331-207-1713

I just got a call from this person saying to be from some law office to collect a debt and threatened to go to court. It's a scam.

Told me they were from a law office and tried to verify my address.  Told them I didn't know who they were and I don't give my information over the phone

I received a call from a lady asking to verify the resident information, I asked her what is this regarding to, Sir THIS IS AN URGENT BUSINESS MATTER. I told her not able to give any info unless you give your identity

A "Phil Hastings" called me from this number - they had my personal information as well as information regarding a recent hospital visit. They told me I owed about 5 times what I actually owe the hospital. He told me the number to call him back on was (312) 922-6500 and he claims to have sent me a letter in the mail. Also didn't have the correct dates for my hospital visit. Upon googling this number, it pulled up a "Malcolm S. Gerald and Associates, Inc" that according to google is permanently closed AND had absolutely terrible reviews(google it and see for yourself). I don't know if this is a legitimate company or a scam. All I know is that with the information I have been provided I don't trust them one bit.

It does not appear that they are "permanently closed"  It also looks like they are in Illinois and collect medical debt.  I have not finished my report on them as of yet.

It is incumbent upon them under the law to prove that the debt exists and that you owe it, and (this is the important part) that they have the legal right to collect it.  You are not obligated under the law to prove that you don’t owe or that it is paid.  

Federal law (FDCPA) requires them to send you a letter (US MAIL ONLY) postmarked 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 of receipt of the letter and if you do so, all collection activity must be stopped until the debt is verified.  If and when you get that letter you should immediately send that debt validation letter by certified, return receipt mail.

First, you should make a complaint at this Federal Agency, and while there you should also read up on how debt collection is supposed to work as well as what your rights in this matter are: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/

Also file complaints with the FTC: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1

Also file a complaint with your State Attorney General's office.
List of State AG’s offices:   https://800notes.com/faq/attorney-general

You will need to send them a certified, return receipt debt validation (by law they have to go back to the original creditor to prove you owe the debt), cease and desist calling, or "not me" letter (this will be the best money that you have ever invested).  Also send it first class mail in case no one will sign for it.  Make a notation of that fact at the bottom of the letter.  You also need to report them to the proper agencies to which I have provided links to.  Then you need to go out and get a consumer lawyer to sue them on a contingency basis (no money out of your pocket) and let them pay you for the harassment.  If everyone did these three things, these crooks would be bankrupt, and we would all be the richer for it.  Use these web sites to find an attorney in your state that will probably take the case on a contingency basis (no money out of your pocket up front):  http://www.consumeradvocates.org/
http://www.consumeradvocates.org/find-an-atto ... tates_value=All

Everything else you need to know follows including at least two or more federal and state agencies where you should report their criminal activities.

MALCOLM S. GERALD AND ASSOCIATES, INC
Number threads associated with these crooks:  https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-312-922-6500/12#p1073700224809618463
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-331-207-1713#p1621100371884188055

Web site lists them in Illinois:  http://www.msgerald.com/contact/

BBB gives them an accredited A- rating with 3 complaints and 2 negative reviews (BBB removed 35 complaints and 1 negative review as of 9/24/20:  http://www.bbb.org/chicago/business-reviews/c ... ago-il-9003035/

Illinois Dept. of State has them not in good standing:

File Number
50494802
Entity Name
MALCOLM S GERALD & ASSOCIATES, INC.
Status
NOT GOOD STANDING

Entity Information
Entity Type
CORPORATION
Type of Corp
DOMESTIC BCA
Incorporation Date (Domestic)
Monday, 5 August 1974
State
ILLINOIS
Duration Date
PERPETUAL
Agent Information
Name
DAVID STEIN
Address
111 W WASHINGTON ST STE 450
CHICAGO , IL 60602
Change Date
Monday, 25 June 2018
Annual Report
Filing Date
00/00/0000
For Year
2020
Officers
President
Name & Address
ANTHONY NUZZO JR 111 W WASHINGTON CHICAGO 60602
Secretary
Name & Address
DAVID STEIN 111 W WASHINGTONCHICAGO 60602

Illinois requires debt collectors to be licensed and I can not find a license under that name.

It is incumbent upon them under the law to prove that the debt exists and that you owe it, and (this is the important part) that they have the legal right to collect it.  You are not obligated under the law to prove that you don’t owe or that it is paid.  

Federal law (FDCPA) requires them to send you a letter (US MAIL ONLY) postmarked 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 of receipt of the letter and if you do so, all collection activity must be stopped until the debt is verified.  If and when you get that letter you should immediately send that debt validation letter by certified, return receipt mail.

First, you should make a complaint at this Federal Agency, and while there you should also read up on how debt collection is supposed to work as well as what your rights in this matter are: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/

Also file complaints with the FTC: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1

Also file a complaint with your State Attorney General's office.
List of State AG’s offices:   https://800notes.com/faq/attorney-general

Also file a report with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation:   http://www.idfpr.com/

Called twice- no voicemail. Called back fearing it was a debt collector based on feedback below. I received  a message saying it’s Comcast wanting to talk about new offers .

Didn’t identify themselves but stated I was “a person of interest “ which I find offensive since it was regarding my deceased father of 9 years