what does this sound like?

Shirley, I called, ended up on hold for about five minutes then dead air.. called back again on hold for five minutes then a gal answerd, prize claims center, so it might be sort of legit...callem and see what goes down

thanks JJ, I really appreciate you calling it for me. shirley

no problem, thats what friends are for :D

Shirley,

This number is listed with Bad Business Bureau. Beware of them. I can remember you got another such calls few days back. Why is this happening with you repeatedly? Keep checking your credit report on a regular basis. Visit this page, don't forget to add www before it-

ripoffreport.com/reports/ripoff123568.htm

thanks Stanley!!! I really appreciate it. yes, a couple of weekends ago, I got a phone call from a scammer about a grant--that is what you're thinking of. That was my private number. a number that is NEVER given out except to family and friends.
The number that these prize award people called is my 'other number'. Its my main number. I have two phone numbers, one is a private number and the other I use for my DSL line but everyone has it. I've had it for about 13 years now. Thats the number my creditors and collection agencies have. anytime I need to pass out my number, I always give that one. so really, they could have gotten it from anywheres, even the phone book since its not private. thanks again. shirley

Many collection agencies use tactics that are not ethical, and are quite illegal. That doesn't stop many of them from doing it. I have worked for agencies that have sent out free phone cards, with 60 minutes of free time. When they use the card, it emails the collection agency with the number they called from, and the number they called to.

Another trick is the "you won the sweepstakes" act. You call the number, and they log your caller ID.

Beware!

Beatle,

Thanks for letting us know about this trick. Man, they will stop at no lengths to get to the debtor. I'm sure the harassment starts then. It's good to have you on the forum :-)

Thanks, I am glad to be here.

I am all for someone trying to make a living, as long as it is done the right way. These agencies are getting out of control, and the public needs people who have worked inside the industry to a while to expose the stuff that goes on.
By the way, if you could ever prove the a collection agency set up an act like that...you would probably own the company once you took them to court!