866-686-5529

Called with my SSN and OLD email claiming that I took out a pay day loan several years ago (never taken a pay day loan, ever) and that if I don't pay they will take legal action against me OR I could pay a set amount to settle.  They couldn't provide any information other than a bank that I've never heard of that the money was sent to.  I've never had a different bank than what I currently use.  Didn't have any other documents to send to me to provide proof of this action either.  At least this person spoke proper English and wasn't a foreigner, as most other calls I've received have been.

Called my husband's cell number and told him they have a claim against me.  I called the number and it said no one is available to take my call.

I just received this same call, told me I owed money from 2012 and wouldn't tell me the lenders information or anything. when I told them I wasn't going to pay they hung up on me.

They claimed I defaulted on a payday loan in 2012, but couldn't give me the name of the original creditor. When I told them not to call again, and I wanted all of this in written form, she couldn't wait to get off the phone. As I was hanging up she finished with the threat of "see you in court. good luck"

I called the number back after reading the posts.  This time someone who said her name is Pamela James told me she was calling from Stark Recovery and I defaulted ona loan from Twin Bros in the amount of $510 and if I didn't pay it they would sue me for $1500 and when I tried to interupt her to tell her she was full of it, she started yelling at me and got very loud and said we will sue you since you obviously intended on defrauding the client.  Then hung up on me.

How can I verify whether or not a debt collector is legitimate?
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/

Now they are calling my work number.

I have been getting these calls. I didnt answer. When i tried to call back, it didnt go through. They have called twice and I pressed 0. It rand and never connected. Fraud

Just got a call from them.  They had my ss and bank acct number and said i defaulted on a payday loan in 2012.  They wanted to settle for 510 or they would take me to court for and sue for 2500.  I told her i read on line it was a scam and she assured me they were not and ended up hanging up on me.

I'm getting these "haven't repaid payday loans". I don't have payday loans either. After holding for representative no one came on the line. If you call back nobody answers. I've been receiving text messages also saying there will be an arrest warrant for me. Silliness. In a text message, they said they were Payday Advance America. On Google search, it states this is a scam. No such company exist. I provided these numbers to my attorneys yesterday. They are doing further research. I did speak to someone last week from this number and asked for the name of the company, but even after her saying it 3 times, I couldn't understand her. She was an American. Just marble speak. I provided my attorney name and number and attorneys have never received a call. Be very weary.

They called my cell asking for my mom. I asked what it was regarding and how they got my cell#.  the lady started yelling immediately . Claiming she was with stark legal and my mom needed to call asap or there would be legal action. I told her i felt it was a scam and advised her not to call me.

I got the same call today saying I took out a loan in 2013 they gave me my bank name and social I'm kinda freaking out here cuz ik I never did

I received calls from this and one other number (866-429-4382) that plays the same recorded message with my father's name inserted as the one they're looking for.  After the obligatory "if this is not so-and-so, hang up and disregard this message", it goes on to provide a case number and asks to press 1 to speak to a representative or to call 866-689-4426.  When I checked on this web page for info related to that number, most of the comments indicate that it is a debt collection scam.

I got the same call from stark agency stating I owed a payday loan what made me nervous is they have my SS number should I have my number changed? I know this is a scam but what will they do with my number?

They have my SS what are you going to do?

I am very concerned case they're wrong my social what should I do?

Spoke with an extremely unprofessional female. I requested confirmation of debt and she stated that she could not give me that until I agreed to a settlement. I told her it doesn't work that way, I just don't agree to anything from anyone that calls and give out my banking information. She did not understand that, she just wanted me to agree to the debt. I told her numerous times that I had never heard of the company she was referring to and that I wanted confirmation of debt before I would do anything. She stated she was from Legal and they would sue me. I told her if she was from legal then she should know the law and if I request confirmation, she had to verify the debt. She then told me she would see me in court and hung up. I called back and spoke to another representative and she told me she was from legal as well and that she could not send a confirmation of debt that she was just there to accept payments. Figures.... Maybe they should "train" their personnel before they make threats, especially since they are from "legal".