Jul 27, 2008
For those of you who are being bothered by this bunch of illiterate crooks who apparently cannot figure out how to turn off the "all caps" button on their keyboards -- no need to engage with these folks (well, you can tell them that you read about them on the Internet -- that will illicit some interesting conversation). Instead, please report them immediately to the links I'm providing below. Save any messages you have on your voicemail or answering machines, the investigators may want to hear them.
You can get more info here: http://www.budhibbs.com/debtcollectorpages/NAAIB.htm.
And here's a Cleveland BBB article about them:
http://cleveland.bbb.org/WWWRoot/SitePage.asp ... a7c60f&art=1377
These crooks are currently using numbers out of area code 240 -- they change frequently. They are not based in MD. They are being investigated in OH, NY, NJ, and GA. They will probably continue using this MD number until they get shut down again, then start using a new area code, but the MO is always the same: they call and identify themselves in a way that implies they are either working for a lawyer, the court system, or the police department (all of these misleading statements are illegal); tell you that there has been a civil case filed against you, they give you a case number, and tell you that you must contact them before a warrant is sworn out against you. When you contact them, they tell you that they are investigating a debt that is 10, 12, 15 or so years old; they'll name some bank you've never heard of, or a credit card you've never heard of. They'll have just enough information about you to make you nervous and they'll be phishing to find out more information. They'll tell you that the debt is some ridiculous amount -- let's say $10,200 for an example -- but if you're willing to pay today, they'll reduce it to, for example, $650. But they can't give you an address. Instead, they will ask for your bank account or credit card number. They'll tell you that if you don't settle on the phone with them that moment, a sheriff will appear at your door within 48 hours to arrest you. NONE OF THIS IS TRUE. Complaints have been filed to the AG of OH, MD, TX, NY, and IL, as well as to the FTC, FCC, and the FBI (as they are trying to illegally extort money over the phone). They often target the elderly and infirm. Do not speak with them, and save whatever messages they leave on your phone. If you get a phone call, file a complaint online with the following organizations:
http://www.oag.state.md.us/Consumer/complaint.htm
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/FTC_Wizard.aspx?Lang=en
http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm
as well as the Attorney General of your own state. Remember: whether the debt is yours or not, you should not be dealing with these people. They are not a legitimate organization.
PLEASE -- file a report. You were smart and savvy enough to do research on this number; not everyone is that lucky. REPORT THEM!!!