Received a cryptic call at 0530 hrs...

[Anonymous]

Hi All

I am looking for suggestions on how to handle this.

I received a message on my machine 5:30 am from an individual that did not identify himself or company. He only stated "Call me back I have a package for you." 

I did a google of the number and came up with this info

Mercantile Adjustment Bureau, LLC

6390 Main Street

Williamsville, NY 14221

Depew, NY 14043

I not am unaware of any outstanding debts. I have been monitoring my credit reports and no inquires have been made.

Should I call and record the conversation not giving any personal info to "verify that the package is mine."?  What disclaimer do I need to say prior to recording? I live in Ca.  I would like to tell them not to call gain no matter what they want.

Thanks again!

[Anonymous]

To call that early is illegal I believe, I'd take a picture of your caller id if you can?  (I'm assuming that's how you had the info/time to start with.)  And that just in general sounds kind of creepy/skeezy "I have a package for you".

I'd be on guard, hopefully someone will have more input for you about the company.

I can't even think of anything you could call a package unless it was maybe a trap to send you a summons?  (I'm grasping at straws really.)

[Anonymous]

I would most definitely take a picture of the caller ID with the phone number on it and the time the call came in.  They are not, by law, to call you before 8am and after 9pm.  That is BS.  And so is the whole "package" thing.  I can't wait to hear what the others think of that.  I don't know if I would call them back because they sound pretty sneaky and may take bits and pieces of the recorded phone call to trap you into something.

[Anonymous]

keep the message and time stamp (and also take a pic of the caller ID if applicable).  The 5:30AM call is a violation as is the deception to have you return their call.

Don't call, don't write - wait, see what they do and then hit them with the violations at the get go.  Since they 'called' they need to send the letter with 5 days - again another violation if they don't.  Let's see $2K (possible $3K) so far....

[Anonymous]

I got the pics and saved the recording!   The DW took back up pics with her camera too!

Would I submit the answering machine as evidence or make a recording using a video capture or similar??

[treschic]

i once got a vm telling me that i had flowers that were to be delivered to me, but the delivery man couldn't find my house, and needed directions.  it seemed odd, since my bf at the time never bought me flowers ever.  i did a reverse search, and it was a collection agency. they will say anything to get info from you.

[Anonymous]

That's awful!

Both parts...

The CA being so sleazy and your boyfriend not buying you flowers

[Anonymous]

LAWSUIT! Can we say deceptive trade practices?

This is worthy of contacting the meanest consumer credit attorney that is a shark, imo!

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:
I not am unaware of any outstanding debts.

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Just wondering if you are not aware of outstanding debts why you would be afraid to talk to a collection company. I'd be more afraid to ignore it in case it is fraud. If you have a reason to hide because of old haunting debt that is another thing. I always at least call them back and state not mine/fraud after I find information to settle my concerns about ID Theft. I sometimes get these strange calls, and it turns out to be a celphone from a UPS driver, phone company, ect. I NEVER give out information if I don't know why or who and can not validate. But I call and let them speak to hear what they have to say. That is if you really don't have debt that is yours. I would be terrified not to investigate. These CAs don't stop so easily and play dirty pool. The last thing I need is a CA hunting me down for a Fraud debt. Just my opinion if you really believe you have no debt. If the debt is yours and you really don't know about it, wouldn't you want it cleared up before you get a collection on your CR? I am all for heading things off before they get bad.

It probably is a CA collecting for a debt. They pop up even years after you default or another CA gave up and sold out. If this debt is not very old, I'd try to settle to prevent it from going on your CR if the debt is legit and not inflated with late fees, just an opinion. I am not great at chasing away CAs. If legit, I try to make it go away before it is reported and get it in writing that it is over and will never be reported.

Message Edited by ilovepizza on 02-27-2008 11:31 AM

[Anonymous]

Just adding again. DO NOT ACCEPT ANYTHING VERBAL OVER THE PHONE. It must be in writing. I to this date have not dealt with an honest person at a collection agency.

Message Edited by ilovepizza on 03-02-2008 11:59 AM