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 recvd a msg at my job from a guy with a heavy accent. I could barley understand what he was saying. He said that the police would be at my job and my home to serve me with papers. I asked what this was about, he never would tell me. Just wanted to verify information. I would not verify any info. I kept asking what this is about, and he begin to talk to me crazy, saying I know what this about. I hung up. I wanted to know from anyone did the police ever show up?
I got a call from this number and this guy also had a very thick accent and said his name was Johnnie. He said the company name was CyberCrime Law and I told him I would call him back. I did not get into a conversation with him at all, and then did a search on the number. I am sooo glad I did before I actually got into a conversation.
He also left several messages on my cell phone telling me that if I did not call him back or have my lawyer call him back today then he wishes me good luck on the future. I think I will save those messages.
i received a call from a david mar who told me that me or my lawyer had to call him back. that it pertained to check fraud and some other violation. I told him that i was contacting my lawyer and that we would settle this. Mr. David Mar stated he was only doing his job ans that he worked for the Law Office Of National Business Services from California.
Yes I received a phone call at work yesterday from a man stating to be he Had a Very Thick Accent and sounded like he was on a very busy street outside somewhere, when he asked for me i told him she was not available so he gave me his Name as Randy, said Emergency i call him back. The number he gave me is 323-474-0044.. This is a scam and these people have our Identity that is scary. Also i got home last night and had a message from the same man on my answering machine, Very Threatening and i needed to have my attorney call him immediately or i would be see at the court house today. Well i am going to contact a Lawyer friend these people need to be stopped immediately and someone needs to take a stand to them.