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May 14, 2024 · Here are a few red flags signaling a debt collection call could be a scam: The debt collector threatens you with criminal charges. There are only a few circumstances when a debt can lead to an arrest. Legitimate debt collectors should not claim that they'll have you arrested.
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Is a debt collection call a scam?
How do I know if a collection call is a scam?
How do you know if a debt collector is a scam?
What should I do if I receive a debt collection call?
- Find out who’s calling. Get the name of the collector, the collection company, its address, and phone number.
- Get “validation” information about the debt. Within 5 days of first contacting you, debt collectors must “validate” or tell you the amount of the debt, the name of the current creditor, and how to get the name of the original creditor.
- Don’t respond to threats. When scammers threaten to arrest you, suspend your driver’s license, or call your employer if you don’t pay immediately, hang up and report the collector to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Do your own detective work. Check with the original creditor. Is the debt yours? Did they sell your debt or hire a company to collect it? If so, is the caller the original creditor’s collector?
Dec 12, 2013 · How Do You Know If a Call Is From a Scammer Debt Collector? Here are some tips to help you determine whether you're talking to a real collection agency on the phone or a scammer. The Caller Is Abnormally Harassing and Abusive.
- The scam is straightforward. Scammers will call consumers to collect debts, posing as real collection agencies. Often, the scammers will have alrea...
- Here are some tips to help you determine whether there is a real collection agency on the phone, or a scammer. (Learn what to expect when your debt...
- The best thing you can do is not to pay anything or give away any of your personal information until you do some further research to find out if th...
- If you're convinced that the caller is in fact not a legitimate collection agency, the best thing you can do is ignore the calls. Scammers want qui...
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- They pressure you. A credit collection scam might use scare tactics and threats to create a sense of urgency in hopes that you’ll act quickly. The scammer might also pull the emotional card, making you feel like a bad or irresponsible person.
- They won’t give you their contact information. Real debt collectors are from reputable companies with websites and reviews, and you can contact them if necessary.
- The debt isn’t yours. If the supposed debt collector is trying to strong-arm you into paying a debt you don’t recognize, you might have a scammer on your hands.
- You didn’t receive a letter in the mail. If a debt has gone to a debt collector, you should receive formal, written notification in the mail. If you’re contacted by someone who you suspect is a scammer, ask them for verification of the debt.
Nov 20, 2019 · If you have received a suspicious call or think you’ve been the victim of a debt collection scam, you can submit a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or you can contact your state Attorney General’s office.
A caller may be a fake debt collector if they. want you to repay a debt you don’t recognize. refuse to give you their mailing address or phone number. pressure you, or try to scare you into paying by threatening to report you to law enforcement or have you arrested. How to Know If a Debt Is Yours.
Feb 29, 2024 · Debt collectors, even legitimate ones, are legally allowed to call consumers at their personal numbers, and as of October 2020, a new rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)...
