debt collection scam
Complaint
citizen65
Country: United States
Both of my adult children were contacted via telephone by individuals claiming a complaint was registered against me and if I do not contact the "firm" within 48 hours the firm will be forced to make a decision without my consent. My son was very concerned and called the number they provided 855-265-6780. He spoke with William Brewer who refused to give any information. My daughter got the same voicemail from a woman named "Elaine." I called the number and asked to speak with "Elaine." I gave the "case number" and was told William Brewer was handling my case and was transferred to his extension. I asked Mr. Brewer what type of business this is and why they were contacting me. Mr. Brewer asked me to confirm the last 4 digits of my SSN. When I refused to do so, citing concerns of identity theft he stated we were "at an impasse." I again refused to provide personal information at which time he stated he could continue the conversation if I confirmed my date of birth which I did. Mr. Brewer said the company is called TCF & Associates based in Murrieta, CA with offices in Las Vegas, NV and Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He said they were hired by a bank, while I did have an account with this bank over 10 years ago the past the dates Mr. Brewer gave were not consistent with my actual account information. When asked questions such as the name of local counsel, date of cause of action, and other inquiries to determine whether or not this was a legitimate call Mr. Brewer became extremely defensive and rude. I asked if he was a lawyer; he refused to answer. He stated he sent 3 letters I told him I never got anything in the mail. He told me I had no right to see anything in writing and that he does not file against everyone but because of my attitude he will make sure that I am filed against. I asked to speak with his supervisor and before I finished my sentence was put on hold. After 10 minutes on hold I hung up and redialed this time asking for the supervisor of the legal dept. The man who answered knew nothing about what type of company it is, said he is only a switchboard operator and transferred me back to Mr. Brewer. When I got Mr. Brewer on the line again I repeated my request to speak with his superior. He claimed to be the supervisor and yelled at me that I have called 4 times this morning, which is untrue, and I am harassing him. He threatened that not only will he make sure I am "filed against" for the collection money but will add a harassment complaint against me. At this point Mr. Brewer said we were speaking on a recorded line and repeated his threats of lawsuit then hung up on me. The entire incident seemed so suspicious and unprofessional I looked the company up online and found multiple reports of scamming and fraud identical to what I experienced. I contacted the bank directly and was informed that they have not had anything to do with my account in years and knew nothing of TCF & Ass. or William Brewer. I googled "William Brewer Murrieta, CA complaints" and found numerous stories and warnings against him individually using different company names. I urge anyone who receives a similar phone call or message to report it immediately and do not give any information to them.
Comments
The fakes harass relatives and coworkers in violation of FDCPA, and make threats to get money while evading providing any proof.
If they won't comply with the law (FDCPA) you are at an impasse, but so what? These scams don't sue because they have to hide from lawsuits and prosecution themselves.
FTC shut down a bunch of similar scam "collection agencies" in Southern California several years ago. The rats scattered, and some reopened shop under different names. These might be some of those. Let FTC know what they're up to.
www.ftc.gov
They were calling themselves "BCI (Bureau of Crime Investigation)". Illegal on its face.
Reports consistent with phony "IRS" shakedowns by overseas scammers.
Inconsistent old "bank account" information is consistent with a fraudulent shakedown using information they might have found online, or through phony "payday loan" websites if you have ever applied on one.
Encore is an example of outsourced phone banking by debt collectors. Experian Credit Reporting is too. But I wouldn't let that deter the original poster. Go after the corporate haunchos. That's where you want to go anyway.
2) He said they were hired by a bank, Not likely. Deceptive collection.
3) while I did have an account with this bank over 10 years ago the past the dates Mr. Brewer gave were not consistent with my actual account information. Probably made up "information". Deceptive collection.
4) I asked if he was a lawyer; he refused to answer. He's been implying it, and he doesn't deny. Deceptive collection.
5) he stated he sent 3 letters I told him I never got anything in the mail. He never sent anything. Deceptive collection.
6) He told me I had no right to see anything in writing False statements about consumer rights under FDCPA. Deceptive collection.
7) he does not file against everyone but because of my attitude he will make sure that I am filed against. He isn't suing anyone. Deceptive collection.
8) He claimed to be the supervisor and yelled at me that I have called 4 times this morning, which is untrue, and I am harassing him. He threatened that not only will he make sure I am "filed against" for the collection money but will add a harassment complaint against me. Threatening action he can't or won't take.
9) At this point Mr. Brewer said we were speaking on a recorded line and repeated his threats of lawsuit then hung up on me. Violates California's 2 party recording law, if disclosure was not given prior to recording. If not recording, abusive and deceptive collection.
10) I contacted the bank directly and was informed that they have not had anything to do with my account in years and knew nothing of TCF & [***]. or William Brewer. Then the bank didn't hire him. Deceptive collection.
"NOTE: The State Bar's primary jurisdiction involves regulation of attorneys. However, it is authorized by statute to take limited action against non-attorneys under certain circumstances. If you have information about the possible unlawful practice of law by an unlicensed individual, please call 1-800-843-9053. You should send supporting documents or other information to: The State Bar of California, Office of Chief Trial Counsel, Intake Unit, 845 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90017-2515, Attn: UPL Project."