866-341-1296

I got a call from unknown saying to call 866-341-1296 on 9/16/22

I received a similar message to call an attorney at this #. Can you be more specific as to WHAT they said exactly? Thanks

You can hope and pray that person stops back to answer you or you can do the intelligent thing and post what they told you.  Then you might get some advice.  Your choice.

I received a call from a private number. The person said they were a processor and tried to deliver documents to me. They stated my address, SSN and DOB to try to prove it was not a scam. He said an attorney is trying to contact me and I need to call James Harris at 866-341-1296. I asked him why can't the attorney just call me, just like you did and he said attorneys are busy. He said it relates to a civil matter but he had no more information. I haven't decided if I'm going to call or not. I told him I am extremely skeptical and don't understand why I need to call someone about something I know nothing about

Hi William, did you call or find out any more details?

Doesn't look like "William" wanted any help but you posted enough of the call for me to figure out that this is what it is:

The fake process server/location finder extortion SCAM usually consists of the following:

They mention that they have received a Fax document or some sort of complaint and that there is a pending legal matter or action about to filed against you to create the sense of urgency. They tell you that they are a “process server” and cannot give you the particulars of the case since the file is sealed. This is simply ruse to get you to call another number (often with a made-up case number) where they will ask for money to “make it go away” (this is actually the same place, they work in teams, one pretending to be the server, and the other usually pretends to be a lawyer). They threaten to serve you at home or at work. They tell you that if they serve you at work then they will need a supervisor, security, or HR person there as a witness, hoping that will cause you to panic over the alleged embarrassment of being served at work. They also tell you that you will need two forms of ID. None of which is true. Process servers do not ever call ahead so that you can dodge them. Process servers get paid to serve papers, nothing else. They certainly are not going to pass up a paycheck by telling you that you can avoid being served, they are not going to give you an extra day or even a few hours to get a “stop order”. Court documents are time sensitive and must be served within a certain amount of time. Remember that you can always call the local courthouse to see if there really is a lawsuit that has been filed against you.

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, email, or text (postmarked in the case of a letter) within 5 days of their first contact that contains their name, physical address, the creditor’s name, and the amount of the alleged debt. Unless they have communicated it to you verbally at the beginning of your conversation. It also must contain the “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 communication 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 communication 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

I would not advise calling but if you do

Whenever someone tells you that they are a "lawyer" or that they work for a lawyer or law firm, the first question you should ask is what state(s) they are registered in and their BAR number for that/those state(s).  Then go to that state and check them out, contact them directly using the information in the state registration, as these crooks have been known to research real law firm names and attorney names and impersonate them.

They said that they had my number as a contact for my mom and they could not reach her and were trying to serve her some court papers to appear in court. When I called back with the fake case number the lady said that she was an answering service but would not tell me who she was answering for. So I told her that I was contacting my local police department with the voice-mail and fake case number. She hung up and blocked me.

Yep, Just had the same experience as many others did today. Received a call from a blocked number pretending to be a process server. Why would someone trying to serve you papers call you a head of time? I knew this was fishy. Came here to find out that this is indeed a scam. Asking me to call James Harris at 866-341-1296. I asked how I could call this guy back in case I can't reach Mr. Harris and he gave me his name as Richard Thomas at 347-800-2050. [***] people.

This number called my brother's ex-wife and left a message for my Father. They reported that they were trying to serve him papers. He called them and said it was a civil case in regards to a credit card. Definitely a scam. Block the number. Report it.

I received a message on 9/12 while I was driving back from an unknown number.  The message stated that it was an urgent call for my father.  The caller name was Victoria Lynn from the Kings County Process Office due to being unable to deliver legal documents at address in record for my father.  Further, it stated to have my father contact the attorney that was handling his case to avoid further legal issues.  The attorney's name given was Debra Williams and to contact her at 866-341-1296 before 11 am the next day. I actually filed a complain with FTC, since I recognize that it was a scam call gear towards seniors. My brother also received a call a couple of days later about the same thing and he answered.  He just stated to them that he is going to pass on message to my father which he did not because it felt the call was suspicious.  He actually check with my mother who told him that I had received a call as well.  Please report this scam to the FTC and the State Attorneys General's office as previously suggested.

Called my wife and said they we’re trying to serve papers for a lawsuit on a credit card. And to call 866-341-1296. So my wife did call and they said they were attempting to collect a debt of $12,000 dollars. But would settle today if she paid $1500.00. My wife was frantic trying to pay them when I came in and asked what was going on? My wife historical and crying by this point, tried to explain. So I took the phone and asked who I was speaking with, the women rattled of something, something and something, attorney at law. And explained if I did not pay they would levy the full debt amount against us. I told her you half-to affirm any debt to me. And to go ahead and serve the papers to me. It’s been over two months and nothing. We have never had a credit card with that kind of buying power. What can you even do to stop this other than report. My guess is the are still calling and collecting from poor scared people.