501-490-9956

Automated message about some kind of summons. But didn't explain anything. Just gave this number to call. And gave no company information whatsoever.

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/

A recorded message. More likely than not a scammer.  Said "county would be notified and you will be contacted at your place of business or home."  Since I have no outstanding debts of any kind, probably some scammer from a years ago payday loan that has long been paid off or discharged in an old BK.

Yet ANOTHER company that buys old debt, many of which are past statute of limitations, for pennies on the dollar then tries to scare you into giving them a payment to make it go away.

If they call you at work, tell them they do not have permission to do that and get a mailing address (no PO) to send a certified letter stating the same.

If you know a lawyer, give them the info, they usually go away after speaking to an attorney.

Low lifes.

I got the same message.. should I be scared?

complete [***]... they have no idea about debt law...... just answer and have fun with them..... big bark no bite.... and what ever you do don't pay them.... they are bottom feeding scum

well they got you they are SCUM

no no worries just laugh at them they are scamers they can not do a thing to you

Really? Theres this other person saying it was real.. what do you think?

Thanks gives me some relief. .I just won't answer then anymore; )

Patty...

Read Alfalfa's quite complete, accurate and factual post, made before your two questions.

If you need assistance in understanding Alfalfa's post, return here, and we will try ...

It is a scam and if you've filed bankruptcy that is public information thats how there getting your information.

Total scam.  Ignore and block.  No legitimate process server lets you know in advance they are coming to serve you.

Just because a voice on the telephone claims you owe a debt does not mean you owe it
If a voice on the telephone claims you owe a debt:

1.    Demand the person give you his or her name, company name, and address
2.     Demand a debt validation letter by US mail.  E-mail no good.
3.    Do not pay  the collection agent or anyone else a  DIME  until the debt is validated.

Of course they won’t do this, no scammer ever will, so simply block their calls and ignore them.

If they are bothering you,

Report them:

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

Also contact your local attorney general

If they continue to bother you, and you know you do not owe any money,  tell them that you know this is  a debt scam and that you are making a complaint to the police for extortion.  Once you get a copy of the police report and they call you again , just read out the  file number and the name of the PD or Sheriff’s office involved.   Tell them you’ll be glad to send a copy to them at whatever address the jack***es are working out of now.  If you can find them.

I think you've been scammed.  Why would Madison County, a governmental agency be involved in a private debt dispute?  The answer is, it wouldn't. IF you paid them by cc or debit card go back to the bank and see if the transaction can be reversed for fraud.

You've probably been scammed too.  How about giving us the name of this company and the address.

Are you sure that you're not the one that took out the loan and didn't pay it back..hahaha. I mean come on dude...I called the call center and had a hard time getting info too and wanted to know why did they call my Mom about something I did when I was back in college. I admit that I was young and stupid back then. I'm sure if you went to college you know what I mean...but yeah I took out the loan and just said f*** it. If they don't want their money, I'll just keep it. I didn't know they would still ask for the money back years later with fees and all of that stuff. I spoke to some lady named Denise Lawrence. I thought it was a scam at first too but after I got the info from her because I know my rights, I pay my equal fair share of taxes and I have a pregnant wife, I looked up the loan company and called around to see who had the loan info now. I didn't want to keep dealing with this, so check this out, I called my old bank back home in Dallas and checked her story out. Come to find out my account was sold to some company that's not even in business anymore. I was shocked. I called Cashnet and spoke to their Corporate Manager and got the info I needed and compared the info that Denise lady gave me. I mean the loan amount was no way near the amount they told me but the Manager told me these loan companies charge up to like 300% for a loan. That's just ridiculous. I was better off asking my parents for the money at the time but I settled my account out, took care of what I needed to and needless to say I won't be taking out any more loans with anyone. I have enough to deal with student loans let alone other bills...

Post up the legal verifiable name, street address, city and state along with their web  site and BBB page. You should have that information..