TCS left a message on our phone and listed their website. They said the matter was urgent so I looked them up on the internet, typed in my phone number and zip code so I could view a letter from some creditor we never dealt with (The Good Cook) with an outstanding balance of $87.48. What made all this look suspect was the absence of any creditor contact information or supporting documentation such as invoices or proof of delivery. I don't even know what was purchased (a book? A video? Catering services? Cookware?). I was only provided a claim number (21123480) and the following instructions: (Bank of America Direct Deposit Information) At any Bank of America branch, make a deposit payable to:
Takhar Collection Services Ltd.
Deposit to Account # 004838686304
Routing/Branch # 021000322
Credit Memo Line 21123480
Deposit Amount:
and then I'm supposed to call 1-800-620-0371 to report my payment.
I prepared a statement to challenge the claim, tried to fax it several times using the number provided in the TCS letter and it never went through. Then I got online again to look up company information and found similar complaints reported here. I nearly got sucked into this scam myself. They aren't sure about your phone number and address until you confirm it - they're going off a version used for mass mailing. Regrettably, I took this first step but at least I didn't try to send money. Hope I don't have to deal with "aggressive collection agency" calls from these people.
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