8886017892

I called the number back. Got a Castro guy claiming a debt of over $1500 and papers would be served today. Well I told him to mail me the papers and he said by then it eould be too late. He hung up after awhile........so..... I called back and complained then got someone else. Same story. I gave them the wront last 4 of my social too. And would not accept anything but a VISA or Mastercard. Would not mail me an agreement.  Just threatened me saying I will be served today......in a Blizzard.  Said hes familiar with my county also.

They will do anything and say anything to scare you into paying.  Having papers served on you is just the beginning, not the end or "too late".  These people have no idea how the civil courts work, but I bet they have excellent knowledge of how criminal courts operate, first hand knowledge.

Whew, boy. I almost bit on this one. Its a long story but interesting:
My parents house recieved a live message for me to contact this 888 number asap for a legal matter involving Hennepin County Courts, Docket #XXX.XXX. ( I missed 2 red flags here: caller mentioning nature of the business to my father; 888 code for a return number to an in-state county)
I called the next morning.  A call center transferred me to "Michael Wells" at AFS Litigations. He presented himself as a lawyer.
He said I had not responded to a court summons sent to my address 30 days previous. I informed him that I had not lived at that address in over a decade.
He was pleasant and proffessional, and because of this I was cooperative when he informed me of an old outstanding debt with WELLS FARGO, that they were going to take me to court for the tune of $1,900 plus damages & court costs.  He had enough of my old account information, my last 4 SS#, and other personal info to come off as legit.
My memory of that period is spotty.  Times were rough.  I had been in debt to WF in the past. I had no reason to dispute his claim. Poor record keeping on my part meant that I couldn't verify anything quickly.
(I had missed the red flags so far but there are a some subtle ones here: why would a summons be sent to such an old address; how come it hadn't been returned or forwarded via USPS; aren't summons served in person; how could I fail to respond to a summons I had not been served?)
Mr. "Wells" sympathised with my past and was hapy to help with this as a "pre-litgation" issue because I had not, in fact, been served.  If he could get WF to agree to a reduced, one-time payment of around $850, would I be able to pay it off (electronically) promptly?  I said sure, but I would need time to put cash into my account for the transfer or give cash to my father to make the payment with his card. Mr. "Wells" was happy to wait for me to load my account, thereby not bothering my father with this slightly embarassing situation. What a nice guy. He gave me his direct phone number, (310)504-1704. He had my mobile number.
(Ok, now I should have seen these flags, but I didn't: same day electronic payment; don't involve another party; what is "pre-litgation?" His attitude was positive as well; he commended me for stepping up to my responsibilities; he was willing to wait; no pressure was applied; no sense of urgency; he was trying to save me from court proceedings; I would fnally get out of this debt for the original principal, some late fees and interest. This guy was on my side.)
So, I got my account ready to make the payment. He called later to tell me WF had agreed to the settlement, and we could move forward. All I needed to do was sign the offer online & make the payment. So I gave him my email address.
The "Settlement Offer" that I received was on a law office letterhead and professional in appearance and verbage. What struck me was the offer's expiration date was that same day. It stated it was a one-time offer and would be void if the entire payment was not received by that due date, and that the client would pursue court action seeking the orginal obligation.
(Mmm. Wait. I was prepared to make the payment, but this was the first "demand and deadline." Flag.)
Since our first conversation, some time had passed and I started to think about that old debt. A vague memory of having paid that account off and closing it began to form. Hmm.
I called WF, inquiring about there being any outstanding debts, dormant accounts, or leins agaist me. No was the answer. Had WF ever sold my debt? No again.
(Now the flags were finally flapping too hard to ignore)
I began an earnest investigation via internet and phone:
Hennepin County has no actions against me. The docket number is bogus.  Most web queries into AFS Litigations, Advanced Financial Solutions, American Financial Services, and multiple variations of these words or initials go to complaints of varying degrees from multple individuals and organizations, including the BBB and other consumer advocates.
There are legitmate businesses with the same or similar names that these scammers hide behind.  Mr. "Wells" even went as far as using an actual L.A. area law office's letterhead with his own contact info when he emailed the "Settlement Offer" I was supposed to sign.  When I contacted that law office, Mr. "Wells'" story began unraveling even faster.
The real attorneys at that office were very interested in what I had to say.  I've shared copies of my documentation with them.  I wish them sucess with whatever course of action they choose.
I'm working with MN Dept of Commerce Fraud Investgator beginning next week. I'm realistic in my expectation of charges against Mr. "Wells" and his cohorts.
It seems this is a "classic So Cal debt collection shake-down."  The scammers get ahold of old banking information, and represent themselves as collectors of legitimate past debts.
Usually they are rude and abusive and high-pressure, using guilt, insults, and fear to get results.  "Michael Wells" was a smooth operator. I'll bet he is sucessful at his game.
I like games, too. Mr. "Wells" doesn't realize that I'm onto him.  If he contacts me again, I will ask him to mail a revised offer to me via USPS, including proof of debt ownership. (Maybe he will add mail fraud to his mounting criminal activities.)  If that doesn't suit him, there is a real lawyer at his (purported) firm that is now handling a case for me, and this lawyer has a personal interest in representing me.
Fortunately, this scammer has not gotten a dime out of me, just some info that any internet search could turn up, and some free time.
Others have lost more than just money. I am grateful that this lesson has not been an expensive one for me. I hope my experience is something others can learn from.

Have a better day.

I called and fell for the scam.

I've heard the same bs from the same guy. You can find him on the internet if you search him. I asked him for a way to validate my dept through ground mail and he hung up on me. Scaaaaaammmmmmmmm

They're using US bank now. My mom sent me a message saying someone was trying to get a hold of me about a court date. I called the number and talked to some guy but his info on me was just a little off. Called US bank and gave them the number and they called it. Said they have nothing to do with that "company" and if I owed them anything, their accounting department would have contacted me directly. Called them back and started asking questions (like what's the name of your company?) and they wouldn't answer any of them. Eventually hung up on them and minutes later my wife got a phone call from them asking for me and saying I was threatening them. My wife said no one called from her phone and hung up. Seconds later I got a call from the guy and he started threatening to call my commanding officer and quoting the UCMJ (I'm in the military). Basically confirmed he was a fraud by making false statements  about things I already know about. Eventually he hung up on me. Definitely a fraud. Any company that answers their phone with " Hello, how may I help you?" And doesn't mention their company name is suspect.

Robert duke claim I owe 1500 to usbank he hang up when I refused to pay them told me I will be served then when I called he stated harassment