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Five Ways to Recognize Debt Collection Scams

Posted by Théda Page | May 29, 2019 | 0 Comments

Five Ways to Recognize Debt Collection Scams

People who are in debt can be more susceptible to debt collection scams. When you are worried about debt collectors, a threatening phone call or letter seems believable. At the very least, you do not think you can ignore it. Some scams involve debt collection agencies using illegal practices, while others are from people who are merely posing as a collection agency. How do you know whether an alleged debt collector is trying to scam you? An attorney can tell you, but there are also several warning signs that you can look for:

  1. You Do Not Recognize the Debt: While you may not know every outstanding debt you owe off the top of your head, you probably have a good idea of the creditors that you have done business with. You should be skeptical if you do not recognize the name of the creditor or the amount of money that the collector claims you owe. Take time to check your credit report or other records to confirm whether the debt is real.
  2. The Collector Is Asking for Basic Information: The creditor or collection agency should already have your basic information on file, such as your address, date of birth, and the number of any account related to the debt. If the person you are talking to is asking for this information, they may be fishing for your personal information in order to commit identity theft.
  3. The Collector Threatens to Have You Arrested: Creditors do not have the authority to demand your arrest if you do not pay your debts. At most, they can take civil action by filing a lawsuit against you. It is illegal for creditors to lie by claiming that they can bring a criminal action against you. Someone who threatens you with arrest is likely a scam artist who is trying to make you panic.
  4. The Collector Is Pressuring You to Pay Immediately: A scam artist does not want to give you time to think about what they are asking for because you will likely realize that it is a scam. Instead, they will offer an easy way for you to send them money, such as a wire transfer or online portal. These payment methods may be untraceable, making it difficult for authorities to track down the person or entity that stole your money.
  5. You Cannot Find Information About the Collection Agency: You should be immediately suspicious if the person you are talking to refuses to give you the name of the debt collection agency or contact information. Even if they do give that information, you can search on the internet to see whether this agency is a legitimate company.

If you are being harassed in this manner, it's probably a good time to consider bankruptcy. 

Contact a Frisco Bankruptcy Attorney

When you are considering filing for bankruptcy, you should not pay any debt collectors without consulting your attorney. A Denton County bankruptcy lawyer at The Page Law Firm may be able to help you discharge that debt instead of paying it. Schedule a free consultation by calling 214-618-2101.

Source:

https://www.thebalance.com/recognize-debt-collection-scams-4142803

About the Author

Théda Page

Théda Page's practice of law is motivated by the desire to help people through difficult circumstances. She spends time with her clients in order to understand their needs so that she can provide them with comprehensive and quality representation.

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