888-589-7145

THEY ARE NOTHING BUT CROOKS - NO LAWSUITS - NO ARRESTS ETC..

PROTECT YOURSELF!  IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU MUST READ – HOW THE SCAM WORKS AND WHAT AGENCIES TO REPORT THEM TO

LONG RUNNING AND KNOWN SCAM – ALL OVER INTERNET AND NEWS FOR  2 YEARS NOW


Fake Debt Collectors – Terrorizing Consumers

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=5621205&page=1


MORE ON FAKE DEBT COLLECTORS
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-904-425-9141
http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/call4action/17285785/detail.html
http://www.800helpfla.com/newsletter/2008/092008.html
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2010/01/ks_debt_collection.html  

http://consumeraffairs.com/news04/2010/07/video_bill_collector_scam.html  NEWEST CONSUMER ALERT ABOUT THIS SCAM WITH VIDEO!  

http://www.wvago.gov/internetloanscam.cfm
If you are targeted by these criminals, be sure to report them to all the following federal and state law enforcement agencies (most of which you can do online or over the phone):
1.    The U.S. Secret Service is responsible for protecting the country's financial infrastructure and payment systems from international and domestic threats. Call or write your local Secret Service field office to alert them to the details of this attempted extortion. The addresses and phone numbers for the local Secret Service field offices are listed at http://www.secretservice.gov/field_offices.shtml or in your phone book.
2.    Alert the FBI at https://tips.fbi.gov Be sure to tell the FBI that you are being targeted by extortionists over the phone. And if the crooks claim to be law enforcement or lawyers, officers of the court or bankers, be sure to include that information in your report.
3.    File a complaint with your local police. Most police departments will take a report over the phone.  Be sure to tell them that you're being targeted by an extortionist and give them all the details.
4.    File a complaint your state's attorney general, the contact information for whom is at www.wvago.gov
5.    File a complaint online with The Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/FTC_Wizard.aspx?Lang=en
If these crooks call back, promise them nothing, pay them nothing and tell them nothing other than that you know they're a scam and that you've reported them to law enforcement. (And be sure to report them to all the agencies above each time they call you.)

By the way, here's just a small sample of numbers used by this particular group of scammers. Read the reports and you'll see the same pattern time and again -- phony organization names, thick foreign accents, and oddly worded threats that are so melodramatic and ridiculous that it's laughable:


https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-771-9249   Scammer posting here as GARY and GARRY JONES
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-866-860-4509   Scammer posting here as Mike Henderson
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-212-500-0839   Scammer posting here as Ricky
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-201-244-7722   Scammer posting as Carole, David Brown and Amanda
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-626-200-4646   Scammer false postings at this new number as silshan kanniue and Tina – preparing a new number to use.
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-424-354-4270   Scammer false postings as Rose
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-785-4479   Scammer posting as Robert
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-909-327-4870   Scammer false postings as Marry
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-646-274-1143   Scammer false postings as Karen Miller, Chichi and Tom Little
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-561-300-8018   Scammer false postings as Marco Polo (real original)
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-226-7488   Scammer false postings as SAM, David S
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-706-7463   Scammer false postings as George
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-209-349-7382   Scammer false postings as Towanda Robinson, Shannon Walsh, Jack Dawson and Cynthia
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-760-514-0132   scammer false postings as Suzy01, Johanna Hall, Cindie McMellon, Michael Dublin, Mark Williams, Carol and Rio   (800notes removed some of the scammers posts because the all came from the SAME IP ADDRESS)
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-209-797-2212   scammer false posting as Jaison Connar
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-707-401-4056   Scammer false posting as John Carner, KSR
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-650-241-4604   Scammer false postings as jhon and Kevin
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-708-401-0535   Scammer false posting here as JHON
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-518-212-0219  Scammer false posting as Prince Christian, Arpit
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-718-705-8669  Scammer false postings as Alicia
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-707-633-2789  Scammer false postings as Rojer, Minni, Rhone, Smith, Lisa Jack, Julie, Sean, and Carol. – preparing a new number to use to steal money
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-205-294-6271  Scammer false posting as Thomas Jhonson
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-661-263-4011  Scammer false posting –ILLEGALLY claiming to be an attorney Charles F Robinson
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-321-684-4117  Scammer false posing as Harry Patt
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-518-565-0306  Scammer false posting as Wellvishers
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-678-791-4673  Scammer false posting as Sherrie Ann and Elvine Buris

Scam alert: Bogus debt collectors
By Leslie McFadden • Bankrate.com
Monday, Aug. 3
Posted 2 p.m.
Bankrate reporter Leslie McFadden contributed this entry.
This scam isn't technically about credit cards, but it is scary enough to post a warning. The Better Business Bureau issued an alert today saying consumers across the country are getting phone calls from bogus debt collectors claiming default on a payday loan. Of course, the consumer needs to pay a large fee to avoid arrest -- as much as $1,000.
The caller poses as a lawyer, and may threaten extradition to face trial if the consumer doesn't pay up immediately.
What makes these calls alarming -- and perhaps convincing -- is that the perpetrators reference the consumer's personal information, such as the person's Social Security number, driver's license number, previous bank account numbers, home address -- even personal references.
"The amount of information they have is really troubling," says BBB spokeswoman Alison Southwick. She adds that the amount of data points to a possible security breach.
Spread the word to your friends and family: Don't give out personal or financial information to an unknown caller. Scammers can spoof Caller ID to display different numbers, so trust your instincts over technology.
The BBB offers these tips:
•    Ask the debt collector to provide official documentation which substantiates the debt.
•    Do not provide or confirm any bank account, credit card or other personal information over the phone until you have confirmed the legitimacy of the call.
•    File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission online if the caller is abusive, uses threats or otherwise violates federal telemarketing laws or the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
•    File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau online if you believe a debt collector is trying to scam you.

This was the message:  Michelle  Harris Investigator with One Step Above Investigative Services.  Calling about a John Jackowitz, regarding a civil matter filed in our office. Case Number: cjj1534c                     ph# 18885897145x125.  I returned the call and told them they are calling the wrong number, which they were.  No such person here by that name.  They didn't question me about anything.  Hope it helps you all.

Heh! I love it!!!

I rec'd a call from these nitwits as well (still determining whether to call them back and have some fun with them or not). A woman posing as "Investigator Deidre Stone" left the same spiel on my cellular phone's voicemail. Heck, the case number was ONE LETTER OFF from the one listed above.

Amazing. Bottom-feeder debt collectors will try any tactic they can - illegal or not.

BTW - this company collects for MTE, an unlicensed payday loan issuer.  I wish I had an address for One Step Beyond - but more than likely, they're based out of Buffalo, NY.

THey call for someone who does not live here. They call daily. Annoying

Spoke to a Ms. Williams yesterday. Asked that they send me info to validate the said debt and all they sent me was this:

ONE STEP BEYOND FINANCIAL INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES
1227 ROCKBRIDGE RD #208
STONE MOUNTAIN, GA 30087
PHONE: (888)589-7145

my name & address


8/17/2010

A PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION

RE:  FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

ORIGINAL CREDITOR.....................
CLIENT ACCOUNT #........................
CASE #.............................................
SETTLEMENT AMOUNT..................
INVESTIGATOR…………………….KATHY WILLIAMS


In an effort to liquidate the balance of the above reference account, we have been authorized to offer you a negotiable settlement. This will be accepted as full and final payment. You will be released from all claims and liabilities associated with this account. This communication only reflects the settlement amount. Upon successful receipt of all funds, correspondence indicating your settlement and release from the aforementioned debt will be mailed to the above address. Furthermore, this account will be removed from all three major credit bureaus. This arrangement is NULL AND VOID IF NOT PAID ACCORDINGLY.

Information obtained will be used for the purpose of recovering the above mentioned account balance.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact us toll free at (888)589-7145.

Sincerely,


Samantha Stevens
Client Relations

is it just me or is this just a settlement letter from them. Nothing about the original debt at all.
Wonder what I should do now.

They can't do jack crap. I had a similar issue with another agency that badgered me for 6 months until they apparently gave up. I wonder if they sold the debt to this agency, as they're calling me now with the same game.

Do you know what's funny here?

The address that was given to you was for a party supply store....

And "Samantha Stevens"?? Seriously?? What, was someone watching old reruns of "Bewitched"?

Such asshats!!!

I got a call from these idiots yesterday. The lady said that her name was Monica Jones. After talking to her for about 1 minute, I told her that this was a scam. Everything that she said sounded fake. She said that the company is called "One Step Above." Come on now, my 5 year old could've made up a better name than that. Then she said that my account number is cjjc563.  She was very unprofessional and she called me a "[***]."  PLEASE.....DO NOT GIVE THESE PEOPLE YOUR MONEY. THEY ARE A BUNCH OF CROOKS.

These idiots called our business phone yesterday and left a message looking for someone named Jamie Smith. She said "this is  Investigator Williams and I am  currently conducting an investigation on Jamie Smith. It is imperative that Miss Smith get in contact with my office to address these allegations.  If she doesn't contact my office this could lead to lead to legal proceedings. My office number is  888-589-7145 ext 123." She said to refer to reference number JTC447B when "Jamie called back".  I called the number and told them they called my business number, there is no Jamie Smith that works here and never has been and probably never will be. The person who answered sounded like she thought I was lying and asked for my phone numbers so they could "delete" them from the files.  Gee, I wonder how long it will be before they call with the same type of message for me and/or my husband. It really isn't that difficult to trace a number to find out who it belongs to!  Also, when did bottom feeding, scum of the earth dept collectors get the official title of "Investigator" and what kind of training did they get?

DEMAND validation of this debt! They are breaking the law by not only refusing to validate it, but also by continuing to harass you for payment as well:

809.  Validation of debts   [15 USC 1692g]

(a) Within five days after the initial communication with a consumer in connection with the collection of any debt, a debt collector shall, unless the following information is contained in the initial communication or the consumer has paid the debt, send the consumer a written notice containing --

(1) the amount of the debt;

(2) the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed;

(3) a statement that unless the consumer, within thirty days after receipt of the notice, disputes the validity of the debt, or any portion thereof, the debt will be assumed to be valid by the debt collector;

(4) a statement that if the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, the debt collector will obtain verification of the debt or a copy of a judgment against the consumer and a copy of such verification or judgment will be mailed to the consumer by the debt collector; and

(5) a statement that, upon the consumer's written request within the thirty-day period, the debt collector will provide the consumer with the name and address of the original creditor, if different from the current creditor.

(b) If the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period described in subsection (a) that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, or that the consumer requests the name and address of the original creditor, the debt collector shall cease collection of the debt, or any disputed portion thereof, until the debt collector obtains verification of the debt or any copy of a judgment, or the name and address of the original creditor, and a copy of such verification or judgment, or name and address of the original creditor, is mailed to the consumer by the debt collector.

(c) The failure of a consumer to dispute the validity of a debt under this section may not be construed by any court as an admission of liability by the consumer.

http://www.fair-debt-collection.com/rules/fair-debt-collection-act.html#809

Let them know that you are giving them ONE final oppportunity to validate this debt before you turn them over to the authorities and take them to court. Send this letter VIA certfied mail with return receipt requested:


Today's Date

Your Name
Your Address

Collector's Name
Collector's Address

VIA CERTIFIED MAIL

Dear Collector,

I am writing in response to your {letter or phone call} dated {insert date of letter or phone call}, copy enclosed.

On {insert date of initial dispute letter} I sent you a letter explaining that I do not believe I owe what you say I owe and, in accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 USC 1692g, Section 809(b): Validating Debts:

(b) If the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period described in subsection (a) that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, or that the consumer requests the name and address of the original creditor, the debt collector shall cease collection of the debt, or any disputed portion thereof, until the debt collector obtains verification of the debt or any copy of a judgment, or the name and address of the original creditor, and a copy of such verification or judgment, or name and address of the original creditor, is mailed to the consumer by the debt collector.

I must remind you that in my previous letter I requested the following information:

(1) the amount of the debt;
(2) the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed;
(3) Provide a verification or copy of any judgment (if applicable);
(4) Proof that you are licensed to collect debts in (insert name of your state)
I also requested that if you have reported me to any credit reporting agency, that you inform them that I have placed this debt in dispute and to provide me with proof that you have done so. Furthermore, I asked that you immediately send a copy of that dispute letter to the company (creditor) that you say I owe money so they are also aware of my dispute with this debt.

As of today, you have failed to respond to my requests! For your convenience, I have included a copy of my previous letter and a copy of the mail receipt showing that you received my letter on {insert date from mail receipt}.

Since you have failed to respond I assume that you have been unable to validate the debt and therefore, I consider this matter closed. You may consider this letter your official notification that I do not intend to correspond with you on this matter again unless you comply with my requests, the FDCPA and the FCRA.

I must remind you that any attempt to collect this debt without validating it, violates the FDCPA and that I am recording all phone calls and keeping all correspondence concerning this matter. Be advised that I will not hesitate to report violations of the law to my State Attorney General, the Georgia Governors' Office of Consumer Affairs, the Federal Trade Commission and the national Better Business Bureau.

Signature here
Your Printed Name

http://www.fair-debt-collection.com/Disputing ... up-dispute.html

For more on your consumer rights under the FDCPA, go to:

http://www.fair-debt-collection.com/fair-debt-act.html

ALSO REPORT THEM TO THE ATTORNEY GENERALS!  

Your state Attorney General and GA Attorney General.  (As that was an address provided)

Also check your State Licensing requirements for debt collectors and PAYDAY loans companies
at least 15 states have BANNED PAYDAY loan and collections on those loans

Record calls where you can -

Use the laws they are breaking to FIGHT BACK!  

THE CORRECT WAY TO HANDLE COLLECTION CALLS AND ILLEGAL TACTICS

HANDLE IT CORRECTLY AND THEY WILL END UP PAYING YOU

READ DEALING WITH DEBT COLLECTORS, RECORDING CALLS AND STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS BY STATE

You can also post your questions here http://www.collectorsexposed.com/forum/   NEW URL!    

These links are to attorneys for those being scammed www.naca.net or http://www.consumerjustice.com/consumer/searchattorneys.aspx

Debt Collectors DO NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW THIS INFORMATION!    
The INFORMED CONSUMER IS THE DEBT COLLECTORS WORST ENEMY!

Dealing with Debt Collectors
Http://www.budhibbs.com/First.htm    
    
Statute of Limitations by State – always double check YOUR OWN STATE Government Website
http://www.budhibbs.com/statute_of_limitations.htm

Recording calls from Debt Collectors - always double check YOUR OWN STATE Government Website
http://www.budhibbs.com/record.htm


From Federal Trade Commission Website – FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT
Debt Collection FAQs: A Guide for Consumers
If you’re behind in paying your bills, or a creditor’s records mistakenly make it appear that you are, a debt collector may be contacting you.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices to collect from you.
Under the FDCPA, a debt collector is someone who regularly collects debts owed to others. This includes collection agencies, lawyers who collect debts on a regular basis, and companies that buy delinquent debts and then try to collect them.
Here are some questions and answers about your rights under the Act.

What types of debts are covered?
The Act covers personal, family, and household debts, including money you owe on a personal credit card account, an auto loan, a medical bill, and your mortgage. The FDCPA doesn’t cover debts you incurred to run a business.

Can a debt collector contact me any time or any place?
No. A debt collector may not contact you at inconvenient times or places, such as before 8 in the morning or after 9 at night, unless you agree to it. And collectors may not contact you at work if they’re told (orally or in writing) that you’re not allowed to get calls there.

How can I stop a debt collector from contacting me?
If a collector contacts you about a debt, you may want to talk to them at least once to see if you can resolve the matter – even if you don’t think you owe the debt, can’t repay it immediately, or think that the collector is contacting you by mistake. If you decide after contacting the debt collector that you don’t want the collector to contact you again, tell the collector – in writing – to stop contacting you. Here’s how to do that:
Make a copy of your letter. Send the original by certified mail, and pay for a “return receipt” so you’ll be able to document what the collector received. Once the collector receives your letter, they may not contact you again, with two exceptions: a collector can contact you to tell you there will be no further contact or to let you know that they or the creditor intend to take a specific action, like filing a lawsuit. Sending such a letter to a debt collector you owe money to does not get rid of the debt, but it should stop the contact. The creditor or the debt collector still can sue you to collect the debt.

Can a debt collector contact anyone else about my debt?
If an attorney is representing you about the debt, the debt collector must contact the attorney, rather than you. If you don’t have an attorney, a collector may contact other people – but only to find out your address, your home phone number, and where you work. Collectors usually are prohibited from contacting third parties more than once. Other than to obtain this location information about you, a debt collector generally is not permitted to discuss your debt with anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney.

What does the debt collector have to tell me about the debt?
Every collector must send you a written “validation notice” telling you how much money you owe within five days after they first contact you. This notice also must include the name of the creditor to whom you owe the money, and how to proceed if you don’t think you owe the money.

Can a debt collector keep contacting me if I don’t think I owe any money?
If you send the debt collector a letter stating that you don’t owe any or all of the money, or asking for verification of the debt, that collector must stop contacting you. You have to send that letter within 30 days after you receive the validation notice. But a collector can begin contacting you again if it sends you written verification of the debt, like a copy of a bill for the amount you owe.

What practices are off limits for debt collectors?
Harassment. Debt collectors may not harass, oppress, or abuse you or any third parties they contact. For example, they may not:
    use threats of violence or harm;
    publish a list of names of people who refuse to pay their debts (but they can give this information to the credit reporting companies);
    use obscene or profane language; or
    repeatedly use the phone to annoy someone.

False statements. Debt collectors may not lie when they are trying to collect a debt. For example, they may not:
    falsely claim that they are attorneys or government representatives;
    falsely claim that you have committed a crime;
    falsely represent that they operate or work for a credit reporting company;
    misrepresent the amount you owe;
    indicate that papers they send you are legal forms if they aren’t; or
    indicate that papers they send to you aren’t legal forms if they are.

Debt collectors also are prohibited from saying that:
    you will be arrested if you don’t pay your debt;
    they’ll seize, garnish, attach, or sell your property or wages unless they are permitted by law to take the action and intend to do so; or
    legal action will be taken against you, if doing so would be illegal or if they don’t intend to take the action.

Debt collectors may not:
    give false credit information about you to anyone, including a credit reporting company;
    send you anything that looks like an official document from a court or government agency if it isn’t; or
    use a false company name.

Unfair practices. Debt collectors may not engage in unfair practices when they try to collect a debt. For example, they may not:
    try to collect any interest, fee, or other charge on top of the amount you owe unless the contract that created your debt – or your state law – allows the charge;
    deposit a post-dated check early;
    take or threaten to take your property unless it can be done legally; or
    contact you by postcard.

Can I control which debts my payments apply to?
Yes. If a debt collector is trying to collect more than one debt from you, the collector must apply any payment you make to the debt you select. Equally important, a debt collector may not apply a payment to a debt you don’t think you owe.

Can a debt collector garnish my bank account or my wages?
If you don’t pay a debt, a creditor or its debt collector generally can sue you to collect. If they win, the court will enter a judgment against you. The judgment states the amount of money you owe, and allows the creditor or collector to get a garnishment order against you, directing a third party, like your bank, to turn over funds from your account to pay the debt.
Wage garnishment happens when your employer withholds part of your compensation to pay your debts. Your wages usually can be garnished only as the result of a court order. Don’t ignore a lawsuit summons. If you do, you lose the opportunity to fight a wage garnishment.

Can federal benefits be garnished?
Many federal benefits are exempt from garnishment, including:
    Social Security Benefits
    Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits
    Veterans’ Benefits
    Civil Service and Federal Retirement and Disability Benefits
    Service Members’ Pay
    Military Annuities and Survivors’ Benefits
    Student Assistance
    Railroad Retirement Benefits
    Merchant Seamen Wages
    Longshoremen’s and Harbor Workers’ Death and Disability Benefits
    Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Benefits
    Compensation for Injury, Death, or Detention of Employees of U.S. Contractors Outside the U.S.
    Federal Emergency Management Agency Federal Disaster Assistance
But federal benefits may be garnished under certain circumstances, including to pay delinquent taxes, alimony, child support, or student loans.

Do I have any recourse if I think a debt collector has violated the law?
You have the right to sue a collector in a state or federal court within one year from the date the law was violated. If you win, the judge can require the collector to pay you for any damages you can prove you suffered because of the illegal collection practices, like lost wages and medical bills. The judge can require the debt collector to pay you up to $1,000, even if you can’t prove that you suffered actual damages. You also can be reimbursed for your attorney’s fees and court costs. A group of people also may sue a debt collector as part of a class action lawsuit and recover money for damages up to $500,000, or one percent of the collector’s net worth, whichever amount is lower. Even if a debt collector violates the FDCPA in trying to collect a debt, the debt does not go away if you owe it.

What should I do if a debt collector sues me?
If a debt collector files a lawsuit against you to collect a debt, respond to the lawsuit, either personally or through your lawyer, by the date specified in the court papers to preserve your rights.

Where do I report a debt collector for an alleged violation?
Report any problems you have with a debt collector to your state Attorney General’s office (www.naag.org) and the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov). Many states have their own debt collection laws that are different from the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Your Attorney General’s office can help you determine your rights under your state’s law.

For More Information
To learn more about debt collection and other credit-related issues, visit www.ftc.gov/credit and MyMoney.gov, the U.S. government’s portal to financial education.
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad
February 2009

File complaints with

Federal Trade Commission  https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/FTC_Wizard.aspx?Lang=en

Your State Attorney General
State Attorney General is every state they have offices

Link to all State Attorney General Websites www.naag.org

If you or they are located in NY – use this SPECIAL Link  www.NYDebtHelp.com
This special website was created by NY AG Andrew Cuomo specifically for reporting illegal debt collection practices.  HE’S CRACKING DOWN AND SHUTTING THEM DOWN!
    
Also report your calls and contacts with debt collectors at http://www.budhibbs.com/index.html  If the company is listed under agencies – report there. If not on the list YET, click on Watchlist! and add to the list.   You can also post here http://www.collectorsexposed.com/forum2/index.php?board=2.0

This group of bottom feeders is truly a piece of work. After leaving a message on their "voice mail" last week to stop calling me, guess what? They call me again. I finally had enough and called them back, had to wait on hold for my so-called "Investigator", only for them to give a spiel about me supposedly committing fraud and naming me as a Defendant. I ask them for verification, so what does she say? "We normally don't do that." Are you f*cking kidding me? Ever heard of the FDCPA, idiots? After I ask her for verification and tell her I'm disputing it, she has the gall to ask me for payment!!! Hello, I just DISPUTED IT!!! Hopefully, this time, they'll heed my request to never call me again, although I'm going to receive a "summons". Ha, yeah, the "summons" is going to stand up in court, NOT!

Just a little bit of education can help you deal with these a$$holes. Anyone who pays one cent to these degenerates is either naive or just plain stupid.

I had these people calling my cell phone for the past year, looking for someone else, I explained, that they have the wrong number and need to check there records. After 12 months of letting it go to my voice mail, I answered the phone and the person was trying to get my personal info.. NOT... So It was my turn to have some fun!!  The [***] called me from phone # was 716 748 6494- Mistake.. I went on google and signed him up for everyone under the sun to call him, From real estate to free panties. Plus I have many friends calling this [***] about 200 times in the past week. It got to the point that this guy was screaming- stop calling me..I guess he did not like it to much!! Does anyone have an email address?? Bank account info??  Then the Fun can really start. Remember pay them NOTHING!!! Tell them Nothing.

I just got a call from 888-589-7145. Investegator Donahue, this one said she was with the F.B.I. I believe.
Same thing, she's investigating a complaint against me, and I need to call back about the alligations and about litigation. she even gave me a similar case number, JJC 19B.

I keep getting calls at my place of employment from Investigator (whatever her name is) from One Step Beyond Investigative Services demanding payment for a debt from 2008 that was already handled.  When I asked this person to provide notification with the amount of the debt and the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed her response was, "We can not do that".  When I asked her for an address she placed me on hold then came back with P.O. Box 1227 Rockbridge Road, #208, Stone Mountain, GA  30087.  (Guess they were trying to figure out whose business address they were going to use for that day).  Funny thing is, when I pulled this address up on the Internet (as I was speaking with this person) I removed “P.O. Box” and this is what appeared:

The UPS Store
1227 Rockbridge Rd, Suite 208
Stone Mountain, GA 30087

I called information and the operator stated that there is not a listing for One Step Beyond Investigative Services in Stone Mountain Georgia or the surrounding area. Their game is weak.  If these people contact you hang up!

I called the Federal Trade Commission and filed a complaint against these people. The lady that I spoke to said that they don't have enough complaints about this company to do an investigation. Please contact them and file a complaint against these idiots. You can file a complaint on their website as well.

To Jones:

Thank you for this information.  I will proceed forward with a complaint.

Thank you Joness for that info. I got a couple of calls from these people and the funny thing is that they all sound alike when you ask to speak to supervisors or anyone else in the suppose company. I have file the complaint against them.

please do not answer calls from One Step Beyond Investigtive Services.

Received a call from Kathy Williams 888-589-7145 ext 123 Regarding file JJC387B - One Step beyond Investigations - asking about a former tenant - wanted references for her - told her I couldn't make any statetment at this time and asked for her name, phone #, etc. The information above is what she gave me - after reading about all the scams, etc.  I don't think I'll be returning any phone calls - altho this particular tenant is one I wish I could bash!!!