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.
Just received call in AZ area. referred to call 850-546-6444.. To avoid judgement or garnishment. call Thomas. Case number starts with 932. I had received these in 2013. It was a Thomas too, And a remediation Firm. I called back. I was told I had over $2000.00 credit Card debt with Orchard Bank. I told her I did not have an acct. She hung up on me. I called back and a guy told me it was Household Bank.I asked for a Dept Verification letter and copy of the original bill. He yelled at me that I had to contact the original company for That. And I knew I owed the debt, that the sheriff's dept would be in contact to force me to court. I never have had an acct with either bank. I contacted the bank who is under Capital One. Neither the Household Archive Dept or Capital One could find an acct. No acct on my credit report. Scam . The office was in NC. Now I read these posts. And they say Florida. I think they just reopened in another state. Same scam.
Report the call to your state attorney general's office.
Making threats is illegal & garnishment can only occur with a court order - not because a debt collector says so,
You are correct to demand written proof of the "debt" that is MAILED to you. Accept nothing else.
SCAM SCAM SCAM....
"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."
DO NOT CALL THEM BACK. IGNORE IGNORE IGNORE
FAKE DEBT COLLECTOR
These people keep calling my cell phone and asking for my husband who has had a stroke and is in the nursing home. I know the calls are bogus and I am not scared or worried in the least. But when you call their bluff - for instance, they say the "debt" is from 2003 and I say the statues have expired, or I press for more details - they hang up on me. But that's not the end of it because they repeatedly call back.
Today they left a message and I called back. "Lucas" asked me when I was going to take care of the debt, and I told him I wasn't taking care of anything that I didn't owe. He hung up on me. I called back again and complained that someone from this number keeps calling my cell phone about a bogus debt and that I had asked them to cease and desist or I was going to contact the Attorney General. Of course he hung up again before I finished my sentence. So I called back a third time. He answered "Oh my Gawwwddd! I already removed your number! Quit calling me - you're tying up my phone lines!!! LOL - mission accomplished.
I got the exact call and message left today. The case # they gave me began with 93XXXX. Thomas Bates working hard with that bs story,with case numbers going up!