How can I verify whether or not a debt collector is legitimate?
Here are a few warning signs that could signal a debt collection scam:
The debt collector threatens you. Legitimate debt collectors probably won't claim that they'll have you arrested or claim that they or their employees are law enforcement officers.
The debt collector refuses to give you information about your debt or is trying to collect a debt you do not recognize. You have certain rights to ask a debt collector to verify the debt. You can use this sample letter to request this information. Ask for an explanation in writing before you pay.
The debt collector refuses to give you a mailing address or phone number.
The debt collector asks you for sensitive personal financial information. You should never provide anyone with your personal financial information unless you are sure they're legitimate.
If you think that a caller may be a fake debt collector:
Ask the caller for his or her name, company, street address, telephone number, and professional license number. Many states require debt collectors to be licensed. Check the information the caller provides you with your state officials, or the state in which the debt collector holds a license. If the caller refuses or is unable to provide you with information about his company, or if you can’t verify the information he provides, do not give money to the caller or company.
Tell the caller that you refuse to discuss any debt until you get a written "validation notice." This notice must include:
The amount of the debt
The name of the creditor you owe
A description of certain rights under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
If a caller refuses to give you all of this information, consider requesting this information in writing or seeking assistance before paying the debt to make sure the debt, and the company, are valid.
Tip: You can consider sending the collector a letter requesting the information by using one of the CFPB's sample letters. You can also submit a complaint to the CFPB or you can contact your state Attorney General’s office.
Do not give the caller personal financial or other sensitive information. Never give out or confirm personal financial or other sensitive information like your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number unless you know the company or person you are talking with is a real debt collector. Scam artists, like fake debt collectors, can use your information to commit identity theft such as:
Charging your existing credit cards
Opening new credit card or checking accounts
Writing fraudulent checks
Taking out loans in your name
Contact your creditor. If the debt is legitimate – but you think the collector may not be – contact your creditor about the calls. Share the information you have about the suspicious calls and find out who, if anyone, the creditor has authorized to collect the debt.
Report the call. Submit a complaint with the CFPB or get in touch with your state Attorney General's office with information about suspicious callers.
Stop speaking with the caller.If nothing else works and you believe the calls are fraudulent, send a letter demanding that the caller stop contacting you, and keep a copy for your files.
Tip: You can use this sample letter to write a letter demanding the debt collector stop contacting you. By law, real debt collectors must stop calling you if you ask them to in writing.
Tip: If you're having trouble with debt collection, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB online or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372).
I received a call from an investigator Edwards. She said I was under investigation for theft because I didn't pay some pay day loan back. I asked her what company was she talking about because I didn't have any payday loans. She said they are a company that investigates and collects for equity funding . I asked her the name of her company and details about the transaction . She put me on hold. 10 seconds later another female voice with an attitude said we aren't going to go back and forth with you , you took the loan then proceeded to give me my name address ssn and bank acct. I told her how do I know she isn't a fraud because I haven't taken out any loan. She said they made the decision to go to court or not. I then asked her why would someone have to decide to collect in court or not if a loan was taken out. She then said I've made my decision see you in court and hung up on me. It didn't dawn on me before reading this that they were wanting me to pay them. I was so upset about the call I guess I didn't leave much room..
I called them back again to ask where my validation letter was. She was very rude and told me she said it would be emailed by the end of the day. I was trying to file a complaint, but it was asking for the address of the business, which I don't have. I called back for that info. The phone went to an automated voice this time and put me on hold. The woman who answered the phone called it litigation something this time, I couldn't understand her. I said what is this company, then she changed it to legal mediation. Then I asked the legal name of the company and address. She rattled off some initials, but I couldn't understand and when I asked for address she said do you have a claim with us and I said I do and have been receiving calls and I need information to proceed. She then transferred me to the same woman I had been talking to. I told her I was just calling back to find out the actual name of the company, the address, and how they take payments. She put me on hold and I was on hold for ten minutes before I hung up. I then called back and she somehow got the call and immediately said we got disconnected. She knew the number I was calling from, which wasn't my cell phone this time. She said she already put in the order for the affidavit and that I would have it by the end of the day. I said I understood that and just needed the name and address of the company. She immediately said she couldn't give it to me without the affidavit in front of her. I said why not, you just can't tell me where I can send anything to. She said no when you get your affidavit it will be on the form. I said well how do you accept payment if I decide to pay (I'm not just trying to get as much info as I can) she said only debit card or money gram. Then she proceeded to say ma'am you will get your affidavit, which before she called it a validation letter, then she said just give the information to your attorney we will handle it that way, there is no need for you to keep calling here and said have a nice day and hung up. Screams scam to me....
I received several calls using different numbers but all leave the same message. "your name, ss, and phone number have been used in a fraudulent money traneand you need to ccontact me asap at 305603789." I have checked all the numbers and they are from different states but from a switch board in the Florida Keys. Scammers
I have called them out on it...and bugged them. They were supposedly sending me a "validation" letter, which I never got. Now no one will answer an automated voice comes on and says you need to hold for a representative, then it goes to a generic voicemail. I have filed complaints with the FTC, CFPB, local AG, and the FBI. They are definitely scammers.