866-332-0553

I received phone calls from the number 866-332-0553. They say that I did bank fraud from a payday loan. They called all my family members in another state and scared them. They called my son and was very unprofessional. I gave them $100 over the phone yesterday and something told me this may be a scam.

Received several calls over the last few days from a Richard Smith, no company name provided, stating that I was going to be served for bank fraud with Bank of America.  No other information was provided other than if I wanted to stop the court process I could call back and provide the case number.  But no case number was given.  He said if I did not call back ASAP, I would be served.  Not sure what this is but I amso tired of them calling leaving messages.

I received a similar message today. What happened in your case?

Odds are, there is no case. It is a well-known scam. They call people who, in most cases, don't even owe money, and try to strong arm them into paying.

If someone calls you can claims you owe them money that you don't immediately recognize, ask them to MAIL you (not e-mail you) a validation of the debt.

Any reputable company can send one out to you the same day.

This happened to me for the past few days. I am glad I looked this up today. They called family members too and I don't know how they got the phone numbers. I thought it was strange when they called and stated that I was going to be charged with fraud. Don't you have to receive some kind of certified mail for that. Everyone please be careful and not give any info over the phone!

I got phone calls from this number about two months ago saying that eithert I pay them $800 or they would serve me papers for court, within the week, but no one  ever came to serve papers.  Now it's calling me again today and at my work, same guy Mike Carter, threatening me again.  When I offer to make payment arrangements he gets irrate and tells me "are you saying that you are never going to pay this debt" a debt they won't even confirm what it is except to say it's a payday loan??

These are criminals attempting to extort money for non-existent debts. Read on:

Here are a few warning signs that could signal a debt collection scam:

The debt collector threatens you. Legitimate debt collectors probably won't claim that they'll have you arrested or claim that they or their employees are law enforcement officers.
The debt collector refuses to give you information about your debt or is trying to collect a debt you do not recognize. You have certain rights to ask a debt collector to verify the debt. You can use this sample letter to request this information. Ask for an explanation in writing before you pay.
The debt collector refuses to give you a mailing address or phone number.
The debt collector asks you for sensitive personal financial information. You should never provide anyone with your personal financial information unless you are sure they're legitimate.

If you think that a caller may be a fake debt collector:

Ask the caller for his or her name, company, street address, telephone number, and professional license number. Many states require debt collectors to be licensed. Check the information the caller provides you with your state officials, or the state in which the debt collector holds a license. If the caller refuses or is unable to provide you with information about his company, or if you can’t verify the information he provides, do not give money to the caller or company.
Tell the caller that you refuse to discuss any debt until you get a written "validation notice." This notice must include:
The amount of the debt
The name of the creditor you owe
A description of certain rights under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
If a caller refuses to give you all of this information, consider requesting this information in writing or seeking assistance before paying the debt to make sure the debt, and the company, are valid.

Tip: You can consider sending the collector a letter requesting the information by using one of the CFPB's sample letters. You can also submit a complaint to the CFPB or you can contact your state Attorney General’s office.

Do not give the caller personal financial or other sensitive information. Never give out or confirm personal financial or other sensitive information like your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number unless you know the company or person you are talking with is a real debt collector. Scam artists, like fake debt collectors, can use your information to commit identity theft such as:
Charging your existing credit cards
Opening new credit card or checking accounts
Writing fraudulent checks
Taking out loans in your name
Contact your creditor. If the debt is legitimate – but you think the collector may not be – contact your creditor about the calls. Share the information you have about the suspicious calls and find out who, if anyone, the creditor has authorized to collect the debt.
Report the call. Submit a complaint with the CFPB or get in touch with your state Attorney General's office with information about suspicious callers.
Stop speaking with the caller.If nothing else works and you believe the calls are fraudulent, send a letter demanding that the caller stop contacting you, and keep a copy for your files.
Tip: You can use this sample letter to write a letter demanding the debt collector stop contacting you. By law, real debt collectors must stop calling you if you ask them to in writing.

Tip: If you're having trouble with debt collection, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB online or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372).

http://www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/1699/h ... legitimate.html