I received a call but no one left a message. That means they must want to talk and maybe harassment.
Sense this is a brand-new phone number showing up then I'm wondering if this is related to the SECRETSHOPPER SCAM.
There is a statute of limitations for debt collection for each state. Texas is 4 years. All you have to do is tell them that the Statute of Limitations for your state is ___ years. If the debt is older than that I never hear from them again. But, they continue to sell information to other debt collectors who start the process all over.
If you pretend you don't speak English and mess with them when they say that, "this is a personal business matter, " it's a blast because they get so mad and hang up. I can fake a Mexican accent really well, then they'll call back a day or two later and I'll fake a Russian accent then an Indian accent, IT'S AWESOME! !!!
J, listen, you obviously have some sort of debt. It may not be wells Fargo, but maybe that old credit card that you defaulted on, or that car that got repossessed a few years ago. Just don't be so stubborn and hard headed.
You sound suspiciously like someone who might be working for the people making the calls from this number. If that's the case I think you'll be happy to know that I'm now going to put a little bit of advice on this thread for anybody who might find their way here.
Everyone needs to do two things. First, they need to go to ftc.gov & thoroughly familiarize themselves with their rights as consumers under the FDCPA. It is not complicated. It is not hard to understand. Anyone can do it & everyone should.
Next, everyone needs to look up the Statutes of Limitations in regard to debts in their state. THIS IS THE KEY! The SOLs vary by state. In some (like mine) the SOLs on personal debts are three years across the board. Debt collectors do NOT want you to know the SOLs on debt in your state. Once a debt has passed the SOL in your state it is time-barred. Meaning it is invalid & can not be pursued in court. A collector can still attempt to collect it as long as he does so legally & in accordance with the regulations in place governing the practice. It will come as no surprise to anyone if I remind us all here that debt collectors are never fond of regulations.
One thing that a debt collector in search of invalid debts might very well try is the "Guilt Angle". Beware of any collector that tries to work on you with references to you being a "good person" or calling you a "deadbeat". If a collector is holding a time-barred debt & can get you to make ANY payment on it, that debt will now be re-validated and that collector is now holding it at full value plus interest & fees. NEVER make ANY payment on a time-barred debt! That debt has already impacted your credit & paying it off will NOT help it any! It's too late for that.
Last, but certainly not least, always remember that a debt collectors primary weapon is his ability to lie to you. He will do so at every opportunity & he, or she, will even do so when it's not necessary. Believe nothing you're told. If you don't have it front of you in writing, having received it by mail & having thoroughly verified everything...believe nothing.
Be Safe. Be Aware.
Gunnar
Been getting calls from these buzzards for months. I have no debt within Florida's Statute of Limitations and have not been contacted by any debt collector for any reason for many years. Their number (with and without 1+) is in my callblocker, but tonight's call rang thru anyway. I presume they are spoofing this number and actually calling from another. GRRR.