Comments on Badtux the Snarky Penguin: Bizarre phone calls

Thank you for all this info, am glad to see that I...

2007-01-08T14:02:41.406-08:00

Thank you for all this info, am glad to see that I'm not alone and have a place to vent! I got a new phone number about 4 months ago and have gotten a long spate of phone calls for a Maria Lang, Maria Lane, or Mary Lang or some combination thereof. The phone company assures me that this number hasn't been in use for over a year, but I get calls from True Logic, a car financing company, an insurance company, as well as the Chicago School district about her truant child!

They have sunk to a new low with me... calling out...

2007-01-04T12:52:17.496-08:00

They have sunk to a new low with me... calling out through my answer machine to me and my husband by our first names... ex: "oh suzy, and bob, where are you guys? I guess you're not home so I'll call back!" They even faked a southern accent - I guess because I live in Virginia! I ran to look at the caller ID and thought "who the heck is that?" so I decided to look up the phone number and now I've found this blog. What a racket... beware!

I've also been receiving automated messages from t...

2006-12-27T10:15:30.170-08:00

I've also been receiving automated messages from this company on my answering machine. I ignored them until yesterday, when I returned the call. A gentleman (& I used that term loosely) named "Mark" came on the line. I asked Mark what type of business his company is involed in, but all he would tell me is the name of the company, "True Logic Financial Corporation" and demand the reference number they gave me. He became abusively rude when I asked him to be more specific regarding the nature of his business.
Well, since turnabout is fair play, I refused to give him the information he wanted, told him where he could stick his attitude and hung up.
I called them again today, and was met by a very nice gentleman. I gave the reference number only to find they were looking for someone named "Dian* Adam*". I am male and informed him I don't know this person and I have had my phone number for over 6 years. He assured me my number would be removed from her contact information. We'll see how long that takes.
However, some of you might benefit from this little bit of information. Pursuant to 15 US Code 1692c(c), debt collectors are required to cease and desist contact or communication with you upon receipt of a letter demanding this from you. - Google "cease and desist collections" to find sample letters you can use. Send that letter 'certified', 'return receipt required' in order to have evidence of the date they received the letter.
Additionally, inform them in your letter that 15 US Code 1692k may entitle you to actual damages, court costs, attorney fees and up to $1,000.00 in statutory damages if they fail to cease communication.
You will definitely want to file formal complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (who enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act), as well as the Attorney Generals' offices in both Colorado and your state if they fail to discontinue contact with you. Your complaints strengthen their actions against collection agencies.
Wish you all the best of luck.

Great resource here, folks. I hope you can keep th...

2006-12-23T09:06:39.370-08:00

Great resource here, folks. I hope you can keep this comment thread up for a long time, as there is some very good info in it.

We just started getting these calls to our office line, which (apparently) used to be the home number for someone who had ran up a lot of debts. We are used to fielding calls from debt collectors for this person, explaining that dopey Verizon just gave us the next available number, and it happens to have been the number of a deadbeat who we don't know and, no, we don't have any forwarding info on her. No big deal, until the True Logic calls started.

Our workaround will be more simple: I think we are going to change the number for our landline business phone. It will be a hassle for our customers at first, but we don't do a lot of phone business -- everything is internet these days -- so won't be crippling.

If anyone gets a class action suit going against these clods, let me know! I'm in.

Yup, i've had my number 2 years and just got my fi...

2006-12-11T10:40:11.946-08:00

Yup, i've had my number 2 years and just got my first call - i figured i'd google it and found this page :P great fun.. lucky for me i got a HUMAN in under 5 minutes, so i was able to clear this out (i hope) this -is- a joke.. think i'll have alooksee at truelogic's numbers and skype-em right back! :P

ha! that's funny. ive just been gettn' the same th...

2006-12-04T19:11:31.723-08:00

ha! that's funny. ive just been gettn' the same thing for the past 2 months and they've just now started leaving messages for me to call the 1 866 #. and ive had my number for 3 years. i feel yuh.

I searched on an 800 my parents gave me-- guess wh...

2006-11-20T14:39:01.660-08:00

I searched on an 800 my parents gave me-- guess what, same one.

This is what happened:

I hooked up my spr*nt cell phone to my laptop a couple years ago. I checked THREE times-- they said there would be no extra charge.

Got the bill $$1800 !!!!

So I called them three more times; each time the rep said they would clear it.

But they keep calling !!

I happen to be a pengy too, btw

Blog: http://linux-society.blogspot.com

and

Linux Society Newbie Club http://care2.com/c2c/group/lnxsoc

I started getting calls from Truelogic about 2 mon...

2006-11-13T18:46:24.193-08:00

I started getting calls from Truelogic about 2 months ago.After hitting the required buttons and getting hung up on I finally connected to a person about a month ago...seems they are looking for my ex-wife for debts she skayed on over 2 yrs. after I divorced her.I have NEVER owed money to anyone and do not now, but 'Truelogic told me if I wanted to keep MY credit report clean I should pay her debt...she has been remarried twice since me and I don't know how they got my number{same number I've had for over 10 yrs.}but they show her listed like 4 yrs. ago.aAnyways tell them it's not my debt remove my number from there list and so on...only to get called 3 times a day from then on!Got in touch with another live person explained that the debt was not mine or had anything to do with me,they said they'd remove from the list.That lasted 2 days, now getting called mutiple times a day{some with unknown caller on the ID}and they will NOT leave me alone!!This debt was NEVER mine(she ran up utilties and ran on them) and cannot get them to stop calling.Please if anyone wants to get a class action suit let me know...I want in,and I'm not like that normally.These 'bloodsuckers' need to get booted off the planet.They should allow only the original company to collect debt anyways.

I can't believe I read this whole thread - 8-(1st ...

2006-11-08T08:05:51.306-08:00

I can't believe I read this whole thread - 8-(

1st off peeps - the "No not call list" registery is for TeleMarketing calls only - Has nothing to do with "collections" - And even if you've done biz before with XYZ company, they still can "sales" call you.

2nd - If you do NOT owe these morons money (really) then send them a "Cease and desist" letter (registered mail - their address is posted through out this thread numerous times) - and then hope they actaully do call you again - Document and record each call (esp. if they're being as ugly as some of you claim - Man, go after them) How you ask? Will get to that in a minute. Take photos of the caller ID time / date / Number -

Now, for those that do owe these guys - that still does not give them the right to be assholes about it - and I would STRONGLY encourage all of you that are on either side of the fence here with this company to visit www.creditwrench.com on how to defend yourself - 50% of you all above are walking right into their "traps" and getting your BP pumped up for no good reason (now, don't get me wrong, if you don't owe them and they keep harrassing you - I am 1000% with you and you should be upset - But don't get mad, get even!! $$$$$$$ - FTC/FCC Consumer Rights VIOLATIONS can add up to big dollars - esp. if you are in the right (best be sure)!

As to "validating the debt" - It is on THEM to validate it to you - Again, go to creditwrench.com to see how to work this in YOUR favor. You can actually beat these idiots at their own game legally - There are 30 day rules - and you do have to do some "work" - but in the end, you can collect big.

For the person that asked and posted about a 20+ year old farm debt or something like that - The SOL (Statute of Limitations) has run out on that long ago - and 200 to 1 it is not on your credit report - They are barking up a dead tree (UNLESS, you have done something recently that made that 20 year old account "active" again) If so, that resets the clocks and you're now screwed.

As to blocking and jamming and all the other "tricks" suggested - I would just ignore them - Unless you can record their beligerant attitude - that is gold in court.

Again, go to creditwrench.com and listen and read about some of those collection stories and how to combat the calls - I've done it, and it works 100% of the time -

Cheers -

(PS: I have NO vested interest in www.creditwrench.cm - I'm just telling you it works...

I have been receiving calls from TrueLogic at leas...

2006-11-07T06:26:24.140-08:00

I have been receiving calls from TrueLogic at least 3 times a day for the last few weeks and I never answer them. I also received a letter in the mail explaining the debt owed. Here's the beauty of the situation, yes it was a valid debt from my college days, however it is only listed on one of my credit reports and it shows as paid as agreed. The statute of limitations ran out on it last year!

More than likely they paid pennies for this VERY OLD account... now if only I can get them to stop harrassing me. Should I send a cease and desist letter or would that "wake the sleeping dog" so to speak? Any ideas?

I recently received a call from the same company b...

2006-10-28T14:54:48.386-07:00

I recently received a call from the same company but didn't know it at first. The wife insist that I call it back and when I did was told that I owed $231.00 to a company I don't know of. They also mentioned that the debt was from 1996 (over 10 years ago). How the heck am I suppose to remember anything from that far back. My credit report doesn't show that I owe any company any money and I told the person that till they show me proof that I owe the money I refuse to pay it. How the heck do I know if this debt is legit?

I just find it amazing that these collection agencies are buying old debt at pennies on the dollar hoping to collect on them. The debt is 10 years old and as far as I'm concerned it won't show up on my credit report cause they only go back to about 10 years and it's not there now.

Good luck!!!

Got another call this morning. I just called the ...

2006-10-26T11:54:24.933-07:00

Got another call this morning. I just called the company at 866-488-4299 and after being on hold for approx 4 mins I spoke to a representative. I told her I'm getting daily calls to my cell phone, I have had my cell for 8 months, and I have no past-due debt. She immediately said "It's probably for the last person who had your number". She asked for my number, pulled up the record, and told me the first name of the person they are seeking. It's a guy, I'm female. She said she would remove my number. Hopefully it will truly be removed.

WTF ? Now I'm getting called by this company, on ...

2006-10-25T15:24:13.233-07:00

WTF ? Now I'm getting called by this company, on my cell phone. I have no overdue debts. I've had my cell # for 8 months, only given it to friends and family, never use it for credit cards, online orders, or any other such purpose. I didn't answer the call, just silenced the ring til it left a message.

and others:http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fu...

2006-10-24T09:23:01.156-07:00

and others:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=48576360

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=54680054

another myspacer who is a skip tracer at TrueLogic...

2006-10-24T09:09:12.466-07:00

another myspacer who is a skip tracer at TrueLogic.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=11083495

Here's a phone# to call. 212-660-3146. After the...

2006-10-15T13:14:52.336-07:00

Here's a phone# to call. 212-660-3146. After they answer, say this, in these exact words:
Remove me from your phone sex list.
I assure you, they will never bother you again.

Just FYI out there - After reading these posts I ...

2006-10-06T09:53:26.166-07:00

Just FYI out there -
After reading these posts I sent TrueLogic a letter, actually using the words "cease and desist" - and told them I was sending an email (which I did) to the Colo. State Attorney General's office Collection Agency Board - cab@state.co.us. Interestingly enough they have said they have gotten many complaints. Their advice - specfically say don't call, say the phone number you are complaining about, and mail the letter "certified with return receipt requested."

Haven't gotten a call in three days.

Good luck,

ok, for two days, haven't heard from them. I faxe...

2006-10-04T22:29:01.726-07:00

ok, for two days, haven't heard from them. I faxed compaints to TruLogic, FTC, and the Attorneys General in my state and in Colorado. Alsi made sure our number was on "do not call" list.

So far, so good!

I moved and got new phone # for about 2.5 month ag...

2006-09-28T09:56:19.813-07:00

I moved and got new phone # for about 2.5 month ago. Since last week, I started to receive call from the TrueLogic. The calls always came at week day and always rang at 8:05 to 8:10 am. Luckily for me it was the very time that I have my breakfast. After filling complaint to Donotcall.gov for EVERY single call, I decide to give them a ring today.

Called the 1-866-488-4299 around 12:30pm EST, I just gave the lady who answered the phone the “reference #” that I was given. She asked if my name was “blah blah”. I said no and explained to her that I just got this phone # not long ago. To my surprise she immediately says that she will “remove the number from their list”. Let’s see if it would really happen!

One other though, I am wondering if this string of calls just caused by someone’s “mistake”. Then who should be held responsible for my trouble to deal with these calls and eventually forced to call back to “explain” myself to them?

I think Konkel is dead.I saw an obit about a Paul ...

2006-09-27T07:10:56.186-07:00

I think Konkel is dead.
I saw an obit about a Paul Konkel, who passed away January 2005, who was a long time resident of Colordao Springs. Don't know if it is the same guy.

Oh yeah, and I just sent them a faxed copy of the complaint I filed with FTC.

Here is what you do about those crzy calls, especi...

2006-09-27T06:10:29.886-07:00

Here is what you do about those crzy calls, especially from the illocigal TruLogic:

Write a letter to your state's office of the Attorney General, explaining the problem with that company.

FAX a copy to the AG, and also to the company. Tru Logic's fax is 720-488-4296.

I just did that, and will let you know what happens next. I had to call the AG on another company, and it helped a lot!

So I wonder.... can you fax a validation of debt ...

2006-09-24T06:24:05.493-07:00

So I wonder.... can you fax a validation of debt letter?

Just wanted to let everyone know... I took the adv...

2006-09-23T13:32:47.413-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know... I took the advice a few weeks ago of faxing a form letter to these jokers, and within _one_ day the phone calls ceased! Just dig up a good legal sounding letter letting them know you know your rights, and aren't afraid to enforce them, fax it to the number posted above, and you should be free and clear!

so, you can't tell a joke when you see one?

2006-09-23T02:22:32.536-07:00

so, you can't tell a joke when you see one?

Folks, no incitements to violence. These scumbags ...

2006-09-22T08:18:09.723-07:00

Folks, no incitements to violence. These scumbags aren't worth jail time.

-BT