ARA Asset Recovery Associates - Palatine IL Collections SCAM! Internet

My wife received a call from ARA telling her it she had to pay an 8 year old credit card debt otherwise they would put a lien on our home.  When she asked how much she was told $900 for the debt and $400 in interest. They had some personal info which made them seem legit; but, they could not confirm the type of credit card  (i.e. MC or Visa), what was charged, or when. The issuing bank they mentioned was not even a card we had ever had.  (Ironically, the bank that they were supposedly collecting for was the same bank that gave us a loan not too long ago and made no mention of a past delinquency) 

My wife told the rep (Zack Thomas) that we had bought and sold a couple homes in the last few years and this never showed up on any credit reports. Zack said that it was never reported and that she had to pay! She then asked who ARA was. Zack told her to look at their website (ara.biz - which is very suspect) but that the debt had to be paid or we would be sued. She asked for something in writing; which they sent via e-mail and US Mail. It looked official; the letter gave the option of paying in full or accept a monthly payment of $50.00. - And if we paid, the money would buy us a 'Paid In Full Letter' that would release us from all liability regarding this account. I called the bank directly and confirmed that no such debt ever existed. 

They still call every now and again. We have received 10 harassing calls from ARA. We even had a voicemail from their "Attorney".  

These guys are dirty crroks.  Do not send them any money. Do not answer your phone. They are going to steal anything they can from you! If ARA gets you on the phone, offer no information and confirm nothing. Go to your local police station to file a complaint!