darin3 Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 (edited) Alright people. I think there have been threads of this ilk in the past, but it's time to revisit it and throw a new angle at it. I moved into my current residence about 2 years ago. For about one of those years, I have received calls from an apparent "collection agency" saying that I owe "their client" money. They say that I owe money for an "adult site". I haven't signed up for an "adult site" since college, so I know this is BS. Moreover, when I ask them to send me some "hard copy proof" of what I owe, they state that "they sent me three letters"... but to addresses (close to where I've lived in the past) that I've never lived. Edit: Now I really recall the theme of this thread... I recall PMs from our Huddle attorneys telling me that it's against FTC regulations to try collecting debts without proof (Beaumont, I recall your PM inparticular). In any case, these a-holes WILL NOT provide the name of their "client". Which is obvious BS. These calls would persist every couple of days for a month or two, and then will stop for a month. After a few months, I got pissed off and chewed the scamming bastards out, basically ripping them a new a-hole. I am GOOD on the phone, and take no chit from no one, so it's FUN. But after a year or so, I'm sick of it. I submitted complaints with the Chicago division of the Better Business Bureau, FBI and called the city of Chicago Police Department. When you Google their 800 number, there are countless reports of this company (First Credit of America) calling people, trying to get them to fork over a nominal amount (under $100) for things like credit report monitoring or, like in my case, "adult website memberships". I AM SICK AND TIRED OF THESE SCAMMING FUQTURDS.... I recall someone who's a Tailgate regular who's in the "collections industry". I would REALLY appreciate your input here.... and for anyone with a few minutes to spare and in the mood to fuq with these scamming bassturds, their # is: (800) 293-1486 ... unblock your number first with "*67" before you call, though. I have been calling them from a blocked # for a few hours to F with them. I'm PISSED. Thanks for reading. Edited July 20, 2006 by darin3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Dick Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 I can send Guido over there if you'd like. You know, from collections. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 (edited) s I recall someone who's a Tailgate regular who's in the "collections industry". I would REALLY appreciate your input here.... and for anyone with a few minutes to spare and in the mood to fuq with these scamming bassturds, their # is: (800) 293-1486 ... unblock your number first with "*67" before you call, though. I have been calling them from a blocked # for a few hours to F with them. I'm PISSED. Thanks for reading. *67 does not work for toll-free numbers, since there was a ruling since they are paying for the call, they can see who is calling, even with Caller ID blocked. Edited July 20, 2006 by Big John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darin3 Posted July 20, 2006 Author Share Posted July 20, 2006 *67 does not work for toll-free numbers, since there was a ruling since they are paying for the call, they can see who is calling, even with Caller ID blocked. I'm not so sure about that. When I called with the *67, they never know who is calling. When I called without it, they said "hello Mr. darin3, why are you hanging up on us?". In any case, I'm pissed off and THIS close to buying a plane ticket to Chicago to throw a flaming sh*t bomb into this supposed office. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yo mama Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 (edited) If they haven't sent you a collection letter yet, you don't have to do squat. *If* they have sent - or do send - you a collection letter, you will have a specific time period in which to reply with a "cease and desist" letter (30 days, if I recall correctly). (PM me if you need one and I'll email you a copy of one I drafted). If they have not sent you a collection letter you can still send them a cease and desist letter, drop some knowledge regarding the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, remind them of the specific subsections they are in violation of, *then* refer them to the portion that allows you to sue them if they violate said provisions *after* they have received the cease and desist letter. Most of these chump debt collectors know not to fool around with you any more. But if they persist: (1) you'll have the documentation to prove you disputed the debt, which requires them to prove what you owe; and (2) you'll set yourself up to sue *them* if they keep pestering you. It's probably more effort than its worth to sue them, but if you've got a couple grand you're willing to throw at the issue, go for it. You can collect reasonable attorney fees, so all you'll need is an attorney who is willing to file suit on your behalf in connection with a small case. Though, the case is pretty slam dunk. Course, the debt collector will likely stiff you even if you win, but at that point you can unlease a debt collector on *them." Reporting them to the Federal Trade Commission is a must (complaint form is on www.ftc.org). While I can't represent you, let me know if I can provide more detailed assistance. Edited July 20, 2006 by yo mama Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darin3 Posted July 20, 2006 Author Share Posted July 20, 2006 (edited) If they haven't sent you a collection letter yet, you don't have to do squat. *If* they have - or do - sent you a collection letter, you will have a specific time period in which to reply with a "cease and desist" letter. (PM me if you need one and I'll email you a copy of one I drafted). If they have not sent you a collection letter you can still send them a cease and desist letter, drop some knowledge regarding the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, remind them of the specific subsections they are in violation of, *then* refer them to the portion that allows you to sue them if they violate said provisions *after* they have received the cease and desist letter. Most of these chump debt collectors know not to fool around with you any more. But if they persist: (1) you'll have the documentation to prove you disputed the debt, which requires them to prove what you owe; and (2) you'll set yourself up to sue *them* if they keep pestering you. It's probably more effort than its worth to sue them, but if you've got a couple grand you're willing to throw at the issue, go for it. You can collect reasonable attorney fees, so all you'll need is an attorney who is willing to file suit on your behalf in connection with a small case. Though, the case is pretty slam dunk. Course, the debt collector will likely stiff you even if you win, but at that point you can unlease a debt collector on *them." Reporting them to the FCC is a must (complaint form is on www.fcc.org). While I can't represent you, let me know if I can provide more detailed assistance. That's pretty much what our friend Beaumont told me in a PM last time I beeyotched about this in an already-created thread about the BS of phantom collection agencies. And that's exactly the thing... they have not sent me crap, and claim to have sent me paper copies of this claim to addresses that I have never, ever had. I may PM you to get that letter. Much appreciated in advance. Thanks YM. Edit: NICE. Called them back, and as soon as I dropped the words "cease and desist", the manner of the "customer service" person TOTALLY changed, asking me if I needed their fax number to fax in the letter. I don't think they are calling again. Edited July 20, 2006 by darin3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yo mama Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 That's pretty much what our friend Beaumont told me in a PM last time I beeyotched about this in an already-created thread about the BS of phantom collection agencies. And that's exactly the thing... they have not sent me crap, and claim to have sent me paper copies of this claim to addresses that I have never, ever had. I may PM you to get that letter. Much appreciated in advance. Thanks YM. *They* have the burden to prove they sent a letter to you, which is why in 99.99% of the cases you either get one certified mail or by a process server who hand-delivers it. If they just sent it US mail (assuming they sent it at all) you're in the clear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yo mama Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 Edit: NICE. Called them back, and as soon as I dropped the words "cease and desist", the manner of the "customer service" person TOTALLY changed, asking me if I needed their fax number to fax in the letter. I don't think they are calling again. Glad to hear it. Most know better than to mess with someone who understands the law in this area, because they don't want to get sued for crossing the line. They make their bread and butter shaking down the poor and the ignorant, which is sad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Down Goes Frazia Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 can't you just get an unlisted number & be done with it ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Like Soup Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 In any case, I'm pissed off and THIS close to buying a plane ticket to Chicago to throw a flaming sh*t bomb into this supposed office. Please see I think I love you, but what am I so afraid of?'s Travel Agent if you want to go to Chicago and you may want to get with Brentspastic on the grill poppin' issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darin3 Posted July 20, 2006 Author Share Posted July 20, 2006 (edited) can't you just get an unlisted number & be done with it ? Unfortunately when I moved in, my number wasn't unlisted. Just signed up for local service to get that out of the way............ When I decided I was staying with SBC for my local/long distance and SBC, they had already gained my #. At this point, changing my number would be a hassle (thanks, SBC). I'll be outta here soon, so it's just now a matter of principle and f'in with these scamming asscl0wns. Edited July 20, 2006 by darin3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 can't you just get an unlisted number & be done with it ? Scammers have ways to get around this, and Do-Not-Call lists don't help either. I get numerous calls from a couple of suspicious numbers. I have caller ID and I just don't answer those, but they can be persistent is calling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursa Majoris Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 Glad to hear it. Most know better than to mess with someone who understands the law in this area, because they don't want to get sued for crossing the line. They make their bread and butter shaking down the poor and the ignorant, which is sad. [Perch]Preying on the poor and ignorant is perfectly legitimate and keeps the wheels of business turning, you bleeding heart liberal. They must owe the money or the debt collectors wouldn't be after them. My tax dollars blah blah blah.....[/Perch] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 I'm not so sure about that. When I called with the *67, they never know who is calling. When I called without it, they said "hello Mr. darin3, why are you hanging up on us?". I will assume they have less sophicated equipment, as some other companies have the means of still collecting your number. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darin3 Posted July 20, 2006 Author Share Posted July 20, 2006 I will assume they have less sophicated equipment, as some other companies have the means of still collecting your number. Like I said... the Nigerian scammers of America. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbmcdonald Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 There are several companies like this working in America, with various themes. The basics are they only try to get a nominal amount of money $100 - $200, and they are looking for people that would rather pay the money than worry about it. Clearly Darin is not one of them, but how many people out there would rather pay $100, than risk being accused of getting Internet Pron. There are also the companies that call up businesses, and claim to be from "your toner supplier" and they need to verify your equipment model #. Then they will ship you toner that is priced about 5 times what it costs at Sams. When I get calls from these people at work, I am very cheerful and say sure, I will get the number for you, hold a second. Then I leave them on hold for as long as I think they will hold. I then come back and ask them if they enjoy making a living stealing from people? The problem is that obviously enough people fall for this, to make it profitable. What I do not understand is the people behind this are obviously good. Why don’t they just put their talent to use legitimately? I think there are people in this world that would jus rather put the same effort into illegal money making, as opposed to legal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimC Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 Just because you didn't enjoy your pr0n, doesn't mean you don't have to pay for it. Trust me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeeR Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 Scammers have ways to get around this, and Do-Not-Call lists don't help either. I get numerous calls from a couple of suspicious numbers. I have caller ID and I just don't answer those, but they can be persistent is calling. Get one of those air horns - yknow the kind that are supposed to just be used on boats/etc but obnoxious losers take to hockey games and such? Next time they call, pick up the phone and blast it into their ears. Bet they dont' call again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeeR Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 Like I said... the Nigerian scammers of America. If you want to mess w/the Nigerian POSs, that's another story. I recommend this guy's approach - some of this is classic: http://www.ebolamonkeyman.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H8tank Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 I get calls all the time from Relay Operators, set up to help deaf/mutes, but scammers use them to defraud dealers. http://msnbc.msn.com/ID/4781806/ I got a another call about 30 min ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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