I have received a phone call from this 716-543-7096. No company name given, but the message said due to no response to debt claim# 228193, I have 24hrs or a letter of intent. The man left his name, Allen Hoffman and a phone# the above # to call only. They also use another # 716-616-9886.
They use a name SSM Pay Loan or SSM Group. This group is not legal, the phone#'s are majicjack
#'s and the names being used are fake.

This number has been calling for weeks, my cell, my parents and my work. It was always some sort of recorded message, but today I pushed the #1 button and got a person. Well...I told him I had no idea what he was talking about and requested a debt validation letter. He then asked what information was I looking for. UMMMM... The information you are legally required to provide. He asked what my intentions were with the debt. I said "First, it must legally be validated and until then you will not contact me." I mean really I have no idea who or what he was talking about. Did he really think I was going to say "Oh, ok let me pay you since you say I owe someone." Absolute insanity. It is a shame this type of crap can't be stopped!!

Received voicemail this morning but message was cut short.  This number came up on the caller ID.  I'm sure it's from another bottom-feeding collector trying to extort money over questionable debts.  Someone please post the name and address of these pests so my attorney can go after them.

Correction the city of buffalo says they don't have a debt collection license for this company.

They told me I had to agree to a payment plan before they would send the debt validation letter.  I may be dumb but come on! Also they say their address is 255 great arrow buffalo ny. The better business bureau says they never heard of them and the city of buffalo says they don't have a business license on file for them. The FBI was real interested to hear my story, almost as much as my attorney.

Well John, if they are legit, post up their information: Legal Name of the business, legitimate street address, BBB info if they have it and a website.. Information that can be verified ala google.  Otherwise your just another shill for the scam..

Well "Joe", you hit the nail on the head with that reference to that validation of debt. Kind of.... A notice of validation is required to be MAILED within 5 business days of initial contact by a collector with a supposed debtor. Those notices are NOT going out "Joe"! We both know why, don't we "Joe"?
What your "former" employer is, is a bunch of bottom feeding JDB & bogus debt collectors. Of course, you know that. We know that. WNY. The home of people who are so low, so desperate that they think trying to collect on invalid, time-barred & fictitious debt is actually a job.
"Garnishment"... "Joe"? Really? A garnishment can only be granted by the court. After legal process & proceedings. The only judgement a scumbag outfit from WNY is going to get is if they use a bargain basement, network attorney & pray for a default judgement. If they're "talking" a lawsuit, they're in violation of the FDCPA. If they "talk", they'd better follow through! They won't, therefore....they're what? I'll tell you "Joe". They're just another bunch of low-life cubicle clowns who complain that they're employers are "CHEAP". Guess what "Joe"? You're talking to someone who knows more about the fraudulent debt collection industry than you ever will. Even if you've worked in it.
I could go in to legalities "Joe". I don't need to. Even you're smart enough to figure out that you don't want to play with me. You might choose to prove me wrong "Joe". Please, do so. You'll have to tell us about who you "worked" for. That'll be fun!
Let's see what you're made of "Joe". Debate with me!
Skeff Ett Liv!
Gunnar

I used to work for them they are legit, the methods they used were kind of sketchy but its all legit debt collections. If they are talking a lawsuit watch out because the client who purchased the account actually is filing for these lawsuits. 9/10 they will only get the judgement for the original balance and depending on what state you are in a possible garnishment also...its your call, your credit. do with this info what you want. just ask them for a VOD (validation of debt) via email and/or physical email. They are not that bad compared to other collection agencies....just CHEAP on the payroll.

For Extortion Scam Operations,  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/
http://www.stopfraud.gov/report.html
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#&panel1-1
https://esupport.fcc.gov/ccmsforms/form1088.action
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
http://www.fraud.org/

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
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http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/cashnet-payday.htm
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http://www.cashnetusa.com/consumer-notices
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http://800notes.com/forum/ta-4f7d326029dcf9d/ ... lectors-finally
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Extortion Scam Related to Delinquent Payday Loans

Washington, D.C.
December 07, 2010  FBI National Press Office
(202) 324-3691

? filed under: Press Release

The Internet Crime Complaint Center has received many complaints from victims of payday loan telephone collection scams. Callers claim the victim is delinquent in a payday loan and must repay the loan to avoid legal consequences. The callers purport to be representatives of the FBI, Federal Legislative Department, various law firms, or other legitimate-sounding agencies. They claim to be collecting debts for companies such as United Cash Advance, U.S. Cash Advance, U.S. Cash Net, and other Internet check-cashing services.

According to complaints received from the public, the callers have accurate data about victims, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, employer information, bank account numbers, and the names and telephone numbers of relatives and friends. How the fraudsters obtained the personal information varies, but in some cases victims have reported they completed online applications for other loans or credit cards before the calls started.

The fraudsters relentlessly call the victim?s home, cell phone, and place of employment. They refuse to provide any details about the alleged payday loans and become abusive when questioned. The callers have threatened victims with legal actions, arrests, and, in some cases, physical violence if they do not pay. In many cases, the callers harass victims? relatives, friends, and employers.

No, they are NOT legitimate.

is this a legit debt collector i just received the same message?

Same message as Andrew.  Also received the same call from: 716 235 8693 and 716 371 9455.  First calls said it was in reference to:  Blank.  Last call they inserted a "file number" into the message and the threat of a 24 hour letter of intent.  I don't owe anyone anything.  Some kind of scam....  I don't return calls like this.

Didn't leave name of company. Said I had 24 hours to respond prior to being served. Obvious scam or shady, 3rd-party dead debt collector.