I have a voicemail from some "Special Investigator" (with a 919 phone #) saying that I need to call a phone number (904-758-5980, a Jacksonville FL number) within 24-48 hours. She said "you or your lawyer" are supposed to tell them the "Claim Affidavit #" she left in the voicemail. No court or organization name is said and both the caller's and the told phone numbers are unlisted. Of course there is no logical reason for a restraining order to be filed against me. I haven't called yet because I have a feeling its a scam of some kind. Anyone have any ideas?

8/6/2010 11:25:53 AM

As long as it's not a number in the Bahamas or something, I don't think you could be scammed by calling them and checking it out. The instant they ask for any personal information tell them to send you a letter and hang up on them.

8/6/2010 11:27:27 AM

move to the amazon

now

8/6/2010 11:27:41 AM

it was left on my home phone and I'm at work. didn't want to give them another phone # for contact. just realized I could use a google voice # to pass through. will give it a try.

8/6/2010 11:31:31 AM

The fact that they threw in the "or your lawyer" part leads me to believe that it's legit. No scammer would invite your lawyer to call them. But they may have been given your phone number by mistake, so you should definitely call and check it out.

[Edited on August 6, 2010 at 11:33 AM. Reason : a]

8/6/2010 11:32:11 AM

i always thought you had to be physically served papers with a restraining order.

8/6/2010 11:33:08 AM

Most legal things I am aware of happen in person or in the mail (certified, signed, etc). It sounds like they'll probably be asking for your credit card number or something.

[Edited on August 6, 2010 at 11:39 AM. Reason : google is your friend http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-904-758-5980]

8/6/2010 11:36:11 AM

Quote :

"i always thought you had to be physically served papers with a restraining order."

8/6/2010 11:39:50 AM

If it doesn't make sense on the telephone voicemail just ignore it.

There is no evidence that you received or listened to the voicemail if you're worried about the worst case scenario.

[Edited on August 6, 2010 at 11:52 AM. Reason : .]

8/6/2010 11:52:30 AM

Called the number and they call themselves "National Legal Systems." Did a little searching and a legit firm with that name had this posted on their website:

Quote :

" IMPORTANT NOTICE It has been brought to our attention that a company identifying themselves as National Legal Systems has been calling individuals, throughout the country, threatening lawsuits, court appearances, summons, arrests and giving 48 hours to call them (904)758-5980. We want to inform you that WE ARE NOT AFFILIATED in any way with this firm. A check with the state of Florida of the filing for National Legal Systems shows that on 11/06/1989 that company was dissolved and their status as of July 2010 is inactive. Their method of operation seems fraudulent and we urge EXTREME CAUTION. We are NOT a collection agency and never have been. We are a Chicago based law firm licensed to practice law in Illinois and other jurisdictions and our good name is apparently being used to perpetrate a fraud. Please call us if you have further information on this organization or have any further questions at 1-800-728-5285"

8/6/2010 11:55:04 AM

/thread?

8/6/2010 12:00:29 PM

Aye.

8/6/2010 12:05:42 PM

typically I just ignore and if it's real and legit, they'll keep calling back

8/6/2010 12:39:13 PM

Well if in order was being served on you, there would be a knock on the door from a deputy.

8/6/2010 1:00:55 PM

I still think it's pretty ballsy of them to include the "or your lawyer" part. But I guess they are playing the odds that most people wouldn't hire a lawyer just to return a phone call.

8/6/2010 1:46:28 PM

call them and tell them you'll give them the money in person, then call up the REAL company and say hey you wanna serve these people with something im meeting them in a few days

8/6/2010 2:58:53 PM

I get several groups that do this to my phone. Its sometimes also a wrong number. Often ppl in jail or with debt will give wrong phone numbers and cops or collection agencies call it.

I had a friend look into one that called me every day for a month. Found out someone gave them my number for a collections agency.

All official documents presented in court of law have to be presented by mail or in person (normally with a receipt). Email is getting there but still not formally accepted for notification. Phone is shot. Its fake or a mistake.

8/6/2010 4:38:17 PM

You should call them and say you are the lawyer representing you.

8/6/2010 5:05:24 PM

Call them and make fart noises with your mouth

That will show them who's boss

8/6/2010 5:18:13 PM

^

8/8/2010 5:24:51 PM

Quote :

"You should call them and say you are the lawyer representing you"

and then

Quote :

"make fart noises with your mouth"

8/8/2010 5:38:20 PM

Quote :

"The fact that they threw in the "or your lawyer" part leads me to believe that it's legit. No scammer would invite your lawyer to call them. But they may have been given your phone number by mistake, so you should definitely call and check it out. "

One is born every minute…

Obviously a scam.

8/8/2010 6:46:36 PM