513-201-5238

Rcvd a call today as well as multiple family members stating that I was being investigated for fraud.

Looked these guys up and did some digging. They are actually a network of attorneys and debt purchasers. They collect on valid (in my case at least) debts that they purchased and have legal ownership of. That is why they are able to sue on the debt if not paid back directly by you. I just made sure to take their calls and work something out. They were normal acting and professional. Even paid less on my bill than what my balance originally was at charge off. If you don't have the money then you don't have the money. If you do I would try to talk to them. Once you do they leave you alone and your bill is paid.

>> They collect on valid (in my case at least) debts that they purchased and have legal ownership of.  <<

Since they are debt collectors (even if they are lawyers), they MUST follow FDCPA rulings.
One of those laws states debt collectors MUST send the supposed debtor a written (snailmailed) Validation Notice within 5 days of the first phone call.  A phone call by itself is NOT legally sufficient proof of debt.

Are you stating that called people should send money to a collector before the debt is proven?

Lurkers:
Again, a phone call, email or text message from a supposed debt collector is not legally sufficient evidence of debt.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) includes statements such as this:

* Every collector must send you a written “validation notice” telling you how much money you owe within five days after they first contact you. This notice also must include the name of the creditor to whom you owe the money, and how to proceed if you don’t think you owe the money.   ["Written" means snailmailed - US Mail ... not emailed or texted]

Source:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0149-debt-collection

Therefore, if that caller wants you to pay immediately, before you get the written validation notice via snailmail, or if the caller wants payment via green dot, Western Union, or other untraceable means, then the call is definitely not legitimate.

IF you wish to communicate with the supposed collector / creditor, visit  the following page, for example "Action Letters" to snailmail:
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/blog/debtcollection/

If you KNOW you owe no money, or believe the call was from a fake debt collector, please take the time to read this:
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0258-fake-debt-collectors

OK - nice research BUT you failed to name the company & give us the address, etc. for them.

SHILL ALERT!!!

I am having numerous calls from these idiots concerning something I don't know anything about !  But they will Not STOP!!  They are also calling from different numbers all the time and unknown or private numbers!  I am not talking to them anymore all they are after is personal information??!  When you ask them who the Creditor is they either hang up on you or tell you they can't give you any information!!  SCAM!!!

I've been getting calls from these people for over 7 years. Someone I know listed me as a reference for a payday loan which she never bothered to pay back. Now I'm the one getting the collection calls. I just don't bother answering.