651-209-1825

Horrible people. Told me I had written a check in 2002 and owed 300+ dollars. Don't remember ever bouncing a check and tried to get her to explain. She accused me of trying to dodge my debt and said I had to pay now. If this is an actual law firm they may want to rethink how they approach people.

even if it is a legitimate law office - they are refusing to validate the debt - by law they are required to do so.   IN WRITING and CANNOT REFUSE TO SEND IT.  

When they demand account information and refuse to validate the debt, its a scam and they must be reported!  

File complaints with

Federal Trade Commission  https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/FTC_Wizard.aspx?Lang=en

Your State Attorney General
State Attorney General is every state they have offices

Link to all State Attorney General Websites www.naag.org

If you or they are located in NY – use this SPECIAL Link  www.NYDebtHelp.com
This special website was created by NY AG Andrew Cuomo specifically for reporting illegal debt collection practices.  HE’S CRACKING DOWN AND SHUTTING THEM DOWN!

Also report your calls and contacts with debt collectors at http://www.budhibbs.com/index.html  If the company is listed under agencies – report there. If not on the list YET, click on Watchlist! and add to the list.   You can also post here http://www.collectorsexposed.com/forum2/index.php?board=2.0

Debt Collectors DO NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW THIS INFORMATION!    
The INFORMED CONSUMER IS THE DEBT COLLECTORS WORST ENEMY!

Dealing with Debt Collectors
http://www.budhibbs.com/start.html


Statute of Limitations by State – always double check YOUR OWN STATE Government Website
http://www.budhibbs.com/statute_of_limitations.htm


Recording calls from Debt Collectors - always double check YOUR OWN STATE Government Website
http://www.budhibbs.com/record.htm


From Federal Trade Commission Website – FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT
Debt Collection FAQs: A Guide for Consumers
If you’re behind in paying your bills, or a creditor’s records mistakenly make it appear that you are, a debt collector may be contacting you.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices to collect from you.
Under the FDCPA, a debt collector is someone who regularly collects debts owed to others. This includes collection agencies, lawyers who collect debts on a regular basis, and companies that buy delinquent debts and then try to collect them.
Here are some questions and answers about your rights under the Act.

What types of debts are covered?
The Act covers personal, family, and household debts, including money you owe on a personal credit card account, an auto loan, a medical bill, and your mortgage. The FDCPA doesn’t cover debts you incurred to run a business.

Can a debt collector contact me any time or any place?
No. A debt collector may not contact you at inconvenient times or places, such as before 8 in the morning or after 9 at night, unless you agree to it. And collectors may not contact you at work if they’re told (orally or in writing) that you’re not allowed to get calls there.

How can I stop a debt collector from contacting me?
If a collector contacts you about a debt, you may want to talk to them at least once to see if you can resolve the matter – even if you don’t think you owe the debt, can’t repay it immediately, or think that the collector is contacting you by mistake. If you decide after contacting the debt collector that you don’t want the collector to contact you again, tell the collector – in writing – to stop contacting you. Here’s how to do that:
Make a copy of your letter. Send the original by certified mail, and pay for a “return receipt” so you’ll be able to document what the collector received. Once the collector receives your letter, they may not contact you again, with two exceptions: a collector can contact you to tell you there will be no further contact or to let you know that they or the creditor intend to take a specific action, like filing a lawsuit. Sending such a letter to a debt collector you owe money to does not get rid of the debt, but it should stop the contact. The creditor or the debt collector still can sue you to collect the debt.

Can a debt collector contact anyone else about my debt?
If an attorney is representing you about the debt, the debt collector must contact the attorney, rather than you. If you don’t have an attorney, a collector may contact other people – but only to find out your address, your home phone number, and where you work. Collectors usually are prohibited from contacting third parties more than once. Other than to obtain this location information about you, a debt collector generally is not permitted to discuss your debt with anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney.

What does the debt collector have to tell me about the debt?
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.

Can a debt collector keep contacting me if I don’t think I owe any money?
If you send the debt collector a letter stating that you don’t owe any or all of the money, or asking for verification of the debt, that collector must stop contacting you. You have to send that letter within 30 days after you receive the validation notice. But a collector can begin contacting you again if it sends you written verification of the debt, like a copy of a bill for the amount you owe.

What practices are off limits for debt collectors?
Harassment. Debt collectors may not harass, oppress, or abuse you or any third parties they contact. For example, they may not:
    use threats of violence or harm;
    publish a list of names of people who refuse to pay their debts (but they can give this information to the credit reporting companies);
    use obscene or profane language; or
    repeatedly use the phone to annoy someone.

False statements. Debt collectors may not lie when they are trying to collect a debt. For example, they may not:
    falsely claim that they are attorneys or government representatives;
    falsely claim that you have committed a crime;
    falsely represent that they operate or work for a credit reporting company;
    misrepresent the amount you owe;
    indicate that papers they send you are legal forms if they aren’t; or
    indicate that papers they send to you aren’t legal forms if they are.

Debt collectors also are prohibited from saying that:
    you will be arrested if you don’t pay your debt;
    they’ll seize, garnish, attach, or sell your property or wages unless they are permitted by law to take the action and intend to do so; or
    legal action will be taken against you, if doing so would be illegal or if they don’t intend to take the action.

Debt collectors may not:
    give false credit information about you to anyone, including a credit reporting company;
    send you anything that looks like an official document from a court or government agency if it isn’t; or
    use a false company name.

Unfair practices. Debt collectors may not engage in unfair practices when they try to collect a debt. For example, they may not:
    try to collect any interest, fee, or other charge on top of the amount you owe unless the contract that created your debt – or your state law – allows the charge;
    deposit a post-dated check early;
    take or threaten to take your property unless it can be done legally; or
    contact you by postcard.

Can I control which debts my payments apply to?
Yes. If a debt collector is trying to collect more than one debt from you, the collector must apply any payment you make to the debt you select. Equally important, a debt collector may not apply a payment to a debt you don’t think you owe.

Can a debt collector garnish my bank account or my wages?
If you don’t pay a debt, a creditor or its debt collector generally can sue you to collect. If they win, the court will enter a judgment against you. The judgment states the amount of money you owe, and allows the creditor or collector to get a garnishment order against you, directing a third party, like your bank, to turn over funds from your account to pay the debt.
Wage garnishment happens when your employer withholds part of your compensation to pay your debts. Your wages usually can be garnished only as the result of a court order. Don’t ignore a lawsuit summons. If you do, you lose the opportunity to fight a wage garnishment.

Can federal benefits be garnished?
Many federal benefits are exempt from garnishment, including:
    Social Security Benefits
    Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits
    Veterans’ Benefits
    Civil Service and Federal Retirement and Disability Benefits
    Service Members’ Pay
    Military Annuities and Survivors’ Benefits
    Student Assistance
    Railroad Retirement Benefits
    Merchant Seamen Wages
    Longshoremen’s and Harbor Workers’ Death and Disability Benefits
    Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Benefits
    Compensation for Injury, Death, or Detention of Employees of U.S. Contractors Outside the U.S.
    Federal Emergency Management Agency Federal Disaster Assistance
But federal benefits may be garnished under certain circumstances, including to pay delinquent taxes, alimony, child support, or student loans.

Do I have any recourse if I think a debt collector has violated the law?
You have the right to sue a collector in a state or federal court within one year from the date the law was violated. If you win, the judge can require the collector to pay you for any damages you can prove you suffered because of the illegal collection practices, like lost wages and medical bills. The judge can require the debt collector to pay you up to $1,000, even if you can’t prove that you suffered actual damages. You also can be reimbursed for your attorney’s fees and court costs. A group of people also may sue a debt collector as part of a class action lawsuit and recover money for damages up to $500,000, or one percent of the collector’s net worth, whichever amount is lower. Even if a debt collector violates the FDCPA in trying to collect a debt, the debt does not go away if you owe it.

What should I do if a debt collector sues me?
If a debt collector files a lawsuit against you to collect a debt, respond to the lawsuit, either personally or through your lawyer, by the date specified in the court papers to preserve your rights.

Where do I report a debt collector for an alleged violation?
Report any problems you have with a debt collector to your state Attorney General’s office (www.naag.org) and the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov). Many states have their own debt collection laws that are different from the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Your Attorney General’s office can help you determine your rights under your state’s law.

For More Information
To learn more about debt collection and other credit-related issues, visit www.ftc.gov/credit and MyMoney.gov, the U.S. government’s portal to financial education.
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad
February 2009

File complaints with

Federal Trade Commission  https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/FTC_Wizard.aspx?Lang=en

Your State Attorney General
State Attorney General is every state they have offices

Link to all State Attorney General Websites www.naag.org

If you or they are located in NY – use this SPECIAL Link  www.NYDebtHelp.com
This special website was created by NY AG Andrew Cuomo specifically for reporting illegal debt collection practices.  HE’S CRACKING DOWN AND SHUTTING THEM DOWN!

Also report your calls and contacts with debt collectors at http://www.budhibbs.com/index.html  If the company is listed under agencies – report there. If not on the list YET, click on Watchlist! and add to the list.   You can also post here http://www.collectorsexposed.com/forum2/index.php?board=2.0

Debt Collectors DO NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW THIS INFORMATION!    
The INFORMED CONSUMER IS THE DEBT COLLECTORS WORST ENEMY!

Dealing with Debt Collectors
http://www.budhibbs.com/start.html


Statute of Limitations by State – always double check YOUR OWN STATE Government Website
http://www.budhibbs.com/statute_of_limitations.htm


Recording calls from Debt Collectors - always double check YOUR OWN STATE Government Website
http://www.budhibbs.com/record.htm


From Federal Trade Commission Website – FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT
Debt Collection FAQs: A Guide for Consumers
If you’re behind in paying your bills, or a creditor’s records mistakenly make it appear that you are, a debt collector may be contacting you.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices to collect from you.
Under the FDCPA, a debt collector is someone who regularly collects debts owed to others. This includes collection agencies, lawyers who collect debts on a regular basis, and companies that buy delinquent debts and then try to collect them.
Here are some questions and answers about your rights under the Act.

What types of debts are covered?
The Act covers personal, family, and household debts, including money you owe on a personal credit card account, an auto loan, a medical bill, and your mortgage. The FDCPA doesn’t cover debts you incurred to run a business.

Can a debt collector contact me any time or any place?
No. A debt collector may not contact you at inconvenient times or places, such as before 8 in the morning or after 9 at night, unless you agree to it. And collectors may not contact you at work if they’re told (orally or in writing) that you’re not allowed to get calls there.

How can I stop a debt collector from contacting me?
If a collector contacts you about a debt, you may want to talk to them at least once to see if you can resolve the matter – even if you don’t think you owe the debt, can’t repay it immediately, or think that the collector is contacting you by mistake. If you decide after contacting the debt collector that you don’t want the collector to contact you again, tell the collector – in writing – to stop contacting you. Here’s how to do that:
Make a copy of your letter. Send the original by certified mail, and pay for a “return receipt” so you’ll be able to document what the collector received. Once the collector receives your letter, they may not contact you again, with two exceptions: a collector can contact you to tell you there will be no further contact or to let you know that they or the creditor intend to take a specific action, like filing a lawsuit. Sending such a letter to a debt collector you owe money to does not get rid of the debt, but it should stop the contact. The creditor or the debt collector still can sue you to collect the debt.

Can a debt collector contact anyone else about my debt?
If an attorney is representing you about the debt, the debt collector must contact the attorney, rather than you. If you don’t have an attorney, a collector may contact other people – but only to find out your address, your home phone number, and where you work. Collectors usually are prohibited from contacting third parties more than once. Other than to obtain this location information about you, a debt collector generally is not permitted to discuss your debt with anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney.

What does the debt collector have to tell me about the debt?
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.

Can a debt collector keep contacting me if I don’t think I owe any money?
If you send the debt collector a letter stating that you don’t owe any or all of the money, or asking for verification of the debt, that collector must stop contacting you. You have to send that letter within 30 days after you receive the validation notice. But a collector can begin contacting you again if it sends you written verification of the debt, like a copy of a bill for the amount you owe.

What practices are off limits for debt collectors?
Harassment. Debt collectors may not harass, oppress, or abuse you or any third parties they contact. For example, they may not:
    use threats of violence or harm;
    publish a list of names of people who refuse to pay their debts (but they can give this information to the credit reporting companies);
    use obscene or profane language; or
    repeatedly use the phone to annoy someone.

False statements. Debt collectors may not lie when they are trying to collect a debt. For example, they may not:
    falsely claim that they are attorneys or government representatives;
    falsely claim that you have committed a crime;
    falsely represent that they operate or work for a credit reporting company;
    misrepresent the amount you owe;
    indicate that papers they send you are legal forms if they aren’t; or
    indicate that papers they send to you aren’t legal forms if they are.

Debt collectors also are prohibited from saying that:
    you will be arrested if you don’t pay your debt;
    they’ll seize, garnish, attach, or sell your property or wages unless they are permitted by law to take the action and intend to do so; or
    legal action will be taken against you, if doing so would be illegal or if they don’t intend to take the action.

Debt collectors may not:
    give false credit information about you to anyone, including a credit reporting company;
    send you anything that looks like an official document from a court or government agency if it isn’t; or
    use a false company name.

Unfair practices. Debt collectors may not engage in unfair practices when they try to collect a debt. For example, they may not:
    try to collect any interest, fee, or other charge on top of the amount you owe unless the contract that created your debt – or your state law – allows the charge;
    deposit a post-dated check early;
    take or threaten to take your property unless it can be done legally; or
    contact you by postcard.

Can I control which debts my payments apply to?
Yes. If a debt collector is trying to collect more than one debt from you, the collector must apply any payment you make to the debt you select. Equally important, a debt collector may not apply a payment to a debt you don’t think you owe.

Can a debt collector garnish my bank account or my wages?
If you don’t pay a debt, a creditor or its debt collector generally can sue you to collect. If they win, the court will enter a judgment against you. The judgment states the amount of money you owe, and allows the creditor or collector to get a garnishment order against you, directing a third party, like your bank, to turn over funds from your account to pay the debt.
Wage garnishment happens when your employer withholds part of your compensation to pay your debts. Your wages usually can be garnished only as the result of a court order. Don’t ignore a lawsuit summons. If you do, you lose the opportunity to fight a wage garnishment.

Can federal benefits be garnished?
Many federal benefits are exempt from garnishment, including:
    Social Security Benefits
    Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits
    Veterans’ Benefits
    Civil Service and Federal Retirement and Disability Benefits
    Service Members’ Pay
    Military Annuities and Survivors’ Benefits
    Student Assistance
    Railroad Retirement Benefits
    Merchant Seamen Wages
    Longshoremen’s and Harbor Workers’ Death and Disability Benefits
    Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Benefits
    Compensation for Injury, Death, or Detention of Employees of U.S. Contractors Outside the U.S.
    Federal Emergency Management Agency Federal Disaster Assistance
But federal benefits may be garnished under certain circumstances, including to pay delinquent taxes, alimony, child support, or student loans.

Do I have any recourse if I think a debt collector has violated the law?
You have the right to sue a collector in a state or federal court within one year from the date the law was violated. If you win, the judge can require the collector to pay you for any damages you can prove you suffered because of the illegal collection practices, like lost wages and medical bills. The judge can require the debt collector to pay you up to $1,000, even if you can’t prove that you suffered actual damages. You also can be reimbursed for your attorney’s fees and court costs. A group of people also may sue a debt collector as part of a class action lawsuit and recover money for damages up to $500,000, or one percent of the collector’s net worth, whichever amount is lower. Even if a debt collector violates the FDCPA in trying to collect a debt, the debt does not go away if you owe it.

What should I do if a debt collector sues me?
If a debt collector files a lawsuit against you to collect a debt, respond to the lawsuit, either personally or through your lawyer, by the date specified in the court papers to preserve your rights.

Where do I report a debt collector for an alleged violation?
Report any problems you have with a debt collector to your state Attorney General’s office (www.naag.org) and the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov). Many states have their own debt collection laws that are different from the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Your Attorney General’s office can help you determine your rights under your state’s law.

For More Information
To learn more about debt collection and other credit-related issues, visit www.ftc.gov/credit and MyMoney.gov, the U.S. government’s portal to financial education.
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad
February 2009

Hi, my name is Kelly and I am going through the same thing. I would like to wipe these guys off the map and would like more info. Please email me at r.rardon@hotmail.com to give info or contact info. Thanks for your persistence to protect the innocent.

I have received numerous calls from Goggins (Gail) specifically). They are stating that I have numerous bad checks dating back to 2000. I unfortunately did not catch on earlier and have already paid over $500 to them. When I requested copies of the debt, they became beligerant and stated that they had sent all the info in 2007. I then asked for the bank name. They gave me the name of the bank and 2!!!! account numbers. I went to the bank in person and they could not verify or validate the debt. The bank!!!! called Goggins and they refused to supply the bank with the info , but claimed that the debt was from them. I then found out that my name was "accidentally" linked to my husband's ex-wife's  old bank account. I politely requested that my name be removed, this not being my debt and all, and I was told my Goggins that is is not possible to "unlink" names to accounts once this has happened. I have now retained legal counsel and am demanding any legal action for an audit to prove this company is b.s. and needs to be stopped immediately. Help us all stop this company from ripping off good citizens who are trying to make their lives right!!!!!!

I've been called by this "firm" twice at work now. I never got a letter from them on this "debt" at all before they started calling me at work. They demand me to pay a debt from around 6 months ago. I told the guy I was talking to (He identified himself as Joe Kaczinski) that he could not call me at work without permission from my manager, and he told me I was wrong (which I am not).

When he called my work the second time, I had told my co-workers that I was not accepting calls from them since they do not have permission to talk to me from a manager. He then told one of my co-workers that "The courts were coming after me if I did not accept the call." I decided to play along to see what he had to say.

I told him that he had violated the FDCPA by disclosing my "debt" to fellow workers, which violates my privacy. He got angry with me immediately and told me he was recording me (whatever good that does) and that a judge would laugh at me for claiming a violation of the FDCPA.

I asked him what I should do to resolve this "debt". He avoided answering me by saying I need to "grow up and pay what I owe." He then threatened legal action. I asked him again what I should do to resolve said "debt". He flipped out on me and asked me to transfer him to my payroll department (which I am unable to do).

Besides what's he going to do, garnish my wages? He needs to send a form to me for "Garnishment Exemption Notice and Notice of Intent to Garnish," anyway, which can only be done after obtaining a ruling from a judge to perform said garnishment.

When I told him I could not transfer him, he said he was going to call back for the number to the payroll department, and then promptly hung up on me. Very professional move there right? I found out later he never called back requesting the number to payroll.

These guys are wannabe lawyers trying to bully money from honest people. DON'T GIVE IN TO THEIR INSIDIOUS WAYS! Be smart, and research the rights you have under the FDCPA and state collections laws.

If you are getting called constantly, it is also a good idea to send them a Cease Communication letter via certified mail w/return receipt. If they contact you after this letter for reasons other then to inform you they have dropped the debt or are pursuing legal action for the debt, they are in serious trouble.

I guess this "firm" needs to pay a visit to the site of Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson at http://www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumer/Finance/debfactsheet.asp and learn how to properly collect on a debt. Proper training in the FDCPA would be great as well.

I received a call from this number indicating I owed $640.00 for an incident occurring back in 2006.  They were willing to offer me a settlement if I would respond on that day or by noon the next day.  I refused to offer them any information and advised I would check it out
and call them back. Now after researching the number I am very thankful I didn't provide them with any information.  However, what is scary is they some how had my work number which is where I received the call.

This number has been calling me leaving pre-recorded messages. They identify themselves as Goggins and Lavintman and say I should listen to the message where no one else can here because it contains private information. They say that by listening to the message, I am acknowledging I am (my name). They then leave an 800 number for me to call back. They don't say what they are calling about, just leave the callback number. I haven't called them back, since it seems they are scam artists!

I am interested in your lawsuit. They tacked on 787.56 in FEES!!!!! help me out! jastokes02@yahoo.com

Have had similar calls for the past several months the person we hear from is Tom Waters he is threating legal action and wants my husband to pay via money order or money gram I have never heard of this way of paying so told my husband I would goggle them and came upon this site Thank God I did I knew it was a scam but my husband did not so thank you all for this info he read it himself and now belieavs me we were just about to send the money today but not now THANK YOU SO MUCH our phone calls were the same rude threats of legal action and all the other no statements would be sent out and just pay now! I'm so glad I looked them up and found this site I intend to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office in Minnesota right away THANK YOU AGAIN  this site has been a life saver

Have been getting calls from this number for my husband and too to listen where no one can hear as it contains private information and if he continues to listen to the message he aknowladges he is the person they are trying to reach.  We called the number back well I did and told them I am his wife what is going on and without needing to speak with him for permission to speak with me they told me what the call was about that right there is a vilation of my husbands privacy and his rights.  I am now convinced more than ever that it is a scam.  When I told them my husband has been in the hospital sick the man said "I don't care he promised to take care of this and it needs to be taken care of now."  He wanted me to send a money gram or western union and I have never heard of a debt collector wanting payment by this method I played along and he wanted to know what time I would be sending this  and gave me information to put on the slip and to send it to Eagan MN The man who keeps calling identifies himself as Tom Waters an attorney for the collection agency Goggins and Lavintman.  I am contacting the Minnasota Attorney Generals office on Monday and file a complaint

I got a call saying I owed from a bad check written in January 2007, which was almost 4 YEARS ago! I was willing to pay the debt as long as they were willing to provide me proof that I owed this debt. When I asked for proof the lady on the phone got very upset and started yelling at me that I need to learn how to have money in my bank account before I write checks. I was completely thrown since I thought I was speaking to "law office" that a person would be so rude and belligerent when I simply asked for proof, which is my right as a US citizen. Shady doesn't begin to describe this company. I read the Fair Debt Collection Privacy Act, and will be sending them a registered letter. I suggest you do the same and protect your rights. If they are truly a law firm, then they have polwenty of legal papers and proof they shoulb be able to send in order to fairly and rightfully collect a debt.

I got this call today from a  Darlene Legal Ass. She told me that I had a $128 payment due to Pitstop, (whatever that is )  I said what is Pitstop, she said it must be a gas station, I said I never wrote a check to them,  she then said she would look up the checking account number, she gave me the last 5 digits and it wasn't even close to mine, and I didn't give her mine, then she gave me an address, and it was a city about 50 miles away from me.  I told her she had the wrong person, she said okay and said she would remove my number from the account.

look out ppl

My husband got a call from these people today.  Left a very firm message to call them back.  My husband called the number left on the id and it was a disconnected number.  Persone said that they were Tom Water working for a law firm or something.  Needless to say, will not be calling them back and for that reason, I don't answer calls of people I don't recognize!!

Yeah they are slimy scum. i am actually IN a lawsuit against them. have been since november, just waiting to hear a settlement amount they are aggreeing to pay me since they broke almost 27 laws trying to "collect" LMAO. take action for real! find a lawyer that dont get paid until you do!Make gl pay for torturing ya

I am pretty sure I owe quite a bit of money and I dont have the money to pay them so I dont answer when calls come in from phone numbers I dont know. I called them back expecting some sort of automated response but instead was immediately answered by a woman who refused to give me any information on her business but insisted I give her my name phone number and address.

I keep getting calls on my prepaid cell phone, threatening but I don't know what it is about.  I have requested paperwork in the past on these calls but I don't know what they want. Someone called a friend of mine about 9 mons ago, represented herself as an attorney, my friend, who works in collection, told this person not to threaten her and send documentation of this problem with me.  NOTHING....

I received a call from this number on my cell phone on Feb 23, 2010 at 4:21.
I woman identified herself as a assistant for the attorney at Goggins, someone and someone. She explained the reason for her call and I did not dispute the debt she was calling about. She asked if I was able to pay the bill that had increased from $300 to OVER $700 by Feb 26, 2010 or it would be turned over to the attorney!! I said "no, I can't right now, and that is over double the original debt." She stated that there were "civil penalties" involved. I told her I had been out of work for over a year, (which is why the debt had not been paid to begin with), and I just accepted a job offer the previous day and will be starting on March 1. She asked if there was a family member that could borrow me the money. My response was no I don't, and if I did they would help me with more important finance issues, like my mortgage or feeding my kids. She then said, "your kids should not be as important as clearing up this debt and if my kids were important to me I would clear this up immediately!" I stated that there is no way for me to come up with over $700 by Friday and she then got irate and said that "obviously, I am not taking this seriously" and she was immediately turning it over to the attorney for prosecution! ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? No wonder everyone hates debt collectors!!

I worked at G & L many years ago. They are not a collection agency. They are a lawfirm that collects outstanding debts on their clients behalf. They can and do sue people all over the country (trust me on this one) They have attorney's that they work with in almost every state. If they decide to sue you, they work with an attorney in the area where you live. They do have to follow FDCPA, but they can threaten to sue you because they are a lawfirm and NOT not a collection agency.  
If the debt is high enough, and they are able to verify that you work and where you work, and after checking your credit to be sure there aren't any current garnishments, child support, etc., they will sue you, if they feel that they can recover money after they get their judgement against you. If your wages are already being garnished, or if you are paying shild support that means that they would have to stand in line to collect and would be less likely to sue you. Also, if your not working....They can get a judgement against you, but won't be able to collect on the judgement as there are no wages to attach, so they aren't going to waste money on court costs and a lawsuit. I hope this helps some of you.