I just got into the office at work and an "investigator" has left a message with the number 253-214-6585. That is a Washington area code? The number I originally received a call from was located in Georgia, the email I requested listed a number from California? How is this place calling from so many different area codes, and none of the numbers match up to a place of business or website for a business/firm?

Thank you for your help, I really appreciate it.You have helped calm my nerves. I was very frantic about having such a short deadline to make my "first payment". I responded to the email that was sent to me requesting proof of the debt be sent to me in the mail.

I thought it was strange that the number they left me to call back and that the one in the email does not come up as Goldberg & Assoc. LLC when put into a search engine. I couldn't even find a website for this firm. And to me the firm name seems a little backwards in the email... GOLDBERG LLC & Assoc.?

I do have debts, and currently do have payday loan(s). I intend to pay back my debts and am working towards it. If this is a legitimate debt, I will pay it. I do not recall receiving anything in the mail from these people, but I feel it is my right to be notified via maiI even if something has been sent prior. I just don't want someone to take advantage of me because they know information regarding my financial situation. And nothing is private online these days, especially with payday loans.

I thought it was suspicious that when I called they automatically knew who I was (only when I called from my work line though...they never attempted to contact me via cell phone). And that they passed my phone call around to a bunch of different "investigators" and that my payment has been to be sent Western Union to my paralegal since basically the original creditor "didn't want to deal with me anymore". To me this meant that my paralegal was going to have to go to a western union location, show proof of id and then they simply receive my cash. I have used western union before to pay off debts, but have never sent a payment to a person, but rather used the quick collect option and mailed it to a business that was validated by western union. i tried to call bank of america to see if the checking account listed in the email was active or real, but the woman would not do it for me.

This place answers the phone "mediation", but when calling after hours you reach the desk of an investigator with prompts such as "if you have been recently served press..." or "if you are receiving a wage garnishment press..."...which now I feel are both simply scare tactics.

From my understand I always thought that if a debt was under $1000 most companies usually did not pursue legal action since it would cost more for them to get attorneys in my state than the balance of the debt. The words "check" "fraud" and "deposit" combined though can really make a person uneasy.

Yes, the first post on this page smells like stale shill.

They must send it in writing through the mail according to the FDCPA (the LAW), email doesn't count. Scammers are often reluctant to do that because if it is false, they are also committing mail fraud (a serious federal offense). So you should insist on it in writing by mail as is your right.

You should confirm that they are licensed to collect debt in the state where you reside. You can confirm this with state authorities directly, don't take the company's word for it.

You should also verify the debt with the original creditor. Beware, there are many, many fake debt collection scams going on over alleged "payday loans".

FDCPA also stipulates that they follow up any phone contact with written contact -- electronic (such as email) DOES NOT COUNT -- within 5 business days of the phone contact. In other words, it is never legitimate for a collector to initiate their first contact with you by phone and demand immediate payment by any means. That is NOT the way it works according to federal law.

The email they sent me states this:


This letter is to confirm that on behalf of MTE/FINANCIAL and GOLDBERG LLC, your QUICKEST CASH ACCOUNT:#526-478880 is in a payment arrangement status of $320.00 dollars to be received APRIL 15, 2011 as final payment.




If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact our office at 213-283-8703

This communication is from a debt collector; all information will be used for that purpose only.

PAYMENTS DEPOSITED AT BANK OF AMERICA ACCNT# 334032277634 GOLDBERG LLC

KELLY BROOKS
Unit Manager

                                                           
ACCOUNT: #526-478880
GOLDBERG LLC & Assoc.
PO BOX 505
HIRAM, GA 30141

_______________________________________________________________________________
They have never once called my cell phone, just my work number. The number they leave for me to call back is a Georgia area code and the number stated in the email is for California. The website address attached to the end of the email: mediation@legalgoldbergllc.net is a non existent website, and says it is just an email supportive website. They want me to Western Union a payment in to my "paralegal" not the firm, but to a person. The only reason I received this email was because I requested something stating the debt. Should I still proceed to ask for a written proof of debt? I do not remember receiving anything in the mail regarding this debt. I am worried because of the first post on this site, which very well could be fake.

Demand written proof of debt. if they can't provide it, it doesn't exist or they have no right to collect it. That is the LAW.

If they refuse, assume it's a SCAM.

No legitimate collection agency uses Western Union as they only method of payment, if that is what they are telling you, then it's almost certainly a SCAM.

Is this legit or some kind of scam? I'm weary as they ask you to Western Union payments to them.

I got a call, they say they are attorney office to settle a civil matter.  It is basically a collection attorney and they threaten to take it to small claims court

Received a call from the attorney's network or mediation i don't  no some dummy 2 weeks ago  few days i was summons to appear in court now there trying to attach my wages and take a percentage of my check i will stop working first i didnt defraud anybody as they said just d'idnt have the money to pay STUPIDS!