The latest on "Steve at CBCS"

"Steve at CBCS" is still at it, leaving messages on people's answering machines and then trying to make them pay alleged debts. But he has reportedly shifted his tactics. When I was getting his calls in 2005, he left mysterious messages with no explanation, saying I should call back on some unspecified important matter. Now, according to RJC, he's telling them that by not being at home and answering the phone, they have assumed responsibility for a debt.

In the case cited, they also sent a letter. In my case, "Steve" was just calling blind, and I never got any letter or other communication identifying me by name or asserting a debt. At that time the trick was apparently to get people to call back and then make up a debt. Now "Steve" is getting more aggressive.

But the way to deal with his phone messages remains the same. Ignore them. I haven't seen one of Steve's letters, so I can't say how to deal with those. But definitely keep the letter; with hard copy in hand, you may be able to bring charges of extortion.