This company keeps calling my business, a pizzeria looking for a debtor.  He has never worked here.  I have tried to call them to stop the calls and have had no success. Their dialer even calls us when their office is closed.  I dont know who William Lankford is and am tired of being harassed because he owes someone money.

They just called for a family member a while ago, trying to get their information, such as "last four numbers of the SSN." That family member challenged them about that among other things, and said, "You're not Chase Bank, and if you are using their name, you might be breaking the law!"

They hung up . . .

I have gotten numerous calls about a debt, probably from Verizon.  The amount is in question and in someone else's name.  They promised at least twice they would remove my number from their call list.  They are still calling.  Does anyone have their physical address?  I've contacted my state attorney general.

I too have been receiving calls from this number.  My husband finally called them back got a man on the phone and asked what is this about I don't owe Chase anything and don't call back. The man started laughing and said ok.  My husband just hung up on him.  Must be some kind of scam.... beware.

Just BLOCK their number, as I just did, and the problem is resolved.

Started getting these calls. Today I listened for awhile. They started talking about a Bahamas vacation that I won. They kept repeating the message. Eventually they hung up.

This number keeps calling my house. Asks for my son, who does not live here/does not have this phone number. My son has talked to them - he does not have an account in collections with them. Very curious.

call every day this is about a debt by the way not mine a creep bill dillon keeps giving my number out deadbeat stop giving my number out. very emmbarrassing people are over and these message are on my machine. dont know him leave me alone!

I received a call earlier today from someone identified as Chris Earl with Chase Receivables in an attempt to collect a past due claim on behalf of Mount Sinai Hospital. Since the info was correct, I made two mistakes by giving him my phone number and date of birth. He insisted that I pay over the phone and asked for my email address. I said that the email account is hacked and asked him to send a statement by regular mail. He also had my address on file because he read it to me.  As soon as I got off the phone, I thought of doing some research on them. My worst fear was confirmed!!!
I am very worried and concerned at this time for giving them my personal info. I should have known better.
I found your post very helpful and informative!  Should I report them to the police? Should I change my number? Are there any other steps to be taken in terms of safety?

I get calls from this number once a week every week since the beginning of the year (2014) The recording ask for someone who is not at my number. I've had my current phone number for 3.5 years. When I call back I tell the rep that all legit debts come from the company you owe money to, first through snail mail, not you people from Chase! Then I hang up on them. Yesterday I told a male rep you have my name & phone number so obviously you have my address. Have your client send me a letter  telling me what I owe. After a short pause (I thought he hung up) he says " Sir, how can I help you?" I told him get a real job & stop invading my privacy!" Then I hung up on him.

Please learn how to write proper English, then we might understand what you're talking about.

this is a debt if you continue to listen your admitting your bill Dillon. well after working all ay have to listen to my messages. threatening me with a debt call don't know this person called several times.

You sound like a crabby debt collector.. Chase receivables needs to stop. I hope we all get together and SUE!!!

I have received as many as 6 calls a day from this company. I called and was informed that it was "Chase Receivables" . . . I hung up. I have banked with Chase for over 20 years, have 5 Chase CCs and have never had a problem. These people are TRUE phonies!

I receive a recorded message every few days from this company, despite the fact I have no business with them nor have any overdue debt.

Here is some information for stopping these bottom feeders:

         


The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers who are being harrassed by third-party Debt Collectors. Answer these questions to find out if you qualify



1.

Has the same third-party debt collector called you multiple times?

Yes    No



 


2.

Has a third-party debt collector ever threatened to take any action against you (legal or otherwise)?

Yes    No



 


3.

Has a third-party debt collector ever contacted anyone other than your spouse about your debt?

Yes    No


4.

Has a third-party debt collector ever contacted you at work?

Yes    No


5.

Has a third-party debt collector tried to collect debt discharged in prior Bankrutptcy?

Yes    No


6.

Has a third-party debt collector called you before 8:00AM or after 9:00PM local time?

Yes    No


7.

Has a third-party collector left you a message without identifying his or her company or the purpose of the call?

Yes    No



 
         


The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers who are being harrassed by third-party Debt Collectors. Answer these questions to find out if you qualify



1.

Has the same third-party debt collector called you multiple times?

Yes    No



 


2.

Has a third-party debt collector ever threatened to take any action against you (legal or otherwise)?

Yes    No



 


3.

Has a third-party debt collector ever contacted anyone other than your spouse about your debt?

Yes    No


4.

Has a third-party debt collector ever contacted you at work?

Yes    No


5.

Has a third-party debt collector tried to collect debt discharged in prior Bankrutptcy?

Yes    No


6.

Has a third-party debt collector called you before 8:00AM or after 9:00PM local time?

Yes    No


7.

Has a third-party collector left you a message without identifying his or her company or the purpose of the call?

Yes    No


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Cease and Desist: How an Orlando Debt Harassment Lawyer Can Help





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Jump to:
Do I Need an Attorney?
Zombie Debt
Debt Harassment Laws
Common Scams and Violations
What Can I Recover?

The attorneys at Morgan & Morgan are dedicated to stopping banks and other debt collectors from engaging in unlawful and unacceptable behavior. Our consumer protection department has a successful track record of recovering damages for our clients, and is one of the only firms in the country to have collected punitive damages in a debt harassment case. With the assistance of a debt harassment attorney at our Orlando office, you may have an opportunity to return to a harassment-free life and recover the compensation to which you are entitled.

Our attorneys have established a practice area designed to help people that are being harassed by debt and bill collectors. If you have been harassed, or are unsure whether your debt collector?s actions qualify as harassment, please fill out our case review form today. An Orlando debt harassment attorney will review your claim, at no cost or obligation to you.

Do I Need an Orlando Debt Harassment Attorney?
Debt Harrassment Attorney
Many of our clients attempted to stop harassing creditors or bill collectors on their own, and were unsuccessful until they contacted our attorneys for help. Unfortunately, when a consumer tries to stop a harassing creditor without the assistance of an attorney, they may face several setbacks. Some debt collectors will not be intimidated by consumers proceeding without an attorney, and may suspect that these individuals have little to no understanding of their legal rights. Furthermore, there are several steps that must be taken to stop a harassing creditor and, without the guidance of an experienced attorney, debtors can miss vital steps in this process.

Attempting to stop harassing creditors on your own can prove to be a difficult task, especially for those whose lives have already been disrupted by the harassment. When you hire an attorney, the debt collector must contact your legal representation?not you?in regard to your debt, which may provide some relief from the harassment.

If you elect to hire a debt harassment attorney in Florida, he or she can help you take the initial steps necessary to stop the harassment by:

Sending a letter demanding communication with the debtor stop;
Requesting validation and calculations of the debt; and
Sending a letter to contest the debt.
If the harassment does not cease, your attorney may choose to file a lawsuit. In preparing your claim, your attorney can:
Review records you?ve kept (i.e. logs of phone calls, texts, voicemails, etc.);
Subpoena phone records, if necessary;
Dispatch private investigators to find information about the collector and their history ; and
Review current cases in which your collector may be involved.

How Can an Attorney Help Me with ?Zombie Debt??

Debt collection agencies have realized the potential profitability of ?zombie debt,? a term consumers have given to old debts which have gone unpaid. Collection agents purchase the old debt from the original creditor for less than its value and attempt to collect the full value of the debt from consumers whom they believe will pay. If you have been contacted by a collection agency about an old debt, or a debt to which you are not legally obligated to pay, an Orlando debt harassment attorney may be able to help you:


1.Deny responsibility for the debt, even if you are unsure if you are liable.

2. Avoid collectors? traps. Your attorney should be able to recognize any tactics the collection agency employs, such as reporting old debt as new debt to the credit bureaus; making false promises about credit scores; or offering bait-and-switch credit card offers, in which your zombie debt is added without your knowledge.

3. Ask for proof. Your attorney should ask for proof that the debt is your legal responsibility, including a request for the original credit agreement bearing your signature.

4. Check Florida?s statute of limitations on debt collection. Your attorney will be able to tell you whether the window in which the debt may be collected or sought (through the courts) has closed. If the collector requests a revival to extend the statute of limitations, your attorney should draft a letter stating that your case does not meet the necessary Florida state law requirements.

5. Send a letter via certified mail demanding the collector stops contacting you and threatening legal action if they persist.

6. Watch your credit report to ensure it has not been negatively impacted.

Debt Harassment Laws

There are three main laws which offer consumers protection from debt harassment and remedies for violations of these statutes.

Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA): This federal act sets limitations on behaviors debt collectors may and may not engage in while attempting to collect debt from consumers. Additionally, it provides consumers who have been illegally harassed by debt collectors the right to sue for monetary and injunctive relief.

Florida Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FFDCPA): This Act was passed by Florida legislature expanding on the FDCPA to broaden the scope of protection for consumers. The FFDCPA applies their regulations to debt collectors as well as creditors, the latter of which are not bound by the FDCPA regulations.

Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA): This federal act entitles consumers who receive robocalls from collectors on their cell phones to compensation?up to $1,500 per call.

Types of Debt Collector Harassment, Violations and Scams

Harassment by debt collectors attempting to collect consumer debts is a violation of Florida state and federal law. The following are examples of common scams debt collectors use to harass consumers, as well as legal regulations they often fail to follow. Typically, debt collectors commit at least one violation of the law during the first phone call, and then commit many violations during the course of the collection process.


1. Harassment: While there is no precise definition for specific ?harassing conduct,? there is a non-exhaustive list of examples in both Florida and federal legislation governing debt harassment. Common examples include numerous, daily phone calls to alleged debtors, their family, and friends; calls on back-to-back days; repeated calls with no messages; hang-ups; using social media networks such as Facebook; the use of robo-dialers; lies or misleading comments; speaking in a belittling manner; and embarrassing, argumentative, and rude conduct.

2. Collecting Debts Not Owed: No debt collector, including banks, mortgage companies, collection agencies, or other financial institutions may attempt to collect more than is owed. This includes late fees when the debtor has paid on time; penalties; higher interest rates; attorney costs; or any other miscellaneous costs that are not part of the principal or interest of the debt.

3. Threats: Debt collectors may not create a false sense of urgency through the use of threats in attempts to collect a debt. This can include suggesting the following: legal action will be taken; an arrest will be made; criminal prosecution will be pursued; the debtor could face potential jail time; threats of repossession of the alleged debtor?s property, including cars, homes, and furniture; garnishment of wages; or threats to ruin credit. Unless the collector has the intention to carry out these threats and the legal ability to do so, by way of a final judgment, it is illegal to engage in these behaviors.

4. Calls at Work: Any calls to the debtor?s place of employment are a violation of the law. These calls can include speaking with a co-worker or employer, calling the debtor?s cell phone at work, leaving messages regarding the debt, or calling the debtor?s direct line.

5. Contacting Third Parties: Debt collectors may not speak to any party about a debt without the express permission of the alleged debtor, including family members, neighbors, friends, employers, or co-workers. Third party contact is only permissible if it is in an attempt to locate the debtor.

6. Written Notice: Debt collectors must send the debtor a written notice stating the amount of the debt, the creditor to whom the debt is owed, and notification that the debtor has 30 days dispute the debt, in writing.

7. Proof of Debts: If the collector receives notice that a consumer has disputed a debt, they have 30 days to obtain written verification and validation of the amount of debt and to whom it is owed. Until the collector mails this to the debtor, along with supporting documentation, they may not contact the debtor or attempt to collect the debt.

8. Cease and Desist: Any and all communication with the debtor must immediately stop once a debt collector receives a ?cease and desist? letter. There is no specific language required, only a directive that the debtor is no longer to be contacted.

9. No ?Mini-Miranda?: In the initial communication, the debt collector must identify themselves as such to the debtor.

10. Contact after Attorney Representation: Once a bill collector is notified that the debtor is represented by an attorney, all communication with the debtor must stop. Any communications about the debt are required to be discussed with the debtor?s attorney.

What Compensation Can I Recover?

Statutory Damages: Under the FDCPA, debt collectors who violate the law?s provisions will be liable to the harassed consumer for up to $1000 in damages. The amount awarded will hinge on the frequency, duration, and veracity of the harassment. Under the FTCPA, consumers receiving robo-calls on their cell phones may be awarded up to $1,500 per phone call.

Actual Damages: Additional damage compensation may include out-of-pocket costs or compensation for emotional distress and damage such as stress related injuries, which may include:
Angina;
Chest constrictions;
Shock;
Loss of appetite;
Anxiety;
Embarrassment;
Humiliation; and
Pain and suffering.

Attorney Fees: If your suit prevails, the FDCPA permits the recovery of attorney fees.

If you have been harassed by a bill collector in violation of the FFDCPA or FDCPA, you have legal recourse. To learn how an Orlando debt harassment attorney may be able to help, please fill out our free case review form today.




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Hi Dear:

Medical facilities do not submit billing to 3rd party collection agencies for medical records.  MR depts. generally require payment up front unless it is going to your doctor for continuity of care, they there is no charge.

Tell them to let you know what flavor your butt is and hang up.

This lousy company called Christmas Eve with a robotic message.  Owe them nothing.  They buy off written off debt and try to reactivate it by scaring people to death.  This is one thing to realize, the threats they present, if they were able to exact this stuff they would have done so already.  Everyone is struggling right now.  No one needs harassment.  Change your number and save yourself the headache if they refuse to let up.  When they threatened me they threatened to come to my house - the one I lived in about 10 years ago.  Don't know how they got my number.  Do not have money and they definitely are not going to threaten me.  I am a heart patient and will slap a law suit on this for any harassment.  

You will!!  I told them too, and for about three weeks I didn't hear from them but  "THERE BACK"

that is exactly what I did too.... they are calling a business line and I let them know that, they asked what number they are calling.. I gave it to them and they could not find it in their data base as a number
called .... but yet 2 to 3 times a day that phone # shows up as an incoming caller on my work phone

that is sure something to have the wrong person and know your home, work and cell phone #

First time I've received a call from them was tonight. They wanted me to verify info such as my address, why I don't know.Don't have a account with chase. Ask to tell me who nd why the guy hung up. I called the number back, and a lady said she knew exactly who it was, Manuel. If you were a big comaany how would you know who just called.I ask her who they were and what they wanted, she said she could'nt discuss it with me till I verified who I was an verify my address.Said she would mail something to me and hung up.She's denighing me access to something they say pertains to me.I've never had an account with chase anything.
Same phone number you all have on record. We need to do something abouti.
I understood them to repeatedly say chase receivables.

Getting calls from this co. they want more information, (address verification etc.)
Had issue with them calling 3 years ago and reported it to our state.
When state dept contacted them they flat out DENIED ever calling.2 years later they're back.

I know Gertrude, experience the same hearing problem at my own home office!  They really know how to ruin a Saturday in Michigan when the buckeyes are coming to town ; (.

After telling this collection agency many times the person lives in a shelter and please remove her from their list, an automated calling system continues to irritate the person now in possession of 269 area code phone number.  They can not get blood from a turnip nor a stone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes you can block the call.

Chase Receivable say that I owe them for Medical Records. What, When or Who gives them the nerve to offend me by saying, "We called you in September and you said the same thing" my response was, excuse me, I don't want to talk to you, is there a supervisor i can speak with.

"They have been calling for weeks -- at my home, office, and cell phone." They've been calling you for weeks asking for the same person at your home, office, and cell phone? Have you checked the name on your ID lately? What are the odds of a collector seeking "whoever" and the "whoever" at some given time having the same home, office, and cellular that you do? Perhaps it could have been someone you know who used your numbers, that could explain that, but you state the person they are asking for you do not know. The fact they are calling the "wrong person" as you wrote at your home, office, and cell, sounds like they have the right person and you aren't fessing up to whatever debt you owe! And to top it off, you get on line and whine about it as though you are innocent. "Duh" A collector calling your three phone numbers looking for one person in particular, they found their person you're just to pathetic to own up to your debt!

I have read all the comments on these harassing calls,and very good comments.but I as  an individual ,can see no way of stopping this. With complaints filed with the Federal trade commission or any other government agency,local and federal. Do you see them stopping this problem? They are the problem.The collection agency and telemarketers know they are getting a way with breaking the laws. The government is a lot better tapping our phones than they are these idiots.
I recently put my wife in an assisted living and got her a jitterbug cell phone. She has been getting all sorts of these type of call from my newly acquired number. Will have to try and change it and hope we don't get another bogus number. I programed the phone to numbers with a name to prevent her from answering  these idiots.We would no be commenting on this site and others if something is being done to stop it.

Thanks for all the posts guys....very helpful.