For at least the last year, an illegal group of debt collectors have been terrorizing consumers, their family, friends, and employees threatening to arrest the individual of an unpaid loan or other debt (their generally don't even owe). Be aware debt is a civil matter, not a criminal matter, and you can't be arrested. They threaten a warrant if the victim does not pay a sum of money by the credit card over the phone.

Some of the people they are calling do not owe a debt.  Others they are calling have already settled their debt with the organization who owns the accounts. Even if you do owe a debt, do not be deceived by the actions of this group.  Many of the accounts they are attempting to collect they do not own.  In other words, if you pay these people, that is not going to clear your debt with its rightful owner.  

Although when pressed the callers give the victim an address in Columbia South Carolina (usually a vacant lot) or Atlanta GA (often a parking lot near the bus station or a Peachtree Road Address). They are actually out of the Charlotte North Carolina area. The scammers are using the following business names (and there are many others, and they seem to create new ones daily).  They will normally answer the call back number as ?Investigations?

Reynolds, Hill, and Associates
Berkley and Associates
Kaufmann and Associates
Sanderson Blaine & Associates
Blaine and Associates
McKenzie Reid Associates
Kennedy, Kline, & Associates
Nationwide Asset and Recovery
Piedmont Investigations and Procurement
Raffino, Garrison, & McCoy
Greenman, Schwartz & Associates
McCoy Law Group
Salem Associates
Reynolds and Associates
Ryan, Carter and Fields
Berman, Maxwell and associates
DOF Investigations
Vaughn & Associates


Here is a set of links to a variety of threads on this forum that document this group and its behavior. They include the experiences of victims as well as a former employee or two that quit within a week of finding out exactly what was going on. They also include responses from consumer advocates and people who are really criminal justice professionals advising victims of what to do

http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-748-8367
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-719-1725
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-676-3492
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-805-5549
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-751-1084
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-803-2349
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-775-2417
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-775-2418
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-755-3417
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-746-3946
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-676-3485
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-966-3768
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-699-9749/2
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-966-6246
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-678-5437
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-967-0061
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-746-3948
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-791-2353
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-699-6246
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-735-8624
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-751-1083
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-736-3678/2
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-966-8529
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-967-2633
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-460-1576
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-609-3074
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-866-576-6210
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-601-5849
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-866-230-1283
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-658-0438
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-510-9327
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-509-0338
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-866-803-0755
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-511-0627
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-509-3033
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-509-0339
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-511-0631
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-866-883-2350/2
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-244-3381
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-512-0269
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-295-9550
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-966-6277
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-511-4248
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-725-5312
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-756-9997
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-512-1278
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-512-0531
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-512-0273
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-877-719-5041
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-791-9102
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-512-400-2637
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-585-730-6153
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-888-512-1712
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-800-657-1430
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-855-643-7815

Numerous calls daily on both my and my  husbands phones.  
Same as Christy's report.  Gave me a name I never heard of.  Told them no one here by that name.  Kept calling.
Cussed them out.  Called again anyway.  

These pathetic creatures called my son today, tried to scare him, then called his two sisters.  I am not sure how they are getting these phone numbers, but this is a total SCAM.  I called one of the numbers they left, nobody answered, but the recording said that I had reached the investigations division.  Seriously?  Hahaha OOOOOhhhh  I'm shaking already.  Scary stuff, i'm so afraid.  I wonder if these guys like orange?  I wonder how tough they'll talk when they become someone's prison bi***.

Their tools are fear, intimidation, pier group pressure to get money from innocent people.  People need to contact their state attorney generals office, the police department, etc.  Do not let them upset you.  There plenty and genuinely nice people in the world, don't let a few gutter rats upset you.

I kept receiving messages for someone else.  I called to let them know I have never heard of this person and to please stop calling me.  They were very rude and hung up on me.  This isn't even me nor do have i ever met the person they are trying to reach.  Maybe they need to take their meds before they go in the office.  

Has anyone gotten anywhere with the complaints filed? I filed one with my Attorney Generals office and one with Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (FBI website directed me there). These people are calling an old employer and the employer is getting upset. When I spoke with a Ruby Banks at this number she said they will not stop calling them.

Got a voicemail from these frauds...****** ****** listed this number on some documents, if you know the whereabouts of ****** ***** please contact our office immediately. You can reach us at 855-643-7815. Seriously, these stupid scammers need to get a grip, same old crap, just a nuew number they are calling from. In response to Paulene...I wonder if Rebecca Carlyle is married to Matt Carlyle...he used to harass me to no end, told me I was going to jail if I didn't pay $1,000.00 right then over the phone. I told him "bring it" that was over 2 years ago. If anyone wonders if there truly is a case pending against you check with casenet.com for your state. Also your local Sheriff's department has a toll free number you can call to see if you have an outstanding warrant. DO NOT LOSE SLEEP OVER THESE CRIMINAL FREAKS! Contact your state attorney generals office with a complaint...maybe with any luck, we can get a few of them behind bars where they belong!

I did a search on this number and the carrier is RingCentral, Inc.  I contacted the company and advised them of what their client is doing.  

I keep getting phone calls and messages from this number for John Gentile. No one by this name lives here. I try to call this number to stop the call but am not hooked to anyone and within seconds am disconnected. The call comes in daily, sometimes twice.

I, and my family members, received calls from this so called law firm, leaving threatening voice mail messages. Do not talk with them and engage them in any way, it just feeds the monster. Total fraud here.

These people claiming to be from Vaughn and associates residing at 1201 main street in SC I just contacted the property manger and there is no office there of Vaughn and associates. Also they called me at work yesterday and im sorry but Y am I getting a legal call on veterans day.scam scam scam and the  last I takes to was so pissed all she could do was threaten me haha so funny

Thank you for letting know this is a scam because I already blocked the number

i keep getting calls from 855-860-3119 and when they leave a message they ask to call 855-6437815 i have gotten the same thing vaghn and associates when i called from my work to figure out who they were i did not confirm who i was they said i had two civil suites and a criminal sute pending haha loosers this is the third time in three years i have gotten scam calls. the first time i got it it scared me but i called my local detective and they assured me this is a scam if your info is on the internet there are people that sale your info to these scammers. oh yea when i looked up vaughn and associates all that came up was real estate agenceys and medical no criminal attorneys!! there purpose is to scare you so you pay them DO NOT PAY ANYTHING EVER THIS IS A SCAM AND REPORT IT TO WHOEVER YOU CAN !!!!!!

they got my number but iv never spoken to these people

I screened the call.  The name came up as "Copeland".  I have no affiliation with any group by that name.  Someone just kept saying ""hello".  I could hear a lot of other people making calls in the background.  Apparently a boiler room call.  I  have our number on a Do Not Call list.  It doesn't stop the calls from coming...

You are wrong. This was not a collection call, it was a scam.

You are also wrong that "Paid Bills=No Collection Calls". These criminals call plenty of people who have paid all their bills.

Come to think of it, it makes more sense for criminals like this to call people who AREN'T behind on their debts because such people are more likely to be able to afford to pay them off.

Collections calls are not governed by the Do Not Call Registry.   Scammers are governed by no one.

If this company collects on payday loans and your sister apparently took one out and never paid it back how would it b possible that a person under such financial distress would have $2k just sitting in a bank account??? Just wondering....Sounds a little exaggerated don't you think...ijs...Bottom line ppl if you make a bill, pay the bill...Common Sense...Paid Bills=No Collection Calls

This mess is a scam!!!!!!!!! A friend called and said she got this weird call from someone claiming to be a investigator. Says he was looking for someone she knew and that person left her as a contact 3 yrs ago. Said he may have to force her to go to court. The crazy part is, the jerk hit on her!!!!!!!  SMH. Don't answer any calls from this #, Don't give them any info or report them to the police.

Informational Post:
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
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/

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
************
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0258-fake-debt-collectors
************
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/pressreleases/extortion_scam.htm
******************
http://800notes.com/arts/Jb8EW-eDhQA/harassin ... ou-need-to-know
*******************************
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."
****************************************
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.

I received a phone call from (855)-643-7815 claiming I had a warrant out for my arrest and that I had charges pending against me so I talked to the women and told her I was going to call her back. I did a little investigating and found out this is not a real company and the 1201 Main St. address they gave me is fake as well. They have been calling my family so I called them back at their number and asked for Ex:117 to confront them about it and the lady got funky with me so today I couldn't take it anymore and I had to get ghetto/hood with them and those words don't even fit into my vocabulary! I called the Better Business Bureau, The Federal Trade Commission, and I also file a report with the FBI. I dare them to call me back again and they're lucky this is some over the phone mess instead and not a face to face situation!

Call your attorney general!!! If you have to have the attorney generals office talk to your boss and verify to him that this is a scam! The more you talk to these scam artist the more they will call!

I just talked to the attorney general office.... This is a scam! Asking them not to call you again will only make them call you more. Ohio Attorney generals office verified they have received many complaints but this is an overseas cell number. Any legit agency would not call from an overseas cell number. The absolutle only thing you can do is ignore the calls and under no circumstances never ever ever call them back!!!!

Wow....thanks so much for all the info, my story is very similar to all the above. Vaughn and A** have and old address and work listing, so I figured they can't be legitimate with out dated info. Also this Victoria Caldwell is s ghost....I called back and ask for her every time, she is never available or always busy....so I figured it out, its just a made up name and she doesn't exist. Also I answered the phone twice when I saw that number and it hung up on me, I guess they never expect you to answer, just leave a threatening voicemail. I am amazed at how they contact family that I NEVER used as reference for anything. My sister contacted a real atty and was told if these people called her again to tell them your gonna call your State Attorney Generals office for harrassment......they haven't called her since. Thanks for all the feedback.

Got 2 calls within 2 minutes and some very threatening voice mail for someone I never heard of, company would send the police unless they were called bak within 2 hours.
877-709-0734. Called back & learned it is Vaugn and Associates in Columbia SC.
Asked the rep to remove my phone number, they kept asking for a case number  - I didn't get one, but was told
that they didn't have my name or phone on file and Might remove it since I asked.
GO TO www.consumerfinance.gov Consumer Finanace Protection Bureau and file a complaint there. I used it to report
this scam company.

ran same scam on me said i owed money when i did not . have proof my payday loan is paid off when i told them that they   called me a liar cash net filed compliant on my be half also filed complaint with ftc and fbi . they have threatened me with fraud .did not want to give me any information on my account or why i owed this someone needs to stop them thank god for cashnet usa and nca for helping me

Consumer debt in America is *not* a criminal matter. Lawful debt collection is a process, not an ambush, and you are due a chance at each stage to raise a dispute. More items for your files and study:

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

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

This company calls my workplace from phone number 855-643-7815

thisa company has tried to get me suspended from my job.maybe even fired.coninues to call the executives phones

Yup, my family and I got the 1-855-643-7815 call today from a Victoria Caldwell.   She called each individual cell phone (my wife's, two kids and mine).  My son didn't answer because he didn't recognize the number (they left him a voice mail, and he thought it was a joke).  My daughter didn't give any info.   I answered.  They are slick.   They were looking for my sister in law, and we were "listed as contacts".  That was the first red flag, because my sister in law knows better than to list me as a reference or contact.  How they got my numbers are still a mystery.   They even gave me the telephone number and a case number.  I didn't give them any info, but they threatened her with the civil and criminal charges if she doesn't call back within 12 hours.  I immediately called my wife and my daughter called me.  We googled the number, and it pulled me to this site.  I told my in law not to call back.  I would think that they would have to subpoena you if they want to press charges.  Thank you for the above info.  I will copy, paste, and email my family and friends all of the info from this site.  

Received a call from Investigator Ryan Chase from Vaughn & Associates Law Firm.
Stated I owed a debt for a company F.D.L Financial. Stated that his firm had reason to believe that I was in violation of a contract and wanted me to offer a counter to going to court. I said let's go to court. Then transfered to a supervisor and told her the same. She asked if I still resided at an address I lived at over 7 years ago, when I informed her I did not and questioned her inability to have an old address or her truth of being an investigator for a Law Firm, She called me pampas and hung up!!!
SCAMMERS. Not sure if Vaughn is spelled correctly.