Created: 6/25/2009 5:20:49 PM 
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Ernest Simmons is outraged that someone would call and threaten to ruin his credit over a past due debt.
"I am concerned and upset," says Simmons. Simmons says the problem is he doesn't have any debts.
"I do not owe anyone," says the retired railroad conductor.
But for the past month Simmons says he has received a number of calls about past due bills.
Simmons says first it was about a credit card, he called and was told it was mistake, but that did not stop the calls.
Simmons says the most recent calls to his turned out to be a scam.
"I called them to see what the debt was about and there was a recording asking for $4.99, I hung up the phone," says Simmons.
The fee was for access to a national telephone directory.
What made him upset was how the company disguised its toll free number with a message that it was a debt collection agency.
"It is clearly a scam," says Simmons.
When 'On Your Side' called the toll free number, we were told to be connected to a national directory, you would have to pay a fee of $4.99. The number to call to be connected is 101-515-8000.
To avoid being the victim of a spoof attack, never give out your personal information. Try to call the company to verify its legitimacy.
And you can register your phone number with the 'Federal Do Not Call Register' at 1-888-382-1222.
So if a telemarketer violates the 'Do Not Call,' rule it can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
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