Thank you for answering. At least with Nationwide, there is a logical explanation for why someone might think it was my firm calling. (I was worried it might be some collection agency.)
From 2004 till this past June, I did do some collections for NWC. But I have since returned all of the files that we had been working. Nationwide's in-house collectors have been working the files ever since. In these cases, it would be natural for my firm's name to arise during a call.
Beyond those cases, my firm might be mentioned because NWC is still using accounts I set up for them to process collections payments. Although these are Nationwide's accounts, Langhorne Law still shows up on the borrower's bank statements. (I have have been assured by the processing company that, starting in October, these charges will appear under Nationwide's own corporate name.)
As confusing at this could be, they're a far cry from someone claiming to be an employee of Langhorne Law. Needless to say, I'm relieved by that.
Frankly, I've given this much thought since last night and cannot imagine why any collector would claim to be calling from my firm. There would be no advantage. When I did third-party debt collections, I was subject to the fdcpa. Period. Being an attorney made no difference. But in-house collectors are not required to follow the FDCPA. So why would someone who CAN legally use high-pressure tactics pretend to be someone who CAN'T use those them?
One thing I can assure everyone is that no calls have come from my office since June. I have no collection accounts for any client and have disbanded my entire collections department. My firm is actually closed pending a "grand re-opening" on October 11th as a consumer debt settlement firm. None of my former collections paralegals work for me any longer as I've hired an entirely new staff.
Ironically, we are going to specialize in negotiating settlements of payday loan debts. Somehow, I doubt I'll be on any of my old clients' Christmas card lists this year.