They left a message for my son saying he needed to be in court for something, he's 18, never been in trouble and went straight to the marine corp out of high school. Has to be a scam
The company left me a few messages regarding "the property address". I called back and they indicated they were collecting a debt for American Express. This is not my debt, but they were very rude, harassing me, yelling at me and then told me that I was going to have a wage garnishment put on my income.
From what I have been told, it is against the law to harass, give misleading and false information and threaten to sue when there is no intent.
I will be reporting them to the FTC.
I recieved a call from my boyfriend's mom who said there was a message on her answering machine for me from this number stating I had to call them immediately about a property I own. Two problems with this, first I don't own and have never owned ANY property and second, why her answering machine. We don't share the same name. Just seems really shadey to me! I don't plan on calling them back and have told "mom" not to answer from this number. Why do people do this kind of stuff? Go get a real job and earn your money like the rest of us do!!!
If they are collectors, which it sounds like they are. They are what are called the bottom feeders. They are violating the laws protecting citizens. Some of which are listed below.
Prohibited Harassment
Debt collectors can call you and request that you pay the debt. However, they cannot harass you or abuse you. These are the types of things that they should not do:
Use obscene or profane language.
Make repeated frequent calls to annoy you.
Telephone you without identifying themselves.
Use threats of violence or harm against you.
Threaten to arrest you if you do not pay the debt.
Threaten to take action such as lawsuits, garnishments, or taking your property unless the collector intends to do so and it is legal. (Creditors must usually take you to court and get a court "judgment" against you before they are able to garnish your wages in Missouri.)
Debt collectors cannot make false statements about themselves or the debts. They cannot misrepresent:
they are government officials;
that you have committed a crime;
that they work for the "credit bureau";
that the papers you received are legal summonses
or legal papers, if they are not;
the amount of your debt; or
that there is an attorney involved, if there is not.
Debt collectors are also prohibited from:
depositing a post-dated check before it is due;
threatening to take your property unless it is legal to do so;
contacting you by postcard.
****** What if the debt collector has violated the law? ***********
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act gives you a right to sue in state or federal court within one year from the violation. If you win, you can recover damages for your loss, court costs, and attorney's fees. Remember that the one-year period runs from the date the debt collector violated the law. You should act promptly to contact an attorney if you believe a debt collector has violated the law. If you fail to file your suit within one year of the violation, you lose your right to do so.
You can also notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of violations. They cannot file lawsuits on your behalf, but they can investigate your complaints. Their address is: Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580. You can also file a complaint through the Internet.
What should I do to prove my claim?
You should always keep copies of everything that the debt collection agency sends you. Use a file folder or large envelope and keep all of your letters together. Always keep copies of everything that you send to them.
When they call you, be sure to jot down notes of the exact words they used while talking to you on the telephone. Right after you hang up, write a summary of everything they told you, and what you told them. Note the date and time they called you. Be sure to write down their names and telephone numbers and the company they are with.
Get help
If you believe you have been harassed by any debt collector, you should contact an attorney for specific legal advice on your problem. If you are elderly, or have low income, please call Legal Aid of Western Missouri or any other state that you reside in. for further information or advice.
Oh really? What was the name and address of plantiff. JDI and associates, or financial institution. Also, the attorney handling the case should be at the bottom with contact information. I think we have a lot of people that are trying to track JDI down. They seem to withhold their address. We have a group, that is going to seek restitution from the company and the individual employees. We are also envolving the Attorney General of their state.