Some consumers have complained of being duped by scam “debt collectors” who tried to collect debts from them that are non-existent, or when the collectors do not belong to a legitimate credit collection agency at all.A growing number of cases has been filed as unscrupulous people try to take advantage of consumers who have debts.
These fake collectors demand immediate payment over the phone by asking for your credit card or bank account number.
If you think you are being scammed by being asked to pay for a debt by a fake collector, do the following:
- Get the name and number of the person calling you. Call them back to see if the phone is answered as a legitimate collection agency.
- Ask for the name of the debt collection company he/she works for, the address and main telephone number of their office. If the person hesitates to provide you with such information, then do not give them any information.
- Get proof of the debt owed that the collector is talking about. You can request such evidence or proof to be sent to you via mail.
If the person insists on calling you about your debt but refuses to provide you the information you require, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. You may log in your complaint at their website or call their hotlines.
It always pays to be careful when dealing with unknown collectors, especially when these collectors are persistent, yet unable to provide valid information about your debt.
