BG Legal: Debt collection harrassment for non-existant debt

[Anso]

So I got a call again a few minutes ago...

Eric Dermont of Dermont and Associates, stated that I am being sued on behalf of the Federal Legislation of Customer Affairs and Business Regulation, for 3 counts: Cyber-crime, borrowing money without intent to repay, and one other one that I couldn't understand, even after having him repeat it several times. He said my initial loan balance after fees and stuff was 492.85, but that I was being sued for upwards of 8500 for legal fee's and all that jazz. He informed me that they had tried several times to withdraw the original 492.85 from my account but the transaction was declined (thank god I'm always broke). So while he was telling me all of this I googled his law firm and phone number, and got my confirmation that this is indeed a scam...

http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/7139009698

This site pretty much sums it up, people having the same problem pretty much.

BUT THE JOKES ON HIM I HAVE NOTHING TO STEAL ANYWAY, AND GOOD LUCK GETTING A LINE OF CREDIT WITH MY NAME! lol

[The Blackrose]

Yeah, it was pretty much over as soon as I heard the name of that agency. Not to mention cyber-crime is incredibly vague but associated laws/statutes are also usually criminal in nature, and I doubt they would be serving a case over a phone call.

So get the identity fraud situation handled first. After that, the next time one of these guys calls up, try to get as much information out of them and try to build some sort of profile on them. Granted they'll probably be trying to blow smoke up your ass. See if they're dumb enough to let something slip.

Also, this is what I was talking about earlier: the Fair Debt Collection Protection Act. Collectors who break this usually pay a good chunk out of their own asses.

[Anso]

I already placed a fraud alert with the 3 major credit beareaus, going to file a police report for my compromised personal info when I get off of work, and when I can make it to the bank in the morning I am having all of that changed. I would have done this already but I've been stuck at work, 16 hours yesterday and probably 18 hours today with only 7 hours off in between.

[Kerberoz]

You should have fun with 'em next time they call. Some ideas: http://www.419baiter.com/ http://www.scamorama.com/

[Anso]

Once I get my bank account squared away and this is no longer a threat to me, I fully plan on messing with them when they call on Monday. How illegal would it be to record the call and post on YouTube for funsies?

[Greatguardian]

I believe it's illegal to record phone conversations without letting the other party know that you'll be doing so. Illegal wiretapping and such. It can be a serious charge.

[Anso]

aww

[hey]

That depends on where you live. 38 of the 50 us states will allow you to record your own phone conversations, since consent is only required from one party (such as yourself), not both.

http://www.callcorder.com/phone-reco...aw-america.htm

[Snick]

Once I get my bank account squared away and this is no longer a threat to me, I fully plan on messing with them when they call on Monday. How illegal would it be to record the call and post on YouTube for funsies?

[miokomioko]

I believe it's illegal to record phone conversations without letting the other party know that you'll be doing so. Illegal wiretapping and such. It can be a serious charge.

I may be foggy on it, but I think you can record all you want, you just can't publish it, disclose it to anyone, or pass it off as evidence of any sort without their consent. Hell, I have my Google Voice account set up to record and transcribe all my conversations.

[Anso]

I'll just make sure I inform him, I think I cover myself that way, look forward to me epicly chewing his ass on monday!

[hey]

I may be foggy on it, but I think you can record all you want, you just can't publish it, disclose it to anyone, or pass it off as evidence of any sort without their consent. Hell, I have my Google Voice account set up to record and transcribe all my conversations.

No. In the US, you can record your own conversations and do anything you want with them, unless you live in one of 12 states that require consent from both parties, in which case you cannot record any of your phone conversations without getting permission from the other person, regardless of what you intend to do with the recording.

[Anso]

I live in one of those 12 states lol

[hey]

How unfortunate. It is always less funny when they know they're being recorded

[Anso]

I think I can still work with it... now is there a good app for the iPhone to do this with or am I gonna have to speaker phone it lol

[Dakin]

While I'm damn sure this is a scam, do note that the first voicemail you receive... I'm pretty sure that is illegal what he said (can't remember the name of the law that provides protection to debtors) , and you could sue the shit out of him for that. Debt collectors have laws they have to follow that do not allow certain shit, and if they slip up, they will pay out.

This. I work in collections and that VM definitely violates the FDCPA. If it is a legit company that these people are calling from, that's bad news for them.

[Anso]

This. I work in collections and that VM definitely violates the FDCPA. If it is a legit company that these people are calling from, that's bad news for them.

Unfortunately it's not legit, if it were there would be a big fat harassment suit thrown right back at them. I have 100% confirmed it is a scam, and it's just some foreign fucks calling from a spoofed caller I.D. in Texas that have a lot of my personal information.

[Senoska]

Just make sure you put them on hold

[Snprphnx]

I believe it's illegal to record phone conversations without letting the other party know that you'll be doing so. Illegal wiretapping and such. It can be a serious charge.

Just do what all other companies do when you call them. Before starting the conversation, say "This call may be monitored and recorded for quality and training purposes." Then start getting detailed info on them for the FTC, and letthe trolling begin!

Edit: speaking of YouTube phone calls. A few years ago, a guy in my shell named Spliffsix called SE/POL customer support, for the sole purpose of asking what the "_S" stood for after WotG was released. SE wanted all his acct info, then said they didn't know. It should still be on YouTube.