888-221-5155

That # is from a Law Firm Sullivan, Dupre & Aldous

not relevant to me

supposedly an attorney...doesn't leave an indication as to what it is regarding, just says they "need a call back".

Collecting on old medical debts.  Make sure you are the right person and that they are collecting on a current debt.  Know the statue of limitations in your state.

Staed he was Steve Brown / an attorney and needs a call back.

Stated he was Larry and needed a call back.

I haven't had any medical procedures at all, not even a doctor's visit.

This phone number, 888-221-5155, is a SCAM.  This phone number is from a fake company called “Aldous & Associates, P.L.L.C.,” and the caller demands your credit card information over the phone, claiming that you breached a contract for a corporate service agreement.

On Tuesday, April 24th, 2012, I received a call from “Jim,” who left a voicemail message on my cell phone, stating that he was representing an attorney’s office and requested that I call him back, at 888-221-5155.  He did not state the reason for the call.

On Wednesday, April 25th, I called the number and spoke with Jim.  This was our conversation:

Me: Hi, my name is _____ and I’m returning your call.  Can I ask what this issue is in regards to?

Jim: My name is Jim and I’m calling on behalf of Aldous & Associates.  We’re calling because we’re trying to collect a debt from you, for breaching a 2-year contract with Diamond Wireless.

Me: That’s odd.  I never signed a contract with Diamond Wireless.

Jim: Actually, you did.  We have a copy of the contract, with your signature and initials.  

Me: No, I bought a USB wireless modem from Amazon.com, and went to a Verizon store at a shopping mall in Milpitas.  I was surprised to find a third-party retailer named “Diamond Wireless” handling my Verizon service, but all I signed was an agreement to buy their SIM card and activate my USB modem.  At no point did I sign a contract – in fact, the reason why I bought the modem hardware from Amazon rather than Verizon in the first place, was to AVOID service contracts – and I was reassured multiple times that I was NOT signing a contract.

Jim: You DID sign a contract, it’s stated in fine print and you need to pay the delinquent $200 today, or you’ll be charged $60 per day for attorneys’ fees, in addition to the $200, for each additional day that this account is not paid in full.  If you take care of this account today, I can waive the other attorneys’ fees, and this issue will be resolved.  All I need is your credit card information - - -

Me: And what if I DON’T pay?

Jim: Then you’ll be reported to the credit bureau agencies and your credit will be damaged for SEVEN YEARS, and we’ll file a civil lawsuit against you.

Me: If you file a lawsuit against me, will I be able to contest this in court, before a judge?

Jim: Yes, but you won’t win.

Me: How do YOU know?  I purchased this wireless service IN GOOD FAITH, thinking that I was buying a service from Verizon, NOT “Diamond Wireless.”  Furthermore, I NEVER signed a contract.  I don’t believe you’re legitimate.

Jim: We ARE legitimate.  We have a website that you can check out.

Me:  What is your name?

Jim: My name is Jim.

Me: And what is the name of your law office?

Jim: Aldous & Associates.

Me: Spell that for me.

Jim: Aldous, A-L-D-O-U-S.

Me: Well I have to do research and find the facts and get more information, before I make any decisions.

Jim: Look, you signed a contract with Diamond Wireless!  We have your social security number, your date of birth, we have ALL the information about you!  We will track you down and you will be held accountable for all attorneys fees, and your credit report will be damaged for SEVEN YEARS, unless you make a payment over the phone today!  Now if you just give me your credit card number --

Me: I am NOT making ANY financial transactions over the phone!  Everything that you’re telling me right now, you need to put it in WRITING, and send it to my mailbox.

Jim: We already have.  We sent a letter to your home address a few days ago and it should be in your mailbox right now.

Me: What is the phone number for Diamond Wireless?  I need to talk to them, to straighten this out.

Jim:  I don’t have their number.

Me: Let me get this straight – you’re an attorney’s office, representing a client, and you don’t know your client’s phone number?

Jim: I’m....not allowed to give it to you.

Me: That’s not true.  Every alleged perpetrator has the right to confront his or her accuser.  So I want to confront Diamond Wireless on this, because this is complete bullsh*t.  If we go to court on this, how long will it take, before we get to see a judge?

Jim: Fourteen days.

Me: Well then I guess I’ll see you in court. <I hung up on Jim>


I immediately called Verizon and Diamond Wireless, who both confirmed that I never signed a contract with them, and I do not owe them a single penny.  Neither Verizon or Diamond Wireless knew who Aldous & Associates was, nor why they contacted me.

Today, April 26, 2012, I received a letter in my mailbox from Aldous & Associates.  The letter is printed on cheap, recycled paper, with large, noticeable printing toner ink streaks running down the entire page.  It reads:

“My name
My home address
Date
Fake account number
‘Agreement with Diamond Wireless’

Delinquent balance: $200.00
Pending service fee: $60
TOTAL DUE TODAY: $200.00

Dear ___________,

This law firm has been retained by Diamond Wireless to collect the full accelerated balance as a result of your defaulted retail installment contract with the Company.  Formal demand is hereby made upon you for immediate debt resolution upon your receipt of this letter.  Diamond Wireless is the original creditor of this debt.

Unless you notify this office within thirty days after receiving this notice that you dispute the validity of this debt or any portion hereof, this office will assume this debt is valid.  If you notify this office in writing within thirty (30) days from receiving this notice that you dispute the validity of this debt or any portion thereof, this office will obtain verification of the debt or obtain a copy of a judgment and mail you a copy of such judgment or verification.  If you request this office in writing within thirty (30) days after receiving this notice this office will provide you with the name and address of the original creditor, if different from the current creditor.

In accordance with the terms of your contract, a service fee will be added to your delinquent balance if the debt is not resolved promptly.  A negative credit report reflecting on your credit record may be submitted to a credit reporting agency if you fail to fulfill the terms of your credit obligations.  

Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.  Mailed checks are to be paid to the order of: Aldous & Associates, P.L.L.C.

Sincerely,

Aldous & Associates, P.L.L.C. – Attorneys at Law
Toll Free: 1.888.221.5155

THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT.  ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.  THIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR.

Our attorneys are admitted to practice in one or more of the following: Louisiana, Utah.  Visit www.aldouslegal.com for more information.  Se habla espanol.”


Tonight, I called Verizon and blocked the phone number, 888-221-5155, from my cell phone so that I will no longer receive harassing calls from Aldous & Associates, and waste my time arguing with Jim over a fraudulent charge.  

Additionally, I am sending my response to Aldous & Associates in the mail:

April 26, 2012

Aldous & Associates, P.L.L.C.
P.O. Box 171374
Holladay, UT 84117

Re: Dispute of Validity for Diamond Wireless Account and Notice to Cease and Desist Communications

Dear Sir or Madam:

I vehemently dispute the validity of this false debt.  I have received confirmation from Diamond Wireless that I have NEVER signed any contracts with them, that the account has been closed for the past 3 months, and I do not owe any money.

Additionally, pursuant to my rights under federal debt collection laws, I am requesting that you cease and desist communication with me, as well as my family and friends, in relation to this and all other alleged debts you claim I owe.

You are hereby notified that if you do not comply with this request, I will immediately file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the California Attorney General’s office. Civil and criminal claims will be pursued.

Sincerely,

xxx



I googled Aldous & Associates’ phone number, 888-221-5155, and found this website, which confirmed my suspicion that Aldous & Associates is a SCAM.  I am exposing Aldous & Associates, in hopes of preventing others from falling victim to their evil deeds.  DO NOT GIVE YOUR CREDIT CARD NUMBER, OR ANY BANKING/ FINANCIAL INFORMATION, TO ALDOUS & ASSOCIATES.

Very same thing happened to my daughter. She returned a modem to Diamond Wireless. They did not process the return correctly. The rep that called was very rudy and called my daughter a liar- very very rude. Took multiple calls to Diamond Wireless retail store and to the corp. office to clear. Time will tell if this "attorney" will keep calling.

Yep same thing here.  Who at Diamond Wireless is giving them peopleʻs personal data?  I got scammed at a mall store here on Maui.  The collectors called me at 5:45am.
Verizon at "611" has no outstanding balance with me after they corrected a service I did not ask for and cancelled past charges which were wrongly billed to me.  Something fishy is going on it appears.
Who is Jeffrey N. Aldous?

I got a call from a "Chuck" from aldous & associates today and twice before over the past 3 months. Their website says they handle debt collection specifically on behalf of fitness locations for customers who are in breach of contract. I have yet to call them back and now am worried based on what I have read above. I cant stand scams.

They call everyday its annoying and idk what too doo Soo idk if I should just pay my bill threw Verizon

I got a letter in the mail a few weeks ago from Aldous & Associates claiming that I broke my contract with Go Wireless by canceling my service early (which I paid an arm and a leg for) and never returned my 4G Internet Device. When I call I first spoke to Jim. At first he was relatively nice and explained that when I bought the device i signed two contracts, one with Verizon for the actually service and one with Go Wireless for the device. According to Jim I signed both contracts. This is where he began to get extremely rude because I told him I had no such contract, I only have proof of the Verizon service contract. He told me that I had to pay my balance for breaking my device contract with GO Wireless and I owed them $260 from OVER A YEAR AGO! I asked Jim if GO Wireless needed this money from me, or even the device, why is this the first time in over a year that someone has tried contacting me? Jim said that Go Wireless did not have the internal "help" for keeping track and collecting debt so they had just hired Aldous & Associates a month prior. This to me seemed very fishy.

So like any NORMAL person would do, I asked them for proof. He said he could absolutely do it but I would get it in about a week. I told him "fine" and that once I got it I would pay the $260. He began to "firmly" tell me that if I did not pay today that I would get charged an extra $78. This sounded ridiculous to me so I told him I didn't "get paid" until Friday so I couldn't. He told me that's fine, but in order for me not to get charged an extra attorney's fee I would at least need to set up a payment plan or if I didn't pay at all they would take legal actions and it would ruin my credit. I refused to pay and asked for proof, once I got the proof I would gladly pay. Jim told me it was company "policy" that if they get in touch with someone, or if you call them they need to set up a payment plan, or pay in full, right then and there or they get charged more money. (DO NOT LISTEN TO THEM!)

Two days later I received "proof" through email. Indeed it was a contract with all my information on it, the Go Wireless information as well as the sales persons information. It clearly stated that if I broke my agreement before 180 I would either need to return the device or pay $200. HOWEVER, at the very bottom of the contact where it says "customer signature" I NEVER SIGNED IT!

So of course I called them back. This time I spoke with Chuck (major [***]!). He was UNBELIEVABLY rude. He called me a liar and said I was an unlawful citizen that wont uphold to the contract I signed. I told him I wanted proof of my signature on a contract. Chuck told me they sent me proof. I explained to him that "yes you sent me the contract with my information, but my signature is not on it, meaning I NEVER SIGNED IT!"  He proceeded to tell me they had my signature as proof. Again, I told him I would gladly pay my debt if they would send me proof of the contract with my signature. At this point we began to go in circles because all he kept telling me was "we send you proof!" and all I kept saying was "you sent a contract that does not have my signature on it, I want to see my signature!" Chuck then began to tell me that I can believe whatever I want but they have my signature from an electronic signature pad. I told him "totally fine. Send me that proof of signature and I will pay." He YELLED "WE SET YOU PROOF!"...again circles and circles because this guy couldn't prove [***]. After about a five minute yell match and going in circles Chuck called me a liar, told me they were taking legal actions, and told me this would ruin my credit and hung up on me....

From there I called Verizon as well as Go Wireless. Verizon said that it sounded odd and if I asked for proof of signature, whether it was on paper or electronic signature, they legally need to send it to me, However if they don't and it still affect my credit I have the only proof they sent me that shows I never signed anything. Go Wireless was useless. The first time I called they told me someone would call me back in 24/48 hours. The second time I called I spoke to a guy who was very nice who I thought wanted to me help. He told me he had to transfer me to his supervisor, instead he transferred me to a wrong number. Sketchy! I have yet to hear back from anyone.....
THIS PLACE IS A SCAM!

Thank you for taking the time to explain what happened to you.  We just got a call on our answering machine from the same Aldous and Ass.   It was very suspicious so I searched the phone number.  And  all the information came up about the scam reported by you and many others.

ARMYGirl - The EXACT thing just happened to me. Almost word for word.  With the exception of it being GoWireless that is trying to collect the debt, and Verizon Wireless being the service provider. I did the same thing you did, and per Verizon Wirelss all early termination fees have been paid, the service has been disconnected with no balance owing! The disconnect was done in November of 2011 and I have not received any sort of notification of this supposed debt until yesterday (9/24/12).  I asked the guy at Aldous & Assoicates to fax a copy of this mysterious "signed GoWireless Contract" that he says I signed.  It's been 2 hours and so far, no fax from Aldous & Associates.  Hmmmmm, could it be there is no contract?  I think so!
I hope you don't mind, I'm going to "borrow" your letter and alter it to fit my situation and forward it to them.  I'm so glad I did an internet search and found this blog!
Thanks!!

NOIdiot

They are legitimate. I owed money for a final gym bill after moving. The lawyers work with the companies that send your bills to them. Issues are best addressed to the company that you are working with. The lawyers will not be able to assist you with disputing the legitimacy of the claim with the company who you entered into contract with (fairly or not).

Hi,

I was wondering what happened here? We just got the same crap letter sent.  A year goes by after terminate with Verizon and, poof, we get this letter saying we owe them money.  No signature on any contract with Go Wireless

Same happened to me, and I replied back to them using the above letter template.  Waiting for their response.

Same scam going on on Maui.
Same Aldous Associate letter.
I'm going to send along to the Hawaii
Attorney General's office to investigate
and expose what feels like
contract entrapment. I canceled service
within the two-week time period, and
now Aldous is claiming I defaulted
on the Verizon/Diamond Wireless.
These types of business scams
Must come under FCC.

You confirmed my suspicions and prevented me from being scvammedf, thank you! The ambient of $100 is easy toy pay when you feel the weigh of the harassment ad stress anD the BS. You migh go through otherwise.
Good. Scam thourgh, it's very probable everyone has seen the additional veurizon etc contracts every time you do any newgv transaction with any cell company anymore extending your contract.
Again, thanks.

So I'm very curious about everyone here blogging. What city and state are you in? Sue M asked a good question, how are these people getting our info?
It might be safe to say that so many people have Verizon they will hit and miss 50/50 of those whom have a had service with them before.
On the other hand I'm in the Denver area, if all you out there are also in this area it might also be safe to say that our personal info is being provided by someone locally. I personally have only den to three Verizon stores in my life which might narrow this down, again providing all you are in this same area?