888-679-2523

Caller called from this number and claimed there is a "complaint" about me and that I should call and give a case number. Calling the number back is an answering machine.

same thing with me.................

I just received a call from the same number stating they had a complaint and wouldn't tell me anything else. I believe this is some kind of 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/

They say that a complaint has been filed about you and then ask you to confirm the last four digits of your SS#. They refuse to give you any information about claim.

If you try to call the numbers back they go to an answering machine.

Reached a person - "it" said that they did not like my attitude, and hung up.  Would not tell me anything about the "complaint".

Al so, a second # was 207-613-8662, as was revealed on my caller ID.  When called, got the same message as on the 888 #.  ID identified the call as originating in Portland (the 207 area is for Maine).

Received a message from 888-679-2523 for my son said they had a complaint filed against him and provided a case number of 2683385 with no other information - would appear to be another scam.

The same exact thing happen to me. A guy did not acknowledge who was he. Was very argumentive and claims that I got an attitude with him because I refuse to give him any info. The scariest thing is that he had my correct social. I wonder where was my info  compromised.

Same exact scenario as everybody else.  If you call back the # they want you to verify the last 4 of your social, AND then if you challenge them they get nasty, rude, and hang up the phone on you!  Then, a month later, the calls will start again only from different phone numbers, but same recorded message and complaint number with your name attached.  I just stop answering.  But I do report onto these online blogs, so that we can all realize we are being scammed!!

I just received a call from Ohio number (216) 273-9287; it was an automated voice saying a complaint has been filed under my (full) name; that I should call 888-679-2523, then press #9 to hear details of complaint.

same as others, i called the 888 number back many times from different numbers to get more info. they just answer with "mediation" and the machine said "practice mediation". i got a person the first time i called on all 4 phones, they act pro until you challenge them then they say you will get a warrant for your arrest if you do not comply. payments will be made thru western union, i don't think so, not mine! the last time i called the 216 number i very politely told them my name and that i would like to talk to the supervisor, they asked why, i told them that i looked them up online and that they are labeled as a scam. the women said that i should go back online keep researching and go f*** my self! LOL! clever... the first sign of fraud was that they didn't say that the call was being recorded, which is often false even with real companies, but is a fail safe just in case they need to record a call, they can not be sued for not telling you you are being recorded. it's times like this i wish i was a hacker or knew one, i'd shut there whole system down! then send there employes personal phone numbers to as many tella marketers as possible! is there a hacker in the house!? thank everyone for your posts keep up the good work, and thank this website for promoting the truth!

A few years ago the same thing happened to me.  They wanted my SS and when I questioned them the guy was a jerk and told me he didn't like my attitude.  Well, just happened again and they called my husband and it is a huge scam. Thank God for google and all of you!

That's exactly what what the recording was for me but on my husbands phone.  This happened to me a few years ago too. Complete scam

Like everybody else, I get repetitive calls from this number with a message saying there is complaint against me, I called back gave the complaint number was put on hold for ever

I received various calls from this company stating there is a complaint against me and I needed to call back to find out what the complaint is about. I finally called back and spoke to Steve Mack who wanted to verify my information. When I refused to do so, he got nasty and threatened to take me to court. Scam! Scam! Scam. Be aware