Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness; Confusion; Human-Machine Interface
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Procedure; ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Airspace Structure
During our arrival Center asked us to descend and maintain 33000 feet. We complied and during our descent we received a frequency change to the next Center. We checked in with our current altitude which was 35000 feet and advised of our crossing instructions. Once we reached 34000 feet we received 'Traffic Traffic' on our TCAS. The pilot flying switched to VS mode and shallowed the descent. We then received a Resolution Advisory (RA). We advised Center but he said there was no traffic in our area. We advised him of the RA and that we had visual on the traffic below us; which was an airliner. He again said that the only traffic near us was 40 miles ahead of us. We said nothing else and continued the arrival.
A Pilot reported they recieved an RA for traffic and sighted the traffic but ATC stated they showed no traffic in that position on their radar.