Hi there-did they ever show up to give you the papers?

Hello-Same situation happened to me although when I was about to give them my account info, I was very hesitant so I told "Tara" that I would call her back. She was very upset. that is when I started searching for info on them because she would not give me any info about the business such as their address, etc. I was wondering if they ever showed up to your work? I am in the same situation you are in because they called my boss as well.

WOW I just got notified by my boss that they called him yesterday and informed him that I had charges against me and they wanted him to be aware of that. I was mortified. I explained what was going. It is hard to explain such a bizare situation like that. I have no idea what they are trying to do. this is serious and they are messing with my job.... help  

WOW I just got informed by my boss that they also called him and told him that I had charges against me. I would be facing criminal charges. I was mortified by this. I have no idea what to do because of the Government shut down. Try explaining to your boss about this company and what they are doing is terrible. I am beyond mad about this. I need any suggestions. please help I would hate to hire an attorney to get this resolved

I received a total of 3 calls yesterday from Tara, and Danika Taylor. They also called my disabled grandmother who was mortified when they told her I had charges, etc. Then they went as far as contacting a 3rd cousin and leaving him the same impression. I tried to file with the FTC; however they are closed due to the federal gov shutdown. They called to my work 5 times yesterday. Can anyone please help me with suggestions.
Danika indicated she would come to my work etc. Same messages as above "Good Luck" etc. I am beyond pissed off. Do you think they will continue as the Government is closed? What can I do? Please help.  

Posted for informational purposes:

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/
https://esupport.fcc.gov/ccmsforms/form1088.action
https://complaints.donotcall.gov/complaint/complaintcheck.aspx?panel=2

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.

I have just started recieving calls. All statig same things that I'm going to be served from a devin reed and he calls me non stop all day long he has called my mother whom I don't live with, my granpa and aunt that lives in another state!!! It's embarrassing. But for me I worried at first bc I do have a payday loan I owe with the company their saying but they won't give me any address or real number to their wrk place. Devin calls after I already arranged something wth law firm so ther clearly not on the same page, but I realized quick when me and my aut three way called them as we caught them in lies, but now they won't stop harassing an they call from blocked numbers so I can't block it. I just want I settle my real debt but can't trust anyone to pay it to. Point is dont pay these losers anything! It's a scam he keeps calling and saying its my finally warning before being served but then blows my phone up still as*holes!

The company origninally contacted me on 03/06/13 via cellphone voicemail from the #216-282-0162. The person identified himself simply as Justin Hall and did not identify himself as debt collector instead saying that he was contacting me about an order submitted to his office that morning to serve me some papers he told me to call 855-446-5213 because I would only have one chance to prevent this from happening. I called the number immediately, and was informed that they were contacting me on behalf of a Bank that I hadn't had an acct with in years. I told them that I would make arrangements to pay and would call them back at 2:45pm. Approximately, 20 minutes later I received another call from the company but this time at my place of employment!I explained that I had an appointment to make pmt arrangements later that day and asked that they not call me at work. The guy called me back 2 minutes after I'd hung up and this time spoke to my co-worker asking to speak to my Supervisor because he needed to come to my job to serve me legal documents to appear in court. I took the phone and asked again that they not call my job. I called Dan @855-446-5213 ext300 and both explained how the locater had humiliated me and then made payment arrangements with him. He told me that in order to keep a locator from calling or showing up at my job I needed to pay something right away. I paid my last $50 to keep them from humiliating further at wrk. At that time I was told that my next pmt would be 4/19, them 5/19, 6/19 each at $150. Today I rec'd a verification call that $150 would come out of my acct on 3/19 which I had not agreed to. So I called back and they pretended that they couldnt find my acct and asked if someone could call me back. When Dan called back he said that I'd agreed to 3/19. I explained that that wasnt my understanding of it and he told me if the money wasnt there tomorrow that I would be served papers then he hung-up. I called the Attorney General's office, and was told to contact the agency to for their address so that I could send them a certified letter to not contact me about the debt. At that time I spoke with a woman who refused to give me the address, stating "You won't be getting our address, I am deleting your payment arrangements and when those papers are served to you tomorrow GOOD LUCK!" then she hung up.  I am afraid that they are going to continue to harass and humiliate me at my place of employment. I am in a leadership position and this could seriously undermine me in front of my subbordinates as well as cost me my job.

they began calling my g/f at home in January with the same B.S. stating they were "investigating charges" and she had 24 hours to return their call before "legal action".  I called them back at the time and explained their use of those terms and the number of calls was not only harassment but violate the Fair Debt Collections Act and a complaint had been filed with the FTC and further calls would result in a law suit.  The calls ended, until this week.  Now they have stepped it up by leaving a message with her employer that she is "facing charges".  Finally today she answered the phone and the person identified himself as a "locator" contracted by the collection agency to serve her with papers.  She said "well you have my work # so you know where I'm at".  He said for information she must call this 855 #.

upon calling the number she was told their company name was Oakwood and collecting a debt from a company called Think Cash that was dated 07/2007 (almost a full year beyond our states statute of limitations on collection).  He also said the debt was tied to a JP Morgan Chase bank account with her SS# on it.  She told them she has never dealt with Think Cash or had a JPMC account.  She told them to mail her the information and they refused.  She then asked for their company information, such as address and was denied this as well.  She informed them that the "collector" representing their company had been harassing her and was told its not their problem because he's not their employee.  

My g/f filed another FTC complaint as well as a complaint with the state attorney generals office.  I'm really hoping this douchbag comes to the house and serves her while I'm home.....I've got a some harassment for him.

My family has been contacted by phone and IN PERSON by these scam artists, in, i'm not sure how deep these scammers are going, but this is heading straight towards a class action law suit or something of that equivalent for what we are dealing with here. If you are contacted by these people in person, call the police.

I think I am going to do the samething to those a***oles they went to far when they called my moms house after calling my cell phone. I have not lived with my mother in over 10 years.I am so glad you showed them.

I do know what the hell is wrong with these people, they called my mom house and she called me sounding terrified, its embarrassing. They have already called my phone once leaving this nasty message, how is it they dont have my address when I am receiving tons of mail everyday.

I received a call from Devin as well, about 4 in one day leaving a message saying I had one chance or they would file claims against me, threatening voice and all. I knew it was a scam so I didn't call the number back..then he called again four times the next day.  So I called the 855-446-5213 number and told them they needed to remove me from their scam list, that I was filing with the FTC and I would file with my local authorities if I receive another call from them.  I got hung up on.  So I kept calling back just to mess with them and the "owner" asked me to please stop calling his "firm" and I said, "what, do you consider this harassment, when someone keeps calling you over and over?"  

I called 4 more times in a row and they obviously don't have caller ID because they kept answering the same way and then hanging up when they realized it was me.  I tried to call one more time and surprise surprise, it says the number is not in service.  Haven't had a call from them since :)  And I did still file a claim with the FTC

Had a threatening phone call from this number at my home, my work place and my sister's home

I CLICKED ON NICOLE'S LINK FOR THE FTC AN FILED A COMPLAINT AGAINST 855-446-5213. I'M GETTING THE SAME CALLS AS ABOVE AND I DON'T KNOW THIS COMPANY. THESE CALLS HAVE TO STOP.

........

I just filed a complaint with the FTC.  I think anyone that is currently dealing with this garbage should do the same.  Click on the link above that Nicole posted above, click on "about the office of the secretary" and then on the right side, click on the brown box for consumer complaints.  It was very easy to do.  I now have a report # and I can call the 877# anytime and add information to the report.  This behavior is unacceptable.  They made my family think that I had done something wrong and was going to jail.

I just received 3 back to back calls from a local # that cannot be dialed back by the way with a nasty message letting me know that this was my last chance before they presented me with charges and that I am to call 885-446-5213 immediately.  Fat chance...  And I don't know who I can call, 911?  BBB?  My bills are all current.  This must be a scam.  They called yesterday too and being a local #, I picked up not expecting such nonsense.  A woman that would not tell me who she worked for said that her firm was trying to verify my address to present charges against me.  Actually making it sound like criminal charges.  What can we do?

I received two calls, yesterday & today from this same person.  It went to my voicemail at which this person, Devon Reed, said there was a claim against me.  I checked his phone # which stated it was Ameritech.  I was also given the other # which I did not call.  I was told by message that this was the last chance I had and they had verified my address.  I have absolutely no clue what this is about but have not called the 885-446-5213 #.  Cant believe you get threatened with 2 phone calls only.

THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT
As amended by Public Law 104-208, 110 Stat. 3009 (Sept. 30, 1996)

http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpa/fdcpact.shtm

§ 806.  Harassment or abuse  [15 USC 1692d]
A debt collector may not engage in any conduct the natural consequence of which is to harass, oppress, or abuse any person in connection with the collection of a debt. Without limiting the general application of the foregoing, the following conduct is a violation of this section:

(1) The use or threat of use of violence or other criminal means to harm the physical person, reputation, or property of any person.

(2) The use of obscene or profane language or language the natural consequence of which is to abuse the hearer or reader.

(3) The publication of a list of consumers who allegedly refuse to pay debts, except to a consumer reporting agency or to persons meeting the requirements of section 603(f) or 604(3)1 of this Act.

(4) The advertisement for sale of any debt to coerce payment of the debt.

(5) Causing a telephone to ring or engaging any person in telephone conversation repeatedly or continuously with intent to annoy, abuse, or harass any person at the called number.

(6) Except as provided in section 804, the placement of telephone calls without meaningful disclosure of the caller's identity.

§ 807.  False or misleading representations  [15 USC 1692e]
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 title.

(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 603(f) of this Act.

Just read the above posts.

If they are real debt collectors, they are in violation of "The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act".

Most importantly, you do not have to give, anyone calling you on the phone, any information. Period!

I received a call from this number today, 3/11, claiming they wanted to verify my adddress, also.  This went to the answering machine so fortunately I didn't have to get into a shouting match, the call definately aggravated me, real message for my kids to hear on the answering machine about a claim and charges against me.

Verify in collector talk means they do not have your address, and they do not know where you are. they either bought a old debt you have and trying to collect for themselves because the company you owe has already written it off as a bad debt and colected a tax break, or its a scam.

Never give your address out, if they were going to send a server to you, then they would have already have done it, this is nothing but a scare tactic and means nothing.

If they will not tell you who its from, then you don't have to pay it even if you do owe it, they have to tell you who it's from, its the law. put the number on auto block and forget it

I received a call from Devin Reed stating that he needs to verify my address so that he can serve me with papers from a loan from 2008. He said that i have only one opportunity to call the firm to pay $702. He left the #855-446-5213 for me to call or he would serve me at home or my job.  I called the 855 number where a woman (Tara) said they sent info about the claim against me to my previous address and they would not send me info to my correct address.  I asked name of company & she said its called Oakwood. I told her that i dont that I didn't believe this to be my debt. She became very angry, yelled Good luck to you, then hung up on me. I called right back & spoke to a guy. He ended our conversation with the same phrase, "good luck to you!"  This is the 2nd day that they've called threatening to serve me with a claim.  They refuse to give any more info. Scam?!!!