Caller leaves no message and when you call the number back it automatically goes to a voice message that thanks you for holding and does not identify the caller or company.  Who is this?

Keep getting calls from this number and they are not leaving messages. If anyone knows who they are, I could respond in writing to them.

who is this

They keep calling me, They called my mother as well looking for me and told her that if i didnt call back within 24hrs that they would process me with the IRS, Luckily my mom is not dumb nor am i, they called me today i answered and got the recording asking if this was me, i pressed one and waited on hold, when they Mr Morgan answered he asked if he could help me, i said no i dont think you can and they hung up LOL

Our company has received 2 calls from this number looking for Alex Wolf who hasn't had the number for over 5 years. With all of the phishing going on right now I believe this number is just that... someone phishing.

Just got a call from this number, no message on cell phone.  calls about once every two weeks.

Continuously get calls from this number, leaves no message, calls at parents house too, not sure how in the world they get this cell or what it's in reference to, well actually they did leave one message for me for "my legal representative" give me a break

This place calls the east coast (where I am) at 8:00 am! Yet a call to their number gets a message stating business hours are from 9 - 9 Pac time.

3104245690 keeps calling my cell phone, a burner phone at that not even listed, & my home number for someone who doesn't live here. I'm going to try call blocker to see if that helps but they'll probably keep calling from different numbers.

They call with a recording seeking a person that doesn't live here.  I press 3 indicating that the person they are looking for is not at this number.  It hangs up.

When I call the number back I get music on hold and it breaks every few seconds and gives a random number like "four" ... "thank you for your patience".  

After several minutes a lady answered gave no business name or personal name.  She said she would take me off the list.  I told her that if I do get called one more time I'm going to file an FTC and FCC complaint.  She actually stayed on the line to listen to this.

they call but leave no message

how do they call house and cell phone simultaneously? they did it to me too - oth are private unlisted numbers

I received a call from this number on my cell phone at the SAME time as my home phone ringing from this number.  I answered the cell.  She says she is calling because they had just received information on me and saw in my file I had not been notified.  She was going to transfer me to a processor.  I told her I didn't have time.  They give me a number of 866-582-5621 to return the call and get information. They identified themselves as CRA legal offices.  I have no clue why they are calling but I won't answer again.

Getting calls from this number at work and on cell one ring and hang up.  Most likely a bill collector (I have some from 7 and 8 years ago that just won't give up)

This telephone number consistenly calls my unlisted home phone number. They never leave a message. I called back once and when I indicated that they had called me they hung up on me.

This number calls our restaurant once a week and asks us to fax a menu to 888-348-6789.  It is very strange.

Yet ANOTHER zombie debt collection agency looking for that person who has not lived here for 10 years. Sheesh, these zombie debt buyers are insane and so darn desperate to get your money!

I have received 2 calls today for the very first time from this phone #...310-424-5690. It shows up as Beverly Hills, CA..they don't leave a message...I'll be darned if I call them back..If they need to really reach me, they can leave a message

I also got some bill from verizon stating I owed over $700 but they would settle for $100. It was for some Maryland phone number. I live in CA, but used to live in MD (7 years ago). I never had verizon the entire time I lived there and do not recognize the phone number they claim the bill is for.

its CALLED ILLEGALLY RE-AGING THE DEBT

THIS INFO WAS ALREADY POSTED AND YOU DID NOT BOTHER TO READ IT

Consumer Recovery Associates
aka Consumer Credit Association
aka CR & Associates
and the world's most grating phone numbers:

866-857-3916
866-499-6608
888-253-9713
866-563-9556
888-413-8823
877-360-1616   800-913-4915
757-368-3622
757-368-8004
757-368-8331
757-271-8788
866-418-3360


2697 International Parkway # 4   Suite 270
Virginia Beach, Virginia  23452
PO BOX 2916, VB, VA 23450

Head Debt Collectors:
Christine Spruill       Mr. Parker          Mr. K C Scott

Peter Brunson           Conrad Grey       Jane



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bud Says                         Consumer Comments Below

1-866-857-3916 is one of those irritating numbers that show up on your caller ID that can never seem to be identified.   When you return the call, you get the ominous "Can I help you?" or "Case number please."  They refuse to identify who they are when questioned, will not state they are debt collectors, and by tone imply you have committed some illegal act and are in great trouble or they would not have called you.  It is a violation of FDCPA.  It took quite a bit of research and cunning to discover whom the voices were behind the lawbreaking 866 number were...but it's coming together now and they are without excuse.

Give us your stories on CRA and let's put together some useful information to bring these folks down.  Record their calls where legal and save the tapes for future use.  We'll post 'em here if you have something of interest.

In the meantime, hold them to the law; make them put everything in writing, validate the debt.  Use the cease-communication letter.  Violations of the law should be pointed out to the Virginia Attorney General.

CAUTION: I recommend you NEVER disclose your bank account or credit card information to a debt collector, as you risk them emptying your account, or maxing out your credit card. If you feel they are reporting on your credit bureau files in error or need assistance in dealing with them, email  the details w/your location.  Assistance and referral to a consumer legal specialist may be available.




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/start.html


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
Reply ! RoninMD
24 Feb 2010
It's a debt collector.  They threatened me with an IRS 1099c for a 8k credit card debt that was charged off after 10 years.  I'm insolvent.  They need to send that form to the IRS soon so that I can counter with an IRS form 982.  I hope I didn't give them anymore information than they already had on me.  If they try to garnish wages they won't since I'm in Texas.  

If the situation get's worse... you can always drop out of the American System.
Caller ID: 310-425-5690
Caller: CR Associates
Call Type: Debt Collector
Reply ! Ancient Brit
25 Feb 2010
No caller ID other than phone number. Left a message identifying the caller only as "CRA", which I see from an earlier report is a debt collector. The call was one of those where they seem to think that if they leave 3 second pauses every so often, or ask you to press 1 if you are not {name} - on a voicemail??? - that somehow that makes them in compliance.

The name of the person they called for (supposedly - I think there's a scam now where they leave a fictitious name in the hope that you'll call them back to say that person doesn't reside at your address, at which point regardless of what else happens they can reset the clock because *you* contacted *them*) is actually my next of kin, who lives 6,000 miles away.

This kind of activity is nothing short of criminal, yet seems to go unchecked.
Caller ID: 310-424-5690
Caller: "CRA"
Call Type: Debt Collector

Beware.  These NCO Scam Artists are now the official collection agency for the TexDOT TexTAG toll road billing.  I paid my bill last May (2009) and received a bill from TexDOT in February (2010).  NCO had no records of this when I called to contest the bill.

If your payment goes into collections, and you call TexDOT, they will transfer you directly to NCO.  After a little a** chewing at TexDOT, they admitted my bill was paid on time.  However, the damage was done and now NCO has another person to scam.

Ken

I got this call as well. I can see the several others have also recieved this call for debts going back to 1999 and 98, which is far longer than the 7 year statute of limitations. I went through a very difficult period in 1998 involving the care of my bipolar son. Debts were incurred and I was unable to pay and have made no payments what so ever in the past 11 or 12 years. I went over my Credit report and found that in the case of two credit card debts I supposedly made a payment of $75 prior to the 7 year statute which by law means that the debt is renewed and the limitation clock starts all over again.

Well, here is the kicker. I NEVER MADE ANY PAYMENTS! Some one has somehow made a payment just prior to the 7 year limitation so that it would not run out. Payments of $25 and $75. I am not sure who to talk to about this, but it is a lie and I somehow need to confirm this with the Credit report agencies. Any suggestions?

the return number given when this number called was 877-311-7782 with the company name of CRA. In the state of Florida, all collections agencies must register with the state in order to call Florida residents. I called Florida's Attorney general's office and gave them the name and number. The company registered with the state  is:
Consumer Recovery Associates
2697 International Parkway
Parkway 4 suite 270
Virginia Beach, VA 23452-2916
757-368-3622
Owner: James G. Fox III

It does not matter if the debit they are trying to collect is legit or not, if the break federal laws when contacting you, you may sue them. go to
http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpajump.shtm
to read the statues for yourself.

they are a debit collector, they have called me. I was able to verify information with them. you should check out the FTC website. if they treated to report you to the IRS that is in violation of Federal laws and you can report them to the FTC and sue them for up to $1,000 plus attorney fees in small claims court.

http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpajump.shtm

good luck

PLEASE DO NOT CALL ME....

I received a call at 8:54a EST from this number!  That is 5:54a in CA.  I didn't answer, no message left and I never answer ANY calls that I don't know or have stored in my directory.

No caller ID other than phone number. Left a message identifying the caller only as "CRA", which I see from an earlier report is a debt collector. The call was one of those where they seem to think that if they leave 3 second pauses every so often, or ask you to press 1 if you are not {name} - on a voicemail??? - that somehow that makes them in compliance.

The name of the person they called for (supposedly - I think there's a scam now where they leave a fictitious name in the hope that you'll call them back to say that person doesn't reside at your address, at which point regardless of what else happens they can reset the clock because *you* contacted *them*) is actually my next of kin, who lives 6,000 miles away.

This kind of activity is nothing short of criminal, yet seems to go unchecked.

No, he probably doesn't owe money.  I received this call too and there is nothing on my credit report to suggest any outstanding debt.  This is a scam, just like the letter I got from a collection agency stating I owed $273 dollars on an old Verizon account and that they would settle for $50 dollars.  Funny thing is i never had a Verizon account.  I looked up the company on the BBB site and just did some online investigating to find these people are huge scam artist.  Anyway, some friendly advise, re-register your phone number on the national do not call list and never talk to anyone about outstanding debt unless they mail you something and you verify it with your credit report or you contact them first.

It's a debt collector.  They threatened me with an IRS 1099c for a 8k credit card debt that was charged off after 10 years.  I'm insolvent.  They need to send that form to the IRS soon so that I can counter with an IRS form 982.  I hope I didn't give them anymore information than they already had on me.  If they try to garnish wages they won't since I'm in Texas.  

If the situation get's worse... you can always drop out of the American System.

http://www.budhibbs.com/collectorpages/consumer_recovery.htm

Consumer Recovery Associates
aka Consumer Credit Association
aka CR & Associates
and the world's most grating phone numbers:

866-857-3916
866-499-6608
888-253-9713
866-563-9556
888-413-8823
877-360-1616   800-913-4915
757-368-3622
757-368-8004
757-368-8331
757-271-8788
866-418-3360


2697 International Parkway # 4   Suite 270
Virginia Beach, Virginia  23452
PO BOX 2916, VB, VA 23450

Head Debt Collectors:
Christine Spruill       Mr. Parker          Mr. K C Scott

Peter Brunson           Conrad Grey       Jane

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bud Says                         Consumer Comments Below

1-866-857-3916 is one of those irritating numbers that show up on your caller ID that can never seem to be identified.   When you return the call, you get the ominous "Can I help you?" or "Case number please."  They refuse to identify who they are when questioned, will not state they are debt collectors, and by tone imply you have committed some illegal act and are in great trouble or they would not have called you.  It is a violation of FDCPA.  It took quite a bit of research and cunning to discover whom the voices were behind the lawbreaking 866 number were...but it's coming together now and they are without excuse.

Give us your stories on CRA and let's put together some useful information to bring these folks down.  Record their calls where legal and save the tapes for future use.  We'll post 'em here if you have something of interest.

In the meantime, hold them to the law; make them put everything in writing, validate the debt.  Use the cease-communication letter.  Violations of the law should be pointed out to the Virginia Attorney General.

CAUTION: I recommend you NEVER disclose your bank account or credit card information to a debt collector, as you risk them emptying your account, or maxing out your credit card. If you feel they are reporting on your credit bureau files in error or need assistance in dealing with them, email  the details w/your location.  Assistance and referral to a consumer legal specialist may be available.




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/start.html


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