These are not your normal debt collection calls. In many cases, these collectors are very aggressive. Here are some of the threats reported on our forums:
“…we would have to appear in court at 11:00am tomorrow morning, we would be charged with internet fraud, would be put in jail, could be sentenced to 4 months in prison, etc.”
“…said that if I didn’t pay $1,095.87, the police was going to come to my house and arrest me and take me to jail.”
“…wont give me company name and he tried to cuss me out…”
Just to be clear, these are not collectors trying to collect legitimate debts. Most of the complaints on our forums, and to the IL AG involve consumers who either never took out a payday loan, or who may have initiated one but never actually secured the loan. In some cases, the “collector” has detailed information about the victim – such as name, address and Social Security number – which makes the debt appear to be real.
Here’s what to do if you get a call like this:
- Ask the collector for the name and address of the collection agency for which he or she works. Then ask him to send you written information about the debt. Any legitimate debt collection agency will do this because it’s required under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
- If the caller won’t give you this information, hang up. If a phone number is available through caller ID, report the call on our forums and to your state attorney general and the FTC.
- Don’t let one of these companies scare you into making payments if you’re not sure you owe the debt. In most cases, collectors must first take you to court and get a judgment before they can go after your wages or property. (If you live in Minnesota, though, read this warning.)
By the way, you can’t be arrested simply because you can’t afford to pay a debt. (Warning, though, there are cases where consumers are jailed in connection with debts because they failed to appear in court after a summons was issued.)
The Illinois Attorney General’s office says the bogus debt collectors they’ve heard about use a variety of names, including: Morgan & Associates, Federal Bureau of Investigators, DNR Recovery, DNI Recovery, Legal Accounts Association, Department of Law and Enforcement, CashNet USA, America Legal Services, Quick Cash, and ACS. If you hear from any of those companies, be sure to report them immediately to your state Attorney General’s office and the Federal Trade Commission.
And share your experience with us on the Credit.com forums.
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Gerri Detweiler – Personal finance author and Credit Advisor for Credit.com, Gerri contributes budgeting, debt recovery and savings information online. She is also the co-author of a new ebook, Business Credit Success: Get on the Financing Fast Track.
Gerri Detweiler Credit.com's Personal Finance Expert, Gerri focuses on financial legislation, budgeting, debt recovery and consumer savings information. She is also the co-author of Debt Collection Answers: How to Use Debt Collection Laws to Protect Your Rights, and Reduce Stress: Real-Life Solutions for Solving Your Credit Crisis as well as host of TalkCreditRadio.comTalk Credit Radio. Reach Gerri at creditexperts@credit.com.
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Great tips. If I have known about it, I would not have been taken for a ride. I actually paid one of these scammers $299 to have a payday loan expedited. If only I know how to prevent it back then. Thanks again.
I have recieved these types of calls just recently. I has applied for a internet payday loan but never heard back. Now I recieve threats saying that I owe money and the caller is very aggressive. They must have got my information from my application in some sort of shared business to scam people.
We have someone from 917-677-8913 claiming we took out a cash advance for 500.00 in march and never pd. The man said his name was Brian Smith with Payday Collections Bureau and we i asked him why we haven’t received anything in the mail he said they weren’t allowed to contact people by mail……they are threating to sue us in court….
I am dealing with the EXACT same thing, Only Brian Smith is calling me from a different telephone number and is saying I am guilty for money laundering and if I do not pay him I will go to prison.
Money laundering…jail…not allowed to contact debtors by mail…It would be funny if it they weren’t so threatening!
I had a similar call last week claiming I defaulted on a PDL from 2008 which I did take out and also did pay back in full when it was due. They are threatening me with court and possible criminal prosecution for check fraud. The name of the person who called was Timothy and he was calling from something called ADR firm on behalf of his client. He said the client is BG Capital Associates and that they bought the debt from Money and More (who is the company I had the PDL through back in 2008. The phone # they called from and also had me call back was 716-748-6566 and 716-748-6519. Has anyone else heard of these people or had similar experience?
YES .. I am getting the same calls as you and from the same guy .. Timothy and yes, he said he is calling from ADR .. and today I got a call from a Tom Hayden who didn’t identify the company he was with .. he said he received a fax in his office and I had one chance to clear it up by calling 877 548-4064 .. he said I have charges pending against me and would be served. He didn’t leave a number he could be reached at .. only ADR’s number. When I called the lady said that I owed a PD loan and that I needed to pay it right then over the phone by credit card or debit card or give them a family member’s credit card etc .. otherwise I was going to be served and would have to go to court and possibly be jailed for check fraud. She then put her “boss” on the phone who said his name was Gregory Scott and he said he would do me a favor and reduce the amount owed by 200.00 which is what he was going to pay the server to come and serve me papers but only if I could secure him payment right now with a debit card or credit card. I asked him where he thought I could get one and he said ACE cash express .. I told him I didn’t have a credit card nor did I have a pre-paid debit card .. I asked him for the information in writing so I could verifiy that they were legit and he hung up on me. Seriously, maybe we should do something about this ADR company .. they called my cousin and I have never used my cousin as reference on ANYTHING and they threatened him (this during the time when he just lost his sister to cancer) and they told him he needed to secure my debt.
Today I came in from a stressful day, phone rings and it is some stupid chick telling me I was going to be served and have to go to court if I didn’t call this number at ADR – 877-801-8348. I asked her what was she talking about. She said, “I can’t tell you the records are sealed!” She then said ” if you call this number that will prevent you from a lot of trouble!” I said “No thanks, I would rather know what the trouble is, serve me!” I live in a remote part of the country – P.O. Box only – I also knew I had not been responsible for anything illegal. Have been a grown up now for several years and knew –my life was clean! I told her if she called me back that I was going to turn her into the AG’s Office and hung up. A few minutes later my mom called said some girl was looking for me and I needed to call that number. My mom is 83 and we just went through w losses, my dad and my brother-in-law. None of us need this at anytime in our lives. I WILL turn them into the authorities if they call me back. I hope every else will do the same. I told my mom not to even think about talking to them or any one else who can not identify themselves or their company. It’s a shame such evil lives in our world…find a job, do something honest for a change. We have enough crap going on without these scumsuckers bothering us or moreso our parents! BTY the girls name was CORY.
I too have been getting these calls as of late. I took out a payday loan from Money and More back in 2008 and did it online for $300. I have since paid the loan back, but am now getting these calls as well. They’re coming from multiple numbers in different states. The numbers I have are 631-247-9920, as well as the 716-299-0417 numbers and 757-275-8578. They’re obviously using some system to be able to call from other numbers. I usually don’t answer and call the numbers back to find out who they are and I go straight through a switchboard to an operator who refuses to tell me who they are or what company they are calling from. They claim that there are “lots of companies in the building” and that they don’t work for any particular one. Anyway, I answered one call a couple of months ago when I got a message about a case number and told them I’d paid that off. They informed me I would have to secure a police report (?) and a lawyer, but I just hung up on them. In the last few weeks, I’ve gotten calls from a guy claiming that I had one final chance to resolve the matter or he would be turning my case over for processing. Of course he had all my info as well from my application. First, he called my grandmothers house to harass her, then called me back claiming that he had an address for me and would be filing the paperwork. This guy did not give me a name or a business. He just claims “I’m calling again to inform you that you need to contact the firm handling your claim.” Then today, I get a call from another guy calling himself Bobby Jones from “the mediation firm” regarding reassignment of the claim and that he had obtained a locating service to verify my address for processing. I still have not received anything in the mail verifying the debt, and I’ve already had to file reports through BBB once because Money and More reported the debt to the credit agencies, but they put multiple accounts on ym credit report. When I contacted the BBB to have them removed, they were removed initially, but then reappeared about a year later.
Yes I haven’t been getting calls but I have been getting EMAILS saying I have a loan back in Nov 2008 for 300.00 and now owe 1,246.95 but my settlement would be 757.62 If a wanted to settle out of court . And that also my SSN was put on hold . this is what I was sent. First It said NY and then It says Miami ? I need help please
Loan Amount:- $300
Loan Date:- Nov 2008
Loan Company:- US Cash Advance (Parent Company)
As we put your SSN # into our National Checking Database System we found you to be a genuine person, as you were never been arrested for any kind of Fraud Activity in your past, that the reason Court House has decided to give you chance to take care of this issue outside the Court without having black spot on your Credit History. Now if you want to take care of this issue than you have to pay an out of Court Restitution Amount which includes the late payment charges, penalty charges, highest interest rate of the loan amount and actual loan amount = Restitution Amount : $1246.95 but if you want to settle this matter today itself than you can get some percent deduction on the Restitution Amount and you can take care of this issue by paying Settlement Amount : $757.62. Which one you would like to go for Restitution Amount or Settlement Amount?? You have to send me a promissory note to stop your case file temporarily out of court house. So get back to me.
Reply ASAP
If you want to pay settlement amount which has to pay in full today itself to close this case and if you cannot pay the Settlement Amount then you can get 4 payments of $312 on the Restitution Amount starting from today and every other week. You have to freeze the allegations on your name, b’coz we cannot hold your case. After the payment dates are decided, you cannot miss any payments. and if you will not make your first payment on your case file then you will get Restitution Amount including more late payment charges.
You have to pay this through Green Dot Moneypak and not by prepaid card and this Green dot Moneypak you will get in any stores like Walmart, Wallgreens, CVS, Ralphs, Duane Ride, Rite Aid, 7 Elevens and many more which one is nearby your work place or home. You have to go there with cash in your hand and buy Green Dot Moneypak. Now Green dot Moneypak is one kind of recharge voucher which have activation code in it and they will provide you with that. Than you have send me fax of front and backside of Moneypak and also the receipt along with a clear copy of your Driver’s License and Social Security Card with your sign on it to get it released. Fax number is 206-426-3556. Please put attention Alicia Fields. And also write down your name or your case file number. And also you can send me email if you have any questions or queries.
OR
If you want time extension until Feb 3rd 2012, then you have to pay $150 as time extension charge, so in total you have to pay $907.62. Please provide card details for stopping your case file for time extension
Let me introduce myself. I am Senior Affidavit Processor Officer Alicia Fields from State Investigation Department. As we were trying to reach you since a couple of days regarding a very serious matter about a lawsuit filed on your name stating that you are doing some fraud and criminal activities.
I am really very sorry to say you that you are going to be legally prosecuted in the Court House within couple of days. Your SSN is put on hold by US Government, so before something goes wrong I thought that I shall call you and notify you about this matter. But as I was not able to reach you I am sending you an final notification Email. So please take a piece of paper and write down your case file MW18240 and second thing since it’s a legal matter you will be needed my help, so please write down my callback number is 315-999-7327 Ext 2000
For the records you…
Name: – TIFFNYE CHAIN
SSN:- ****
Email: – ********@GMAIL.COM
The Factual Basis for the complaints is as follows:-
Mr. / Mrs. TIFFNYE CHAIN , ascertained an income advancement from US Cash Advance with your Bank Account Information as collateral for said advancement.
Mr. / Mrs. TIFFNYE CHAIN , agreed to return the funds from the aforementioned income advancement as per contract.
As of today’s date the funds have yet to be returned and the collateral has proven to be null, that is to say of no value.
At present, US Cash Advance is seeking either of the following remedies:-
All funds to be returned as per terms of initial contract.
Mr. / Mrs. TIFFNYE CHAIN ,be proceeded against to the fullest extent permissible by current Federal Banking Law.
Mr. / Mrs. TIFFNYE CHAIN ,as I was investigating your profile, I found you to be genuine person so it is my duty to help you out but for that I need some right answers from your side. Also we want to know your intentions?
So do you want to resolve this issue outside the court house, or you want to go to the court house with legal proceedings? This was a final notification Email to you as we found you to be genuine person as told you before. You can resolve the issue by paying out of Court Restitution Amount or the Settlement Amount as decide by the Court House? You have to give me a flat answer without any excuse.
Reply to me back on my phone number 315-999-7327 Ext 2000. or Email me.
Thank you
–
Alicia Fields
Senior Affidavit Processor
State Investigation Department
Utica, NY
Contact: 315-999-7327 Ext 2000.
Fax: – 206-426-3556
–
Alicia Fields
Senior Affidavit Processor
State Investigation Department
Maimi, FL
Contact:- 305-999-7327 Ext 2000
Fax:- 206-426-3556
Tiffyne – Ignore these emails. It is a scam. Don’t pay them and don’t worry about this. Report them to the authorities (your state attorney general; the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov; and the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov)
You are not going to be taken to court or prosecuted and your Social Security number cannot be put on hold.
Then just flag these emails as scams.
I have one of these! A collection agency by the name of Thomas David and Associates contacted me repeatedly about a “delinquen”t loan form 2008. Supposedly, my electronic payment had bounced. They said they had checked with my bank and had proof I was a cheat
The only problem is that there never was a loan and never a bounced payment. Originally they demanded the $250 I supposedly borrowed on the phone. Then they sent a letter demanding $532.
I contacted Thomas David Collection Agency and explained that not only were they incorrect in their demand, but that I was contacting various consumer protection/ law enforcement agencies. They hung up on me and I haven’t heard from them since. I did keep all the paperwork and
Someone should sue these jerks.
I received several calls beginning July 2010 for collectors. I told them each time I do not have a loan. The last call I was called a moron and he hung up. I have contacted the FTC. How do we stop these people for harassing innocent people? This is against the law and they need to be charged with a crime.
I have been called by some of the same numbers listed. I would like to know what can be done about this. They call me and threaten me, that I will be taken to court if certain money matters were not taken care of. Once again what can I do.
I have been having similar problems but from different numbers. Started in Sept with a Brian Johnson calling me from 347-674-0997 with these same threats but the only company name he would say was the Criminal Complaint Division. After asking that something be sent to me in writting, he promptly hung up. Then on November 2 I received phone calls both at my private number and my work number, very hateful, broken english (Indian accent) and this one was named Paul White from 516-515-6564. Again there were no company names but I supposidly owed all this money, still no amount was disclosed, he just wanted my attorneys name because I had felony criminal charges against of a very serious matter. Again I asked for it in writting and he got very hateful, asked me to hang on while he got his supervisor and the phone got disconnected. I called the number right back and it went to a voice message, again with no greeting, just leave your name and number. Thinking it was all done, I received another call Nov 30 at my workplace, this time from Jack Thomas (again very heavy Indian accent) and he is supposidly with Kevin Peterson Law Agency in New York only the phone number was 516-847-4310 which is supposidly out of New York. I contacted my local police department at this time, gave them all 3 of these different phone numbers and they have tried to call them also but only to receive the “no-greeting” voice mail. So today, Dec 2 I receive a call from Kevin Peterson, Attorney at Law out of San Francisco, Ca from 530-344-4624 telling me he will have the local sheriff come to my place of employment and serve me with papers, again Kevin has very broken english and a very heavy Indian accent. The accusations they are making are awful, does anyone know what can be done. I am sick to death with this/
these ppl never told me who they were this lady said she had to let me speak to a mamager because a claim was being filed against me but i never recall givin me the name of the company nor her name ..864-569-0719 its also unlisted in the white pages reverse look up … i was told that i could take care of this i offered to do so in jan and they said no i had to take care of this today . tried something about the statue of limitations and was trying to get 150.00 out of me today i told them they could just call someone on the spot and she said they were suing and hung up the phone on me .. thats when i knew it was a scam i have never had a real collector hang up its hard as heck to get them of the phone lmao
also when i try to call this number back it says its not in service WOW
I actually just got a call today saying I owed a payday loan. i have never gotten a loan ever. They asked me if the above was my email I said yes. They said do you still work at ______ i said yes. They said they had a payday loan that I needed to pay they were middle eastern. They didn’t even sound professional. I told them I never got a loan. They said yes you did. They said the company was something like Usa something I couldn’t understand them. I told them to send me something in the mail and I’d look it over and file fraud on them. I told them I had something like this happen before and haven’t even had my account long enough to get a pay day loan. They asked if I had a lawyer I said no but I sure can get one. They started in and I told them “shut your mouth! shut your mouth1″ I said i;m not listening to another word out of your mouth. I didn’t get any loans. I sure as hell didn’t get any money. Then they said they’d call back tomorrow. I told them no you don’t ever call this number again I’ll take that as harrassment and call the cops. LMAO I don’t let anyone push me around and I know what I do and what I don’t do. And I did not get any loans. So they call back tomorrow I will ask them for a call back number and tell them I’ll call them in an hour or something call the cops and give them the number. I sure did report the last ones that tried to pull this kinda crap. I’ll do it again. I am a 26 yr old single mother of 2. I work 40 plus hours a week to take care of my kids and I will not have someone take from my kids cuz thats who they are taking from.
well i just heard that they got money out of my grandmother who lives off social security and disability. They took 200 from her. My grandma who is diabetic and has a bad heart who has had multi heart attacks and strokes. They called her and told her they were the police and were coming to arrest her and put her in jail!!! That breaks my heart she is almost 70 yrs old. I’d give my last penny to keep her out of jail if that was real. My God who are these damn people? There must be a special place in hell for these types. They sit right next to Hitler and Charles Manson. They could have gave her a heart attack and killed her is scred her so bad!
I have been getting calls from pds or pay day solutions 877-418-8244 there have tried to run the same scam as above. They called regarding a legitimate debt, they negotiated, after telling me a process server was out looking for me, and then when it came time to pay they could provide no proof that they exist. No address, no bill, no invoice, no statement or letter. They just wanted me to give them money. When I refused and told them i would be happy to pay if they would just provide me with something in writting that this would be settled, they got all crazy on me and told me I was harrassing them and not to call them anymore, that they were just gonna sue me. I said fine and proceeded to call the police. I will call the FTC tomorrow. Thanks guys, I feel much more certain now that it was a scam.
I received the same call yesterday and today from a Eric Brown threathening to come to my place of employment and have me served. When asked for his company name, phone number he stated I havd been warded. He starts off my having a lot of personal information address, phone number really scary. How do they get all this. He has been calling my cell phone all day today with threats. I have his mesages saved on voice mail. He also informs me to contact 877-418-8244 Pay Day Solutions. His number is always unavailable. Will contact Attornet General and FTC today. How can we stop this.
caller states they will be taking legal action, that the sheriff will be at my house or work place to serve me with papers. Knows my address and date of birth and employer. Says I owe $1,100.00. He says I can have my lawyer can him. He speaks with a foriegn accent and sounds exactly like the guy who called 2 months ago for another company threatening the same thing. I paid the debt last time did I get SCAMED? The name the guy gave was Mr. Flood and number was 310-999-0442. Please help me!!
I had the same happen to me! I paid it last time also, and now a different person calls and they are asking for more money saying I owe a different loan. i have already paid them over $1200 !!!!
Melissa,
Don’t panic. You have the right under federal law to request verification of the debt and the debt collector must provide it. They also must provide you with their contact information if you request it. So next time they call, ask for their mailing address. If they won’t give it to you then they are either a. a scam or b. a rogue collector who is breaking the law.
In either case, take notes of the conversation. In the event they sue you (which would be very rare if either of the scenarios I described are correct) you could show up and explain to the judge how they did not comply with the FDCPA. Or you could hire an attorney to sue them. If you win you would be entitled to damages and they would have to pay your attorney fees.
If they do provide you with their contact information, then you can send them a certified letter requesting verification of the debt.
Is there any way you can record these calls? If so, I would suggest you tell the collector next time that they call that you will be recording the call and then do so.
As for the other instance, I don’t know whether you were scammed or not, but you can certainly do some research to find out whether the collection agency you paid was legitimate. In some states, they must be registered and/or licensed to collect consumer debts in that state.
I would encourage anyone who is reading this thread to listen to this call recorded by Steve Rhode, who was investigating these types of complaints as well. The guy at the “collector” says he is with the “Bureau of Criminal Identification” and that the case has already been forwarded to the authorities. http://bit.ly/6FKMVF
It’s pretty comical – unless you are the person being threatened and you aren’t sure what they can do to you.
That is hilarious. I have the exact same guy on a message in my voice mail. I finally answered the phone one day and caught him in the scam.
hi there. I just got a call from these people on jan 13, 2011. They said I would be served with court documents about a bad check back in 2003 when I was stationed in Texas in the military. They tried scared tactics but i guess they were unaware that I have a degree in criminal justice. When I told their rep that texas penal code only allows for 2 years( 1500 or less) or 5 years (1500 or more) to pursue a bad check debt the rep was stunned. She immediately put me on hold for a long period of time and then transfered me to a “senior” rep. She too tried to scare me but I informed her of the staue of limitation in the state of Texas as Part of the Penal code. I also know you can actually sue them for harassment if they continue to bug you. Dont let them scare you! Get informed!
I am getting phone calls from DNR Recovery in Bloomsfield Illinois stating I owe money from an unpaid pay day loan. The number is 877-855-1624. It is so scary and I don’t know what to do. Thank you for all the info in the above posts.
I have had several calls from DNR Recovery at 877-855-1624. The caller is a “Miss Stiles” who does not have a foreign accent. She says she is a “Wage Garnish Specialist” and that I owe $900 due to a “pay day loan taken out and not paid.” If I don’t pay either 1) $100 a month for 9 months or 2) $500 flat fee immediately, my wages will be garnished. While I did, in fact, have a pay day loan, I paid the entire amount back on the originally scheduled date. I got so worried about my wages being garnished that I did pay $500. Their instructions were to purchase a Visa card and phone the number in to them. I did do that on Friday with the understanding that I would receive an e-mail noting payment. I did not receive an e-mail and there is no answer today at the company. Have you heard anything about this company? Thank you for all your help.
Marie…. I think you might have been scammed by a fraud company… Even if you owe some money, don’t just blindly agree with everything! People will try to extract information from you and tell you that you owe more… Well, at least, its only $500… Well.. next time be aware…and remember… don’t sign anything at your doorstep…
Andy – Good for you for knowing your rights and standing up for them! And you are right, if they continue to harass you then you certainly can talk with a consumer law attorney. I would also encourage you to report them to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC.gov) for potentially mischaracterizing the status of the debt (a practice that is illegal under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.)
Thanks for sharing your success story!
Hi- I kept getting calls from this people telling that they are lawyers trying to collect the debt for E financials. I never applied for any Loans like that. It’s true that I owe a loan but I’d been paying my finance fee charges, I forgot their names when they called telling me that my payment did not go trough and I was in big trouble…. I agree to make some payments. When I went to work the next day starting to search “Legal Dept payday collection bureau they don’t even existent and on top of my payment for that week had went through so she lied. I almost paid them $300…. That lady’s name is “Jenifer Davis” told me if I pay $300 my name will be clear of that debt…. Beware because they sound so real and they’ve got all my private in formations….
Stephanie – I am so glad to hear you didn’t get scammed. Please be sure to report your experience to the FTC at http://www.FTC.gov.
I have recevied about six calls over the cource of a year. I was initally alarmed by the calls because the man I spoke to had my first name, SSN and at least my telephone number. I know that my identifaction had been comprised with Nelnet Financial Services (a very old student loan) and one other place.
He told me in with an accent that I was involved in some type of fraud. I new better than that unless my SSN had been used by someone else. But, I have never been contacted by any litigimate or illigitimante business by mail with any type of complaint.
The first couple of times, I preceeded to ask his name, address, telephone number, ID and who he represeented. He had someone speaking in the background coaching him. Eventually, he hung up. I never received any threats.
On Monday, January 24, 2011 I received the latest call and I was busy and annoyed. I told him that I knew who he was! He said “you do?: I said, “sure there are all kinds of complaints written about you.”. I suppose I was a bit threatening when I said you don’t mind if I tape this call and he could hear me say “will you go to the other phone and listen”. I waited a few seconds and he hung up.
Just tell him that since he has your information, mail the complaint to you.
I figured that they compromised a data bank somewhere and they have a finite list of names because they have called me about six times. And I think they might only have a limited amount of information. They must be recyling the list over and over again. I don’t think these guys are that bright.
First of all, most legitimate businesses aren’t going to tell you a SSN over the phone. So, just ask them for all the information that they have (which they have little) and request that they send their complaint in writing. But, don’t give them any information. If they dont’ have your address, don’t give it to them. These guys are struggling to speak English much less put a complaint in writing.
I don’t know how they obtained my SSN. But, I’m not too concerned about the little twerps following through on any threats! ‘
I check my credit reports frequently and I’ve seen no fraud. I advise you to do the same.
Good Luck.
John – Thanks for sharing your story. I hope it helps someone else who is getting these kinds of calls. Telling them you’d like to record the call is a good strategy as well.
Claims to be debt collector from payday loan that I did NOT have. Threatening messages asking for attorney info. and saying “God Bless You and Good Luck”. Speak VERY broken english. Gives American/English name with STRONG middle-eastern accent. ie: Officer Mark Reneiecen, Aaron Thompson, John Adams. Threatening jail time, court fees. Sometimes claims to be from “All American Financial” or “Federal Dept. of Justice.” Claims to “download” a subpoena..arrest warrant…law suit..going to arrest me at work…meet me at courthouse. HILARIOUS considering i actually work for the state level Justice Cabinet! Sometimes claims to be representing CashNetUSA or CashUSA.Net. Call cell, place of business..and anyone you may have listed as a reference on an online payday loan….from years ago! Gave him the # to may attorney….the Better Business Bureau….became irate.
#s used:
646-653-2116
347-635-5971
358-956-4259
502-291-3000
202-241-5919
592-672-7369
421-781-8274
646-571-3386
646-396-9593
954-849-4843
585-331-8325
Had a similar situation.. I got threats from NCN… I told then to F**k off. I also recorded their conversation and gave it to the police. They are investigating the threats. Don’t worry they are all scam… The cops are still investigating… The cops contacted NCN guys.. (who were probably freaked out…lol) and these guys said they had nothing to do with the calls… Its just a made up fake company name… and they are just making prank calls…
One big advice PEOPLE!! Try to avoid giving out your personal information. Avoid any suspicious telemarketing calls (they get your info) or signing any document at your doorstep…. This decade is FULL of scammers… so, DON’T get cheated!
I got a call yesterday from a company called PDLR. This woman’s name was ms. ingram and she didn’t have an accent like a lot of the companies sited here. She did say that she was trying to settle a payday loan that I supposedly didn’t pay before they starte wage garnishments. She couldn’t tell me who the original loan was with–said they weren’t a collection agency–but that the original company ha sent paerwork to me that was returned when I demanded proof of the debt. The number they called from was 630-844-5678. Neither the company name or phone number popped up when i googled, but this is clearly a scam. I called back the number and the same person answered, but she didn’t identify a company. As far as I’m concerned, they can pound salt.
Same thing happened to me same name and number on my phone. The number to get in touch with Ms. Ingram is 1-877- 258- 1188. When asked the name of this company they refused to give information and hung up. Names used are Ms. Barry, Ms. Ingram, and today Ms. Rios. They are threatening me with wage garnishment etc. They refused to give the name of and original debtor. I have no recolletion of oweing. Need to know who to call to stop this.
Same phone number only it was a Tina, wanted to have me pay $690.00 to pay off pay day loan, asked for copy of original bill said they didn;t have it , gave me 1 week then garnishment called my lawyer yet to hear back.
Ann, I just got a call last week from the same phone number. A “Juan Hernandez” has called me saying I owed on a payday loan; that it was taken out in 2008 and when the company tried to collect in 2009, there were insufficient funds. They are threatening to suspend my driver’s license unless I pay them $300 within 48 hours – after that, it becomes $1400. I was so upset, I went to the bank and got all my bank statements from December 2008 to present. Nothing returned for insufficient funds. Mr. Hernandez just called me at work today and I’m about to call him back. What a scam – glad you didn’t fall for it!
Same thing happened to me today with the 6308445678 number. She told me I took out this loan in 08 but when I asked her the name on the loan she told me it was my married name which i didn’t have until after that date. Then i told her i am not working and she said she didn’t know why anyone in their right mind wouldn’t want a job or have a job. She then said” well at least I have a job and pay my bills” Little does she know I am a stay at home mom taking care of MY children! Ugh so annoying!
Had one couldn’t get date right and the date they did give I was out of country so got there number called uncle who is a cop in the city number came from he busted 3 hindi’s man were they surprised. no doing time in nice cell in the desert and face being deported upon finish of jail time, Yes bubba loves his new roomies too
I have had three scams come to me. This has got to stop. They call my job and harass my boss and other people. How do they get you job phone number? ACS just scam me two week ago. Look out. Now I have a new one. Here is the phone number 760-269-3830. You know they are have another country. You cant understand them. They Just threaten you. Someone stop these jerks.
I have just dealt with ACS. They have been hounding me for a couple weeks trying to get me to pay them a total of $625. One person calls then immediately hands the phone to the “supervisor”, Denis Petersen. They even faxed and emailed me a form to fill out (completely bogus) to authorize a (credit card only) payment plan. When the date of the first payment approached they became very aggressive, calling my cell over a dozen times in a row in one instance. Today they called my primary job(a hospital ER) yelled at a nurse and called her a stupid bitch, My coworkers rightly freaked and went to my manager who called me. I assured her these people were scammers and told her I would immediately call the FTC and states attorney’s office, which I did. I also had her apologize to my coworkers. I was so upset, I was shaking. I called ACS and confronted a Denis Petersen, who had been the fake supervisor bullying these payments. He told me he could call me the same things and hung up when I said his behavior was illegal. I then receieved two calls on my cell. I call back and say stop calling my cell. This Denis Peterson yells at the person who called me “why did you call her cell, I told you to call her work so she loses her job!” I just told him he had been reported to the authorities and they were investigating. He yelled at me and said something to the effective having his “balls to my throat and how did I like that” then hung up. I have heard no more. I am terrified to go to work. The numbers are a NJ number beginning with a 973 area code and the company number starts with a 646(NY). Beware!
Thanks to everyone who shared their story here. It’s pretty frightening what these companies are doing. But hopefully these posts will help others stand up and fight back.
Please be sure you also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov.
I am receiving threatening call from 877-673-8289, they left a message but also spoke with my father at my house. On the message they guy speaks so fast but I think the name is Darrell Hines. He tried to say he was a court processor and that they were coming to my house and work to server me papers for check fraud and he also told my father this on the phone. In the message the only number given is the one above and that is for “Payday Solutions”m which I found out when I returned the call. They later called back and asked for my daughter by name. I plan on following through with reporting this person and the company to the FTC and the Texas Attorney General’s office.
My Aunt received a call from a certain Angelina Parker who claims to represent Marshall & Associates regarding a pending lawsuit against me.
I also received several calls from an unidentified no. but the call sounds like she’s calling from overseas and can’t make out the details. I called the Lady back and a male with a heavy Indian accent answered “Hello this is Dominic, How can I help? I asked the man the name of the company he represents and he goes Marshall and Associates. And he asked for my phone no and he goes “ I don’t have that number in my system”. Yeah, exactly! ‘And he continues on asking me “If I have been briefed” Briefed about what? Moron. Oh! you have a pending lawsuit on committing fraud for taking out 35 payday loans, the bank tried to collect but they can’t take
Money out of your account. And I said really…you can actually take that many loans in one shot. I asked the wise Indian man that if I really do have a pending lawsuit
Why not send all your correspondence thru the mail since you have all this info on me. He said he will and wishes me luck. The scammers use several names like Daniel Richards, Dominic Jones, Angelina Parker and gives you a bogus address in Irvine ( the idiot cannot even pronounce Irvine, he goes Irwine) when his phone no registers East of San Francisco Ca. Please do not be intimidated by these people. Since a lot of our companies in the US outsourced most of our call center /customer service jobs to India, we have been primarily been the target of these scammers. If they call ask for the name of the company they represent, address and call back numbers. Another phone no they used is (425) 216-6611. Take note and report to FTC and your local FBI. The more reports we submit, the more legitimate our case will stand. Maybe the local newspapers will listen and write an editorial for a valid issue that does exist. We’re Americans and were not giving up without a fight! I will watch them like a hawk and hunt them down like a MF ready to blow their little Indian holes!!!
these idots have called me a fewl times, the first time i didn’t recognize the phone #, so i let it go to voicemail. this guy had such a thick accent i had to listen to the message 3 times before i could piece together what he was trying to say, and had to laugh. i’ve never had a payday loan and i know that there’s no way the sherriff was going to have me arrested for a loan i’ve never had. he called back about 1/2 an hour later, demanding i pay $950 immediately and if i didn’t i would be “in big trouble”. i laughed at him and told him i do not fund terrorists. he then got very mad and called me an “American whore” and started making very graphic sexual remarks about me.
i got a little mad, but i’m trying to quit smoking so i decided to give him some back. i let him know he had a lot of nerve getting mad at me for calling him out for trying to extort money from me, that his father shouldn’t be “telling our secrets” and basically telling him he’s so filthy and disgusting he no woman would ever want him, he hung up on me before i could finish my sentence.
the same guy called be back the next day reading the same script, i asked him if he remebered me of course he said no and they had increased the amount i supposedly owed them. i told him his father said he would pay off the debt. he hemmed and hawed for a few seconds then tried to yell and belittle me somemore, so i talked over him, saying all kinds of nasty stuff to him.
he said that he didn’t have to take the abuse i was giving him, i told him since he called me he could either take whatever i decided to say or hang up and loose my number. i haven’t heard from them since.
I received a call on Jan 25, 2011 from Law firm of Anthony H Rodriguez 877-255-2162. He said they are about to take me to court and sue me for check fraud. He said that I defaulted on 5 payday loans and in order to stop the law suit against me, that I have to pay them $3000. He said I can set up a payment plan by paying $500 dollars first. And $300 monthly. He said if I don’t come up with the money today that, the next day I will be served court papers to appear in court. After speaking to them, I googled their phone number 877-255-2162 and many people had the same story about these people. So I called them back and I asked them to give me the address of their business location and he gave me 1001 State stree, suite 1400, Erie Pa. I googled this address and found out that this address belongs to Moody Law Offices 814-464-9464. I called Moody Law Office and asked them were they affiliated with Law firm of Anthony H Rodriguez and they said that they never heard of them and they were not affiliated with them. I called Anthony H Rodriguez back and confronted them about this, and he started cursing and they hung up on me. I’m so glad I didn’t give them any money.
In November I went throught the same thing. A call form a number on my cell phone form a “Bill Paxton” A Mid-Eastern sounding man telling me that a law suit had been filed in my nmae and SS number over an on-line payday loan that I did not pay back. When I asked some probing questions like what state and county tha law suit had been filed in what was the docket number. And when I asked for written verification of the debt he became very upset and put me on the phone with his ” supervisor” he informed me that an investigator would be sent to my home and place of work and that I would be arrested and could end up with 6 years in prison. I told him to go fuck a PIG. He then stated yelling at me in a language I could not understand then hung up on me.
Hi!! Well I had been receiving calls to my workplace from (716)218-2000 leaving me messages saying that they are a Law Firm QA associates and that I need to contact them immidiatly so I didnt because I was at work but next day they call again and my boss let me take the call and they want me to pay $570.00 right away with a credit card so I said I dont have that money at the time but I am welling to make arrangements to get this fix, so they didnt want no arrengments they want the whole amount or they will sue me for check fraud, so I got scare and I had a lot of financial problems and personal problems too and start getting ansiaty attacks so that night I end it up on the hospital. So it pass a week and they call me again to my cell phone so on the caller Id had 0000000000 no number and I didnt answer so they leave a message that they will serve me on the 8th with the sherrif at my house or my work and take me to jail, I am scare with this people I can go to jail I will loss my work I had my mother with surgery and cancer and she needs me to take her to drs. appoinment and I am helping her financially for her treatment so all these calls are getting me so scare I really hope to know what to do if some one can help me out and had some advice I will appreciate, I had read some of others people experiences with these scam companies that it calm me down a little bit but I cannt immaging me seeing my mom saw the police taking me she will be very scare and I dont want to think how she is going to get. These are very bad people scaring people like that is no reason why they have to do this, I just ask god to forgive them and bless them so they stop doing these to the people.. God bless all!!!
Alma,
I am glad to hear you are no longer panicking. Debt collectors can’t have you hauled off to jail just because you can’t pay your bills. What type of debt is this? Do you owe it? Has this collection agency sent you anything in writing?
I can’t tell from what you are writing whether it is an outright scam or whether it is a very aggressive debt collector, but remember debt collectors must follow a federal law (and often state laws) that prohibit harassment and false statements.
We also have recieved several calls. We had applied months back for a payday loan. When the called us back to confirm they were only willing to give us half of what we needed so we told them we were not taking it. Now months later we are getting phones calls, with either the number coming up unknown or as 00000. The guy claims his name is John Frederick. He claims he is from the George Washington Associates and that unless my boyfriend calls him back they will have to take him to court. Repeatdly asks for our attorney’s information. We have told him we don’t have one and he tells us we better get one or pay the debt. My boyfriend works out of town during the week, so the first time I got this call I said this and asked for the name of the company that they are persuing the debt for. He will tell me that he can not give me that information. Yet when my boyfriend calls them back they will not answer his calls. Today I told him he abviosly has all our other information, so if the debt is real send it to us in paper work, and to stop calling because we have already notified the authorities. I then told him to have a nice day and to F*** off. When he leaves message’s on our machine they always end in “if we don’t hear from you today all I can do is wish you the best of luck as this badly unfolds on you.” How do we stop these when there is no number? Its really annoying.
Beth – I wish I had an answer for you as far as stopping the calls. You may want to find out if your phone company offers a service that screens calls for you. (It requires callers to announce themselves and you then choose whether to take the call.) Google voice does this for free. It will allow you to select which calls can go through without announcements and which ones you have to screen. I use Google voice and like it alot. It might do the trick for you.
Recd a call from 877-269-0088 from a Miss Rios stating that I owed 5000 for a payday loan first of all you cannot take out that much money and second of all if was from 2 yrs ago and when I asked them to send docs they said that they could not I told them I don’t pay anything unless I signed for it and I have copies of it. They threatend to garnish my wages, couldn’t understand what co that they were from. Then just today I recd a call from phone no 877-258-1188 from a Miss Berry stating that my payment had not gone thru well duh of course not I don’t owe anything and she left me a msg to call her back in 2 days as she was going to garnish my wages fat chance I work for the federal govt and they wld love to see this come thru talk about serious jail time im lmao on this one already contacted authorities and changed bank accts BEWARE THEY ARE IDIOTS
Had the same call as Jeannie. I originally got a call from MS. Gilmore and now MS Berry from 877-258-1188 stating that my payment did not go through and that they would be proceeding on garnishment. I feel this is a scam. The call from MS Berry came through on Fri afternoon 4-1 at 4:45PM. PDLR is the name of the company they claim. I did call the number back this morning and the person that answered the phone call asked me for my phone numbmer and then told me that MS Gilmore and MS Berry do not come in before noon. She told me I wouold have to call back then. Don’t most legit collections agencies that give you a number and name to return a call to at least have voice mail. I feel this is a SCAM and I hope it stops soon. Any ideas what i can do in the future to stop these people? Please advise if you do
This is a scam do not give them any info or money. My daughter has been getting the same thing. I repeat this is a scam. Read my post of july 9th, 2011
Becky,
Creditors cannot generally garnish your wages unless they take you to court and get a judgment first. Even then, there are restrictions on how much be garnished. I am not sure of all the circumstances of your situation, but remember, a debt collector is required under federal law to send you written notice of the debt, and you have the right to request verification of the debt if you dispute it. Any collector that won’t abide by federal law is either a scam or can be sued for breaking the law.
Well, I didn’t receive any calls, but got 2 letters from Quick Cash in Houston Texas.
They said they would charge me with fraud! I’ve already discussed this with my attorney,
Beware folks. The first letter I got, they wanted 1300. and used a old address from 2003 and the supposed date of the debt was 2007!! I didn’t even live there in 2007! The second letter I got was for 984.00 and they would call the DA if I didn’t pay up.
These guys have got to be stopped!
you took out these loans now you people dont want to pay them back and eveyone wonders why the economy is the way it is cause of people like you get off ur a** and get a job and start paying back your debt
John,
If you’ve read this post and thread thoroughly, then you’ll see that these consumers do not owe these debts. Their data has been compromised and they are being pressured for debts they don’t owe.
These consumers are being scammed and paying these guys will not improve our economy in any way, as they are based overseas.
I’ve gotten calls from PDLR- IT’S A SCAM! Beware for Miss Berry, Miss Santiago, or Miss Stiles, who all claim to be supervisors! The said my wages are going to be garnished in 2 days, we had an extremely heated exchange in which Miss Berry started talking trash about my mother, lol. Then when I insisted on proof of the debt, how much I owe, & who they are, they told me that I would get an email after the 1st payment is made. Initially I thought it was a legitimate debt & gave my credit card info, but after googling this agency I’ve found it is a scam. Called my bank & reported it immediately.
I had calls from Texas and the guy was just talking and talking and he wouldn’t let me talk so I said how do I pay you, he said give me your debit card, so I said **** you, and he said the cops are going to come in 24 hours and I’m going to lose the case, so I said **** you again, think about what person who is Arabic is named Michael brown
My calls started with ones with Indian accents but has moved on to calls apparently from
here in the states. Pretty much the same crap just now it is from the homeland. Recently it has been from Obrien, Wexler and Associates 877-334-5288. They called my home and left a message, called my cell, called work and even called my brother which I am not sure how they got his number. I wonder if they searched it because it has never been on a payday loan app.
These scams are posted all over the internet and I wish more could be done to stop them.
The next time I will tell them I am recording the conversation for my attorney and I have listed them on my local AG site along with the FTC.
Funny thing is, they do have a website but anyone can get a website these days. They are also listed in the BBB website with a C- rating. C- because of complaints. Their website domain is through GoDaddy. Now thats classy.
I got this call at my work telling me to pay this payday loan. I Took out. I never did. I consulted with my attorney and he said to its a scam because they have to sent you something in mail. I never got nothing. No court summons or anything. Beaware here is the phone number : (213) 260-9435
Name: Officer Allen.. So he says. God knows his real name.
Please dont fall for this crap. I lost money before in a different scam. Learn from my mistake.
I got a call today from some lady named ms jones nichole i think was her first name saying she was a process server and that i i was being prosecuted for fraud on a payday loan this person also called my family members and telling them the same thing she said she was calling from ACS litigation i called and gave the ref number i was given and they said i did a online cash advance which i didn’t i asked for documentation and they said they would email me but nothing has been sent they also wanted a cc number i told them i want to see my signature they also said when they tried to get paid the bank account was close and they said this was back in 2007 the number they used is 866-574-8858 they also said they would prosecute does anyone no anything or can help me
Ok this is the second call I get the first one my sister in law answered and she was given a woman’s name and a phone number and case number…. Well just a couple of days ago they left a message a guy supposedly named Peter Hersh said to call this number 1-866-583-6379 and left the name of ADR Firm and that it was my last chance to contact them before I got served but he said that the state of California was suing me….Hmmm this did scare me because I don’t know why would the state be suing me? Well I am glad I googled and this came up. It sucks this happening to us. I would just like to know what can we do? Is there somewhere we can report this to?
I received a phone call from a Cyrstal from a restricted phone line stating that she had papers to serve on my husband in the next day or two and to call this number 855-212-9406 to find out what it was about. I called and spoke with a Paul Landon who said it had to do with a payday loan and that if it wasn’t paid, my husband would be served at work. He then went on to say the amount was 1,100 but he could wipe it down to 580 if we would pay it right away and he would even let us pay it in 3 payments. I told him I had to talk to my husband and he said not to take to long as he was waiting to have him served and him arrested. Then he gave me his personal number which is 716-462-5680 and the company he works for is Outsource Legal Prep (but I only found this out but doing some internet searching – and it seems to be owned by Kevin Walker). I’m glad to have found this out as at first I was scared but now since I know it is scam I just called them back and told them to not call me back as I know it is a scam and I would turn them in to the proper authorities if they did. Thank you for posting this information.
My daughter has been getting these calls for a year and a half now. The last one was on 7/09/11 and same thing owes money, threatens legal action. I also would like to say that we have had them call from five different states. This last one instead of sounding like they were from India or that area they now speak english that you can understand but gave me mexican names, Mr. Garza, Juan Henendiz and are out of Aurora IL. They did give me a P.O. Box #2 but no zip code with address. This is just a step up from the other scams they have played on my daughter. Call your State Attorney General, BBB, and their phone service provider (can obtain by reverse number look up). Call your phone service provider and report them as scam. Reporting to the police will do no good because every one that I have called tell me that there is nothing that can be done. If this continues I will go to our congressmen. I will not back down from these people.
continue from july 9th post.
Their phone number is 877-258-1188 ext 160 or 630-844-9252
Pat, I received several calls as well from this number 877 258-1188 and the number below. The caller said I owe $1,800 on a $300 loan; I laughed in the guy’s face. When I asked about the origination of the loan, they refused to provide the info, a phone number or something for this company they claim to be representing. But they will settle for $500 dollars to clear up the matter. They claim they are collecting money for Pay Day Today, whoever that is. They also claim that they had an court order to garnish my payroll also that someone would be waiting for me after work; What a joke, I contacted the Security and IT Department here at DOD on the matter. I don’t know who these people are or the company they claim to representing ….I did manage to get an email out of them asking me for my banking info.
From: Charles Lenard
PDLR RECOVERY GROUP
P.O.BOX 2
AURORA, IL 60506
877-269-0088
I recieved a call from 760-705-8888 telling me I wa approved for a loan for 800.00. Then they sent me to creditreport01.com and asked mr for my credit score so they can verify me…..WOW i knew something was up the they said someone will call me in a houe to get my routing number and account number to put my fund in my account…..Never got that 2nd call cause it was a SCAM for my credit score so they can apply for loans in my name…..I also recieved a call yesterday saying that I have been selected for a 5000.00 grant and i had to call 202 number and confirm my number they provided to me and then i had to go to western union and pay them 190.00 tro verify my identity and then they will release the fund…I said good day !!!!! IT WAS A SCAM!!!!
Just received a call from 1-888-553-2372 She said she was with ADR firm and said they needed to contact a friend of mine, who used me as his contact for a payday loan, so they could get his address to serve him with papers for fraudulent checks.
Kyle,
Please give your friend the heads up and send him or her a link to this blog.
Gerri
hi my husband got a call in july saying that he had to pay a 300.00 loan and after interest and all that it is 789.00. The company ACS claims that he owes this through cash advance america. Wehave talked to two different people James connor and Kevin Watson and both have the indian accents. So we set up payments of $50.00 a week since july so we have paid close to 400.00 so far they did send me something in my email of like a legal looking document and at the top the logo says “the united states department of justice”. then i was online today and saw this and read it and i dont know if this real or what? can you plz help?
oh and the number they cal from and we call them on is 845-445-2304.
Ashley,
The first question is, are you aware that you owe a debt to Cash Advance America? T
Second question: Did this collection agency ever send you a written notice of the debt by mail? Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, collection agencies are required to send you a written notice of the debt within 5 business days of their initial contact with you. This is not optional – it’s required by law and it must contain specific information. Did you ever receive something like that?
Feel free to forward the email you received to us creditexperts@credit.com and put it to my attention. XXX out any personal info like account numbers or Social Security numbers.
We had never heard of this happening until we got a call today from 410-843-2822. They had left a message with my fiance and when I returned the calll they first said “hello”, which struck me as strange, since this was supposedly a law office. When I asked for the name of the company he kept trying to verify info. When Chad (my fiance) got on the phone they started telling him that he should answer q’s carefully as they could be used against him in court. They said that the case would be ‘downloaded’ with the courts – what kind of lawyer says that? We had applied for several loans, and had only accepted one – which we were paying back. The amount they said we owed we had never been quoted. The other strange thing is that though they both had very strong indian accents, they used very unlikely names – the supervisor said his name was Jack O’Connor. ?? DON’T FALL FOR THIS!!!! We told them to send us something in the mail and not to call again.
i know most of them as i have
worked for/with them.
90 percent of them call from
india(Ahmedabad,mumbai,Rajkot
or Pune).
When i went their office for an
interview, they told me that we
collect money from those people
who have owed money but
didn’t pay back yet.
I said ‘ok’
when i started calling those
people, most of them told me i
never got a loan.
Then i informed to my TL(team
leader) about
This problem,
he replied ”don’t worry, they are
lying, harras them”
by hearing this i thought this
didn’t sounds legal.
After that i googled and i found
that we were doing criminal
activities.
Next day i went to hr department
and told them i wouldn’t do this
f*cking job.
I tell you the whole path of these
scamers.
First of all,they get the whole
information about people
(including ssn. Phone number
(work place and home), email
add. Res. Add., fake ip add.,
birthday and many more)
they named it ‘leads’ for each
lead they pay 1 dollar which are
provided by other person.
Most of them call from an
application named eyebeem or
xlite.
They can display any number like
0 or 911 or anyone which they
want.
Do following things to stop them.
First of all speak english as a first
language.
Tell them that you are calling
from india(mumbai,
ahmedabad,pune or rajkot) and i
know that.
Tell them who provide you this
leads or where is your closer.
Ask them if you are an american,
then tell me few lines of our
national anthem.
At last tell them that stop calling
or i will contact your city police
via FBI.
Believe me they won’t call you
again.
But there are many centres in
india so may be, you can get call
from other but each time tell
them which i have mentioned
above.
My email id is
gosvammi.jayy@hotmail.com.
Forgive me because i have done
this job for 7 days, but that time i
didn’t know the truth.
Bye and take care.
Thanks so much for doing this. You have proven you are an honorable person and no one will blame you. Everyone needs a job but you were courageous enough to quit when you found out they were immoral. You have been extremely helpful!
I just had my first run in with one of these “companies.” I immediately was aware that it was gibberish but decided to play along. They were immediately taken back by the fact I have a British accent but continue their charade. I initially spoke with a female and the number was 0000. Typically I don’t pick up these strange numbers as I assume it’s some sort of a scam but I had a itch. She picked up said something and immediately handed the phone over to another counterpart. He of course made claims to a loan I took out in 2008, I believe. Along with check fraud and two other false claims. I immediately stated that I was only 16 than however he continued the pressure. Statements of we sent you multiple EMAILS, you’ll receive a summon, etc. After he continuously talked over me I stated in a very naive way ” So if I give you my credit card information this will all go away?” He replied in his absurdly thick accent “of course.” I than yelled “you vile individual I’m a law student and the likeliness of convincing me of any truth was impossible.” He continued to pressure me and I slyly said a remark in Spanish than hung up. The fact that I was 16 in said year and British alone should have made him end the call, very foolish tactic. They called me BACK RIGHT AFTER AS WELL. Might I also complain of the heavy background noise, completely spineless individuals praying on Americans suffering through enough of a crisis as is. If I receive another call I’ll take some of these actions to try and aide in ceasing this callous behavior.
They just don’t stop do they???
I’ve been receiving similar phone calls from 877-824-6758 and 866-981-6854, from a guy named “Bill Davis” and a woman named “Amy Rogers” who claims be Bill’s “partner”.. they first called my work and left a message with my supervisor, claiming that the have two charges against me and that if I don’t contact them they were going to serve me at work. Then the phone calls to my cell and the threatening messages followed. I finally blocked them on my cell. So, “Amy” called my brother’s phone and left a message for him, saying that I have charges against me and I was being taken to court. This really ****** me off!! What can be done to stop these people?!! Can I report them to the police?!!! I”m getting so fed up!!!
Sara,
Do you think they are calling from overseas? Are you able to get any kind of contact information from the “collectors?” If they are a legit agency then you can report and/or sue them. But if they are scammers based in another country you won’t have any luck with either.
Ok I got a phone call today for my husband. I know he took out a payday loan 2 years ago and it is with the people these guys claim they are collecting for. They want my debit card number so that my husband isn’t “served” and go to court and or jail for check fraud. My question here is can they even go for criminal action for a “check fraud” that wasn’t even technically a check since it was all done online. Also, should I just pay them? They said they are Lincoln something or other and the number is 877-607-5668 I have no problem resolving a legitimate debt but I don’t want to get scammed either.
Rebecca,
Ask them to send you written notification of the debt. They are required to do that within three business days of calling you. If they won’t, they are definitely not on the up and up. Also, debt collectors can’t make false statements. Telling you that you’ll go to jail for check fraud would likely fall under that category. (You can’t go to jail just because you can’t pay a debt. And you’re right – not being able to pay back a payday loan is not check fraud.)
Any chance you can look at the “settlement” letter they emailed me and tell me if this is a valid company?
Ok I have been reading everyones experience with these people which started with me last year saying that i owe a payday company that my ssn had something attached to it from the att general saying that i was going to be put in jail if i didnt pay… they would call me on my cell back to back..one day i answered the call and told them to send this to me in writing… they said they would but never did as I guessed.. That i would be arrested and jailed if i did not pay… this would happen every month i would get someone speaking in broken english saying that i need to call them —some of the numbers and names ..
ALAN STONE 704-389 0723 MICHAEL JOHNSON 204-449-0158 AND HERE ARE SOME OF THE NUMBERS I have them on reject –thats how many times they call.once the calls came 21times back to back like a computer was dialing them…7501003 is the one they use
another one 1023
282-726-2524
666-097-2878
702-664-1766
32665
6841
yes these are the numbers that show up on my callerid…
this will stop for a couple of weeks then they start again
WHAT DO THEY GET OUT OF THIS…..?????
WHO CAN WE CONTACT!!!!
THANKS
Pat,
Unfortunately some people are so scared and intimidated that they pay these bogus debts.
While it may not be possible to stop these scams (they are typically coming from overseas and may be out of reach of US law enforcement), US lawmakers do need to try to stop them at the source. They need to crack down on the websites where consumers are entering their personal information that is then compromised.
Please complain to your state attorney general and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC.gov). Your complaint will be entered into Consumer Sentinel, a database shared by law enforcement agencies. Be as specific as possible in your complaint.
I too was a victim but never again. These fools still call me. Ronnie Cooper, David Cooper, John McCoy. Ph’s 987-928-2683, 909-503-0684,949-752-4600,958-489-0227 and 214-446-9831. Same old scam, I didn’t give that a red cent!! FYI!! Please read this it was on MSN today. Don’t let these people get to you!! Please be aware.
I’m sorry here’s the website link from MSN.
http://money.msn.com/credit-cards/article.aspx?post=e87555b0-19cb-482a-b81a-070395e8ffdf
has anyone heard of P.D.L RECOVERY, FROM AURORA,ILL
PHONE THAT CALLED WAS 630-486-1900, they called
it sounded fishy and i goggled it and the number was cell
and all kinds of noise in the back ground
Just received a call from PDLR Recovery systems regarding a payday loan that was supposedly taken out 2 or 3 years ago and they were willing to settle for $500.00. I had originally made an arrangement with them. I then called them to cancel the arrangement at which time they stated they were going to call my office and start the garnishment proceedings. After reading your cover page and asking for the actual debt information as well as information as to the collection agency they worked for, they abruptly hung up. Thank you for the advice.
Steve – We’re so glad to hear this advice helped! Thanks for letting us know.
just had a call today from Marshall & Fields law office in Califorina they said, demanding attorney info on an old loan back to 2009 from paydayone, well that has been paid for, then they wanted info, then they called my brother as he was listed as refrence,they gave me a number to call back to 740-364-0537,, they guy couldnt speak any english but demand the info he requested well i hung up and waiting for the next call,, I hope he understands english as he is going to get an earfull
I received a message the other day from PDLR Group stating her name was Jan Faith to call back at 877-269-0088. I called the next day to find out what this was for. I spoke to Jan who told me I owed on a payday loan that dated back to 2008 or before, but didn’t have an exact date. The next thing she was telling me that if I dont settle with them TODAY and make payment arrangements with a debit card or a prepaid card for $700, I was looking at at least $3500 with lawyers costs and court costs but that they will not go to court. She said they will go straight to my HR department to start garnishing my wages. Unfortunately I have applied for payday loan before but have paid back the one I did. I cant even find a website for Payday Today which is the company I supposedly did the loan with. I asked for written proof of the debt, and all of a sudden was rushed off the phone telling me that I can expect to be called down to HR about this. She said the wage assignment I signed was my forfeit from court, oh but she wished be the best of luck and she hung up. My HR requires a court order in order to process any garnishment so I doubt anything will come from this. Thanks so much to the initiator of this post, I am glad to find out this company is a scam and I that I was not the only one who almost fell for it. These people need to be stopped as soon as possible. This is riduclous. It’s sad that people come up with stuff like this to do to others.
Here’s a new one:
Got a message today from a “Courtney” claiming to be a independent process server and that I am scheduled to be served papers on the 21st. She said she normally doesn’t call ahead but because of the circumstances she was this time. She stated if I was uncomfortable receiving papers for which I know nothing about that I needed to contact the originating company. Then she left their number 855-461-0744 and a “case number”. First thing I did is try to lookup the phone number but no reference to it anywhere on the interwebs? Okay, starting to sound fishy. So then I call the number, but of course it’s after 7pm Eastern (4:30p for me) so I get a chance to leave a voicemail. The voicemail greeting was for a Jonathan Vadeer?
I can’t wait to talk to these jokers tomorrow and hear the BS. What kind of process server would call and warn someone they were getting served on a specific day? Duh, they get paid only they serve the papers!
Payday loan scam – 804-728-0872 calling my work asking for the manager over 100 times a day, saying I owe money from an old payday loan debt – ultimately threatening me saying he knows where I live and that I cant hide from him, I contacted the police about it. Used several different phone numbers to call me on, couldnt speak english well. Wanted to find out personal information about me from other people, etc. Very bad man.
I have been getting these calls. They are also calling my job that I did not have at the time of this alleged loan. I do not want this to affect my job. They have called back to back and would not say who they are with and would not agree to send me a written correspondence, saying that they have sent several email. There is a call coming through right now while I am writing this from 1243521256 and yes that is all of the numbers…eh caller ID fraud as well. Indian accent said her name was Vaness ? and gave a call back number from 650-835-???? number. Omg! I am about to file a police report and open an FTC Case in my state.
Joseph – You may want to alert your employer. This scam is well documented from many sources so hopefully your employer would be understanding if you explained that you are being targeted by a scammer.
These guys have called me twice so far, at work. His name was “David Jones” and he was from my local sherriff department, the last time. I didn’t fall for it, so should I still report it? The first time they said I have charges being brought against me, they know the last 4 of my social. He asked for my attorneys information. He asked if I had ever been convicted of fraud before. He yelled at me and told me not to interrupt him or he would not be able to help me. He asked if he should send law enforcement to pick me up and I told him to do what he needed to do.
Oh and they said it was for a payday loan, the lender was American Credit Services. When I said I never got a payday loan, he said he didn’t care where the money went but its stealing if I don’t pay it back.
Yes, Kelsi, you absolutely should report them! And next time they call tell them that you have done so and that you will be recording the call. That usually stops it.
I have received many of the same calls. i also received a call from National Check Fraud Center who stated they had a warrant for my arrest ready and processed and waiting to be sent to the sheriffs department in my county. Unfortunately I am one of the ones who was so scared that I did pay. I did have a bankruptcy and the payday loan was unfortunately included. The debt has been discharged. The National Check Fraud center stated on voice mail to consider myself served as I would and that this was illegal and could not be counted in a bankruptcy. Anything on the National Check Fraud Center?
Lynn,
I am so sorry to hear you paid this debt! It sounds like they are the ones acting illegally. Debts included in bankruptcy are protected by the automatic stay, and once the debt is discharged a creditor cannot try to collect it.
And this doesn’t make sense: “they had a warrant for my arrest ready and processed and waiting to be sent to the sheriffs department in my county.” If they did have a warrant for your arrest, why would they tell you that other than to try to shake you down for money? It would be smart for you to call your local sheriff’s department, explain what happened and ask them if you can file a police report.
Lynn, I am really sorry to hear you have gone through this. Please be sure to report these guys to the FTC at FTC.gov.
I am getting calls frequently,various numbers,started about a week ago.It is scary,and upsetting.Latest is from1-718-841-6480.Thaey call work,threaten to file charges against me,I will be arrested if I don’t pay.One guy tried to get me to pay $560 immediately.I didn’t.Help
Paulette – Don’t let them scare you. Remember if this is the debt collection scam (and it sounds like it is) then just remember they are sitting in a boiler room somewhere – maybe not even in the US – making false threats. If you need to, call your phone company and find out how to put call screening on your phone. Or get a google voice number and set it up so that only calls from people you know go through.
Tell your employer what’s going on. You don’t want to lose your job because of this. You can direct your employer to this story if need be.
hi, i have been a victim of these payday loans the calls and threathens me that i will be brought up on charges these guys need to get caught they are usually foreingers that call i just rec eived two miore calls today from# 818 659-5712 and661 752-5174 i want to report these people how do i go about this so we may catch these thugs i have stressed out over this i need help… sincerely paul giordano ny
Paul – I know it’s not easy, but stop stressing. These guys are sitting somewhere in another country calling as many people as they can. They can’t hurt you. So understand that and don’t let them scare you.
Turn the tables on them. You can report them to the FTC.gov. Give the FTC as many details as you can. If you did apply for a payday loan online in the past, be sure to include the name of that site in your complaint because your information was likely sold or compromised and the FTC needs to know where these guys are getting personal information. That information will go into a database that is shared by law enforcement and other governmental agencies.
Next time they call tell them that you have reported them to the authorities and that you would like to record the conversation. That may very well stop them. If not, talk with your phone company to see if you can set up some kind of call blocking or call screening so they can’t get through.
Let us know what happens!
I recently received a call from a Joe Banks. The number he was calling from showed as unknown. He left me a message that was not professional and proceeded to call my mom and sister. The number he left for me to call was 877-230-6756 for ACS. I did not provide them any information and ask that my sister and mother do the same. I will not pay money to someone unless they provide something in writing as proof the debt is mine.
It is your right to get written confirmation of the debt. Stand firm on that one.
Hey I have been getting calls from an agent bryan claiming to be from The Fraudulent Investigation Department. Number is 3474180337. He had a thick accent. He has threatened to come arrest me at my work place. Has anyone else heard of this company. Are they scanners? Also second company I missed the name but phone number is 6303320770. This guys name was adam woods. He has been threatening me all day saying I have to go to western union and transfer money to them. I believe this is a scam. He says I will be arrested if I don’t. Any suggestions
Jason – It absolutely sounds like the classic overseas payday loan scam. Don’t send them a penny. Remember, in the US a debt collector is required to send notification of the debt to you in writing. If he doesn’t, HE’S breaking the law. Report these guys to the FTC and your state attorney general.
We are working on some of our clients payday loans and they are getting these same calls. One of the clients were scared into paying them until I looked it up. They said they were from payday loan recovery group. Saying she owed a loan from 2008 for 1,200 and she can pay it in full for $399. She was scared into paying but I told her to cancel her creidt card before it went through. They send her an invoice on the decline. The processing company is http://www.eprocessingnetwork.com/. This is definitly a scam. I have had it happen to multiple clients. First they said the were from EWA Recovery Group. The email came from Charles Lenard” . Which is weird becuase it is a yahoo account. What company uses a yahoo account. This is there phone number that was listed on the email (877) 601-5871.
Thanks for the info. It’s sickening how these scammers are making money off people in difficult financial straits!
I have received calls nonstop from 4 AM to 9PM at night off and on for months from these FOOLS at ACS specifically Dennis Peterson, et al. I did apply for a PD Loan years ago but have since paid it off. A couple of weeks ago they called my work place nonstop for 5 hours tying up the phonelines, cussing at me, my boss and co-workers thus prompting my manager to contact the Sheriff’s Department. My Manger had to file a Security Incident Report (because I work for a Gov’t agency) and when they Security Officer responded to my Manager he stated that this was a scam/crime ring. They stopped calling for about 2 weeks and now they are statring to call again from 00000000. I don’t care if they call my home/cell phone because I can turn on my call block but calling my work place is ridiculous and is harassing to my employer. How can these terrorists be stopped???????
Leeza – It’s a really good question. How do we stop them?? They are overseas apparently beyond the reach of law enforcement. Have you reported them to Ic3.gov?
PDLR is an unliscensed debt collector out of Aurora Ill
I asked for their liscense number and they would not give it out
I checked with the ILL attorney general , they are not ligit
I too have been getting these calls as of late. I took out a payday loan from Money and More back in 2008 and did it online for $300. I have since paid the loan back, but am now getting these calls as well. They’re coming from multiple numbers in different states. The numbers I have are 631-247-9920, as well as the 716-299-0417 numbers and 757-275-8578. They’re obviously using some system to be able to call from other numbers. I usually don’t answer and call the numbers back to find out who they are and I go straight through a switchboard to an operator who refuses to tell me who they are or what company they are calling from. They claim that there are “lots of companies in the building” and that they don’t work for any particular one. Anyway, I answered one call a couple of months ago when I got a message about a case number and told them I’d paid that off. They informed me I would have to secure a police report (?) and a lawyer, but I just hung up on them. In the last few weeks, I’ve gotten calls from a guy claiming that I had one final chance to resolve the matter or he would be turning my case over for processing. Of course he had all my info as well from my application. First, he called my grandmothers house to harass her, then called me back claiming that he had an address for me and would be filing the paperwork. This guy did not give me a name or a business. He just claims “I’m calling again to inform you that you need to contact the firm handling your claim.” Then today, I get a call from another guy calling himself Bobby Jones from “the mediation firm” regarding reassignment of the claim and that he had obtained a locating service to verify my address for processing. I still have not received anything in the mail verifying the debt, and I’ve already had to file reports through BBB once because Money and More reported the debt to the credit agencies, but they put multiple accounts on ym credit report. When I contacted the BBB to have them removed, they were removed initially, but then reappeared about a year later.
a week and a couple days someone name peter spencer calls me from a number that was shocking to see come out on my fone and it was a number like this +0000, the caller peter spencer calls me and leaves a voicemail on my fone and tells me that he is with legal account association saying that I owe and amount of $710.00. I couldnt understand a word they said, he sounded russian/indian and he had told me that I have to make a payment as soon as possible, or I have another option to fight it in court. he left a call back number 646-504-2448. the called peter spencer also had said that I can maky my payment through western union or he can take my card number. he has been bother ever since and ive not answered. I watched the new saying to becareful now days because there is alot of SCAM going on.
At least you all got calls. I was checking my credit report last night and out of nowhere my rating had fallen. I was actually excited I was going over 700 as of last month but as of today it fell to 609. Went to transunion for details and some collection company named Northern Resources Group PO BOX 566 AMHERST, NY 14226 (888) 447-2490 has hit my report for some bogus payday loan I never took out. I’d never take out a payday loan. The original debtor is name Global Payday Cashnet. They say on my report I owe 525.00. What the eff is that all about. I filed an investigation with transunion over the debt. Also noticed an address under my name in Missouri they have on my report. I’ve never lived any other place except California. So I reported that as well. How did this happen?
Wow, Mark. Good thing you caught it! Sounds like they reported someone else’s debt on your report. Let us know what happens.
Yesterday TimScott called my sister and left a message on her VM that they needed to get in contact with me because i was being charged with 3 counts of fraud. I called the number she gave me back and the company was identified only as national. The number is 888-209-4285. He said before he could give me any info I had to verify my address and the last 4 of my SSN. I did and then hetransferred me to a woman named Donna who informed me that I was being charged with fraud because I took out a payday loan in 2006 and I owe them 1000 but they will settle for 700 to keep me from being “served”. I did take out a payday loan not sure if it was in 2006 paid back all of the money and it definately was not for 1000 or 700 or anywhere near that I only made 10/hr at the time and there is no way they would give me that much money! She informed me that if I gave her my bank acct info or credit card #s she could stop the attorneys from serving me. I told her I was uncomfortable with that and she told me I was being uncooperative. I had my husband call them back to try to figure outwhat the issue was and they gave him all of the information that they had given me and said I would be served for refusing to pay and did not even verify who he was. my husband asked for a physical address and business lisence # and they hung up. So I called back and pressed 0 for operator and was eventually transferred to Stacy “the manager”. She told me the same thing….. being charged with fraud etc. i asked for business lisence # and physical address and she said they do not give out their address and would not give me her last name for “security reasons” . I told them i would send a check and she said i could not because i had previously defaulted on a check (untrue) i told her i would send a money order and she said they do not accept paper transactions the only way i could settle this is with credit card numbers or i would be served for refusing to pay. i told her i would look into it and call her back. I then researched this, filed a complaint with the FTC and the NAAG and then came here and found this. Please do not anyone fall scam to these creeps. And i hope they are reading this you are caught!!!!!
I just got a call from someone who asked if I was at work and that they were coming to serve me. The number was unknown on my phone, but my mom’s number shows up that way too so I thought it was her. The lady said that she had to serve me, but I could call this number and ask for the Legal Dept. I told her I was driving and she said she would transfer me. They are accusing me of check fraud from a payday loan I took out in 2008 from Sonic Cash and said that my bank account came back as NSF. I remember taking out a payday loan, but it was paid out. She said I could pay the amount of 740 and they would send out an release of order to the server. I didn’t have the money, but she took 100 and said she will take out the rest on Friday. I told her I would go ahead and pay but would research who this is from because I don’t want to lose my job or go to jail. It’s the whole check fraud charge that scared me. Told me that if the amount was a felony that they wouldn’t be able to release it and I would have to go to jail. I’ve been having a very bad month and am super stressed and just want this to go away. Is this a fraud? Should I report it? The person I talked to was Monique and the number is 1-877-913-2578. It’s very scary that they have all my information. They gave me my social, an old address, names of family members, my work email address. I don’t remember ever getting anything from these people and do remember paying back the loan.
Ronni – That call has all the signs of the payday loan fraud scam. Don’t get panicked about them and please don’t send them any money. Of they were a legitimate debt collector they would have to send you written confirmation of the debt.
There are different theories as to how these scammers get consumer’s information, but it’s not unusual for them to have complete info on file. That doesn’t mean it’s legit.
File a complaint with your state attorney general, and the FTC at FTC.gov. Let the company know you’ve done so.
This may be a huge hassle and very stressful, but you’ve done your research and ball is in your court now.
I have been receiving calls from what sounds like the same group of folks. Starting last week I had a voice message from “Justin Jones” stating that I needed to contact him immediately or have my attorney contact him that I would be sorry. If he didn’t hear from me that I would face some serious legal actions. He also said that they would come to my workplace or my home and I will be the only responsible person for further legal consequences and that I should call him bsck immediately as soon as possible before its too late. Thank you and have a blessed day, goodbye. It was very broken Indian dialect. I returned the call and spoke to Derek Anderson. Apparently Justin Jones is one of his “officers.” I was told that They would be willing to settle for $998 in lieu of the $1795.00 they said I owed them through Advance Payday Loan. I have never taken a payday loan. I needed to give him a debit card or send payment via Western Union right away or they would have the sheriff come arrest me on the following three charges. 1 violation of federal banking laws 2 Collateral check fraud, and 3 Theft by deception. I asked for a physical address so that I could send the funds via overnight delivery or some other traceable method. He did not want to give me a physical address but after much questioning from me he gave me an address of 633 Marimbo Street New York, NY 10023 But that they would not accept mail payments, only Western Union (he forgot about the debit and credit card at this point)
Two different phone nos were used 646-328-2038 & 866-696-6374
This morning I had a very similar call from and East San Francisco number of 510-256-0361 at 7:21 a.m. Florida time, 4:21 a.m. SF time
Glad you didn’t pay them Janet!
My husband got a call from BG capital they said they were in New York but who really knows. The gentleman sd he was an investigater w/ an attorneys office and that they were going to be filing a case against my huband for a bad check he wrote to a pay day advance place. I am a third pary bill collector. We follow the FDCPA and any ligitimate agency will also follow the guideline/laws set forth in the FDCPA. My husband hasd me talk to this gentleman. He wanted $250 to settle this $900 bad check. None of the facts this guy was saying added up, I asked him to validate the debt, we wanted a copy of the said check, he wanted to email it…NO WAY. I beleive these kind of call’s are “phishing” calls trying to get additional info to somehow scam us further. I will be filing a complaint with the FTC for this man several violations of the FDCPA.