844-206-0773

I received a call stating to contact this #.  When I did so I was told that I had an old credit card debt.  He had my maiden name, and was insistent that I pay this debt from over 5 years ago.

I did as well, and they knew quite a lot about where I lived. My debt was from 19 years ago. They said they served me and were suing me for garnishment of wages. Is this a legal number, or someone trying to steal my information?

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 legitimate debt collector would leave a message even if the call isn't for you. Also too they would provide you with information as to why their calling you. Asking right away to confirm your mailing address is something legit debt collectors would never do. Plus if you ask why their calling you have every right to know what or who it's pertaining to. If they don't want to give you that information then they are scamming you just so they can steal your identity.

My wife received a call from this number looking for me.  They collector told her that they will be serving me tomorrow at my place of employment.  I called them back and they would not discuss anything with me until I gave them my social and when I wouldn't I was threatened with an arrest.  At this point, I had it, I asked for a name and address and they wouldn't give it to me.  They knew too much about me though.

i am getting phone calls regarding a ex wife of my husbands over 15 yrs ago.  The caller states it's a legal matter and that I have been notified and a reference number, then he states he will contact HR for further communications. This guy is not too bright, what does HR have anything to do about a reference number.  They are reaching the statue of limitations on this old debit and doing sketchy collection tactics to get someone to validate a old debt to keep it active.  Don't engage!

Ask to not call my number anymore.