I also check the statute of limitations for debt collections in Calif where they called from it is 4 years and in my home state it is 5 years I wish I knew this before verifying my info with them. now they know it is correct and can share the info with other scammers still glad I did not give out my credit card info. the person who called even told me a story of a woman who was fearful of them being scammers and offered me an opportunity to talk to his supervisor several times. How do people like this get so much info about you. I know my address is listed on the net in several ares as I do own a business but my social is not on public display. I did have an account with sprint many years ago but as far as I know it was already paid in full.

I got a call from first 347-298-5411 saying I was being sued and needed to contact R & J consulting they gave me a case number of BR2374 and told me to call 855-366-5231 when I called they verified info including my current and last 3 address and knew the first 5 of my social after I told them the last 4. they said sprint was suing me for a debt for 2002. said they sent me letters that I never received. but when they asked for my credit card to pay the debt I told them I would not do that over the phone. I googled their name and then their address their website looks good but the address is for a UPS store. tried calling the number on their website and it does not receive incoming calls. check BBB under their name and found 5 complaints and finally found this site and others reporting them as a scam. Thank goodness for the internet and sites like this and thank goodness I did not give them my credit card info. Ripoffs do seem to be getting more sophisticated these days. sounding so official and real. Never give a credit card on the phone is my motto. and always check up on who is calling you before allowing yourself to be taken to the proverbial cleaners.

I got my bank account ripped off by Alex stren / Adam Ansari from TradersXp in 3000 usd. I was registered in this site and received calls from this number

I just received a phone call today.  The man said his name was Michael Rielly and that he was from SMB Processing.  He said he had a complaint and court sealed documents on a family member and did I have a way of reaching this family member.  He was very evasive when i asked questions on how he got my name and cell number.  He then just kept talking and said that i needed to get my family member to call 888-283-5896 within the next two hours or the papers would be served. He gave me a case # as well.  To make a long story short, my family member called the #.  Got the secretary on the phone, gave her the case # and the women said Ahhhh and then hung up.  What a SCAM! People Beware!!!.  I like the other comments that said that you would be calling the police, the FCC, Attorney General's office, etc if they ever called the # again.

My wife received a call from someone at this number claiming to be Mike Riley who told her that my brother had given her number as a point of contact and that he had a formal complaint filed against him. They needed to speak with him within an hour so he could be served or he would be taken to court without official service and have to pay a lot more money. He would not say what the call was about because it was private information but gave her a case number and a toll free number (888-283-5896) for him to call. When she told me about the call I first tried to call the number he called from with no success (straight to voicemail numerous times). I then called the 888 number and spoke with a female who kept asking if I or anyone in the household knew my brother. I repeatedly asked for this "Mike Riley" and was never transferred to him or given a direst number to contact him. I then advised her that work in the court system and am very well versed in the civil process, explaining to her that no one can be taken to civil court without first being served with an official complaint from the district or circuit court that has jurisdiction over the case. They needed to contact whomever they were trying to "serve" directly and if it was so important and the information was so private they would not be contacting third parties in the first place. I informed her to remove my wife's phone number from their contact list and that we are not to be contacted again for this scam. Let's see if it works. This company is NOT legitimate. Check them out for yourselves. they are not accredited with the B.B.B. Even their website looks like Tyco's-My first webpage with generic language that says nothing about what they do.

So my dad just called me from 50 states away saying that a lady called would not give any information but gave a ref # and a phone number you all mention in other inquires above and asked if he knew me and where they can find me to serve me papers from sheriff.  I can easily be located so it concerns me that they called my dads cell phone?  I do not owe anyone and all my bills are paid!  They have just called wrong person because this ain't over!!!! They are going down.  Good Luck J & D Consulting

Unfortunately, I did pay these people and they took my money but there is nothing that has been settled on my debt.  They said that sometimes they buy accounts that are already closed but they don't know that because they go through someone in Florida. They actually had the name of the account that is outstanding; however, when they sent me a "receipt" it didn't match the account number.  It is a scam.  I know personally because I fell for it.  Please do not pay these people.  They will steal your money and you will never get it back.  I tried fighting it with my bank but they could not help since I had signed a paper showing my account was paid in full.  

I received a call today from ESTER stating that she was calling about a spring t dept.  I told her that I have contacted the Attorney General office who tolfd me that they were a sam!!!!!!!!!!!!! He states DO NOT pay them or give them any info these are scare tatics to get you to pay. DO NOT, DO NOT pay them!!!!!!!! FRAUD! FRAUD! FRAUD! FRAUD!

Got a call from no. +8552710502 but nobody is talking. Just found out its a scam or trying to get your accnt no. Stored in your phone. Well they cant get anything from me coz im broke and im just using a prepaid card

This company called my uncle yesterday.  First of all...i don't even use my family as a reference for anything.  They said I had a issue of "FRAUD". So when they went further into detail...I laughed bc the email address they provided...i've never had. Then the account that they said I took a PAYDAY loan in 2008 was paid into, that account's been closed since 2004. My financial institution said for me to report them to the Attorney General's office and to the BBB. Which is what I am doing today. Trying to use scare tactics.  I fell for something like this years ago which is why that account is closed. B/c it cause me to owe the bank and the bank is pursued them. The bank closed my account b/c it was a SCAM

Some lady from "Florida" just called me from 1-813-379-6870 saying didn't know what it was about nor had any info regarding it but then proceeded to say the Sherriff would serve papers if the call wasn't made to 866-252-3492. When I asked her how she knew that if the "case was sealed" and she knew nothing about it she just said "I can just put a hold on it". So feel free to blast her number for working for some scum bag here is her number again 1-813-379-6870.

I am just sick I have been paying these people for 6 months on something they told me was from 2002 I am on disability due to a car accident I was in that year I never thought to research them, I had a head injury and i figured it was something I really forgot to pay... I have a hard enough time getting by on what i make... the only reason I am researching now is I called today to make my monthly payment and it went to voice mail and was saying R&J consulting firm I got a wierd feeling and started checking them out and I found this thread... so how do I find out for sure this is not true is it really a scam????? like I said I am just sick now...

This same outfit called my 82 yr. old mother and tried to get her to give a phone number for her daughter who lives six states away by telling her her grandson was in legal trouble and needed to get in touch with his mother or he would be arrested.
When I called and asked them to take her number off their records and had already gotten them to give their supposed address and the name of their attorney "Sean Bradley"  (oh yes and he is also the president of the company but the BBB has no record of such a company in CA) they hung up on me.Go figure, what a surprise.
FAKE is the word.
Do NOT PAY THIS COMPANY ANY MONEY OR GIVE THEM ANY INFORMATION ABOUT ANYONE.
IF THEY CALL YOU TELL THEM YOU WILL BE CALLING THE POLICE TO REPORT THEM, THE FCC (FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION), THE CALIFORNIA STATE ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE, AND THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU.
I guarantee they will hang up on you.

They are a scam all the way. They almost got me for $493 and when I called my back to cancel my debit card she looked up the name and number only to find that it tells you to contact the Better Business Bureau and your local Attorney Generals office to report them.  Then they had the nerve to call me from an 1-866-252-3492 number saying they were R and J consulting firm. Hahaha... When I told them why I cancelled my account he proceeded to convince me of the name change.  His name is James Porter and he's a FRAUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Please be aware of this scam they got my friend just last month for $500 and now her bills are a mess...

I got a call from these people today.. They did scare me, until I realized WHY would a true legal issue would be handled on the phone!! If that could happen divorces would be SO easy!! NO dealing with anyone!! These people are SCAMERS! DON'T LISTEN! TELL THEM YOU WILL REPORT THEM!! THEY WILL STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I feel the same way...We gave them $900 and when we found out that this is a scam, we went to the bank and closed our bank acct. so they can't get one more penny from us.  I am so sick to my stomach right now.  I can't believe we have been scammed this easy.  What can we do to sue these people?

A person called identifying themself as a legal counselor on behalf of JD Mitchell & Associates. The person left a message instructing me to contact them or I would be summoned by deputies to appear in court. They left a case number and a call back number 1-855-271-0502. I can tell you all it is kinda like I was left an ultimatum by the individual, with the style of a clerk of the court. They did not tell what the purpose of their call was, and sounded like a police secretary. I thought there might have been a misunderstanding so I did not hesitate to call back immediately. I was transfered by the operator to speak to a Josh Summers. I agree he tried hard to do what few of you referred to as "Shilling". I found out that he was calling from a small  collections firm. Can someone tell me if this company has been flagged by the FTC? I don't owe the amount the individual had on file ($900-$1000). It was maybe 10 times the amount I borrowed from a small merchant over a decade ago. I think this business is violating Title 15 USC 1692e- False or misleading representations. Which states: A debt collector may not use any false, deceptive, or misleading representation or means in connection with the collection of any debt. Without limiting the general application of the foregoing, the following conduct is a violation of this section:
(1) The false representation or implication that the debt collector is vouched for, bonded by, or affiliated with the United States or any State, including the use of any badge, uniform, or facsimile thereof.
(2) The false representation of?
(A) the character, amount, or legal status of any debt; or
(B) any services rendered or compensation which may be lawfully received by any debt collector for the collection of a debt.
(3) The false representation or implication that any individual is an attorney or that any communication is from an attorney.
(4) The representation or implication that nonpayment of any debt will result in the arrest or imprisonment of any person or the seizure, garnishment, attachment, or sale of any property or wages of any person unless such action is lawful and the debt collector or creditor intends to take such action.
(5) The threat to take any action that cannot legally be taken or that is not intended to be taken.
(6) The false representation or implication that a sale, referral, or other transfer of any interest in a debt shall cause the consumer to?
(A) lose any claim or defense to payment of the debt; or
(B) become subject to any practice prohibited by this subchapter.
(7) The false representation or implication that the consumer committed any crime or other conduct in order to disgrace the consumer.
(8) Communicating or threatening to communicate to any person credit information which is known or which should be known to be false, including the failure to communicate that a disputed debt is disputed.
(9) The use or distribution of any written communication which simulates or is falsely represented to be a document authorized, issued, or approved by any court, official, or agency of the United States or any State, or which creates a false impression as to its source, authorization, or approval.
(10) The use of any false representation or deceptive means to collect or attempt to collect any debt or to obtain information concerning a consumer.
(11) The failure to disclose in the initial written communication with the consumer and, in addition, if the initial communication with the consumer is oral, in that initial oral communication, that the debt collector is attempting to collect a debt and that any information obtained will be used for that purpose, and the failure to disclose in subsequent communications that the communication is from a debt collector, except that this paragraph shall not apply to a formal pleading made in connection with a legal action.
(12) The false representation or implication that accounts have been turned over to innocent purchasers for value.
(13) The false representation or implication that documents are legal process.
(14) The use of any business, company, or organization name other than the true name of the debt collector?s business, company, or organization.
(15) The false representation or implication that documents are not legal process forms or do not require action by the consumer.
(16) The false representation or implication that a debt collector operates or is employed by a consumer reporting agency as defined by section 1681a (f) of this title.

[cough]your off[cough]
[cough]http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shill[cough]


Decoy, Smart Guy, decoy

In my opnion the scammers and collectors using illegal methods posted about on this board are attempting to sell their PRODUCTS to people.  That product is called Bull S***!    Anyone who comes on this board to post  favorable comments, endorsing the sale of this product,   are promoting the sale of Criminal  Bull S*** and we can call them a shill or anything else we want.  If you don't like it,  get out of the office and go sell something   or  teach class to someone who really cares about Nit picking over nothing.

Perhaps so.  However, most who are referred to as shills on this board are collections scammers as well as other  types of scammers.  Google "Define shill"  and there is a host of other definitions for shill, including sales,   but I don't think that it has such a confined meaning that it is exclusive to sales.   For example,  go to www.internetslang.com/SHILL-meaning-definition.asp  where  it defines a shill as a "decoy person on a scam"   As a lifetime marketing person,  I'm aware that it is used in sales,  but it also has uses elsewhere too.  Some of the definitions indicate that it can be used in a latitude of ways other than just sales.  How about letting everyone google "Shill"  and let them decide whether the term is correctly used or not.  Thank you for your post.

Just so everyone understands.

"Shill" typically refers to someone who purposely gives onlookers the impression he is an enthusiastic independent customer of a seller (or marketer of ideas) for whom he is secretly working. The person or group who hires the shill is using crowd psychology, to encourage other onlookers or audience members to purchase the goods or services.

SHILL is a sales term not a collections.

Just want everyone to understand this so they stop using it incorrectly.

Sheesh....what a creep.

Whether or not you acknowledge the debt is not an issue As long as you
DISPUTE the debt. Based upon the Statute of limitations, it is already time barred and legally uncollectable. You can stand in front of the judge and acknowledge that you created the debt,  as long as you are disputing it based upon the fact that it is already time barred from going to court. If you fail to dispute it, the clock can be restarted, but it is unlikely unless you make payment arrangements or pay even one dollar before disputing the alleged debt.
Don't call people stupid just because you have a point that may differ.  It doesn't make you appear any smarter and is a childish and impolite way to address anyone who is simply participating in a discussion.

Shill alert!  You already knew the account was paid off but still tried a shakedown.  Are you still going to continue breaking the law and harassing the above poster?

Thank you for faxing in your proof you had paid this account.

These people DID FIND ME and had some of my personal identification info...(i.e. birth month and year but couldn't tell me the day I was born for "security reasons", they knew half of my social security number but couldn't tell me the rest due to "security reasons"). DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE GIVE THEM YOUR PERSONAL INFO!!! They try to con you into giving it to them by telling you they need to make sure they have the right person because you will deny it's you. Of course you will, you don't owe that $ to anyone!! It's a scam. They even went as far as mailing me all these official looking papers that appear to be court documents but were missing important info that is included in actual court papers (city and court where paperwork is to be filed, etc). Like I said, in my line of work, I know the difference and still was unsure about it and had to do my research and pull out my paperwork, etc. Unfortunately, many others do not. They were very intimidating and stated that I owed that money and had to pay it or I was going to be sued for it. I told them it had been taken care of, they said no, that the people I paid scammed me because JD Mitchell and associates are the only ones authorized to take payment on this account. They are very intimidating even to me a professional who knows all the right lingo & procedures. DO NOT FALL FOR IT!!!!!! I got my paperwork stating that I did pay off this debt and I already called the police to file a report.  
IT'S A COMPLETE SCAM!!!!!!!!

trust me we know.

Scam. Don't call these people back. If it was a real debt they would know how to find you.

2nd post.....TOTAL SCAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Initial call was from 520 area code from the supposed processor. Number I had to call was 855-271-0502

SCAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Same as above....got a call stating I was gonna get a summons for court. (red flag #1...In my line of work, I deal w/ alot of law enforcement and I often get court summons/subpoenas to testify in court.) They don't call you to tell you they are going to serve you, they actually just show up and serve you! No warning that they are coming. They gave me a number to call. Out of curiosity I called. They tell me I owe on a credit card that's been paid off for 1.5 years. They say it was never paid. They want me to send in the information within 24 hours showing where and how I paid it. HA HA!!! They want my account info is what they're after! I'm no dummy. Already reported it to the police.