Who Called Us

get a life you morons and stop calling people about so-called debt. drop dead.

Calls come day and night from these idiots with a recording rambling on and on. A so-called debt collector and I don't have any debt problems -- not yet anyway -- but I will if I have to get on plane and blow the brains out of these creeps. I HATE PEOPLE.

Digital voice recording left message on my answering machinge while I was at work for somebody that is not living at my home where the call was made. I disregarded the message and will see if they call again. The name requested was nowhere to close to mine so there cannot be any confusion.

british accent (drop it name )/will not identify. recording.

Have a loud whistle near your phone, next time they call let them have it full blast, serves them right!!!

These people call about everyday! I said hello tonight and she asked for Marie or Maria couldn't understand her...but I get calls every day or so for a person named Marie Bottford. I asked them not to call me because I've had this # for 20 yrs and I don't know any Marie Bottford to stop calling! She said the would....but that only lasts about 3 days! Going to call my congressman and complain....

THEY KEEP ASKING FOR KRISTI GRAGG. NCO FINANCIAL, RECEIVABLES PERF, NOW THESE BOTTOM-FEEDERS. YOU CAN'T MESS WITH A SICK MIND. LET THEM CONTINUE TO CALL AND WASTE THEIR TIME AND MONEY. AS FAR AS THEY ARE CONCERNED THE PEOPLE ANSWERING ARE THE LOWLIFE SCUM THAT OWE THEM MONEY AND WILL DO EVERYTHING TO CON YOU INTO PAYING AND TRY TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD ABOUT IT. THERE IS NO WAY TO STOP THEM. DEBT COLLECTIONS, VALID OR NOT, DO NOT FALL INTO A CATEGORY RECOGNIZED BY THE DO NOT CALL REGISTRY. THEY ARE EXEMPT. IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE WHETHER THEIR INFORMATION IS ACCURATE OR NOT. AS FAR AS THEY ARE CONCERNED IT IS AND THEY WILL CONTINUE TO HARASS UNTIL YOU SUCCOMB AND PAY THE DEBT. THEY WILL NOT GO AWAY SO JUST IGNORE THEM.

I got this call and they asked for a name similar to my husbands name. I asked who and again it sounded like my husbands name. They then said if I wanted to remove my number press 9. I did and hope that it works and also that it didn't do those funky things like they make long distance calls from my number.

Just a junk debt buyer, however there is apparently some evidence they are connected to NCO Financial, and possibly other junk-brand names, so take care they don't double-team or otherwise play you.

Their contact information is as follows:

Merchants' Credit Guide Co.
223 West Jackson Blvd, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60606-6912
Phone: 312-360-3000
Fax: 312-360-3024
Consumers are told to call: 888 249 4134 and other multiple rotary line numbers.
merchantscreditguide.com

Their callers use a host of made-up names, so don't pay any attention to them; just answer the phone and indicate that you are required to advise them this call is being recorded in the case of future litigation. They will either immediately hang up or become more professional and courteous.

Ask them what you want to know; if the caller is too incompetent to answer your questions, or they continue to make harassing calls, then mail them a certified 'stop-calling' letter and save your signature receipt.

If there is any real basis for collection, they will either write you a letter to offer a deal or sell the debt to someone even lower on the food chain, if that's possible.

Save yourselves some grief. 1 - If you answer, claim that you don't know that person (yourself), even mispronounce your name when quizzing who that person (you) is. 2 - NEVER, I repeat, NEVER call them back. YOUR CALLER ID will identify you! Then you've guarenteed calls forever. Good luck.

these scumbags call multiple times a day, using various phone numbers- ILLEGAL. was run by Donal Burak who was disbarred due to possession of child porn. charming firm! bottom feeders!
also- 215-642-3400

bottom feeder collection agency.... asked 4 my spouse & I asked 4 name of company. When he gave it, I said not interested & hung up on him. (WAY outside statute of limitations! They do this all the time- hang up on them!)

These people have been calling me for about 6 years. I have never answered the phone. I am just wondering how long it will be before these people give up the ghost.

I received a call from this number this morning - it was a recording that said - "if this is Mr.X press 1 - if we are calling the wrong number press 2 - I pressed 2 and the recording said "we will delete this number from our records." Wonder if they will but I doubt it.

I just started getting the calls. i'm fairly new to telemarketing/scamming calls so i listened anayway. The next day i missed a call i called them back but of course no one answered, and a second later i got a call from a second different number saying they recieved a call. Supposedly i had a department credit card opened like 8 years ago, but i told them that was impossible because i'm 19 and there was no way i could of had a card at that age. So now they keep calling me, and i don't answer. My mother said don't answer or give up any information.

If they are truely harrassing you, tell them you will report them to your state attorney generals office if they don't stop. You must have some sort of address for them, to actually report to AG, but quite often, just the threat gets rid of them

I let the answering machine pick up. The caller left a recorded message, looking for someone who happens to not live at my residence. The person they're looking for has the same last name as I do. I think it's some collection agency.

The same recorded message has called every day for a week, 9 am - 9 pm, three times on the 9th. They are asking for someone who had this number over two years ago. Now my Caller ID does not show a number but it is the same recorded message. I am on the "Do Not Call" list but it doesn't seem to make any difference. I report them each and every time.

I have been getting calls from these people for almost 2 years, and I always tell them that the person they are trying to contact is not here, ask them to take my number off the list, but still getting calls. I will report them to the do not call registry, but apart from that, how do I get these people to stop calling?
Ken Hughes 1-888-249-4134

ken hughes 888 249 4134
The people moved and their keep calling.

Has left several messages in the past 3 weeks,..... same,... same,... same,....

today it was please call us back at the 1-888 number,...

A woman called, and she did not identify who she is. In a friendly voice, she asked if "Mrs X" was home. This caller is a collection agency--Merchants Credit. I've received similar calls asking for "Mrs X". These calls are probably from this same collection agency, which is now using a different Toll Free number. I haven't had any luck in getting them to stop calling for "Mrs X", because there is no such person living at my place. This hasn't stop the phone calls and has been going on for several years now.

continually receive calls from them takes several minutes to determine who they are. 1-888-249-1033.
today a miss hunter called , very unprofessional cursed at me , said it was about some debt from 1985.
told her i did not owe that account and it had to be out of statue of limitations regardless, she told them to go to****, and to pay her or else she would sue and take everything i owned.

can't believe these types of people are still in business.

I have been getting calls from these people for almost 2 years, and I always tell them that the person they are trying to contact is not here, ask them to take my number off the list, but still getting calls. I will report them to the do not call registry, but apart from that, how do I get these people to stop calling?

1888-249-4134 MERCHANT CREDIT GUIDE IS CALLING MY HOUSE AND DIDNT SAY A WORD.
MERCHANTS CREDIT GUIDE IS SENDING A BILL WITH CLIENT PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES FROM 1991.MERCHANTS IS THE NEW PARTNER OF PORFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES.
PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES WAS A CLIENT OF LTD 77074 AND TOGETHER THEY STOLED MONEY FOR MY HUSBAND BLIND AND MENTALLY ILL IN THIS SAME ACCOUNT FROM NY ONLY IN MY NAME TANIA ALVAREZ.WE LIVE IN MIAMI FOR 12 YEARS!!!
MY HUSBAND WAS NOT A DEBTOR AND THEY STOLED 7 CHECKS OF 150,00 FROM HIM. I HAVE NOT ANY ACCOUNT WITH MY HUSBAND IN
ANY BANK EITHER.THIS PEOPLE IS CRAZY FOR MONEY.THEY LIE THAT WAS MY CHECK
AND WAS MY HUSBAND CHECK AND MY NAME IS NOT JOHN.
THEY TOLD MY HUSBAND THEIR FEE IS 1000,00.

They do not leave a name-just ask for Sylvia Scott and if this is not the correct number for Sylvia Scott then hang up now. If you remain on the line we assume you are Sylvia Scott and you need to call us immediately. My mother left the message on the phone two different times for me to hear. They called last week and this week. The message is recorded and they will leave the message on an answering machine. I got a letter from the company which actually is a fraudulent allegation.

Automated - requested I push #2 if my name was correct, #9 to speak with customer service. Spoke so fast that I couldn't understand what "company" they were calling from.

SAID PLEASE HOLD ON THIS MESSAGE IS FOR (NO NAME SAID) THEN SAID TO CALL KEN HUGHES VERY URGENT CALL IT IS NOT A SALES CALL IT IS A SERIOUS IMPORTANT BUSINESS CALL

It is a message from "Ken Hughes"to call back it is an urgent message.He calls and calls and calls!! I get no less than 20 calls a day!!! EVERYDAY!!!!

*Hasn't* sorry no debt on his name

My phone in under my maiden name and my husbands name was voiced over in the message tell me to hang up if i wasn't him and that if i was to wait 30 seconds then it said he had a debt that needed to be paid and to call immediately. I then looked up his credit report to see in he had had a debt put on there i didn't know about and he has. No way an i calling a strange # thanks for the info

Have received numerous calls from this number for weeks. Messages claims "KEN HUGHES" is calling. Did some online searching for information. Discovered "KEN HUGHES" uses several different phone numbers . Also learned it's best to ignore and have no contact with "KEN HUGHES" because he's been identified as a scammer with questionable practices.

This number came up on my caller ID. The message left did not say who they were calling for but said "This is Ken Hughes. I need you to call me back at 888-249-4134. This is notis not a sales or solicitation call." I am on the Do Not Call Registry List. I have not called this person back. This message has been left 20 times in one week.

I received the same recording as most others, I was in a good mood this morning so I called Merchants Credit Guide Co.
223 W. Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60606-6993
888-249-4134
I Explained that I was not xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx , The lady was polite and said my number has been removed, We will see.

Another of those asshole home based debt recovery business by that Christina Smiley MLM Group. They are a scam and need to be stopped.

This is a debt collection service that is very agressive and will leave messages if you have voice mail on an almost daily basis. This company attempts to collect debts that are outside the statue of limitations. Do not answer the call.

Call non-stop all hours of the day on my cell wasting minutes -- harassing and waking up my sleeping toddler calling late at night! WTF?! Who does that.
Finally after months of this they start leaving nasty phone messages for some Alan W. Bergeroff. Who?
Call snd tell them to cease and desist their harassment. No response. I finally say hello and the cust. serv. person finally responds. Gets my number and I give it and she says OK and starts to hang up -- very rude. So I was kind and replied back with bitch before she could hang up then I hung up.
Utter BS.

As in my other message about USA Credit, I finally answered the phone because this number has appeared on my caller ID several times. I did answer the phone the other day and they asked for "Amy". There is no Amy here. My number is new since I just moved to a different state; maybe I have "Amy's" old number, who knows! I told them no one was here by that name, then dead silence so I hung up. Guess what?? They called again 30 seconds later! I again picked up the phone and said "I already told you that no one is here by that name" I received apologies (three times) from the woman (sounded like she was calling from India). Guess what? They called again today....I'm looking into some sort of call blocking (if the phone company has such a thing). If not, I'm getting rid of my phone!

Crap.. they call up daily & leave voice mail

Continually calls! they ask for someone we don't even know... we have told them this A THOUSAND times!! they still call

If you're interested to see a long list of these dumpster diving, preditory scumbags phone numbers, check out: litigiousconsumer.com

'Merchant Credit Guide' is the worst of the worst scumbag 'debt collectors'. They buy very old out of stat paper for less than a penny on the dollar. MCR owners Greg Fuchs, Daniel F. and Edwin S. Burtis are a class action law suit waiting to happen. Merchants is a bottom-feeder who purchased and is attempting to collect on debts that are ten, twelve, fifteen years old and longer. These slimy dumpster divers have taken the slime to yet another low, with their illegal practices.

We stopped taking too free calls and are on the no call list.

Merchant Credit Guide is a “collection agency”. Judging from postings by consumers at Ripoffreport.com MCG appears to be a junk debt buyer. Junk Debt Buyers are collection agencies that acquire bad debt. Junk Debt Buyers are also responsible for a large number of debt collection and credit reporting violations of law. For more information on Junk Debt Buyers and their illegal practices visit fair-debt-collection.com .

I've also received several calls from this number with a message that I MUST call Ken Hughes. They don't ask for anyone by name.

I have been receiving this call when my answering machine is on. There is a 3 seoond delay during which if I don't hang up I am acknowlodging that I am myself. Totally off the wall.

I receive calls from this number a lot but no one speaks. "Not provided" is on CID. I called back & a woman said it was a debt collection agency. Something "odd"... I received a LOT of calls LAST year from Ken Hughes, most were automated.

I am getting repeated calls from this number with "unknown name" on the caller ID. We do not answer calls without a name we recognize. I have good credit, no overdue debt. I filed an online complaint with chicago.bbb.org. BBB website shows 835 complaints against these scammers in the last 36 months. Everyone who gets calls from these criminals, PLEASE complain to chicago.bbb.org

They have been calling me for while. I called them back, they were looking for the guy I bought my house from. They were very coutious and apoligized for the inconvenience.

They called again on 6/22 and this time they left a specific message. It turns out they are looking for the guy I bought my house from 7 years ago. I have had people stop by the house lookin for this guy, so he evidently slipped out oweing a lot of money.

I just want to say THANKS to all of you for the great support. I feel like I've been to an AA meeting.

FYI - I went to the site above to download and copy the cease and assist letter and found this info. Better read it before you send the letter.

Please note the following. When a collection agency receives a cease and desist letter they may move the account to legal status. This means that if they intend to sue you if they can't collect on the account the cease and desist letter will prompt them to bring suit immediately. So if there is an alternative way to stop being bothered by their calls, like using an answering machine, I'd suggest that you try it first. If there is no alternative then send the cease and desist letter.

hope this helps. :)
Katrina

the cease and desist letter link didn't post right...I'll try it again:

ihatedebt.com

I am a mortgage banker and deal with credit reports and credit repair. Want some "insider" help??

1. reply to Kyle who wrote: I owe them lots of money!

Well, no you don't! No one forces these businesses to buy past bad debt for ONLY 1 to 3 cents on the dollar. They are speculators and chose this business!

The money you pay will NOT go to the original creditor who: (1) has already sold the debt to Merchants Credit Guide Co.merchantscreditguide.com and (2) has already written the debt off on their corporate income taxes.


2. Send a cease and desist letter, certified mail with return receipt. For extra protection, send regular mail, too.

Below someone contributed a GREAT link about writing the letter: ihatedebt.com


3. My situation--"Ken Hughes" is calling me about a credit situation that occurred in October 1993, almost 14 years ago!! In Texas, that debt couldn't be collected after October 1997--almost 10 full years ago. This is debt that couldn't be legally reported on my credit report after October 2000--almost 7 years ago.

Yet, they just STARTED calling me last night!


4. Don't EVER admit that you owe debt to ANY collector or say that you will send money--that will start the 7 year time period bad debt can be reported on your credit report ALL OVER AGAIN. These companies record telephone calls to document any admissions made over the phone.

Guy claiming the name of Ken Huges called, saying it was urgent I call them back. I doubt that there is anybody by that name there. I filed a complaint with Chicago BBB and the FCC. Hope they ESAD.

I owe them lots of money!

Second link didn't post. Here it is ftc.gov

This so-called business buys debt so old that they can't legally collect, so they try to verbally bully you into paying it (which you have no obligation to do). It may not even be your debt, possibly someone with a similar name or address. As was said before, they just cast a wide net hoping to snare someone gullible enough to send money. Here's the company's BBB report chicago.bbb.org Also, here's a link to the Federal Trade Commission's list of your consumer rights if you're being hassled by someone who says he's a debt collector. It lists things you can (and should) do and also things the collectors are legally NOT ALLOWED to do or say. Recommended reading. Know your rights! Hope this helps.

I answered the phone and only got a recorded msg saying “This call is an urgent business matter…” and so I hung up thinking it was telemarketing stuff. I did not listen long enough to hear how the msg finishes. But now that I know it is a collection agency I hope they call back and I get to talk to a real person so that I can see how long I can keep them on the line. :)

We also keep getting phone calls from an automated operator stating "It is urgent that you contact Ken Hughes immediately @ 888.249.4134" and then repeated the message again. He never says who needs to call him, & we have 4 adults sharing this house/phone #
He has been calling 2-5 times a day for 3 months.
This is harassment!!

Leaves a message that it's not a billing company, the name "Ken Hughes" but no other info. I'm not calling him back.

calls from other numbers also. I checked the Illinois atty. gen and Ken Hughes had his license revoked in 1994 and Merchants Credit Guide has operated under 2 other names as well and their licenses were also revoked.
Apparently they keep losing thier license and the state of Ill. gives them another one if they change their name!

multiple calls same story, what scum

Same as others, many calls, very very rude man named Ken Hughes but asking for someone at my number I've never heard of. Emailed them at company website and threatend to file complaints with BBB, FTC and Illinois atty gnl.

I did look up some info, try this site

ihatedebt.com

Wow, I got one of these calls and found a ton of sites of people dealing with the same issue. A while back I was getting another call, night and day, now I work nights and sleep days and these were starting every day at 8am, I answered one and asked who they were calling for. It was the same last name but it was not me. I got yelled at and called a Liar and hung up on. I had to call back and got a supervisor, I was hot, after that call I got no more. But now I get calls from Ken Hughes.
Now as I understand this is from Mechants Credit Guide and they seem to have racked up a LOT of complaints against them.
Here is what I can tell you on what to do.
First this type of business call along with surveys and political calls are Not Covered under the Do Not Call Registry, you may want to go and read the info on the site again to better understand it.
Next if they call and It Is For You, ask for there mailing address, once you have obtained it, Write them a letter requesting that All Future contacts be made Via Mail. By US Law once they receive this they must stop calling. Also send it so that you get a copy of their representatives signature(Legal Proof)so that if they continue you have means to file a compaint. I would say to also check to see if my info is still correct because what I am writing was law around 2000 and may have changed.

If you call the # they ask you for your home phone # and then your name. When I gave it to them they said "sorry we were looking for somebody else", and the calls stopped right away. They buy old debt so someone else may have had your phone # in the past and they are trying to call them most likely. That is the best way to stop the calls. This has happened to me from about 3 or 4 different companies like this and they always stop calling after I call them back and clear things up. Hope this helps.

I'VE BEEN GETTING CALLS FROM KEN HUGHS FOR LIKE 3WKS NOW. i WILL BE REPORTING THEM AND HOPE EVERYONE GETTING CALL FROM DO THE SAME SO WE CAN PUT A STOP TO HIM ONCE AND FOR ALL.

Fill out an FTC consumer complaint form on this ass

Go to this website for scam info from the FTC
ftc.gov
Check your phone bills!!!!!

Here is the scam

Some will charge a "monthly club fee" on your phone bill after you call an 800 or 888 number. Other services fail to take adequate precautions to prevent ..
Don't call

You guys are probably getting charged for the 888 number and that is the whole sting, he tricks you into calling and then gets a nickle for every person that calls the 888 number

Same cryptic message overhear (Central Cali) as well. Thanks for the info you guys.

He has the wrong number he want quit calling

I received this call today at 1:51pm, I am on the no call list. The man said this was not a sales call and it was very important that I call Ken Hughes. The number he left was 888-249-4134. I get calls from a simular number every day up until 9:00pm....Even on Sunday's. When I have answered... the calls are for someone else.

Ken,

Your F'ing douche bag, give it up. Love the phone message with no subject, a real tip off that it is a phony. Eat my ass!!!

Ken,

Suck my D--- you bioche
How did you get my number you frigging ass wipe?

been receiving this call for over a year, upwards of 10 x per week. this has to be stopped

Numerous calls from this 888-0249-4134 number.
Serious harrasment and I would like to block all incoming calls from this number! No I.D. - just messages to call Ken Hughes.

First time i have gotten a call from this number and this person. From the other comments, guess i should expect more.
Appreciate all the info here!

the right telephone for
merchants credit guide is 18882491033.debtconsolidationcare.com

another telephone for
merchants credit guide is 18002491033.see more complaints in this forum.

debtconsolidationcare.com

This 888-249-4134 is calling my business fax machine everyday Mon-Sun. You would think they would have figured out by now it is a fax! I hit *69 and called back, it says Merchant's Credit Guide, and then phone rings about 20 times, no one picks up and the phone just cuts off. I don't know who they think they are trying to contact, but it's obviously not me! Thanks for the tip on how to stop him!

"It is important that you contact Ken Hughes at 888.249.4134 this is not a solicitation or sales call..." and then the message repeats. I received the call two days in row, then skipped a day then again. I am unable to complete a call to 888.249.4134 "all carrier circuits are busy" message.

He leaves a message everyday to call him. I am not calling him back. He can call all he wants to. I am on the Do Not Call Registry and if he keeps calling I will report him.

I received the same call. The message says call Ken Hughes and that it is not a solicitation call. I attempted to call back and the line is busy.

I got a message like everyone else from Ken. I called and a rude woman whom I could barely hear told me it is a Chicago collection agency. She asked for someone else, I told her it's not me, and we'll see what happens. People should know that in many states collection agencies are not allowed to leave their purpose for calling on a message - this is to protect your privacy. I'm not defending this guy, but don't assume the worst because someone leaves a cryptic message like that. It might be legit.

I have read that this is a Collection Agency that is attempting to collect on fraudulant debt.

ripoffreport.com+

chipford.com

Check your credit report to validate the debt and follow the advice on chipford.com site mentioned above.

I do believed it is a collection group. I had a write-off several years ago, and he is trying to collect on it. Good luck, statues of non-secure credit in TX is 4 yrs.

these people buy bad debt and try to collect even if the debt was satisfied or written off. and by the way, they never stop calling. Block one number and they use another

After receiving this message on my answering machine I entered the number on my web search. I found a lot of info. I did not call them back. I enter his number on my call rejection list. I found some other numbers he uses on the internet and put them on my list to. I wonder what will happen!?

This is the rudest person i have ever not talked to I will be making a complaint and also never give them a dime

Pen Cred Serv 952-939-8100
gave me this number. It's to collect dept.

Offering DishNetwork reletated stuff.
I told them I was on do not call registry, to please stop calling or risk being reported to FCC.

sclblog.com

He keeps calling my house too. His recording. Ken Hughes

Merchants' Credit Guide Co
312-470-2611

The number has called every fewday, at all hours for the past few months. Called back and got a recording of "all reps busy, leave name and numnber." I am on DNC registry. Unless they tell me who they are, and what they want, they are SOL with me.

Ken Hughs called months ago-Ireported the person does NOT live here. Now he is calling again-waking me up.I placed the # on the blocked call list.

They called several times, I called back, they asked my number, I gave it to them, they asked for somebody who I don't know, I told them that this is a business number, and I never heard of that person, I asked them who they are, they said they are a collection agency and they would not call me again.

Got a call from this number on my mobile phone and asked me to call back 888 249 1037. I called back but was on hold for 3-4 mts. I suspected and googled the number and now know several people have the same experience

I received a message that it was important to call Ken Hughes at 888-249-4134 that it was not a sales call. I called and gave them my # and they asked for the name of someone that must of had my number before or has been using my number. I have been getting calls asking for this same person "Randy T....." for 5 years, since we got te number mover and got this number.

This Ken Hughes is crazy.
He has called me for the last 6 months.
I get the same message as all of yall.

Here is my update...I called them. I spoke to a man named Mark. I said, "I received a message to call you but I believe that message was left in error". He asked me if I was calling from the telephone the message was left on. I said "yes". He put me on hold for a few minutes. He came back and said, "Ma'm, what number are you calling from?" So I gave him my telephone number. He said, "We are looking for a ---- -----." I told him, truthfully, that there is no one by that name here. The name he said was actually the name of one of my husband's cousins who does have debt issues. I am thinking that because we live in a small town, they just call everyone with the same last name, casting a huge net over everyone in the hopes of catching someone. He did apologize & said he would remove my number from the list. I have also visited the BBB website & if the calls continue, I will write to them & cc the Atty General of Wisconsin & anyone else who will listen.

I also work in mortgage loans and have checked my credit report w/in the last 2 mos. I know we have no credit issues but wondered if there was either an identity theft case or maybe the people that had our phone number before. Instead, they just call everyone & hope they get the right number.

That collection operation has been in operation since 1896. Previous post (Misty), I do hope you pursue your complaint. It is hard to believe a business person would say something like that to anyone! It really makes you wonder.

After getting 3 phone calls I called and asked why this # keeps calling. They said they were looking for Frank M. I told them that was my husbands name, could I help them? He asked me to verify the last 4 digits of my husbands SSN. I told him no, he had not given me the name of the co. He was very rude and said he could not help me then. I told him my husband wasnt calling them w/out knowing who they are and that I was going to file a complaint with the ftc for harassment because he was extremely rude even yelling at me. He then said that if thats what I feel I can talk to his manager. Before I had a chance to say anything I was on hold. A few sec. later another rude man came on, I asked what the name of the co. was and what do they do? He said it was Merchant Credit Guide and they are a coll. agency. I told him my husband does not have any coll. accts. He said really rude, how do you know?? I said I work for a bank as a loan officer for one, secondly I look at our credit reports once a yr, the last time being a few months ago. I should mention my husband has excellent credit..above 700. He said something very strange..he said that not all coll. agencies report to the credit bureaus. I told him that was lie, EVERY agency reports to credit bureaus. He said THEY don't. I asked, "well if you don't report to an agency then you can't impact my husband's credit so why would I have him call you then?" The cleverest thing came out of his mouth.."ma'am we're not holding a gun to your head." I stated at that point that I was filing a complaint for harassment. I think this is a scam!!

Same as everyone else - answering machine message saying to call Ken Hughes - very important. I am on the do not call list and will file a complaint. I have never had a late payment for anything.

We keep getting phone calls from an automated operator stating "It is urgent that you contact Ken Hughes immediately @ 888.249.4134" and then repeated the message again.

Got a call on 8-28-06. ID showed TOLLFREE NUMBER:8882494134. Message: Call Mr. Hughes.
My zip is 35959

Merchants Credit Guide Co.
223 W. Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60606-6993
888-249-4134

chicago.bbb.org

We don't have caller ID. Several calls have come in, about once or twice weekly. This name/number tactic is common amongst collection agencies. A firm out of Mesa, AZ was harassing us about a year ago. I finally called and learned someone with an Arabic name had given them my phone number. My name is French.

There is a process to file complaints with the FTC if you are on the Do Not Call list.

been getting the same call as everyone else... I won't call. First I thought it was HughesNet, my internet provider.. guess not.

Obviously a scam since the Mr. Ken Hughes does not say who he is with. He won't be getting a call back from me. That's what the mail is for if they think I owe something. Luckily I can program his number out of my phone.

I've been getting calls from this number every other day for months with just a recording saying its Ken Hughes and not a sales or solicitation call. If I answer, the recording is not interrupted so a live person can be spoken to. If I call the number I just get a busy signal or a recorded answering system that leaves me on hold.

I started receiving calls on my business phone, Monday August 21. Same threatening Ken Hughes message as the others. He has called every other day. 8:15 this morning was the last time (Saturday, the 26th) Pasadena, TX

Once a week Ken Hughes
(Automoted message) call my home. Most recent was
August 26 2006 1:30 EST

Same this as everyone else... How do you just End this??? Im in CT

Same message as all the others. I'm sorry I don't call you back if you don't tell me why I should. I don't know you fool.

This guy, Ken Hughes, has called me several times now saying that it is urgent that I return his call and that it isnt a solicitation or a scam and to please call him back immediately. I finally dialed the call back and got this number and when I called it said all reps. were busy and to please my name, number and message which I definitely did NOT do and then I went to look them up on the Internet. What a scam! These people need to be shut down. I have a great credit and if they are a collection agency they have absolutely no reason to be calling me!! They need to be SHUT DOWN!!

Being getting this same call for months now. Usually its in the after hours, so we will just delete the message. But now it's calling during the afternoon business hours.

Nothing new to report. Same as others experience with "Ken Hughes". We received the message on 8/23/06 at 8:oopm. We live in New Orleans.

I got this call today at 10:00am. They called every other day. Sometime they left a message :call Ken Hughes. Recently they called but leave no message.

Same message everyone else got, asking me to call Ken Hughes at 888-249-4134. I called, and they asked if I was someone else. I said no, and told them I am on the Do Not Call Registry. I got a sigh and a "Thank You Sir" response.

I get the same phone calls from a nasty-sounding "Ken Hughes" -- I have filed a complaint with the Do Not Call Registry, and the Chicago BBB.

I've received dozens of calls from Ken Hughes over the past several months, most recently last night at 8:30 p.m. I refuse to call them back, but I have filed a complaint with the BBB in Chicago. I live in California near Fresno.

Thi is not a sales or solicitation call. It's important that you call us. My name is Ken Hughes

We keep getting phone calls from an automated operator stating "It is urgent that you contact Ken Hughes immediately @ 888.249.4134" and then repeated the message again.

We only answered to tell them we were on the Do Not Call List, but weren't given the opportunity.

Funny thing, we just got this phone number about two weeks ago.

This annonying message has appeared many times on my answering machine-- very frustrating. I have even called them and left a message to take me off of their "list" and they still keep calling. Now I am taking action!

My bad i gave wrong email to report them at use chicago.bbb.org they are great and do a good job.

I too get calls from Ken Hughes with the same message left on my voice mail.

Wants me to call Ken Huges

"Ken Hughes" saying urgent to return call. Several calls.

THE CALL WAS DATED ON 08/02/06

Is there a way to block this number w/ the phone company.

If I had the where with all, and could set up a program, I would love to flood his phones and tap him out.

A very rude and coarse man calls says name is Ken Hughes and that I MUST call him. Several calls every day for 5 days now.

I received the same call from ken hughs but the number came up 888-249-1037.

I stoped them! contact ntooks@chicago.bbb.org this is the bbb and i contacted the ftc and filed a complant. within 24 hours igot this "Upon learning of Mr. Rezendes' complaint on 7/28/2006 the account was promptly closed and collection activity was ceased."
They can be stoped

call the number they gave some real rude guy the feds need to shut it down maybe we can do a class action

Its a collection agency.

This person [Ken Hughs] is calling our home every other day as well without giving information only for us to call back immediately.

I got the same call today. Don't know what old debt he might have but thanks for the info.

Believe this is a Chicago-based collection agency called Merchants Credit Guide. They may buy old written-off debt and try to collect.

This person (Ken Hughes) calls every other day and won't say why the call, only that it is not a sales or solictitaion call.