I was called by a blocked number, which I never answer, and a vm was left.  I called back, freaked out by the threat of being served in my workplace within the next few minutes.  I'm a single mom, living on a very tight income.  They had lots of info on me and referred to a credit card I had years and years ago with my ex-husband.  I fell for the official sounding person on the other end of the phone, he said he's cease and desist with the papers being served if I came to an agreement right then.  I agreed to a number and gave them access to my only credit card, after explaining that this was coming out of my grocery budget.  I had asked if I would receive paperwork stating our agreement and he claimed I would.  I never did.  A week later, I received another call from another company, Capital Harris Miller and Assoc. same deal, but different card.  Again, as bad as it sounds, I fell for it.  I again asked for paperwork on the arrangement, never received anything from either company.  My second payment was due and I received a reminder call, I asked about the missing paperwork and was told I would receive something stating Paid In Full after the last payment was received. Sadly, this was the red flag for me.  I talked to a friend who is a litigation attorney and they believed that I was scammed.  We researched both companies, and sure enough.  Neither is affiliated with BBB and both companies are scams.  I cancelled the Credit card they had on file and reported both incidents.  My naivete led to a loss of $350, small number to most, but a lot to this struggling mom.  Lesson learned.  

They are stepping their game up.  They are getting your current contact info from "Credit Karma" and other "free" credit reports.  Today guy called from blocked # and all he said is he needs me to sign papers because there have been 2 complaints against me in my home county.  Then he gave me the last 4 of my Social and proceeded on to tell me my current home address.  He said he will be here tomorrow morning from 8-10 to get me to sign papers, I have to sign the papers and he cannot tell me anything else.  I asked for his company name and he rambled something and something associates.  And asked me to take down a number, however I couldn't because I was driving.  I told him I am not signing anything and to send me something in the mail about this, if it is a true legal issue.  My old pay day loan is 10+ years already and I couldn't find the place 4 years ago to even try to pay it off.  The weird part is I told him I will not sign the papers and he kept saying he would keep coming until I did.  Did a Little research and there is a possible way for the old company to try to sue me, however if I get served the papers there is NO signing involved.  I wonder how the call would have taken a turn if I said yes I will meet you.  Most other 800 notes from similar sites say if you tell them you will meet them than they say they can just take care of it over the phone, but he was intent on coming to my home he said and having me sign those papers.  It is a little real, but mostly scam and can't believe some people have to do this to make a living.  If a legit company sent me some real paperwork I would pay for sure!

These people have been calling my ex-parents in law cell phones, my mom's cell phone and even my landlord's cell phone giving the same spill about serving me legal documents and leaving their 855 number with a case number. Of course they all freak out, which is their intention, so that I will resolve my debt to prevent further embarrassment. They have not called ME at all nor attempted to serve me. I tracked them down by glancing at my credit report where it shows Steele Morgan making an inquiry recently.
I do not plan on giving them the time of day and suggest that all of you do the same. They continue to call and harass our family members because they are making profit from those of you who actually PAY them! It costs them court fees to actually file a suit against a debtor and it's all a bluff. Those of you who have ever been actually sued know that they are not going to call everyone you know to warn you. It's all a scare tactic so just ignore it. Whatever you do, do NOT pay them anything!

Why would ANYONE give a debt collector information regarding their banking account or debit card over the phone. People...if they are going to serve you they are NOT going to call everyone you know to warn them to warn you first. Just shaking my head as to how some people are so frightened and threatened by debt collectors.

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
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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://800notes.com/arts/Jb8EW-eDhQA/harassin ... ou-need-to-know
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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."
****************************************
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.

My mom called my grandma after someone from Steele Morgan threatened to take her to court over a 9 year debt she said someone served her papers from Steele Morgan and she gave them her credit card number to them. My moms going to straighten this out. Wish I found this site earlier.

I received calls from a Damian Brown with mainland and associates harassing me about a payday loan I never had. Very interesting. Hired a lawyer.

Has anyone gotten their money back after authorizing these scammers to take it?  I called the bank right away but don't know if I will get the money back because I authorized the payment before doing my research;(

We need to stop this people..why they still existed? If we dont do anything they will continue victimize ordinary people like us who live paycheck to paycheck.Please help us. we have to come together to stop this criminal actions!

We are screwed! They called me Friday, and Wednesday regarding my old debts. at first this guy named Rick told me that I owe a credit card from Chase worth 2999. and I asked If I settle how much it will take? 1500 I said I cant make a decision because I dont have any money right now. Then Yesterday Lady called to call this number 8552969745. Immediately, we did and talked to this guy named Damian. If I dont take care this matter theyre going to send me to court. and told me that I signed the subpoena. How could it be? I dont even receive any papers from them? These guys has all my information. They had my records from credit report. OMG! so for 3 hrs My Friend settled for 1246.19. She used her debit Card to pay. Diane/ finance dept from Steele, Morgan & Assoc. assured me to send a confirmation to my email that my debt was paid. So my Roommate told me to check online if this Firm is true..FURIOUS, HORRIFIED seeing all this comments and reviews from people that they victimized..We were panic..We called the bank to cancel the transaction but the problem was, she authorized the payment. pending but it will go thru. we file discrepancy but the money was on the line. we cancel our account..Its a hassle! She called this steele, Morgan & assoc. Then Rick was the one who answered and telling her that she is a fraud. What? If shes a Fraud. They shouldnt get the money from her account. So BS..They keep her on hold. and denying that there is no Damian and said we dont have this guy last name..My roommate could her that someone laughing in the background..Am sure hoping that my case is legit..I called them first thing in the morning and ask for a copy of Subpeona and a case number..I Will wait tomorrow if theyll send me an email or else I will call TV reporters and broadcast this scam.these thing should be ended.

how can I do if I have same situation and the debt still in my credit report?

thanks

please do not call me

I have had the very same thing happen to me.
These people called my sister looking for me. They said they had been trying to reach me for weeks. I never received a call or mail from them. They told my sister the name of the company was SMA Associates. They said there was a lawsuit against me and I could resolve the issue if I called back. If I didn't call back I'd be served with a subpena. I called them back to see who it was and what it was about. They answered the phone Corporate Office. I gave her the file # they left with my sister and then she transferred me to a guy who told me there was a lawsuit against me for a bad debt. I asked him what account and what was the account # he gave me the info however, the amount was significantly higher than what my credit report says (I am currently in process of cleaning up my credit, so I had a copy in front of me when I called) I owed the credit card company 400.00 and they are saying almost 3000.00. I told him I never received any mail and he said he can take 2000.00 off the amount, but that I needed to make payments of at least 100.00 a month. I told him I have been a victim of identity theft and that I would like info on his company since they do not appear on my credit report that I had just pulled 2 weeks ago. He took my email address and said he'd email me all the info and gave me his direct line to call him back. I asked the name of the company and he said S M Active Litigation.

the email came from Fatima Diaz @ steelemorgan.com  So many different company names. I have no problem paying my debt since I am trying to clean up my credit, but obviously to legit people!

Wondering if I should e-mail this chick back and tell them to take a hike.

What I really want to know is why are they allowed to pull my credit report and where the heck did they get my ss#????

Someone first called me from a restricted number and she gave me the number 855-660-4824 and told me that I was about to be sued in a civil matter but she didn't know what the case was about, and she gave me a reference number of CA67068. So I called that number and spoke to a David Garcia and he spent the entire conversation trying to use a scare tactic on me. He didn't claim to be an attorney, he claimed he was a middleman for an attorney. This was when the first red flag went up. Why didn't the attorney contact me, himself?
He did in fact have my credit report and told me this was from an HSBC credit card that had gone to chargeoff in 2006. This is when the first second flag went up. Credit cards that have gone to chargeoff may not be given to collections.

This was at 4PM on a friday and he wanted payment information right away. I told him I was on the freeway and wasn't about to reach for my wallet while I'm on the freeway. So he told me to call back no later than 12:30PM on Monday. He called me back on Monday from 909-456-1839, so by then I had already spoken to my attorney and she told me it was a scam. She said if I could get an address she could send them a letter. Thanks to this website, I now have that information so she is going to call me back today. I have already turned them in to the FTC and got a reference number 38301784. Human nature is kicking in so I feel like, "you're going to try to scare me, you SOB, now I'm going to scare YOU!"

Regarding Steele Morgan & Associates, LLC they also called us today from the number 888-341-6941.  The guy's name who called was Andres Villanueva

It happened again.  Same story EXACTLY!  The problem is I never considered pausing beyond the 1/2 hour phone call to actually look this "company" up until just after I had hung up the phone and my gut was also sending up many red flags.  It truly sucks that they use intimitation, scare tactics and the overall shame of owing money for years.  It sucks even more so that so many of us are falling for it.  Wish I had seen this or had paid closer attention to the bottom feeders of the debt collector world horror stories. Ricky Rodrigues was my 'paralegal".

Why are you on here? Obviously you work for them. Yes people may owe some of that debt but the fees that accumulate after the accounts charge off is beyond ridiculous so of course people are not going to want to pay even if it is their debt. What most of these postings are saying about your representatives constantly harassing people, specifically the wrong people not even the person(s) you are supposed to be collecting from is true and now that i have your address and I have officially requested a cease and desist, if i get one more call on any of my lines from any of you regarding something my sister owes my attorney will be given the go ahead to file harassment not only through the court but to the better business bureau and a lot more. Thank you and have a magnificent day!

I have been doing that...go to a website called www.soundboardarchive.com and use some of their voices....I have been pranking them for a month and pissing "mrs" darwin off... LOL

Im currently receiving calls from mr. supposeably steven darwin but sent me an email with the name stephen wtf mr. darwin told me that i was going to be served if i didnt pay up front 2000 dlls after so many years now they are going to serve me now I had agreed to go through with payments but after of course that i  received legit paper work which i never did so i got suspicious called back he got mad because i didnt put the payment in i told him no that i was entitled to receive paper work with our agreement so that i would receive an email i couldnt find the email because it was under some bi****s name Fatima Diaz wich i tought was pretty weird dont trust them its a scam they dont even tell you that the call is being recorded because they dont record the calls pretty weird for a so called legit place

im goin  to prank call these f****rs tonight  should be fun

You need to sue them. You have a case as long as you kept your voicemails.

FILE A COMPLAINT WITH CALIFORNIA STATE ATTORNEY KAMALA HARRIS AT THE WEBSITE BELOW. PUT THESE GUYS IN JAIL NOW...

http://ag.ca.gov/contact/complaint_form.php?cmplt=CL

Steele Morgan & Associates is a front for Blackstone Financial Group.  File a complaint with the State AG, FTC, and BBB!!!!!

http://www.la.bbb.org/business-reviews/Collec ... io-CA-100094858

I feel bad for anybody going through this. I got a call from a family friend whom I used to live with... she said she received a call from 877-569-9313 saying that I was going to be subpoened/served if I did not call back. I immediately called and set up payment arrangements to pay off my credit card as they said I could avoid court by paying what I owed.

Following the initial phone call I did some research on the company and came across this forum, and my mouth just about dropped. I called them back and got their address... same thing as everybody listed, this is their 'corporate' office haha.. as they called it:

2910 S. Archibald Ave., #A680
Ontario, CA 91761

I immediately called them back, cancelled my payment, and told them to never call again as I had done research and would contact an attorney if I received anymore phone calls or documentation requesting payment. People I talked to.

Steven Darwin - 'paralegal'
Damian Brown
Cassandra  - in the 'hardships' department

Long story short... it seems as said in previous posts, they buy debts of all sorts and scam people into paying them immediately by threatening to take them to court if they don't.

What a load of sh** and a waste of time.

Mr. Darwin contacted my HR dept. and said I would be served with a summibs within hours if I did not contact Steele Morgan and Associates.  When I did call I was accused of yelling and being rude. My voice was calm throughout the entire call while Mr. Darwin read from his script. He requested payment by debit, credit card or money gram. Total scam.  I contacted my local District Attorney, California Attorney General, and filed a report with the FTC. I also let my supervisor and HR dept know about the scam. Don't let them intimidate you!!!!

I have been called from
909-456-1839
909-456-1878

They were making harrassing phone calls to me and other people in my life some of them I barely new and said they were the San Bernadino sherriffs dept and that they had a warrant for my arrest. This was really shocking to me because I have never had anything more than a speeding ticket in my 64 years. My daughter called the San Bernadino Sherriffs Dept and ask them about this warrant. They informed her that they could not serve a warrant out of their county and I live in OC. They made a phone call to the Brea police dept (the nearest police to me) to inquire about any warrant they may have and they also had none. They recommended we file a police report about this Co. So a policewoman came out to the house and made a call to this Co., Steel morgan and Assoc. and told them the calls they were making were illegal and that they better not make anymore calls regarding me. The calls stopped immediately. I suggest anyone receiving these calls get the number of Steel Morgan and your so called case number and go file a police report. See if you can get the police in your area to make a call to tell them to stop. Also show the police this web site, the Brea police were amazed.

I just contacted a lawyer who is going to take my case against these guys for free. So who's being served now?!!

Whomever these uneducated jokers think they are, they just called my home while I was at work and interigated my three pre-teens so bad threatening that an officer was on his way, that they were in tears. I called 855-491-9744 and spoke with a 'Dan Lopez' who said he was his own supervisor and his own boss and then said he needed my name to find out why I was called. Refusing to give him my name and asking why someone in their right mind would ever call children and scare them so bad they were crying, he continued to say he was a paralegal and worked for lawyers who were trying to serve me. Well here's the news buddy, I have lived in the same place for 4years and work for the federal government, IM NOT HARD TO FIND!!! I have contacted and filed a report with the local Sheriff, Better Business Bureau and am filing a complaint with FCC as we speak. I have no idea what these people are trying to collect or serve me with but bring it on!!!

Great! It just started for me."Steel Morgan" calling me at work and telling my boss I will be served before noon. They've called work twice.  They called my X husband and my brother too. I'm worried they have my personal information, they have my social and can see my current credit card activity. When I call the 855-491-9744 a male says "judge Morgan" when I asked him to repeat he transferred me to a beeping line. I called back and got the same girl that calls me at work. I told her I'm filing a complaint and she started whining "don't blame me...." I also got someone named "Steven" (I'm sure not his real name) he is the negotiator trying to negotiate a payment plan for me to avoid being served and sued. His number is 909-456-1852. They're using scare tactics and posing as county officials. I'm filing a report with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and I'm calling the police.

They also call from 855-491-9744