Description

I received a mobile call from a number reported to be 434-838-5265 at 9:01 am on January 30, 2025. That is the area code where I live. The call went to my voice mail. In the message the caller (appeared to be a computer) stated his name was Alex and I needed to call him 766-444-5750, and that he worked for TSC. I searched for TSC and the number and found that it is a debt collection service. I called the number and spoke to a female. She advised me that TSC was a debt collection service. She asked me what number had been used to call me. I provided her with the number and she advised me that the call was for J****** about a debt. I advised her that there was not anyone named J***** associated with the number. (There is not.) I then asked her why they used a false Caller ID number for the call. She advised me that is a common practice used by TSC to mask who was calling. This is not the first time they have called me. I have answered calls in the past where they asked for Jenifer and I told them I don't know who Jenifer is. Each time I received a call from them, I only answered the call because it appeared to be a local call. They continue to use this illegal practice, as noted by the call I received today. My question is, is that even a permissible use? Are they allowed to provide FALSE information to a person they are calling when trying to collect a debt? Because they have repeatedly called my number after being advised that there is no such person associated with the number, this is now harassment. Using a false caller ID number to mask themselves as a debt collector is prohibited by Federal Trade Commission, 15USC 1692d, Section 806. The Code of Virginia, Section 18.2-429.1 subsection B say- "...Any person who, with the intent to defraud, intimidate, or harass, causes a telephone to ring and engages in conduct that results in the display of false caller identification information on the called party's telephone is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.". Since the calls have been repeated after being advised of there being no such person at my number, additional calls are harassment. I ask that you investigate this company and make others aware of their activities.

BBB Note: Please contact the Federal Trade Commission regarding this matter.  Not only does the company seem in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Act but also the Federal Telemarketing Act.  You can reach them using the following information: Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington DC 20580, Phone Number: (877) 382-4357 x3, Website: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov