Who called from 9018783229

Consumer Alert: Attorney General warns Kansans of debt collection scam

January 29, 2010 -- Attorney General Steve Six is cautioning Kansas consumers about telephone calls from apparent fake debt collectors who are impersonating law enforcement officers in an effort to extort money from consumers.   Consumers are warned to not submit payments to these fraudulent debt collectors.

When calling, the scammers most often state they are attempting to collect a debt related to an internet payday loan obtained by the consumer, but which the consumer never repaid.  Consumers state they have never obtained such a loan or paid off the loan years ago.  The scam artists have most recently identified themselves as ACS, National Affidavit Processing Department and United Financial Crime Division, but may use additional phony names.  It appears the phone numbers used by the scammers are “spoofed” numbers, so that the number appearing on a consumer’s caller ID is not the actual number of where the call originated. It appears the calls in question may be originating from outside the United States.

When questioned, the individual calling refuses to disclose the full name or address of the collection agency they claim to represent.  These scammers have been able to provide consumers with identifying information, such as the consumer’s social security number, home address, e-mail address, names of family members and the consumer’s computer IP address.  Since the callers are able to provide valid personal information, consumers may become confused and believe they are being contacted in regard to a legitimate debt.

If the initial debt collection scam is unsuccessful, consumers have been re-contacted months later with the scammers posing as law enforcement officers or officers of the court.  Typically, the consumer is threatened with arrest for fraud or some other fictitious crime unless the consumer agrees to immediately wire money via Western Union.  The fictitious officers strive to frighten and confuse consumers into compliance by using legal sounding terms such as “We’re filing an affidavit against you” or by stating a lawsuit has been or is in the process of being filed against the consumer.

A hallmark of each scam has been calling consumers repeatedly at their place of employment.  This scam hit home when an employee of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office was repeatedly called both on her cell phone and at work.  Despite the employee’s repeated verbal disputes, the caller refused to provide any identifying information to allow her to send a written dispute. The scammer also continued to call her numerous times a day regarding a payday loan she denied obtaining. Two months later, she was again contacted by telephone by an individual identifying himself as an “officer”.

“I denied owing the debt and refused to pay without being provided validation of the debt. I was then told, ‘If that’s the case, I will have local law enforcement come to your place of business and drag you out kicking and screaming’,” stated the employee.

“It is important for consumers to know their rights under the law,” Attorney General Six said. “If a consumer is receiving calls from a debt collection company and believe it is a scam, I encourage them to contact our office immediately.”

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), collectors are required to send consumers a written notice within five days of the initial contact.  The notification should contain  information such as the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed and a statement informing the consumer they have thirty days to contact the debtor in writing to dispute the debt or request validation of the debt. In addition, legitimate debt collectors are prohibited by the FDCPA from making false or misleading representations, such as the consumer has committed a crime, implying nonpayment will result in the consumer’s arrest, or using the threat of violence.

More information is available on the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre27.pdf.

To register a complaint with the Kansas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, call 1(800) 432-2310 or visit www.ksag.org.

http://www.ksag.org/page/consumer-alert-attor ... collection-scam

I received the same call except he said he was an officer named Leon Bishop with the bureau of criminal identification- had last 4 of my ssn and address.  stated that if i didnt return his call at 910-878-3229 ext 7001 that i can expect a shocking surprise at my place of employment and my home.  he had a heavy accent had to listen to the message multiple times.

DO NOT CALL OR ANSWER THIS NUMBER 901-878-3229 the same thing happened to me and I am reporting the number. I called the guy back and yelled at him and how the HELL did he even get my number and name. This is bs!!!

I recently applied for a "PAY DAY" LOAN for 750.00 dollars.  I NEVER received the money, however I am constantly being harrassed by this person who identifies himself to me as being "OFFICER BISHOP" and he is a criminal investigator.  He has called my son, my sister, and I am not sure how many other people threatening us that I am going to be arrested and brought up on charges.  I NEVER received any money but he continually threatens my family and I WANT IT STOPPED. He has access to my social security number and I dont know what else.  I have bank statements Proving that I never received the funds.  Please help us. My wife is very ill with heart conditions.ruptured ulcers. anurisms, and many stomach problems along with high blood pressure and she cannot stand this type of stress.  With this persons constant badgering she just might have another heart attack.  If this happens then I will be forced to charge him with attempted manslaughter or something else so he is no longer to hurt GOOD people ever again. The contact number he gave us is  901-878-3229 ext (7001) but when you call that number you can never get that extension.  If you cant help us then I guess I have no alternative then to contact my attorney generals office and see what can be done.  Thank you for listening to me. My email address is [email protected] if you need to contact us.  Thank You James R. Staub

Just had a call from Officer Ann Bishop so the scam is still running.