888-649-9021

A unknown caller left this number and a case number to call call back today with, with a loose threat of dont call today and there will be no need for your cooperation.

Similar experience as the other person. Caller left a message using my name, but referencing a property I do not own and stating there was some complaint about it. Here is the text, roughly, complete with veiled threat:

I'm calling in regards to a formal complaint that has been received here in my office. Concerning yourself and your property located at (xxxx). I am limited to the time I have to form my final recommendations that will be made on your behalf regarding the pending complaint. It is imperative that you do contact our office before the end of business today at (888) 649-9021 you want to reference the file complaint number, (xxxx). Without a call back to our office a there'll be no further need for your cooperation. Once again, the toll free number is (888) 649-9021 and the reference file complete number is (xxxx). Thank you.

I got this same call. Anyone know if its real?

So I got the same call from a 405 area code I called back and then got the 888 849 9021
I did speak with someone and said his name was Chad Mason.   I was totally confused and caught off guard.  I then looked up the number and contacted an attorney and it appears this is not legit.  Has anyone else heard of the name or spoken to a Chad Mason ( says he is an attorney)

Got a call today from.8886499021. They were calling on a debt from a credit card that was 11 years old. They wanted an ungodly amount today or they will summons me to court. They tried to.serve me at work.and at my sisters house. I was told when i called if i disnt pay today i will habe to go to court. Okay, serve me. Thats all I can say.

Depending on which state you live in they probably cannot legally sue you for an 11 year old debt.  Also, why would they try to serve you at your sister's house if they know where you live?  Statute of Limitations by state:  http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/statut ... hart-29941.html

This is a common ploy by criminals attempting to extort money from people by scaring you into believing that you will be criminally charged, go to jail, lose your driver’s license, have wages garnished, be sued, and a variety of other variations on this,  all for an alleged or nonexistent debt.  They also use the “process server” who calls and claims he is going to serve you, but then says you could avoid it by calling another number.  Now why would a “process server” want to do you, a stranger, a favor, and at the same time not get paid to deliver the papers?

Federal law (FDCPA) requires them to send you a letter (US MAIL ONLY) within 5 days of their first contact that contains their name, physical address, the creditor’s name, and the amount of the alleged debt.  It also must contains “mini-Miranda” telling you that it is an attempt to collect a debt and that all information will be used for those purposes.  The one other important thing that this letter must also have in it is that you have a right to dispute the debt within 30 days receipt of the letter and if you do so, all collection activity must be stopped until the debt is verified.
Read up on your rights here, get template letters to send and also make a complaint at this government site:  http://www.consumerfinance.gov/
Also file a complaint with your State Attorney General's office.
List of State AG’s offices:  http://consumerfraudreporting.org/stateattorneygenerallist.php

I got a message this morning:

"Good morning, this message is intended for a (my name), my name is Linda Rayas and I'm calling with the filing firm in regards to a formal complaint that has been received from my office concerning yourself. I am limited to the time I have before I make my final recommendation regarding this pending complaint. It's imperative yourself contacts my firm by the end of business day today at 888-649-9021 and you'll need the reference file number (blah blah blah) without a call back to my office today there will be no further need for your cooperation. Once again the toll free number is... blah blah blah Thank you."

Then I found out that these people had also called my parents. She identified herself as Linda with Franklin West Associates. Which I looked up and I think it's in Michigan. I'm on the west coast.

vague messages are vague.

UPDATE: I just received another message from Linda, but this time she listed an address to an apartment I lived in about 8 years ago.

UPDATE: I just received another message from Linda, but this time she listed an address to an apartment I lived in about 8 years ago.

I got a call from a unknown number, they left a message saying the county was going to file a complaint from my current employer and that I have 24 hours to call 888-649-9021 and resolve this complaint out of court. I AM UNEMPLOYED, I HAVE BEEN UNEMPLOYED FOR ALMOST A YEAR...

"Good after noon this message is intended for a (my name) my name is aan sholes I'm with the firm of franklin west and associates and I'm contacting you in regards to the pending complaint out of (my city county) ah we have been attempting to notify you via mail with regards to this compliant we have not received any response prior to the complaint we formally filed against you through the county as well as your current varified employer we do have only 24 hours to have some form of response from you or your attorney with regards to resolve this complaint voluntarily. Without a call back to our firm within the next 24 hours unfortunately they will be formally issuing the complaint against you through county requesting to have it resolve through the employer without your cooperation so it is very important that you do wish to resolve this complaint volunte ally  that you do contact my firm immediately toll free number is 888-649-9021 you do need to reference to a file complaint number hhhh again name my nam is aan sholes franklin extremely impair active if you wish to resolve this complaint volunteering out of court that you do contact my firm as soon as possible reference file number ###### thank you"

Just got the same phone call as you people. However, they never said where they were calling from. It was a lady named Linda Rayas. Not going to respond at this time because she did not leave any detailed info about her or her company. We'll see what happens.

LOL. Did you see that website? It is a total scam. Guys, don't answer the phone. Number one...Legally, they can't collect off old debts. Number 2- they have to mail you something showing the alleged debt. It is a clear scam.

Don't worry. Went through this before because of an ID theft. Don't respond. They will eventually go away. Their website is a joke. No physical address. They seem to be collecting old debts....or have info regarding people and simply scamming for money. Do not worry

Don't respond. It is a scam

Actually there is no physical address for these scumbags.  I think they operate out of the Chicago area. It is a scam

Got a message from Franklin West & Associates today. My parents also got a similar call. Definite scam!!!  Do not answer. do not call back. If you...you need to ask them three questions.

1- What is their legal company name and address
2- What is the exact debt and from what company
3- What is the last four of the social security number

They should be able to tell you the first to answers; if not...definite scam.
The 3rd question is a trick question. A real collector will not have your social security number at all. The would be illegal. And that makes it a scam. If they tell you they have a debt involving your social security number....it is a scam.

Take down as much info as you can and file a complaint through the FTC.

Also, someone posted a link to their "website" in here. If you click on it...and see the site; it is cheesy and non informative. Another clear indication of a scam. And, if you try to contact them on their contact page- it mysteriously does not work.  Hmmm. I wonder.

Don't fall for this.
OH, and most people posting in here claiming that you should pay your debts or pay attention and tell you it is not a scam; they likely work for the company involved; another tactic in these forums.

You have an address for this group?  If so, let us in on the secret.

That web site isn't even a month old, created on June 9th, and they used a proxy service to conceal their identity.  My guess is that we will hear more of these criminals as time goes on.

No address. That's the thing. A legit business will have an address