On XXXX/XXXX/XXXX I received back to back calls from ( XXXX ) XXXX & one call to my home. Voicemail was left by XXXX, stating that needed to verify address & employer so they could process their claim against me. Threatened to contact my references. Was told I could call ( XXXX ) XXXX, no other information was given. I could on XXXX/XXXX/XXXX & was told that they, Global Recovery Group, were trying collect on a Payday loan that I " applied '' for online & " received '' from XXXX XXXX XXXX in the amount of {$450.00} back on XXXX/XXXX/XXXX. I informed that that I never took out such a loan & never heard of this company. Insisted that because they have my email address that I did do it & just do n't remember the name because the online site was just how I applied. They also know my bank account number which has me nervous. Was given a website, openconsumer.info that allowed me to access my account with them using my claim # XXXX. It shows my SS # and address, but no date of birth or employer. it has a tab to view documents but no documents are there. I faxed bank statement with just deposits visible to prove no deposits were made in that amount at the time they say I took out such loan. I asked for verbal & written confirmation that the matter was resolved & was told that they could not do that. When I explained that all debts paid get proof, I was told I was being too technical. The website now shows inactive with a balance of {$620.00}. This has all the signs of a scam/fraud. The XXXX XXXX is warning consumers to be aware of scam debt collectors operating into south Louisiana. 

The XXXX has recently received several calls from concerned residents concerning at least XXXX variations of this type of scam over the last two weeks. 

The first scam involves scammers calling consumers and informing them they would be arrested by local law enforcement in the immediate future if they did not immediately remit payment for a payday loan they took out months or even years prior. 

In most cases, residents have never even taken out these loans, but the XXXX has received reports of people paying XXXX to avoid the possibility of arrest. 

These callers are also persistent and violate state and federal phone collection laws by calling at all hours of the day and night to home, cell and work numbers. 

Scammers do this in order to either annoy residents at home or embarrass innocent employees at their work place in order to pressure them into paying in order to stop the harassment and threat of possible job loss.