888-581-9746

I received a voicemail that stated this message is an attempt to locate an individual by the name of ______. If you have any information about this defendant's location you are urged to contact us at 888.581.9746.
They don't state what company they are. They just give a case number as a reference. So I called the number this evening and it said please hold while we try to connect you. Again, no company name was provided. So I hung up because it did not feel legitimate at all. This seems to be a debt collection scam but not sure why they are using the term defendant because I haven't been sent any summons. And if it was a real law office, I'm sure they would include the name of their law office and a contact person in their message.

888-581-9746.  Repeatedly calling my business asking for someone who I dont know and has never worked for me.

When I call them back, they say they will remove me and then keep harassing me with more calls to my business.

Say they are looking for a defendant, when I say they dont live here and I dont know them, they hang up.

Any idea who these people are?

CJ

This number and many many others just like it have been leaving the same VM on my phone since January. Out of curiosity... What case number are they giving everyone? Mine is 2014-6224. I'd be willing to bet that everyone has that case number. It is a scam... Many other threads on this forum under simar number say the same thing. Thank god for iPhones block call feature...

Just called number back.  I got a call saying they were looking for a defendant and push 1 if I had information for investigator.  Sounded like a scam. I pushed 1, was put on hold to be connected to an investigator and then I was disconnected.  I called it back.  It is a pre-litigation department for a collection agency. No one is a defendant because there has been no lawsuit yet.  Just another sneaky collection agency...

Got a call from 704-626-7362, comes up on the phone as Global Capital, then when you call the number the company name is Pre-Litigation Accredited Services.  The ladies name is Sasha Cole.  She told me of an old loan I had from 2011 with Summit Group LLC which is also SSM Group LLC. I asked to have a settlement letter sent to my email address and this is the number 888-591-9746 they are telling me to call to set up the arrangements.  wow these people are terrible!  oh yeah my case number is 2014-16364..whatever!

Sorry the number they are telling me to call to make payment arrangements is 888-581-9746

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 ... not emailed or texted]

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

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

Thank you Slim for the info.  I'm definitely going to use it!

To To any consumers being called by any group using a generic recording claiming to be looking for a "defendant" please read the following since it is the MO of the group described below

For at least the last year, an illegal group of debt collectors have been terrorizing consumers, their family, friends, and employees threatening to arrest the individual of an unpaid loan or other debt (their generally don't even owe). Be aware debt is a civil matter, not a criminal matter, and you can't be arrested. They threaten a warrant if the victim does not pay a sum of money by the credit card over the phone.

Some of the people they are calling do not owe a debt.  Others they are calling have already settled their debt with the organization who owns the accounts. Even if you do owe a debt, do not be deceived by the actions of this group.  Many of the accounts they are attempting to collect they do not own.  In other words, if you pay these people, that is not going to clear your debt with its rightful owner.  

Although when pressed the callers give the victim an address in Columbia South Carolina (usually a vacant lot) or Atlanta GA (often a parking lot near the bus station or a Peachtree Road Address). They are actually out of the Charlotte North Carolina area. The scammers are using the following business names (and there are many others, and they seem to create new ones daily).  They will normally answer the call back number as “Investigations”

Holland, Dempsey, and Associates
Reynolds, Hill, and Associates
Berkley and Associates
Kaufmann and Associates
Sanderson Blaine & Associates
Blaine and Associates
McKenzie Reid Associates
Kennedy, Kline, & Associates
Nationwide Asset and Recovery
Piedmont Investigations and Procurement
Raffino, Garrison, & McCoy
Greenman, Schwartz & Associates
McCoy Law Group
Salem Associates
Reynolds and Associates
Ryan, Carter and Fields
Berman, Maxwell and associates
DOF Investigations
Vaughn & Associates
Bailey Rowe and Associates
Berkley Hughes and Associates


Here is a set of links to a variety of threads on this forum that document this group and its behavior. They include the experiences of victims as well as a former employee or two that quit within a week of finding out exactly what was going on. They also include responses from consumer advocates and people who are really criminal justice professionals advising victims of what to do

https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-748-8367
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-719-1725
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-676-3492
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-805-5549
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-751-1084
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-803-2349
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-775-2417
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-775-2418
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-755-3417
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-746-3946
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-676-3485
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-966-3768
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-699-9749/2
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-966-6246
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-678-5437
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-967-0061
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-746-3948
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-791-2353
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-699-6246
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-735-8624
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-751-1083
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-736-3678/2
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-966-8529
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-967-2633
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-460-1576
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-609-3074
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-866-576-6210
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-601-5849
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-866-230-1283
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-658-0438
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-510-9327
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-509-0338
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-866-803-0755
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-511-0627
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-509-3033
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-509-0339
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-511-0631
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-866-883-2350/2
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-244-3381
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-512-0269
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-295-9550
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-966-6277
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-511-4248
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-725-5312
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-756-9997
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-512-1278
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-512-0531
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-512-0273
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-719-5041
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-791-9102
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-512-400-2637
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-585-730-6153
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-512-1712
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-800-657-1430
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-643-7815
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-860-3119
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-860-2973
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-831-4161
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-316-3547
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-714-134-4576

Messages never have any information as to why I'm supposedly in legal troubles, never do I get a specific name, extension#, or any detail as to what or why I'm in contempt with legal issues, I find it very suspicious and fraudulent sounding all they give me is a case number 2014-23274 I'm about to involve the authorities if it continues every week I receive 2 -3 extremely long meaningless voice mails with absolutely no details or specific matter

As per Concerned Citizen:
Since this group is actually operating out of the Charlotte area, the proper local jurisdiction to file police reports would be the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/CMPD/Pages/default.aspx

You can make a report by telephone - If calling outside the Mecklenburg County, the Non-Emergency Crime Reporting: 704-336-7600

You can also make a police report online at
http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/CMPD/Pages/ReportACrime.aspx
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To File complaints FDCPA/TCPA violations:
Your State Attorney General
Their State Attorney general
www.naag.org (you can find your state AG at this link).
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#&panel1-1
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/

For Extortion Scam Operations,  File reports with the FBI, your state attorney general and Department Of Justice,CFB,FTC & FCC..

http://www.nw3c.org/
http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx
http://www.fbi.gov/
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#&panel1-1
https://esupport.fcc.gov/ccmsforms/form1088.action
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
http://www.fraud.org/
http://www.stopfraud.gov/report.html
Tip off FBI about this extortion attempt by filing form at: stips.fbi.gov/

Also see here:
https://800notes.com/arts/I2neMkbUAAo/where-to-report-phone-crime

Also read up on the laws and your rights:

https://800notes.com/arts/Jb8EW-eDhQA/harassi ... ou-need-to-know
See Residents post here also:
https://800notes.com/forum/ta-34af6a034ba34b6/unending-collection-calls
Templates of Letters:
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-319-242-7350

http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpajump.shtm
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/search ...
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/pdf-0096-fair-credit-reporting-act.pdf
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0149-debt-collection

And see:
http://www.ic3.gov/media/2014/140627.aspx
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https://800notes.com/forum/ta-944ec1426a8bcbb ... service-attacks
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http://www.clarkhoward.com/news/clark-howard/ ... r-phones/ndF4c/
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http://www.net-security.org/article.php?id=1828
***************
https://800notes.com/forum/ta-86217073a9c8dad ... 077595690349410
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http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0258-fake-debt-collectors
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http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/pressreleases/extortion_scam.htm
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http://www.fdcpa.me/fake-process-server-injunction/
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https://800notes.com/forum/ta-9413b3202bc8b6c ... net%27s-tactics
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http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/cashnet-payday.htm
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http://www.cashnetusa.com/consumer-notices
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Extortion Scam Related to Delinquent Payday Loans

Washington, D.C.
December 07, 2010  FBI National Press Office
(202) 324-3691

— filed under: Press Release

The Internet Crime Complaint Center has received many complaints from victims of payday loan telephone collection scams. Callers claim the victim is delinquent in a payday loan and must repay the loan to avoid legal consequences. The callers purport to be representatives of the FBI, Federal Legislative Department, various law firms, or other legitimate-sounding agencies. They claim to be collecting debts for companies such as United Cash Advance, U.S. Cash Advance, U.S. Cash Net, and other Internet check-cashing services.

According to complaints received from the public, the callers have accurate data about victims, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, employer information, bank account numbers, and the names and telephone numbers of relatives and friends. How the fraudsters obtained the personal information varies, but in some cases victims have reported they completed online applications for other loans or credit cards before the calls started.

The fraudsters relentlessly call the victim’s home, cell phone, and place of employment. They refuse to provide any details about the alleged payday loans and become abusive when questioned. The callers have threatened victims with legal actions, arrests, and, in some cases, physical violence if they do not pay. In many cases, the callers harass victims’ relatives, friends, and employers.

I just received a call from this number... they were looking for someone I did not know. I pressed "2" since I did not know who they were looking for. The recording said hold on they were connecting me to someone. I hung up and blocked the number. After reading the posts here seems it's good that I did.

finally got them to say who they were representing. Western Sky Payday loan. Told her to not call here again i will be reporting them to the authorities. She said a uniformed officer will be at my job to serve me with papers. She called back again and i told her my lawyer has their information and don't call again. FYI they are not in any position to have any uniformed officer serve papers anywhere.

when she called back the ID said global capital. first time was only the telephone number no name. sorry thought this might help.

Got a call from 888-581-9746. Said they were collecting a debt from HSBC from 2008. Had my name, address and ssn. pretty scary. I have never had any debt with this company. Said they were trying to serve me papers. I haven't gotten any notices.  I blocked the call on my cell phone. Calling at my home and cell #. I don't like they have all my info.

These people have been reported before, payday loan extortion is what they are trying to do. Once they have your number they call and call. Threatening law suits and all kinds of stuff. Never had a payday loan or even know what they are talking about but when I said that they got hostile. They have even gone as far as telling me to put my wife in her place when she was talking in the background. I called them out on the scam and they do not sound like any business I have dealt with once the world scam is said.
One time I played the "fool" and I really think they got excited that they found a sucker to pay them....haha I will keep reporting these types of things and hopefully one day it will stop. Thank goodness for call block.

I RECIEVED A call from this 888-581-9746. They are pretty good but not smart enough. I gave them some info and they agreed and what I told them was not correct. I feel they are a scam. but they are good. I asked to have them send me the credit card number that I owe and they could not give me that info. they threatened me with the cops going to court jail time and got my e-mail and sent me a letter  It was from pre-litigation accredited services Charlotte NC. There's more but I'm sure you all have heard it  .  anyone know if in fact they are running a scam.

me too what did you find out

Phil we just got a call from this place today. They had a very very old address and when we told them it was incorrect they said that was the address we put on the contract. I them asked them to send a copy of the original contract with that address and they said it was illegal for them to do so because they are per litigation not collections. Not sure either whether this place is legit or not but we haven't received any notices or phone calls to the actual address or numbers on the contract.

I received a call today from this phone number. "Valerie" said she is in the "Pre-litagation" department, trying to locate me to serve papers on behalf of Cash Net USA. I told her that I paid this off in 2010 and asked several times for an email or fax number to send the proof. I also told her that she is the 30th collections/pre-litigation company to call me.

Guess what, there is no email or fax number to send my documents to. She told me she would note I was being "uncooperative" and have the papers served to me and that I could "take care of it in court". GOOD, bring it on. I am sick to death of be hassled. Since I paid it off and I have all the docs to prove it, I say, "Bring it on Valerie" cause if I have to go to court, after the Judge throws this out, I will be locating Valerie and suing her. See, Valerie, you made a big mistake, you told me you were calling on behalf of Cash Net USA. Guess what, I have an email from the Fraud Department at Cash Net USA stating they don't work with collection agencies/pre-litagiation companies, and if anyone ever tells me they are calling on behalf of CN USA, I should call the police! Oh and by the way, I reported you to the Cash Net USA Fraud Depatment, so you may be getting a call from them sometime soon. To use your words: " Good luck with that".