888-968-9373

If this is a call back number you were given in reference to a pending lawsuit, please do not let these scoundrels scare you.  The entire operation is illegal and violates Federal Law on some many levels it is ridiculous in reference to the FDCPA.  Please do report them to the CFPB and other agencies as necessary.

I received a lovely call from a local number that I didn't answer and the voicemail that was left is typed out below.

I knew it was either a fake or rogue debt collector which I usually call back in my own time, but I ended up speaking to them unintentionally thanks to someone transferring a call to me, so I tried to do some digging.  The collection agency only gave their name as "Universal" and said that they were collecting for a payday debt from CMG Group which I have never heard of until some other collection agency had called about the debt previously which was disputed.  I have never taken a loan out with CMG, EVER (an affiliated company maybe, but I have yet to ever receive confirmation on the suspicion).

I asked for mailing address and got a PO box in Tampa.

I asked about information around the debt (i.e. debt validation, etc.) and received conflicting information, that I can dispute the debt in court only and that they are a litigation firm, not a debt collector, therefore debt collection laws do not apply.  This is complete crap, because a law firm collecting a debt is acting as a debt collector and FDCPA applies.

Red Flags encountered:
- Phone call around lawsuit - generally you just get served

- The supposed process server leaves a voicemail about an opportunity to stop the process in terms of ownership, "we, our, given directives," yet when I spoke with the man and asked who he worked for I got an irate answer back saying the [County] District Court.

- No chance to follow FDCPA outlined rules:
1. DC must provide information to consumer within 5 days of initial contact.  
2. Consumer has right to dispute the debt 30 days  
3.  DC cannot mislead, pretend, etc. to be an officer of a court, law firm etc.  
4.  DC cannot threaten legal action when they cannot or do not intend to take legal action --- there's more

- Inconsistent answers, explanations
1. Law Firms are external they make the decisions on who to sue, yet when asked I got transferred to a high and might lawyer in house?  FDCPA applies, and doesn't apply? ..... (list is long)

"Hello, this is a final attempt to reach, locate or get a message out to [Name], Case ID and Social ending in XXXX.  Mam, my name is [Name].  I have been given directives to physically have you located today presented with a court subpoena that can take place at your place at either your place of employment or your current place of residency.  It is regarding an active summons order for [County Court].  It is also a matter of income execution and wage garnishment that will be submitted for today as well.  Now this matter is scheduled for [time] before I physically get out into the field to have you located and presented with a subpoena, I thought that I'd extend the courtesy of this phone call out to you since I was not able to get you live on the phone. I will provide you with contact information to your plaintiff and allow you an hour to return a call to our litigation department.  After such time, we will just assume you forfeiting that right and we will move forward as planned.  The number you need to contact immediately to avoid having to appear in [Court name] being slapped with a summons order, income execution and wage garnishment is 888-968-9373 dial out to extension XXX.  That number once again is 888-968-9373 dial out to extension XXX.  This is a time sensitive matter Ms. [Name], we need to hear from you immediately to stop service in process and award you an opportunity to resolve this matter voluntarily on your own recognizance outside of court.  888-968-9373 dial out to extension XXX.  Mam you have been notified, good luck and have a nice day."

Oh I forgot to note that professional agencies don't hang up on you when you ask legitimate and legal questions like are you licensed as a DC in my state?

Total scam operation.  Relies on threats of criminal prosecution and that sort of thing.  Totally illegal, but they do it anyway. Violate rules right and left.  Ignore them.  Report them.

http://www.bbb.org/northeast-california/Busin ... to-ca-16001773/

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C.M.G. & Associates

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Phone: (916) 923-3500
2140 Acoma, Sacramento, CA 95815
! C.M.G. & ASSOCIATES IS BELIEVED TO BE OUT OF BUSINESS !

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