguel.. Who asked me what my attitude was about... I told him I had requested to be removed from his calling list 4 times. he proceeded to tell me he didn't give a F**K who I talked to, he would remove me from the list....." great thanks...