888-796-0473

Called my work-- said he was from L.A. County and needed to verify a case number-- but L.A. County doesn't use 888 as far as I know, so he lied to my principal I'm thinking.

Called std that he was calling on behalf of Dallas County bc he needs to serve papers to my place of employment or place of residence and had the last 4 digits of my SS# and and that he needs a callback..Law enforcement serve paperwork from information that is on file.  They do not call before they come out.  SCAM!

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/

Yeah, he left the name "John" and said he was with L.A. County and to call to verify some case number-- left it with the school secretary.  I thought so.. scam.

Called my cell phone and left a voice message, said it was John Hart, a private courier about a suit against me.  I called the number back, they told me who the creditor was and I think it was a valid debt from a long time ago (ten years) but the man would not give me an address for written correspondence.   I looked in my county's superior court records and there are no open cases against me.

I received a call from John Hart also, he left a voice message saying he was calling for me or my husband David Evans. That if I did not call back I would be arrested. He also said he worked for Los Angeles County Court Courier. He did not leave a number to call back either. I have NEVER been married. I know a David but he is not my husband or anything. Then the John Hart called my moms cell phone and left a message saying that he was going to come harass her at her work etc. My mom and I both have nothing to do with each other at all as far as debt etc. I called the court and Sherriff they all said it is a scam and I was the 20th person with the same threats