I received a call from them yesterday. I refused to give any information. They talked about a subpoena and that I had to go to a court in California or pay a fee

Much as these criminals preach otherwise, a defaulted payday loan *IS NOT* ever considered "check fraud" by the courts. A PDL is *always* consumer credit. Consumer debt in America is *not* a criminal matter. Collectors do not need and cannot whistle up anyone with a badge and a gun to get themselves paid. Real law enforcers have trouble enough catching people who threaten lives and public safety, and they don't want another job chasing unproven penny-ante debts.

Never let bullies on the phone confuse extortion with debt collection. Honest debt collectors do not typically send their claims straight to a judge, and they don't take your ransom money to broker quick deals with so-called "process servers". There are no secretive "arbitrators", "investigators", "mediators", or "prelitigation specialists", only sweaty criminals with a script full of coercive remarks. Lawful debt collection is a process, not an ambush, and you are due a chance at each stage to raise a dispute. The agents' horrid threats are empty and their conduct is illegal. Do not reward lawbreakers with your money. Challenge them always, sue them if you can.

FTC and CFPB material on US federal collection law:
http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpajump.shtm
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/search ... debt-collection

See also this FTC alert: "Fake Debt Collectors"
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0258-fake-debt-collectors

I got the same call as you did. He told me his name is Gary Smith and said he was calling from Shearman & Sterling Law firm. He threatened me with legal action if I didn't pay a debt. He told me that I supposedly put in for an online payday loan. I explained to him that I didn't do so because of the run-around. He also told me that there was a funds transfer, however when I checked my account, the supposed transaction didn't exist. I did a check for him on the Shearman & Sterling website and his name didn't exist. Even the phone number didn't exist on the website. Those are clues that I found.

someone just called my phone from 650-690-8548. Saying they were from sherman sterling law firm and that i had a fraud case against me in californa. I said no you don't. He say easy cash international gave me money. My response i said no they didnt. He said well you can come to court in california. The police will come to my house to get me in two hrs and all this s***.....im like what the hell is going on... I know i signed up for pay day loans but i kept referring me to different lenders but i didnt get no money...also when i ask for his name is he studdard the first name is oliff brown

He says I've been approved for a loan for up to $3,000 from ELoan Inc. Problem is, there is a $110 wire transfer fee to get it to my bank. Wants me to send it to a Steven Defrancesco in Springhill, FL. This is a total scam. Do NOT send any money to these people! Read more at http://www.whycall.me/650-690-8548.html#AfIkQ4TA8xZ7vthx.99

File reports with the FBI, your state attorney general and Department Of Justice,CFB,FTC & FCC..

http://www.nw3c.org/
http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx
http://www.fbi.gov/
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#&panel1-1
https://esupport.fcc.gov/ccmsforms/form1088.action
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/

Also read up on the laws and your rights:

http://800notes.com/arts/Jb8EW-eDhQA/harassin ... ou-need-to-know
See Residents post here also:
http://800notes.com/forum/ta-34af6a034ba34b6/unending-collection-calls
Templates of Letters:
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-319-242-7350

http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpajump.shtm
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/search ...
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/pdf-0096-fair-credit-reporting-act.pdf
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0149-debt-collection

And see:
http://800notes.com/forum/ta-944ec1426a8bcbb/ ... service-attacks
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http://www.clarkhoward.com/news/clark-howard/ ... r-phones/ndF4c/
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http://www.net-security.org/article.php?id=1828
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http://800notes.com/forum/ta-86217073a9c8dad/ ... 077595690349410
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http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0258-fake-debt-collectors
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http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/pressreleases/extortion_scam.htm
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http://www.fdcpa.me/fake-process-server-injunction/
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http://800notes.com/forum/ta-9413b3202bc8b6c/ ... net%27s-tactics

THIS IS A BIG SCAM

Hi just got a call from this number and some guy named Sean White.. ..... so I immediately searched the number and found this. THANKS!!! for letting me know it is a SCAM. :)

THIS IA A BIG SCAM THIS GUYS ARE FROM INDIA DONT GIVE A DINE TO THEM SCAMMMMMM SCAMMMMM SCAMMMM SCAMMMM

I got the same this, and wanted to confirm the last 4 of my social, in which I did, and they said I left them a message. I told them I didn't, and then they were laughing and hung up the phone.

Yes, this is a known scam and they are using scare tactics to solicit information to your banking account.  If you want to really see them squirm, just play along and let them give their "spill" and then ask them if they will give you their contact information so that you can contact your local state Attorney General's office and watch how quick they will cut you off and tell you that all of that information will be in the subpoena that you will receive in 3 days.  Then try to call them back and see what they say.  They will not answer if you call them back on the number you received the call on.  Use a different phone and let them answer and then ask them why they hung up on you and that you need their contact information and address and they will immediately hang up again.  I've received these calls numerous times and many of the states' Attorneys General have said that they cannot be traced and they use bogus business names and addresses.  I had just kept calling this Scott Daniels and he finally answered because I just kept blowing his phone up and he said "...if you don't quit calling, I'll file a harassment charge against you".  Too funny!  You just have to mess with these idiots and have a little fun.

The company Sherman and Sterling Law firm is calling me to say I have charges filed against me and if I do not pay Im going to jail! Not gonna lie, it scared me at first but I asked questions they couldent answer. Is this a scam?

They called and said I have a lawsuit against me and they are sending law enforcement.  I have no idea what they are talking about.

thay call an say thiers a lawsuit filed against my ssn an name that its has to do with a pay day loan thay even call my place of work .

HE HAS BEEN CALLING MY HOUSE AND WORK DEMANDING MONEY FOR AN OLD DEBIT HE HAS THREATENED ME WITH CRIMINAL CHARGES AND TOLD MY WORK HE IS SENDING THE POLICE IN "TWO HOURS" TO ARREST ME HIS NAME IS SCOTT DANIELSON