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Getting a call from a debt collector can be stressful. But it can be downright frightening when the caller uses lies, profanity and threats to try to get you to pay. In a case announced today, the FTC says a debt collection operation in Charlotte, NC pretended to be lawyers. Really, they were not lawyers and had no authority to collect debts.

The FTC says the “collectors” used a variety of names to make people think they were dealing with a law firm. The imposters told people they were delinquent on a payday loan or other debt and threatened them with arrest, jail time, or getting sued unless they paid by credit or debit card over the phone.

Sometimes, the callers had personal information, like Social Security and bank account numbers, or relatives’ names. The callers used this information to convince people that the calls were legitimate.

In truth, the FTC says, the defendants pressured people into paying debts they never owed.

You can’t be arrested for not paying your bills. If a debt collector calls about a debt – and before you agree to pay anything – ask for a written proof that says how much money you owe and to who, and what to do if you don’t think you owe the money. By law, debt collectors have to send you a written document, called a validation notice, within five days after they first contact you. If they don’t, that’s a warning sign that they may not be legitimate.

Debt collection complaints account for nearly one-third of consumer complaints to the FTC. If you, or someone you know, has gotten a suspicious debt collection call, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. With your help, we’re finding the bad guys and putting them out of business.

 

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Brooklyn
November 02, 2017

In reply to by alrich86

I received a call from an unknown number today asking if I would be home between 8-4 today, to be served papers to appear in court. Then the person said you can call that same number (213)316-8174 to see what company was suing me. She said I had 2 hours to call them or I would have a “failure to appear”?! When I called the number I only got a voicemail. And needless to say... nobody showed up to serve me papers. Scared me for a bit, but I have no clue why a company would be suing me.
Brooklyn . M
November 08, 2017

In reply to by Brooklyn

On Monday 11.6.17, I received a call while I was at work from 716-202-0473. It was from Hamsburg, NY. The right who answered the phone name was Keith. I knew something wasn't right because he just asked my name and once I confirmed he said I was being sued, gave me the case number , and to call another number for further information. I was in complete shock because he just said I was being sued and basically hung up the phone. I called 213-316-8174 (An Los Angeles, California number) which was the other number giving to me . I finally got in contact with an representative After calling them 7 times. It was a female . She had all my personal information. I asked her what am I being sued for she said you old Citibank account was auctioned off to another company that took over Citibank and now I owe Citi- Bank over $5000 in debts; That I had owed when I was in my teenage years. Also that I will have to appear in court for any further Settlement. She said that letters where sent to my address stating that if I don't agree with a payment plan that I would be sued. I never received any letter from no company. I then proceed to ask her so when will be my assigned court date, she then tells me papers will be served to me stating when and where I will have court. I have not heard from them since I spoke to that representative and I have not recieve any paper notifications or served documents as of yet. This whole entire situation is beyond crazy. These scammers are out of control. I'm trying to get my life together while they're out here trying to scare innocent people out of their pockets.
Susan
November 09, 2017

In reply to by alrich86

A way you can tell that it's a scam is the name of the business. No such bank as Bank of American. If they refuse to send you documentation that you "signed", it's a scam. I get phone calls and they use my old name. I block the calls. Contact US Bank and let them know what's going on. Don't give them any money. They get their money from people that are scared and believe what they are being told. Good luck.
Nomad55
October 20, 2017
Just have fun with it, tell them to come on over, Ill be out front waiting for you. One of my favorites is IRS calls, I always ask what's my complete SS# they get all flustered and ask me for it and I reply; your the IRS you called me don't you have my tax returns? The best are the collection agency people, you can get them in a real twist especially when you get them off their script with open ended questions or answer their questions with none-scene or repeat everything they ask and then ask the same question back to them. You have to remember, these people are at a disadvantage, otherwise they would follow the law and know it.
lbear81
October 23, 2017
Received calls from Unknown twice today, man with heavy Indian accent giving my name and address saying they had documents being issued through the county clerks office then gave the number of 833-298-811. When I called the office back they stated it was legal administration. They have also called my husbands phone and my exhusbands phone. I am thinking because my ex has now filed bankruptcy and I received child support is how they got my information.
Dee
October 24, 2017
I just received a call from Lexington Law Firm. The number they called from 855-552-6824. The gentlemen claimed that I owed a payday loan and had very detail information concerning my property. I am concerned that they had my address and stated they would be coming to my residence to pick up my vehicles 4:30 p.m. I am going to make a police report concerning this situation and take protective measures. Please do not pay these thugs anything.
James_D
November 08, 2017
I am from Sacramento, CA. A law firm called from (855)622-2587 in early September. He said I will be summonsed if I don't pay a debt from 2007. He couldn't give me any information and told me if I pay today this issue would go away. He did have the last four of my social which is a bit concerning but that was all he knew besides my name. He gave me a case number and told me that if by not paying today I would have to appear in court. I Told him I would like to receive documentation of this case but he said it was to late for that. So I said "well I guess I will see you in court" and hung up. Nothing happened for a few weeks and today on 10/30/2017 I was contacted again by the same number with the same story and different case #. I was told tomorrow between 9-4 the sheriff will visit my grandmothers home with a summons. Some how they have my number as well as my mother and girlfriend. Not sure why a debt collector wouldn't contact me themselves if I owed money. Very strange an odd but each year I receive some type of new scam. Thinking I may need to change my number.
Californiascamvictim
August 13, 2019

In reply to by James_D

I am also from Sacramento and have been getting calls the last two days threatening to come to my house and serve me with papers. It calls from a blocked number and gives me the number 8336137043 And a bogus reference number. You call the number and some guy named Roger Smith answers and says skyline management associates. It’s a different company name every time. They have some bogus voicemail and no traceable website for this alleged company or law firm. The guy leaving the voicemails it goes by Thomas Miller and calls from an unknown number. Threatening that if I’m not home between 2 and 4 PM on Wednesday he will come to my employer. No process server ever calls you just to deliver papers. They want to catch you offguard that’s the whole point. There is no active court case against me in all of California. California is also a non-dock at state so they can’t ever serve you papers without actually having a lawsuit filed and able to be found through the county. Thomas Miller and calls from an unknown number. Threatening that if I’m not home between 2 and 4 PM on Wednesday he will come to my employer. No process server ever calls you just to deliver papers. They want to catch you offguard that’s the whole point. There is no active court case against me in all of California. California is also a non-Dockit state so they can’t ever serve you papers without actually having a lawsuit filed and able to be found through the county. He says he is from the county but doesn’t say which county. He has two of my addresses from the past. Says he’ll go to my employer but doesn’t say where. It’s total crap and I can see how someone might fall for this out of panic. It’s a total scam and I hope nobody falls victim to this. It’s total harassment and I have filed plenty of complaints with it various entities to try to catch these guys.
MMM
December 14, 2019

In reply to by Californiascamvictim

I just got the same thing for the last 2 days. Calling my brother and my sister wanting me to get the message. They were threatening calling me with a no ID number. Why can’t the proper authorities shut these bloodsuckers down!
MrsCdiera
April 14, 2021

In reply to by James_D

Changing your number is not going to help. I have changed my number several times and some kind of way they find me with the same scam.
Whyme
October 31, 2017
Live close to NC and get these calls every other day...thanks for the Info' been reporting them to the CFPB, but they keep using the same Six numbers of my phone and keeps changing the last four digits to get past the blocking service!
Marie
November 08, 2017
855-210-5049 was the number left on my voicemail telling me to call back about a lawsuit. They also called my neighbor and supervisor. I called the number back, but it was an automated message saying no message could be left and there was an error. I googled the number and nothing is associated with it.
Jacklyn
November 09, 2017

In reply to by Marie

Hi Marie, I got the same call from the same number today. they left a message that they were filling a lawsuit against me if I did not contact them they would process a court filing in my county. I called the number they left 855-210-5049 I actually spoke with a woman she knew who I was by my caller id, she advised that it was a payday loan that was done online. told her that I did not do payday loans. I found out later today when I got a text from a friend of mine that this same company called her asking if her I were friends, she told them she did not have time for this and they could call her back. they never called her back. I find this odd as how these people are contacting friends or relatives how are they gaining this informtion is what has me baffeled.
Edwards
November 14, 2017

In reply to by Jacklyn

I got the same call last week from first 817-409-3124 and left the number 855-210-5049. That they were trying to locate me because they were going to serve me paper. They also called my job and called my parents. When i called the number back the lady wanted my social and address when i told her that i wasnt comfortable give that out and what was this about she said " we can play this game and i was going to be served papers" and hung up on me. Then i called back and i asked another lady why they were calling me and she said she didn't know that my account was locked.... Who are these people and how they got my parents number is crazy!!
Leo
November 08, 2017
I also am victim to multiple harrasing fake debt collector calls using extreme scare and high pressure tactics. I sadly paid a few thousand a couple years ago with a payment plan to a fake debt collector. The most recent is from "capital Reassurance". Ms Evelyne Dixon called me from 320-318-4078 telling me she I owed a $500 debt from an online payday loan from Dec 2010. I don't recognize this and am very confident I do not have this debt. I asked for a mailed debt validation letter and she said she is not a collection company and cant send that however can mail a paid in full letter after I pay $1400 over the phone to a stranger claiming a 7yr old/unverified debt. She gave me 24 hours then said she is recommending the client takes me to court and she cant wait more than 24 hours. seems like another one to watch out for everybody.
Annoyed...
November 10, 2017
I received a call 682-219-0538 stating he was from the recovery & finalization division at Capital Reassurance. He said that there were allegations against me in their office and they would be actively persueing me at place of employment as well as my residence. They said that I have the legal right to call and settle with the plantiff, however once I was located I would forfeit those rights. Told me to contact their mediation dept and gives me a file #. I HATE HOW THESE PEOPLE PREY ON INNOCENT PEOPLE !!
Annoyed...
November 10, 2017
I have received a call on my cell phone as well as my work phone from someone at this number 682-219-0538, saying they were from the recovery and finalization department at Capital Reassurance. He said that there are allegations in their office to be processed against me immediately. Stated they would be actively persuing me at my work as well as my residence, however I have the legal right to resolve this issue voluntarily with the plantiff and I need to call their office and they give me a reference number. He said that once I was located that I forfeit those rights. IT'S HORRIBLE HOW THESE PEOPLE PREY ON INNOCENT PEOPLE... I WISH THIS KIND OF THING DID NOT EXIST and there WAS A WAY TO CAPTURE AND PUNISH THEM.
LisaM
November 10, 2017
Got a call from Texas, 936-657-3200. I keep getting calls from Texas, threatening if I don't answer their questions, they will release my social security number and other personal information.  They asked if this is Lisa T****. That was my name before I married. I tell the lady that I will not give her any information until she answers MY questions. She said she doesn't have to do that, but I must answer her questions.  I screamed at her to stop calling me with this scam and hung up.
Lesley
November 15, 2017
A person called my work today and told the Secretary that I needed to call 866-439-1420 about an unpaid payday loan and left a reference number. I called and talked to Anthony and I asked for paperwork to be sent to me about this. He said no that I could pay by phone using my credit card today. I still said that I would like a copy of the paperwork. He refused and said if I did not want to resolve this issue immediately that they were going to garnish my wages.
phantom victim
November 15, 2017
Please advise me what to do if I did fall for this scam. I did have a payday loans years ago, the lady scared me to death because they had been calling my mom, my son's dad and his parents. We were never married and been separated 14 years. They caught me off guard, I panicked and didn't even think to ask for the bill by mail.worst part, I'm on disability- get paid only once per month which the lady learned and "lowered my monthly rate to $153 to make it more affordable. Thankfully I was only charged 1 month fee before realizing it was a scam but I never got that money back and legally no one seems too interested in the electronic signed contract I have with them which should help with evidence to charge these criminals. I felt too ashamed, how many others like me embarresed to admit they fell victum to this? If we can come together and file a class action law suit, the 1 payment is one thing but what are they doing with my info now, what about the constant fear I live with now and ongoing distrust in every transaction I complete. That lady terrified me, she is a criminal and their scam is outrageous. Just what I needed, my sons father thinking I was a delinquent on a payday loan. If anyone is interested in seeing the documnets, has questions, tips for me, or knows of a class action law suit already started, please let me know. She knew I was a single mom of two kids, trying to get off disability to contribute to my community. I finished my second AA degree and have been in trouble with the law before- so yeah, she intimidated me enough on the spot by hitting all the triggers because I finally was getting my life on track. Then to have it be a scam I fell for? So embarrassing and sick to my stomach over it still and it happened in May 2017.
1st Responder
April 03, 2018

In reply to by phantom victim

Im sorry; SCAM ARTISTS do not give refunds to those who realize they have been scammed. There is nothing you can do unfortunately but take a loss... You may want to report your loss to the local police so when they eventually find those responsible they can include you in the list of victims.. But do not expect any refund.
Tgreene
April 18, 2018

In reply to by 1st Responder

I am sorry to hear what happen to you. I had the same thing happen to me. These people was calling fro. A 844 number. I called the number and spoke with Maria she gave me a company name of Hcf payment processing. They said I owe 1000 but will settle for 723.00 and even send me a settlement letter to me by email to sign. I got scared because they said they will file charges against me. I Check on line and seen it was a scam. So I call my Credit Union to cancel my debit card.
shellmar
July 29, 2019

In reply to by 1st Responder

My understanding is that if you owe a debt they normally will NOT call you. They have to mail you a certified letter. The fact that the letter is certified will give them proof that you were notified of their demand for payment. If I'm wrong, let me know, I live in Oregon and It can be different from state to state.
FTC Staff
October 28, 2019

In reply to by shellmar

The FTC enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which makes it illegal for debt collectors to use abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices when they collect debts. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors can call you, or send letters, emails, or text messages to collect a debt. Read more questions & answers about debt collection.

Another phanto…
May 26, 2018

In reply to by phantom victim

The same thing happened to me. I am also a single parent on disability. I didn't recognize the debt they were calling about but they had me afraid that they would take me to court and put a lien on my property. I am ashamed to say that I was scammed this way. I think they target people on disability with fear tactics. The company was regional accounts services in California.
Mister Z
November 21, 2017
Got a call from the Capital Reassurance scammers claiming I owed on a payday loan. When I asked the phonies for specific information and to be sent a written validation the caller kept claiming he didn't have to provide me with the info. Bunch of fools trying to prey on the weak.
Fernbern
January 23, 2019

In reply to by Mister Z

Same thing happened to me. It's so horrible to me that they can make you feel so bad about something you didn't do. I think it's even more horrible that there are such dishonest people in this world that we must distrust before we trust. Then they tell you good luck at the end of the call...really?
eyedsofmarch
November 21, 2017
callers from allocation adjustment service 605-413-1500 continue to call myself and my family. I owe bell capitol corp for a payday loan in 2013. called back a few different times, got different people. they get angry when asked for more information and say I have 48 hours to take care of it or charges will be filed against me in court for malicious intent to defy financial institutions; spoke to connie once and she gave me the number for bell capitol corp 1888 989 5461 to get more info. while on the phone with connie I googled allocation adjustment service; i said i don't find your website, she advised they don't have one. when I asked if they were listed with BBB, she got upset and said she had other customers and didn't have to talk to me and hung up. I called the 888 number, it is a recording of surveys, sweepstakes for various legit companies, direct tv, t-mobile -very real sounding but my guess is this is another way to gather info for more scam possibilites
Beavis
November 24, 2017
Voicemail from a Vail, CO phone number 970-401-8204. They did have my name, and he stated he was Trey Williams from Capital Reassurance mediation dept. Says I am forfeiting my rights in this matter?? Ok...never really said what the matter was lol . Wants me to call 650-590-1063 ref#1153653. I blocked this number, then they started calling my wife's phone and my in-laws' phone( which was an old address of mine). I do not have any accounts in collections so this is obviously a scam they somehow obtained my personal info
virtuallyhereinTexas
November 28, 2017
Charles Langford called from 720-900-5644 left a voicemail on both myself and my daughters phone, stating he was "calling about a case", went on further saying they were scheduled to serve me and wanted to know whether I was going to give them any trouble and if they would be needing to bring an escort to serve me if so. This voicemail was left on both my phone number and my daughters (she's only a 9th grader, she came home from school worried!) I called back twice with no answer, then finally received an answer on the third call. I kindly asked what the name of his agency was and his job title and what this matter was about. He proceeded to tell me that he is out of Colorado where I once lived, he gave me an address that I had lived at approximately 13-14 years ago (he said 2005). He went on to say that at that time I banked with U.S. Bank and had apparently written two checks in total where my account had insufficient funds. He went on to say that the total amount owed after penalties, fees etc was $626.00. He provided me with the account number which was 000000123456. I proceeded to tell him I vaguely recall living at the stated address and possibly using that bank but that since it was in 2005 when my son was just under a year old and is now 13 I don't recall specifics only that I had not lived at that address since that year. When I kindly pressed wondering what exactly was going on, wondering if this were a debt collector or a criminal suit I was informed by "Mr. Langford" that since this had occurred in Colorado and I am now in Texas he has contacted the local authorities in my county (which is where I live) to show up at my home tomorrow morning (Tuesday November 27) to serve me with documents, I asked if I was going to be arrested for something or simply be served with documents and a possible court date. He informed me he wasn't at liberty to say. I was very well mannered and calm with him as by this point I was quite scared and just wanted to be prepared. I assured him I wouldn't be a problem and would not try to hide from them (whoever exactly they are, he did not say he was an officer but his words led my to assume he was), I went on to explain that I am the only one home and again assured him I would not hide and that I wanted to resolve the situation, I told him that I only wanted to know so that I could make proper arrangements for my kids. Then again he reminded me he's not at liberty to say but since I seem nice and that it may have been an honest mistake he "wanted to let me know that from what he can tell they are REALLY (and he stressed REALLY) wanting to bring me back to Colorado. Again I was shocked, I explained to him that I am just speechless as any other debt I have owed I usually get reminders no matter where I move and that I have been working really hard to get my credit score up in recent years but never once heard from these people. I then asked him if he was able to find me so quickly why couldn't the bank itself or the debt collection agency find me and try to resolve this, he was very detailed in saying that the people who hired him are only required to send mail to the ONE address they had on file for me from 13 years ago and unlike them he had better resources who can find anyone. He had an answer for everything and didn't once stutter so he sounded pretty credible. I asked if there were any way possible to resolve this without being arrested. He then told me that he wasn't allowed to give out the information of the company who hired him but since I genuinely seemed like I wanted to resolve this and sounded like a nice person he would call this company as a courtesy and ask permission to release their number to me and see if we could work out some arrangement, he said if they agreed and it's resolved by morning they would no longer need to come to my home. He instructed me to call him back in 5 minutes. He specifically made sure I was aware that this wasn't necessarily a "collections issue" but since it had been so many years they actually wanted to charge me with in his words "Criminal Malicious Intent". This really did not sound good. After 5 minutes I did as instructed and called him back, he went on about what would be required, saying after I resolve it with this firm or company (I wasn't gathering exactly who very well because at this point I was frantic and in tears while doing my best to stay calm in front on my children as I cooked dinner) but I listened to his instructions, he gave me the number to call, 1-800-763-1731 and ask to speak to a mediator, he even gave me a case number 436955CO. So I did as he told me and called the number, SMS Mediation. I asked for a mediator and was transferred to a Mr. Stevenson at extension 7601. There I briefly explained my conversation with Mr. Langford. He confirmed the information, he went on to say that in many cases they (whoever they are) don't like to drop the charges because once it's gone this far they would lose out on attorney's fees. He told me the total of the debt again $626.00 and said he could take it to his departments legal team but that I should make an offer to help them consider it, he specifically gave the option of adding $100-$200 to the balance to close out the case. It was after dinner by this point and in my mind I'm thinking I'm going to be arrested at my home in the next 12 hours if I don't get this resolved tonight so naturally I agreed to $200 because although I'm not even 100% certain these charges are mine they had ALL of my information, I figured it must be real. He placed me on hold for a few minutes, when he returned he said they agreed to settle it for $775.00 and that I would be given a confirmation number to call back Mr. Langford and they as well would also contact him to confirm it had been resolved so that "they" wouldn't need to show up at my home tomorrow. I was so relieved! Even though again I wasn't 100% sure this was even something I had done 13 years ago I didn't want to risk the chance of being arrested while I had no one to care for my children. So then the mediator Mr. Stevenson advised me that there were 3 ways I could pay 1.) Wire transfer (but then he said those take longer and may not clear by morning) 2.) Pay using my banks debit card with my name on it, he informed me that if I choose this method there would be an additional 20% charge since according to them I was in this mess in the first place for lack of funds so to prevent any further issues they would charge extra...then there was 3.) Load money onto a prepaid Visa or MasterCard, there would be no additional fees and it's the quickest way to clear the payment.(BIG RED FLAG) I said ok and ended the call thinking I would rush to load money on the prepaid Visa but it dawned on me I didn't have a ride so I immediately called him back and informed him I don't drive and would have to take Uber to the store so it may take me an hour, I was concerned his office would be closing soon and didn't want to miss the deadline. Mr. Steveson assured me he would be there for two more hours so I had plenty of time, so again I ended the call and told him I would call him within an hour with the information. After hanging up I called my boyfriend, ultimately we decided the best way to get it over with would be to suck it up and pay the extra 20%, I was concerned with the timing with Uber and I also had my children with me and it was their bedtime on a school night. So again I called Mr. Stevenson and told him I was fine with the extra 20% I just wanted peace of mind, he had mentioned in a previous conversation that in order to use my banks debit card I would need to fax in a form that they would send me to fill out, so during this call I asked for the form, I gave him my email address and he placed me on hold, I believe he said he was going to give accounting/legal the information. After being placed on hold for only a few short moments he came back saying he couldn't believe it, but his accounting department said that instead of having to pay the additional 20% with my debit card I could just use the app SquareCash (Another Red Flag), I told him I was familiar with the app and was about to get the instructions on where to send the money via the app, I knew my boyfriend was skeptical and was worried it was a scam but I was just so overwhelmed I just wanted it over, I suffer from anxiety and have been on heavy prescriptions for 7 years so I probably wasn't thinking with a clear head just a panicked one, so I informed Mr. Stevens my boyfriend was on the phone with me on a 3 way call and asked if I could give permission for him to talk on my behalf to make sure I was following the instructions properly and fully understanding the process. Now my boyfriend begins to ask a few simple questions and as they are talking it dawns on me that yes something definitely seems a little off, but up until this point I believed them because they didn't have the typical foreign accents as most scam artists do, they both seemed very well spoken and professional, they knew my information from more than a decade ago and I don't usually consider myself to be gullible, in fact if anything I'm very untrusting. My bf asked what the company is and he just rambled on and didn't really want to spell it out. Then the payment was going to a law firm called Hannah, Kendrix, Zachary and Associates. He googled it real quick and it was out of business. Then the person said they're from a different state. (Another red flad). I could tell by listening to him and my boyfriend talk my boyfriend had serious doubts and Mr. Stevenson suddenly wasn't making any sense, so I just ended the 3 way call. I called my boyfriend back and told him I ended it so I could speak to him privately. Together we called my local police department to see if they could confirm any such arrest were happening tomorrow, if so I just wanted to resolve right away. Immediately the dispatcher informed us before we could even finish our sentence that it was undoubtedly a scam, and reminded me to never send money over the phone. I already knew all of this and had it been just someone looking for only money I would have hung up immediately but these people threatened arrest and prosecution of an actual crime, I was scared and panicked so naturally I wanted to do whatever I could as soon as I could to just get it over with.
FTC Staff
November 29, 2017

In reply to by virtuallyhereinTexas

These are useful details for a complaint. Please report this to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. The information you give will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.

Casik
August 26, 2018

In reply to by virtuallyhereinTexas

The exact same situation with the exact same people happened ti me 3 days ago! Thank goodness i did not send them a dime!
annieweaver1
November 30, 2017
Getting calls from 844-711-5958 supposedly a person identifying themselves as Steven Dunbar, private locator, process server who had my name last four of my social, my license plate number, my residence address and about three of my former residence addresses on my work phone, and cell phone. Started out claiming to have a summons for a civil case, then somehow changed to a criminal charge for a defaulted payday loan. He also stated he would be out to my place of employment and the various address he mentioned to serve me. I told them they must be mistaken and to corresspond via mail and do not contact me by phone and then hung up. I blocked their number on my cell phone. But these aggressive people won't give up, they constantly call from different numbers claiming to come and arrest or serve me. Isn’t any legal proceedings or case filing notification done by mail and not over the phone?
FTC Staff
December 11, 2017

In reply to by annieweaver1

That caller could be a fake debt collector, even if he has some of your personal information. A caller may be a fake debt collector if he:

  • wants you to pay a debt for a loan you don't recognize
  • refuses to give you a mailing address or phone number;
  • asks for financial or sensitive information
  • uses pressure and tries to scare you into paying, or threatens to have you arrested or reported to law enforcement.

If you think a caller is a fake, ask for his name, company, street address, and telephone number. Tell him you refuse to discuss any debt until you get a written "validation notice." The notice must include the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor you owe, and your rights under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. If he refuses to give you all of this information, do not pay.

shane
December 12, 2017
Called twice in one day from an "Unknown" caller ID, same as previous comments listed below - Robo caller named "Rebecca Morgan" saying there's a fax order to be sent to a relative of mine - final attempt at place of residence or business. Did not answer, pretty sure it's a scam - Reporting to FCC as I'm on the Do Not Call list. Full Transcript Provided Below: Hello, my name is Rebecca Morgan. This important message is intended for {last name of relative}. I have a fax order scheduled for delivery. I will make one final attempt at your place of employment and/or residence regarding proper delivery of these documents. To schedule an alternate location, please call 1-855-210-8957... again 1-855-210-8957 regarding this matter. I called FTC and was told to call them back if calls proceeded with my reference #
Evie
December 13, 2017
lawyers suwing if not you do not pay form phone 917-881-5692 I don't give my name out and they used a different name than mine don't give my name when I answer phone until I know who I am talking about.
Nay
December 14, 2017
Received call that I would be served papers the next day if I didn't pay $500. said I owed over $7000 to past payday loan for interest, late charges, etc. Said they had been trying to contact me at old email address and old home address. Supposedly was talking to an attorney for arbitration. Want me to send money order to a Linda Beman who is a 70 year old lady living in a trailer park in Frostproof, FL. Phone number they are calling from (347) 328-0111
Raven
December 31, 2017
Got a call from Mr. Russell and several messages have been left on my cell. I also got a call at work from the same local number form Capital Reassurance. I guess they have been very busy calling everyone in the country. Is there anything that can be done to stop this calls. They are annoying and well just a pain in the neck . By the way I told the last person that called that I would be back to work next Wednesday and when that day comes I will just say that I no longer work here. Well I will pretend to be someone else. They are really annoying
Wisc Daughter
January 02, 2018
My mother has been receiving these calls. The "report it to the FTC" link takes you to a huge menu of options. Which options do we choose to report these calls? Could you give us a direct link to where we actually start entering information?
FTC Staff
June 07, 2018

In reply to by Wisc Daughter

File a complaint at Do Not Call.gov if:

  • your mother's phone number is on the Do Not Call registry,  or
  • she received a recorded call.

If your mother's phone number isn't listed on the Do Not Call registry, or she received a live (not-recorded call), you can start the complaint on this page.

BMF
January 19, 2018
Called from 219-318-1200. Called my work number. I work for a state government agency. Calling for a Veronica and that is not me. Stating they are investigating "Veronica" and place of employment. That this is the final notice and nothing can be done. Call them back at that number to give statement. Called number back to tell them to stop calling a state government agency. Voicemail stated they are called Allocation Adjustment Services. Voicemail was full and disconnected.
DLH
February 05, 2018

In reply to by BMF

same thing happened to me with the exception that they called my home number. Odd that the voice mail is always full!
Teacher in Arkansas
January 26, 2018
I received a phone call from a blocked number on Jan. 25, 2018. The woman said her name was Daisy Aguilar and she worked for A. Daniels & Associates. She said that they needed a home address in order to serve me with papers because someone had filed a complaint against me. She said to call her back at 855.351.8816 and reference #AR 247 573. She said if I don't call them back that a decision would be made without my input on the "pending actions filed." This same person also left an "urgent message" on my DAUGHTER'S telephone today looking for ME again. I reported this to my local police department, who referred me to the FBI office in Little Rock. Then because the scam was over the telephone, they in turn referred me here to the Federal Trade Commission.
So mad
January 26, 2018
When I told them I'm looking at the Federal Trade Commission website he said they are not scammers. They work for the state on cases that have a complaint filed against them. They are calling relatives too.
DisabledVET
January 29, 2018
I keep getting threatening robo calls from a Michael Carter from now 3 different numbers with the 833 area code . No information on any legit companies with these numbers. Didn't start getting these calls and multiple other unknown solicitation calls on my phone until I applied for financing of a car through a longstanding local car dealership.
SickOfScams
May 11, 2018

In reply to by DisabledVET

This very person from an 833 number just called me and my in laws today! I have a lawyer and he said this is all fake. Block the number. Do NOT call them back. Ignore future calls and report to your state's Consumer credit protection and the FTC.
Annoyed
February 02, 2018
Been receiving a call from ‭(877) 350-5004‬, a female named Mrs. Daniels who says she is calling on a legal matter , provides a reference number. I cannot make out the full company name, voicemail says Bridge, something Solutions. They have contacted my parents, my ex, my ex’s parents, my current boyfriend, etc. they told my ex father in law that they are trying to reach me because I owe a payday loan. I’ve never got a payday loan in my life. I’ve reported them but they just come up with new numbers. It’s extremely annoying. My father in law says they have my name, address, and last four of social. He also said that I listed them as a reference or coowners and they had my ex mother in laws information as well; name, address and last four of social. This is definitely scary!!
me
February 12, 2018
Ive been getting harrasing email from a Helen Sinner from and a Lori Jackson saying their from department of justice they are demanding i pay them 4000.00 for a payday loan and that they are filing four charges agaisnt me but If I pay withing 30 days I need to put it on a steam card or a Itunes card, come on this can't be real but they won't stop. What should I do?
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