The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, is warning consumers to be on the alert for scam artists posing as debt collectors. It may be hard to tell the difference between a legitimate debt collector and a fake one. Sometimes a fake collector may even have some of your personal information, like a bank account number. A caller may be a fake debt collector if he:

?is seeking payment on a debt for a loan you do not recognize;
?refuses to give you a mailing address or phone number;
?asks you for personal financial or sensitive information; or
?exerts high pressure to try to scare you into paying, such as threatening to have you arrested or to report you to a law enforcement agency.

If you think that a caller may be a fake debt collector:

?Ask the caller for his name, company, street address, and telephone number. Tell the caller that you refuse to discuss any debt until you get a written "validation notice." The notice must include the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor you owe, and your rights under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
If a caller refuses to give you all of this information, do not pay! Paying a fake debt collector will not always make them go away. They may make up another debt to try to get more money from you.?Stop speaking with the caller. If you have the caller's address, send a letter demanding that the caller stop contacting you, and keep a copy for your files. By law, real debt collectors must stop calling you if you ask them to in writing.
?Do not give the caller personal financial or other sensitive information. Never give out or confirm personal financial or other sensitive information like your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number unless you know whom you're dealing with. Scam artists, like fake debt collectors, can use your information to commit identity theft ? charging your existing credit cards, opening new credit card, checking, or savings accounts, writing fraudulent checks, or taking out loans in your name.
?Contact your creditor. If the debt is legitimate ? but you think the collector may not be ? contact your creditor about the calls. Share the information you have about the suspicious calls and find out who, if anyone, the creditor has authorized to collect the debt.
?Report the call. Contact the FTC and your state Attorney General's office with information about suspicious callers. Many states have their own debt collection laws in addition to the federal FDCPA. Your Attorney General's office can help you determine your rights under your state's law.

http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0258-fake-debt-collectors

I too received a call from this number; I missed the call and used another phone to call back; gave them the number they called me on (but not my name) and the guy said he couldn't find anything.  The recording that answered said "Arbitration" and then when I was transferred the guy said "Angel Cohen & Associates".  This is the second time I have received such call only the first time was a month ago from a different number - only for me to find out it was nonsense!

Denise, please see the and read my post on page one. Make sure you read the articles on fake debt collectors and read up on your rights..

Have had  a lady by the name of Heidi Dawson call me. Saying that i had to pay a certain amount of money, or else i could wait and go to court and have to pay triple the amount. But sent me a letter to my email and it has a bunch of strange numbers on it. These people i think are scammers. The first name when you dial the 866 number is Andrew collins and associates. And then she called me back on a 855 number and it showed up to be Chase Douglas and Myers. Two different companies but all working together. And they told the person who took the call at the job what they were calling about. Thats not professtional

I had a person named Jack Davis from Andrew Collins and Associates call me from 855-339-0724 but he tell me to call him back at 866-424-8728 ext 539. I have no idea who he is and all he states that this is a legal matter from the Dallas County and that he will take action. Is this a scum?

I had that person call me "Jack Davis" from Andrews Collins and Associates, tell me he was going to go ahead with legal suit. so this is a scum?

Ok, they have called me 2 days in a row and left me messages regarding some other persons account.  I had paid mine off in full for the case number they claim.  1st day, get a message, have 48 hours, gonna arrest me so I call back to clear it up.  Put me in contact with Mr. Sloan who I guess is the supervisor, he assures me, account is cleared, must have been a mistake by the collector, looked at the wrong screen.  Next day, Mr. Leonard called with a totally diff case # from the day before and claim they were going to arrest me in 48 hours in broward county.  I dont live anywhere near florida.  So got Mr. sloan on the phone again, "oh i'm so embarassed must be we were meant to be in contact with one another" Claims my phone # is similar to the person on this account and that's how it got mixed up, AGAIN.  I'm contacting the authorities.  This place is SHADY.

They are pieces of sh*t fake debt collectors. I have had the same experiences as you all,and after speaking with law enforcement and the FTC,BBB I can assure you they are a SCAM!! Also the guy changes his name alot,has went also by " Jack Davis", and has illegally posed as an investegatpr and attourney. If we all report,eventually there will be justice served to these do***ebags!!!

I have no idea who these people are or what they want. They keep leaving messages on my cell phone about some kind of complaint about fraud. I think it's a scam after reading the other complaints. I'm not going to tal to them.

These people call every other day. They leave messages. I have not nor will I be returning their phone calls. Get the hint...leave me alone!

These same people call me harassing me saying that they will come to my job or home. the ext they gave me was 548 and a Mr. logan spoke to me

Leave me alone! They keep calling and I don't answer. They should get the hint. I'm not going to acknowledge anything so do what you have to or should I say what you threaten to do! I'm not scared.

who r this  people

Please do file reports with the FBI, your state attorney general and Department Of Justice,FTC & FCC..

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

Also read up on the laws and your rights:

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

And see:

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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Section 809 of the FDCPA http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre27.pdf requires 3rd-party debt collectors to give debtors written notice of debt (the key word is *shall*) :
"§ 809. Validation of debts
(a) Within five days after the initial communication with a consumer in connection with the collection of any debt, a debt collector shall, unless the following information is contained in the initial communication or the consumer has paid the debt, send the consumer a written notice containing?
(1) the amount of the debt;
(2) the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed;
(3) a statement that unless the consumer, within thirty days after receipt of the notice, disputes the validity of the debt, or any portion thereof, the debt will be assumed to be valid by the debt collector;
(4) a statement that if the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, the debt collector will obtain verification of the debt or a copy of a judgment against the consumer and a copy of such verification or judgment will be mailed to the consumer by the debt collector; and
(5) a statement that, upon the consumer?s written request within the thirty-day period, the debt collector will provide the consumer with the name and address of the original creditor, if different from the current creditor."
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A Collection Agent May Not?

Here are the top 11 actions prohibited by the The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act:

Misrepresent Him or Herself

  A debt collector may not misrepresent himself as an attorney or law enforcement officer.

Use the Telephone to Annoy or Harass

  A collection agent may not cause a telephone to ring or engage any person in telephone conversation repeatedly or continuously with an intent to annoy, abuse, or harass anyone at the called number.

Threaten Arrest or Lawsuit

  A collection agent may not threaten a consumer with arrest. It may not threaten legal action that is either not permitted or not actually contemplated. In other words, a the threat of a lawsuit may be an empty one.

Use Abusive or Threatening Language

  A debt collector may no use abusive or profane language in the course of communication related to the debt.

Publish a Bad Debt List

  Publishing the consumer?s name or address on a "bad debt" list is prohibited.

Contact By Embarrassing Media

  A debt collector may not communicate with a consumer by post card. It may not use any language or symbol, other than the debt collector?s address, on any envelope when communicating with a consumer by use of the mails or by telegram. A debt collector may use its business name if such name does not indicate it is in the debt collection business.

Contact a Consumer at Work

  A collection agent may not communicate with consumers at their place of employment after being told this is unacceptable or prohibited by the employer.

Seek Unjustifiable Amounts

  A debt collector may not demand any amounts not permitted under an applicable contract or as provided under law.

Contact a Consumer Represented by an Attorney

  A collection agent may not contact a consumer after it learns the consumer is represented by a lawyer.

Communicate With a Consumer After Receiving a Validation Request

  If a consumer sends a written §1692g response within 30 days, the collection agent may not communicate with the consumer until it mails the consumer the requested verification of original creditor's name and address.

Communicate With Third Parties

  A debt collector may not reveal or discuss the nature of a consumer?s debts with third parties other than the consumer?s spouse or attorney. A collection agent may contact neighbors or co-workers only to obtain location information. It may contact a third party again if it has reason to believe the information the party provided previously is false.

Bills.com FDCPA FAQ

Below are questions Bills.com readers ask frequently:

Can a Collection Agent Call My Cell Phone?

  Yes. However, if you tell the debt collector it may not use that number because it is a cell phone, it may not contact you again at that number.

I Keep Receiving Dozens of Calls From Collection Agents. Is That Legal?

  No. Unscrupulous collection agents will use "block parties" or "office parties" where they contact a consumer, multiple neighbors, or co-workers telling them they need to reach the consumer on an urgent matter. This is not permitted under the FDCPA.

A Collector Says I Will Be Arrested if I Do Not Pay

  This was a true statement before the US Civil War, but has not been true since. People may be arrested if an aggressive judge files a bench warrant for a person who does not appear at a hearing relating to a lawsuit regarding a debt. However, in that case, the offense is the failure to respond to a court order, and not the existence of the debt. As stated above, it is illegal under the FDCPA to threaten a consumer with arrest if the consumer does not pay the debt.
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They are a bunch of a$$holes. I'm filing a complaint against them with the Federal Trade Commission. They use illegal tactics and are not going to get away with it.  I tried to communicate with them with no luck. No problem I'm not going to lose any sleep over them.

These people at scumbags. They threaten you and try to intimidate you. Read up on the fair collection act and know your rights. What they are doing is illegal they by law cannot call friends or relatives and discuss the debt with them. They are not to discuss it with any third party. They have to provide you a statement of the debt owed in writing and these people flat out refuse. That just shows they are not legal debt collectors. If all else fails go to your local police department and file a police report. They will file a complaint against this number. Be sure to keep all voicemails and record any conversations with these people. They will be out of business shortly and you can profit by their ignorant mistakes. File a lawsuit against them regarding their unfair and harassing debt collection practices.

This number has left several messages with allegations of fraud. I made the mistake of picking up the phone and speaking to this jerk. They way they speak is very unprofessional and refused to send me something in writing stating the reason they are calling. He called me names and said that he has my social and " he will see how much damage he can do with it." he said that he has a list of relatives and he will call each one of them. I called my local police department and a report will be filed against them. This is outrageous and what they are doing is illegal !

Someone from this company called and told me that I was going to be charged with fraud for not paying my bills and if I didn't contact them immediately they were going to recommend legal action to be authorized to resolve this case file.   and that my cooperating or lack there of would have a direct impact on his recommendations of going forward and if he didn't hear back from me then all he could say is "Good Luck"  Didn't really know my name. Called me 2 times on my cell while I was at work within a 2 hour period.

This number call me but I didn't answer left a message on my sister phone, starting that they tried calling me and that it's adebt and that I could be arrested. This is a fraudulent number that is harassing people.

They left me a voice message saying I have been notified of them serving me at my home tomorrow and  at my employer if I am not at home.

They keep calling me and leaving nasty messages and now calling my family members. They can't arrest you!!! DEBT is a civil matter not criminal.  They are bad people harrassing others like that. They are using all time low of scare tactics to get someone to call back.

This number left me a message that I was gonna be arrested if I didn't call them back

CHASE DOUGLAS & MEYERS OUT OF DAVIE FLORIDA- COLLECTION AGENCY (855)339-0724
YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR PHONE BILL- ALOT OF 855 NUMBER CHARGE YOU FOR THE CALL. BILL COLLECTORS HIT AN ALL TIME LOW...NOW YOUR PAYING FOR THERE HARRASMENT!