(713) 609 in Houston, TX

They called me in San Francisco from 415-463-4241 and left phone number 866-565-3554, which I traced back to 713-609-9784. ARG and Associates, TX. Beware these scamming debt collectors. Even if the debt is valid, it is most likely beyond the statute of limitations and their threats are baseless.

Just got a call from "Miss Jones" with supposed A.R.G and Associates. She had my name and social security # and proceeded to tell me that she needed to secure a collection before 1pm the next day or else she was going to file a 1099C tax form against me. She said the collection was from a Verizon phone calling card in 2001 for $1800 that was in my name and social sec. Here's the problem...I've never ever had a Verizon phone card or any other type of phone card for that matter in my life. Also, have never had Verizon phone service up until a few months ago. I explained this to "Miss Jones" and that I'd have to do some research into it because something just didn't sound right. She then asked me if I was going to make a payment on the collection amount and if not she would just submit the 1099C form to the IRS. I told her again that I would have to research this because it could have been a scam or identity theft and asked her to understand my point of view and where I was coming from on the situation. She then got aggressive and said, "Do you know how many times I've heard that one before. You need to make a payment now or else I'll just file the 1099C" This is what tipped me off that this was a scam.....and I flat out asked her if this was a scam and wash she trying to scam me. She quickly replied that she was just going to go ahead and file the 1099C and then hung up on me! I immediately googled the phone # they called from and found this site with people sharing similar stories! FYI: Threatening to send a 1099-C if you don't make a payment is an illegal harassment tactic....as is threatening to garnish your wages. You can consult with a consumer law attorney who regularly sues debt collectors on behalf of consumers who have been harassed. Some attorney's may be willing to help you for free since debt collectors who violate the law must pay attorney’s fees.