While the call may be legitimate, it may also be a debt collection scam. The Internet Crime Complaint Center warns consumers about the increasingly high number of telephone collection scams.
Scam Collection Agencies may use a technique called "phishing" to search the Internet, mail and email to find your personal information and then use that information to try to convince you that you owe the debt. These scam collection agencies often reference delinquent payday loans and may allege to be calling from criminal enforcement divisions, the FBI, or other various legitimate sounding agencies. They may threaten legal actions or arrests as well as harass consumers, their friends and relatives. They may also request additional personal information from consumers such as a full social security number, bank account numbers, date of birth, etc.
Unfortunately, while these scam artists are able to find consumers, they often disguise their real phone numbers which makes it very difficult to find them.
So how can you determine if the calls you are getting are from legitimate debt collectors or collection scams artists? You may request the debt collector send you written verification of the debt or contact the original creditor. Additionally, you can write a letter instructing the debt collector to stop contacting you. With a few exceptions, legitimate debt collectors are required to stop contacting you once they receive this letter.
The Internet Crime Complaint Center also suggests that you contact local law enforcement if you feel you are in immediate danger. An attorney may be able to offer assistance if you think the debt collection calls you are receiving are scams. -Meredith Phillips (205)912-8244
Blankenship Harrelson, LLP
No comments:
Post a Comment