If consumers did not have enough to worry about having to deal with rising credit card interest rates, late fees and over-limit fees, zombie debt, and fervent bill collectors, now we have to worry about collectors calling about fake debt.
While many legitimate collection agencies follow the FDCPA, there are some collectors out there that are only running a scam operation and will be quick to use threats and scare tactics to get you to pay up quick. Their scams turn up in mailboxes, on the internet and through the telephone every day. Some collectors pose as national banks, government agencies (FBI, CIA), or even popular celebrity stars to gain personal information. These phony collectors may threaten to repossess your house, issue a warrant for your arrest, or even garnish your pay check, all of which are against the FDCPA rules. Some of which are even laughable (for example, there is no debtor’s prison in the United States).
Fake debt scammers rely on the fear and lack of knowledge about debt collection laws within the population. They also figure that a certain percentage of their calls will be received by individuals who may be carrying debt on credit cards anyway and may be susceptible to intimidation. When collectors use misleading statements and fail to provide identification, they are breaking the law. Never pay money to a possible thief. Keep cool when you hear from collectors to avoid this collection abuse.
Many times, people who took out payday loans online in the past are most susceptible. If you took a payday loan, be aware scammers may have access to your Social Security number and other personal information, and keep your guard up against such tactics.
Ironically, real "deadbeats" probably wouldn't fall for these scammers, since they have no intention of repaying their creditors anyway. But upright citizens may doubt themselves, thinking they've forgotten to pay a bill. Many times, the sums involved tend to be fairly small, so some people may be tempted to just pay the "bill" and "get it over with."
Ways to Protect Yourself Against Debt Collection Scams
Review your credit report frequently to find inaccuracies.
Be aware of your current creditors and how much you owe.
Ask creditors for identification before you provide any information over the telephone.
Reporting Fake Debt Collectors
If you ever receive a call from anyone identifying himself as a debt collector, the law requires that the debt collector provide you with identification, and that the debt collector refrain from making misleading and threatening statements.
You can report any problems you have to your state Attorney General’s office www.naag.org and the Federal Trade Commission www.ftc.gov. Many states have their own debt collection laws that are different from the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Your Attorney General’s office can help you determine your rights under your state’s law.
I received a call from this company threatening me about me being arrested and I owe some sort of loan, which I don't. Asked them to give me the name of the company, phone number, the amount, and all they said was we don't have that information and you have to be in court tomorrow or suffer the consequences. These people don't know who they are messing with!
I received a call from (323) 474-0044 from a Ryan Cruz, threatening to take me to jail, to come to my place of employment and have me arrested for not repaying a payday loan. I did take out some loans a while back, but have paid them off and have not taken any more out. This guy had my address, work number but could not provide the name of the company that he was acting on behalf.
I am getting a call from this number from men and women with thick accent. They told me I was going to be arrested because I owe money on some sort of loan. They never were able to tell me who or why or how much I owed. They had my social security number and address which is what worried me. I don't owe anybody money but of course I was very scared. I contacted a police officer who told me that even if I did owe someone money, I could not be arrested. It is a scam. They never asked me for money which is what I was confused about. If they don't money then what do they want? I'm 21 years old with minimum credit. They're not gonna get anything from me but I'm still worried that someone has my information.
Report the number to your police so they can file a report. If possible, when they call back record the conversation.
I just don't quiet understand the scam which is what I'm so worried about. They have my information!
I received a call to my work place from a thick accented person claiming they worked for a law firm and were pressing charges agaiinst me. Told me I need to get a lawyer before tomorrow. I asked for their #, hung up and called back and no one answer.
They called my work place again and I told them if they continue I will be the one filing charges and hung up.
WALLINGFORD, CT, August 07, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about would-be debt collectors who call "payday" loan holders, threatening arrest if they don't pay immediately.
A payday loan, also known as a paycheck advance, is a short-term cash advance intended to cover expenses until the holder's next payday.
The callers claim they are lawyers with the "Financial Accountability Association" or the "Federal Legislation of Unsecured Loans," and they are armed with stolen personal information from their victims, indicating a major security breach of unknown origin. The names used by the scammers may change with time.
According to Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Scarpetti, payday loan holders appear to be particularly at risk.
"Because the scammers have so much information about potential victims, BBB is concerned that this may be the result of a data breach. Thousands of people may have had their personal information compromised."
Reports received by Better Business Bureau and posted online explain the con artists threaten the loan holders of defaulting and claim they are being sued. The imposters threaten the loan holders with imminent arrest and extradition to California to stand trial, unless they immediately wire $1000 or provide bank account or credit card information.
Connecticut Better Business Bureau has advice for consumers who receive suspicious telephone calls about an outstanding debt:
-Don't be bullied into immediate action. Ask the debt collector to provide official documentation that substantiates the debt.
-Do not provide or confirm any bank account, credit card or other personal information over the telephone until you confirm the legitimacy of the call.
-If you believe a debt collector is trying to scam you, file an abuse complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at www. ftc.gov, or by telephone at (202) 326-2222. Also file a complaint with your Better Business Bureau at http://www.bbb.org or by telephone at 203-269-2700, ext. 2.
About Better Business Bureau CT
Founded in 1912, BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. BBB offers objective advice and a wide range of education on topics affecting marketplace trust. BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses. Today, 128 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than three million local and national businesses and charities. For more advice on finding companies and businesses, start your search with trust at http://www.bbb.org