Arete Financial Scam

Victim Location 98036

Type of a scam Phishing

I have been receiving several calls a day from the phone number 9514206242. When I first picked up, it was an automated call that claimed to be from "Arete Financial." I hung up the first time. After receiving several more calls after that, I attempted to call back after a missed call. When calling I receive a message that the number has been disconnected. But then I receive another call the next day that says, "Sorry to have missed your call, let me connect you to an advisor." Said "advisor" picks up the phone and without even taking my name just states that "We can’t help you." and hangs up. I have no way to ask to be placed on a DNC list, and with the sketchy response when I try to connect to an agent, and the "disconnected" message (but somehow knowing I tried to call?), I’m 99.99999% certain that this is a scam to get my credit information. At this point, the situation has basically become harassment! After looking up "Arete Financial," it looks like it is a legit business with lots of positive reviews, so I’m guessing someone is just out there using their name to steal identities. Either that or Arete is creating fake reviews with the BBB and yelp…