My wife has gotten 2 vm messages on her phone from these fly-by-nighters.  My recommendation to anyone getting them is to do what I did and that is to file a complaint with your states attorney general's office.  In my state, they will track them down and then will end up having to pay a huge fine for this.  These are people who can't work a normal job like the rest of us and thus try to live off others.

I'm getting the same call others are getting. They call from different numbers very very annoying.

Got the same call from 401-433-7875 - first on my office phone and again on my cell phone.  I immediately filed a complaint with the FTC.  A few years back I was going through a lot of medical problems and did take out some pdls.  Have gotten caught by scammers a couple of times and because of my health, I paid more $$ because I was worried that when I was sick I had forgotten something.  There are some shameless people out there that live off of the misfortune of others.  Anyway, at this point I don't plan to call them back.  Some people report they get calls every day - hoping this was a one shot deal.

I just got the same call as well. I had gotten calls from another scam before and actually gave them money and told them if u didn't revive a confirmation email I would contact my local attorney generals office and BBB WELL I never did but they of course took money out of my account so I Googled the business name and sure enough it no longer existed. So I filed a complaint with both that I said above and the BBB was really no help but an actual attorney called me back and said to just ignore them. But of course I am still wondering if I should call back or just ignore them

Do NOT call them back. Contact your bank ASAP, dispute the charge and close your account. Otherwise they may drain it, leaving you with no recourse.

How can I verify whether or not a debt collector is legitimate?
Here are a few warning signs that could signal a debt collection scam:

The debt collector threatens you. Legitimate debt collectors probably won't claim that they'll have you arrested or claim that they or their employees are law enforcement officers.

The debt collector refuses to give you information about your debt or is trying to collect a debt you do not recognize. You have certain rights to ask a debt collector to verify the debt. You can use this sample letter to request this information. Ask for an explanation in writing before you pay.

The debt collector refuses to give you a mailing address or phone number.

The debt collector asks you for sensitive personal financial information. You should never provide anyone with your personal financial information unless you are sure they're legitimate.
If you think that a caller may be a fake debt collector:

Ask the caller for his or her name, company, street address, telephone number, and professional license number. Many states require debt collectors to be licensed. Check the information the caller provides you with your state officials, or the state in which the debt collector holds a license. If the caller refuses or is unable to provide you with information about his company, or if you can’t verify the information he provides, do not give money to the caller or company.

Tell the caller that you refuse to discuss any debt until you get a written "validation notice." This notice must include:
The amount of the debt
The name of the creditor you owe
A description of certain rights under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
If a caller refuses to give you all of this information, consider requesting this information in writing or seeking assistance before paying the debt to make sure the debt, and the company, are valid.

Tip: You can consider sending the collector a letter requesting the information by using one of the CFPB's sample letters. You can also submit a complaint to the CFPB or you can contact your state Attorney General’s office.

Do not give the caller personal financial or other sensitive information. Never give out or confirm personal financial or other sensitive information like your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number unless you know the company or person you are talking with is a real debt collector. Scam artists, like fake debt collectors, can use your information to commit identity theft such as:
Charging your existing credit cards
Opening new credit card or checking accounts
Writing fraudulent checks
Taking out loans in your name

Contact your creditor. If the debt is legitimate – but you think the collector may not be – contact your creditor about the calls. Share the information you have about the suspicious calls and find out who, if anyone, the creditor has authorized to collect the debt.

Report the call. Submit a complaint with the CFPB or get in touch with your state Attorney General's office with information about suspicious callers.

Stop speaking with the caller.If nothing else works and you believe the calls are fraudulent, send a letter demanding that the caller stop contacting you, and keep a copy for your files.

Tip: You can use this sample letter to write a letter demanding the debt collector stop contacting you. By law, real debt collectors must stop calling you if you ask them to in writing.

Tip: If you're having trouble with debt collection, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB online or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372).

http://www.consumerfinance.gov/