877-901-3228

Someone identifying as a law firm looking for Frank Jones keeps calling my number.  Number showing is 877-901-3228.  I have returned call twice to advise them that the number they are calling is NOT "Frank Jones" they apologize and say they will remove my number from file; however, it sounds fishy.  Anyone else being called by this #?

For at least the last year, an illegal group of debt collectors have been terrorizing consumers, their family, friends, and employees threatening to arrest the individual of an unpaid loan or other debt (their generally don't even owe). Be aware debt is a civil matter, not a criminal matter, and you can't be arrested. They threaten a warrant if the victim does not pay a sum of money by the credit card over the phone.

Some of the people they are calling do not owe a debt.  Others they are calling have already settled their debt with the organization who owns the accounts. Even if you do owe a debt, do not be deceived by the actions of this group.  Many of the accounts they are attempting to collect they do not own.  In other words, if you pay these people, that is not going to clear your debt with its rightful owner.  

Although when pressed the callers give the victim an address in Columbia South Carolina (usually a vacant lot),  Atlanta GA (often a parking lot near the bus station or a Peachtree Road Address) or Phoenix AZ.  They are actually out of the Charlotte North Carolina area. The scammers are using the following business names (and there are many others, and they seem to create new ones daily).  They will normally answer the call back number as “Investigations”.  They often call people with a recording claiming they are looking for a "defendant"

Kaplan and Associates
Collins and Stern
Schuman, Walker, & Associates
Kaplan, Stein, & Associates
KS & Associates
Lyman & Turner
Burns & Stevens
HD & Associates
Richardson Simms and Associates
Johnston & Moore
Holland, Dempsey, and Associates
Hughes and Berkeley
RJ Financial LLC
Ondrick and Miles
Anderson & Banker Mediation or Pre-Trial Litigators
Reynolds, Hill, and Associates
Berkley and Associates
Kaufmann and Associates
Sanderson Blaine & Associates
Blaine and Associates
McKenzie Reid Associates
Kennedy, Kline, & Associates
Nationwide Asset and Recovery
Piedmont Investigations and Procurement
Raffino, Garrison, & McCoy
Greenman, Schwartz & Associates
McCoy Law Group
Salem Associates
Reynolds and Associates
Ryan, Carter and Fields
Berman, Maxwell and associates
DOF Investigations
Vaughn & Associates
Bailey Rowe and Associates
Berkley Hughes and Associates


Here is a set of links to a variety of threads on this forum that document this group and its behavior. They include the experiences of victims as well as a former employee or two that quit within a week of finding out exactly what was going on. They also include responses from consumer advocates and people who are really criminal justice professionals advising victims of what to do

https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-748-8367
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-719-1725
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-676-3492
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-805-5549
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-751-1084
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-803-2349
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-775-2417
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-775-2418
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-755-3417
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-746-3946
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-676-3485
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-966-3768
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-699-9749/2
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-966-6246
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-678-5437
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-967-0061
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-746-3948
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-791-2353
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-699-6246
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-735-8624
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-751-1083
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-736-3678/2
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-966-8529
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-967-2633
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-460-1576
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-609-3074
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-866-576-6210
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-601-5849
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-866-230-1283
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-658-0438
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-510-9327
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-509-0338
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-866-803-0755
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-511-0627
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-509-3033
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-509-0339
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-511-0631
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-866-883-2350/2
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-244-3381
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-512-0269
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-295-9550
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-966-6277
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-511-4248
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-725-5312
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-756-9997
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-512-1278
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-512-0531
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-512-0273
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-719-5041
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-791-9102
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-512-400-2637
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-585-730-6153
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-512-1712
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-800-657-1430
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-643-7815
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-860-3119
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-860-2973
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-831-4161
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-316-3547
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-714-134-4576
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-948-4460
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-415-1851
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-678-389-6196
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-584-6184
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-210-239-1791
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-844-245-7180
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-415-1287
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-440-210-9666/2
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-455-6485
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-425-201-0376
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-393-3515
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-406-272-8763
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-393-0743
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-408-9651
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-254-0813
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-727-260-5017
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-330-849-2731
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-480-270-8627
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-393-4321
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-706-913-1607
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-815-221-4220
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-206-858-9167
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-800-929-4493
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-230-3803
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-526-3182
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-408-9654
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-760-314-6294
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-994-3546
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-972-317-9700
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-210-625-5450
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-410-220-0297
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-307-224-6087
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-712-202-5902
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-602-753-1237
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-608-299-7037
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-937-347-8006
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-513-245-8774
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-702-359-9772
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-253-275-4704

I have been receiving daily calls ( showing a local number ) goes to voice mail and its half automated stating my social security number and or driver's license number is part of a lawsuit and that I need to call the "Plaintiff" directly at 877-901-3228 immediately or I will default and a bench warrant will be served . I don't have anything I am on default with . It also claims they are calling for a Martin Riley (attorney) . It's fishy but scary at same time. I haven't called back as I didn't know what kind of scam this could be . Any suggestions? Greatly appreciated! !

The number they're calling from is +1-208-917-5706 which is a Boise, Idaho number but asks me to call the 877-901-3228 I don't live in Boise but I do live in Idaho. They've been calling for weeks now ,I have automatic call block for unknown numbers (go straight to voice mail) because thus isn't the first scam I've had calling me on my cell phone. I've registered with the do not call registry yet I continue to get these. Very frustrating

Absolute scam.  Warrants are only issued on the basis of probable cause that the person named has committed a crime.  Judges only issue warrants  to duly constituted law enforcement officers and warrants are only served by duly constituted law enforcement officers.  Warrants are only issued in the case of crimes.  A "plaintiff" is a party i n a civil law suit.   No warrants are issued in ordinary civil lawsuits.  A default in a civil case can lead to a default judgment and that is all.  But of course no civil vase has been filed.  These people are deliberately trying to confuse  and scare you and make you think that there is some sort of crime involved.  Ignore them.   SSNs and DL numbers are generally not part of any ordinary civil suit.  IF they have a valid debt against you then they are supposed to send you a debt validation letter by US mail.  E-mail no good.  Of course they won't do this because they are basically scammers and don't want you to know their address.  

These people ID themselves as KS and Associates.  KS and Associates have a long history of debt scamming on 800notes.com.  You can look them up on the 800notes index page.  

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, 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.

For all who have been targeted by this "organization", since this group is actually operating out of the Charlotte area, the proper local jurisdiction to file police reports would be the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/CMPD/Pages/default.aspx

You can make a report by telephone - If calling outside the Mecklenburg County, the Non-Emergency Crime Reporting: 704-336-7600

You can also make a police report online at
http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/CMPD/Pages/ReportACrime.aspx

Several phone messages left from an "Investigator Mark Reilly" demanding I call 877-901-3228. No company name but informing me essentially that I am in some kind of serious criminally-related trouble. 'Tries to sound very official and powerful, with docket number, intimidation tactics, etc., but aside from knowing I haven't done anything to break any law, this kind of communication is not the way the legal system or the courts work. I wish these scammers wouldn't have it so easy calling people and harassing them in their own homes and workplaces. Maybe when enough people complain and have lost significant amounts of time and/or money to these crooks, the government will start to focus more fully on locating, investigating, and convicting the sources.  

They have left me five or six messages on my work phone as well for a "Steve Barnes," obviously not my name. They are getting more and more aggressive - now talking about bench warrants.  I have not returned any of their calls, but agree they should be stopped. I was initially alarmed and I can imagine if you don't have access to internet, etc., you would definitely be taken in by their tactics.

Any interested parties can find out about the companies (and their ringleaders) that are behind these calls.

RJ Financial
https://800notes.com/forum/ta-9e81ddc1f9993a2/ ... 8-512-1385-1278

Capital Solutions
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-577-5022

Got a call from this same number.  Told me to call and have my lawyer to call as well gave me a ref # and said that the plaintiff is putting a claim against my name and soc sec. number.  Scam...

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/