I received a call from these people as well stating that i will be prosecuted for a debt unless i paid for it or make arrangements. the strangest thing was that while i was on the phone with the lady the same number called me 3 times. i am wondering if this is a scam because i don't owe anyone. no one sent me an email either. i just want to know why and if i should call a lawyer because if this is their way of getting a payment out of someone i am quite positive this is the wrong way to go about it. Oh and the first question asked was if the sheriff contacted me smh,
Almost certainly a scam or illegal debt collection at best. The tip off is the threat of prosecution and failure to comply with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act in their initial call. By law when they call they are required to give their name and the name of the company, who they are calling for and that this is an attempt to collect a debt on the first call. They cannot give any other details other than to the subject of the call and cannot threaten lawsuits or arrest. Look up the FDCPA and know your rights under the law. If this is for you, demand a "validation notice" sent Certified Mail. If they refuse and try to intimidate you they are breaking the law. Do not verify or give any information until you receive the validation notice. It should include who you are, who now owns the debt, how it was obtained and what your rights are to dispute the debt among other requirements of the law. Any refusal on their part indicates they are engaging in illegal activities and are probably scammers. You should also know the statue of limitations on debt collection in your state. Many of these calls are attempts to collect on "zombie debts" that are beyond the statue of limitations. Any acknowledgement of the debt on your part restarts the clock on the time limit so be careful when dealing with these collectors.
Thank you, I really appreciate the info. I did not know that people can get scammed in this way as well. It is crazy! Most people fall for it too not knowing their rights. Thanks again.