If this is a collection agency, they are doing a poor job. I never talk to a person only get recordings. It is always a recorded message. I come home and have 2 or 3 on my machince. Then I will get 2 calls while at home, and no one but THE SAME recording will play. Even at 8:30 a.m. They are not that busy at 8:30 in the morning to not have a person call directly. I know we have no outstanding accounts. This has to be some kind of scam. They only want YOU to return the call. It is a harassment. Running to the phone only to get the same recording day after day.

[LCW]

American Express Collections has a call center in Bombay, India. Those calls come accross with a 678 area code as well. fortunatly it has been so long since I had them hounding me, I forgot the rest of the number.

[LCW]

I just tried to call the number listed above. I immediatly got a recording the call was being transfered, then it rang about 5 times, then a recording with a british accent to please continue to hold, all operators were busy with other callers..blah blah blah...

[Teleport]

Can't you just call the 800# on the back of your card, and have them transfer you?

lc,

I did the same thing, then I'm thinking that they forwarded me to a number that's long distance. Did you get through? Was you phone bill affected?

A disabled friend has gotten several phone calls from that company claiming it pertained to "personal business". I tried calling the number, which switched me over to another location and when I asked who the company was, the man said Focus Receivable. But when I asked him what kind of business it was, he hung up. My friend keeps his bills paid religiously, so no way does he need a collection agency calling. I think it's a crooked business, so be careful.

[cryptowizard]

I was once being harassed by someone of the similiar nature (though not this particular organization). I got a hold of the guy once and he insisted that he wasn't calling (yet kept calling). Finally I told him that I would continue to CALL HIM on his 800 number if he didn't stop it. He said that is illegal (which it is not). I said, "I will continue to call until you complete the conversation for which you keep contacting me". NOTE: that 800 numbers are paid for by the end company. So if you keep calling them on that line they're incurring a fee each time. It's a legal way to make them literally PAY for their ignorance. It worked with my guy, maybe it will work with "your" organization. :-)

[Teleport]

I would be careful when calling 800#'s though. There is no way to block your number/name from the 800#.

If you have a cell phone, you can call the regular number for them, and block your name/number from going through.

[cryptowizard]

Or get a calling card...

But I thought they already knew his telephone number (if they were calling him).

http://www .fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/callerid.html has more information about this particular item.

[Teleport]

By calling through a cell phone and blocking your number you can gather information. You don't necessarily have to say who you are, but instead inquire about whether or not they are allowed to be collecting.

Calling cards don't always send a generic number through. It depends on your calling area, and the brand of the calling card.

[cryptowizard]

Plus if they try to harass you on a cell phone you have more legal grounds to sue (counter sue) ... because you are incurring a fee for THEIR solicitation.

[Teleport]

What most people don't realize is that some of the newer cell phones have a record feature on it.

I have a Nextel i730 and can record phone conversations. I use to have an LG something from Verizon. It was like the 2nd one that came out with the color screen and the flashy front. I could record on that too, but only their voice (assuming it was for getting directions.)

But most of the newer ones (including mine) record both sides. Good for those who don't have landline and can't wiretap (those radio shack suction cup things) a conversation.

i get those calls to and i did call back and they don't give any company information and you just hold and hold and hold but i do have a letter from this company and i will try contacting them outside of the 866 number and tell them to stop calling because they are calling my job! and i will get them for harassment if they don't quit calling my job.

Recd first call last night on Sunday evening on answering machine. Same message as everyone else has been getting. Then at 8:30 a.m. this morning, recd another taped message. I got very suspicious when I tried to call and their was no identification of who was calling and the music in the background when I was put hold was very weird. Somehow we need to put a STOP to crazy harrassments like this. Too much of this going on.

We are still getting these messages. Saturday, Sunday night and 8:30 am today, Monday. Same old, same old. No person only a recording even when we answer the phone! Going on for WEEKS.

Where are some of you? We are in Georgia. Just wondering if this is statewide or national.