ARA Litigation Office The lady told me I have charges against me and I was getting sued N/A Nationwide

I too was harrassed by ARA. They contacted at least 4 of my family members including my son - claiming I was involved in fraud and the four family memebrs they contacted were to be named as defendants because I listed them as references. They left harrassing and threatening messages (I have them all saved) and In order to resolve these farudulent claims I would need to pay a total of $500 now with a valid credit or debit card.

They were claiming they were calling from a court house, claim processing center. They have left irate and threatening messages on my work voice mail. They left a threatening message on my bosses vm as well as family memebrs. They had all my personal information. They also have personal information about my family memebrs SS#, ADD, PH#, BANK INFO. As soon as they would have someone on the phone they barfed out all of my personal informaton. They also left personal information on vm. At this point im still suspicious. I havent received any correspondence regarding this debt. BUT in good faith and to get them to stop calling my family...I made a partial payment.

WELL~ They got me the first time, as I paid $150 with a text confirmation. (Text confirmation..Who does that?) I said I couldnt make any further payments for another few weeks as I was experiencing financial difficulties. They calimed that if I dont pay the remaining $350 today within 45 minutes they will prosecute me to the fullest through my county court, submit the claim for processing and come to my place of business to serve me for fraud and take me to court for thousands $$. I know my FDC pay rules and rights as a a consumer and this is TOTAL FRAUD and against all rules! As I was trying to express concern and eagerness of resolving this issue....The rep Holly said I had no merit with my claim of financial difficulties therefore, if I dont pay within 45 minutes they will move forward with litigation and good luck to me. I asked to speak to her supervisor....Holly 'supervisors' name was Alexander; he mumbled his first name...sounds like, 'Justin'. He said he was located in West Virginia and he also told me to remember ARA. I asked what does ARA stand for, he said "Its not an acronym, and im the general'. 

To cover myself! I called the comapny they were claim was sueing me....

I was told by the company who I do owe! That my balance is not $500 and said that this is not the only call they have received with the same complaint and they have noted they I have placed a 'scam' alert with them. Provided them with names and phone numebrs. They also recommended to close my account and dispute the charge and take care of my balance that I do owe by the end of the month. THIS IS CRAZY!! Looks like im out $150!

but I can't believe that people still fall for these "you are about to be arrested unless you give us money" scams.  This is not how legitimate collections work.  The IRS does not contact people over the phone and it sure as hell doesn't offer to settle RIGHT NOW for ten cents on the dollar or whatever you can hand over with a prepaid or credit card.  This stuff will stop working when people stop being scared, niave suckers and just stop and think for a minute.  Or when people have a grasp on their finances- if I got a call from someone telling me that I was way behind on my taxes or had a bill going into collections I'd know it was a scam because I know what I've purchased, what I've paid, and what I owe.  These scams work with people who know they've been dumb with money.  Don't be dumb with money, and you won't be bait for these scammers.