888-436-2040

Says they have a claim against me and that I have been notified and they are scheduled to approach my residence or place of employment next week?

It's a scam. Ignore the call and the message, and don't pick up if they call again.

Yes, I got a voice mail from this guy pitching the same thing.  The caller ID was also blocked.  Obviously a scam.  

Tried calling back but I was transferred a couple of times to this guy... then he seemed very stressed out and hung up on me.  Very strange!!!  Likely a scam...

Did anyone get to the bottom of this?  I am so confused.  I thought it was a scam, but now I am not too sure.

Read this information from the CFPB. It will help you tell the difference between a legitimate and scam debt collector:

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/

I received the same call from a blocked number; the man said that he was from a private courier. I believe I received the same call several months ago with numerous threats. Scam.

I have been getting calls for 3 days now from an Eric Frazier saying he will visit my work or home to serve me with papers if I don't call back...today 2/12/2015 being the most recent.  I called the # he gave me with my claim # and some girl stated that my file had been sent over to somewhere else last week, etc.  She asked if I wanted to have her look into this and I said no I'll wait and have him serve me today.   WTF?! How do you stop these phone calls???  The # he gave me to call back was 888-436-2040

I received a call from a courier service stating I would be served unless I called to straighten out. Gave me 888 4362040 and case #.  I called. Woman put me on hold to get the hard copy. Then asked for the last 4 of my ssn.  When I told her I would not give that over the phone she told me I would have to wait to be served.  Told her ok.
I read many posts before I called them so pretty sure this is a scam.  Will wait and see if the papers show up.  Can't imagine what it could be for.

This number called my mother and told her there was a civil suit against me and that she will be served since I put her down as a reference I don't know what they are talking about she is worried sick and was crying the whole time they gave her the case # she wants me to call bit idk should I call or wait till Friday and see how it goes real or scam???

I had gotten the same calls the past 2 days. I did in fact have a debt and know I did. Guys name was eric that called me as well. When I called the number he gave me the lady was very nice and helpful. She did ask for my last 4 of social but then gave me my full social as well as what my debt was and who it was through. She acted surprised when I told her I had not been served yet. When I asked what the company did she said they were a filing firm that files the paperwork for a suit that and attorney or court has issued. She put Me on hold to get a hard copy of my file. She stated that I could settle the debt for a significantly lower amount than what was owed. Of course I jumped to it and paid it. It seemed legit at the time. But now I feel like I have been scammed.

If you paid them without first validating the debt, you have been scammed.

PS--People are not nice to people. They are nice to money.

I received a threatening voice mail about being served papers. I called the 888 number and they told me my social security number which makes me very nervous! Apparently this is a debt for a chase cc opened in 2000 that apparently hasn't been paid since 2008 and now all of a sudden 7 years later there is a civil suit? The lady said they would serve me at the last known address with the post office ... how can they find that out??? Also, they have called harassing my ex husband and my dad! How do I make this stop!!!

Im pretty sure they are legit. They knew all my info. The lady and everyone I talked to at this place was nice to me. I even called back without giving them any of my info from a different phone number and they were still helpful. I told the guy I talked to that I felt I was scammed and he said that if they were a scam that I would be able to get my money back since visa protects consumers from fraud.

Just because they knew all your info you think they're legit?  Did they mail you validation of the debt as required by the FDCPA?

>> Im pretty sure they are legit.  <<

Who, exactly are "they"?
Do you have a physical address or website for "them"?
Did they snailmail you any proof of debt?
Do you even remember the debt?

Oh ... I'm sorry ... questions like those are not usually answered by shills.

Excellent points Slim.

1. You are NOT warned if a summons is coming.  (and at your last known address???)
2. It is illegal to harass you (or ex-husband).
3. Demand written proof of this "debt" MAILED to you. (Do not accept a fax, phone call, text, or email).  They then have 5 days to comply ---IF they are legitimate (which is doubtful).

Slim & Alfalfa have some excellent advice in messages above yours.

Yes u did remember the debt. The dates were corresponding to the correct time frame. Everything added up.

* I did remember the debt