866-204-8769

Received several calls from a Selma White claiming to be a process server. She could not identify the creditor and displayed an aggressive and threatening dialogue. An hour later my oldest son called and said she had called him AND my daughter-in-law (how did she get her private number) stating I was in trouble and demanding he tell me that.

After reading an online site for rip-offs and current scams, I noticed that this phone number was among them and that people were reporting calls from this company that were abusive, threatening and that some poor folks had even given them debit/credit cards pmts over the phone.

I will be looking into where I can formally complain but this company appears to be a scam that has excess to personal information, credit reports and possibly Lexus Nexus info. They are relentless and will use shame and fear including relatives, friends and bosses to get you to pay. It's extortion and do not engage with them. Tell your friends, family and co-workers what is happening to ward off these predators psychological games.

If you KNOW you owe no money, or believe the call was from a fake debt collector, please take the time to read this:
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0258-fake-debt-collectors

They are indeed calling family members and using very intimidating tack ticks that honestly sound scarey even to me please be ware they totally sound like criminals that do have some of my info and are using that to extort 4 times more the amount I owed company which originally was Advance America

so I received a message from a man claiming he was Tom Richards and that I needed to call this number to stop him from serving me paperwork at my work or home. I have had these calls before and ignored them. The next day he called my work and asked for my supervisor. I immediately picked up and he told me I needed to call this number or he would be serving me today. SO I called and they told me I owed money from some loan from 5 years ago and I needed to make payment arrangements or face being served. I went to my manager and advised her these calls were starting again. Then the next day I got a call from someone else from a different company stating they were calling about another loan. The man was trying to be very nice but when I refused to make any payment arrangements he became very irritable and mean so I hung up. I will be going to the police with these phone numbers and file a complaint.

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/