I was called at my parents house by a "Mr. Smith" claiming to be a Private Investigator and needed to speak to me regarding a "Criminal Matter".
When I returned the call, I was connected to 'Mr. Smith' - who said he worked for a Law Firm as an Attorney and was prepared to file 'Criminal Charges' against me for fraud due to an unsecured loan in the amount of $2500 that had been due since 1991. He told me I had to pay him $7000 to settle all the costs associated with this case.
I told him that it was an unsecured loan that was over ten years old and he had no right to threaten me with arrest or to unlawfully claim to be a private investigator or an attorney. He told me that he had done an investigation on me and that he had information about me that I 'sure wouldn't want the neighbors to find out about'.
He demanded my bank account information as well as my employment information. I refused and he started using abusive language, "You m-f better pay up, or your life will be miserable" and "Expect to be arrested". He refused to give his real name or exactly where he was calling from, however, I called the number back on a different date and they answered the phone, "Arm Financial" in San Diego.
I attempted to complain to the manager of ARM Financial Services and was connected with 'Mr. Smith' who continued verbally harrassing me and threatening me with arrest over this disputed debt.
This company clearly violates several sections of the Business and Professions code as well as Penal Code sections regarding extortion and impersonating an attorney and also impersonating a private investigator.
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