Aggressive Debt Collection Scam KCAU
PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley is warning consumers about a debt collection scam in which debt collectors are impersonating law enforcement officers in effort to collect money. The scam artists most often claim they are attempting to collect a debt related to a payday loan obtained over the internet. Many of the consumers who have been contacted have never obtained a payday loan or the loan has been paid in full. The callers have most recently identified themselves as Criminal Investigations.
The fraudsters call the victim's home, cell phone, and place of employment. They refuse to provide to the consumers any details of the alleged payday loans and become abusive when questioned. The callers threaten with legal actions, arrests, and in some cases physical violence if they refuse to pay. These collection calls are an attempt to obtain payment by instilling fear in the victims. Do not follow the instruction of the caller.
Debt Collection Scam! Don't pay what you don't owe
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs is warning consumers to be on guard for a new telephone scam snaking its way through the state ...
4 Debt Collection Scams and How to Avoid Them
With the economy in continued free-fall, even the debt collection agencies are starting to get worried. Don’t get caught in a scam.
It happened just before dinner, as these things usually do. He was sitting down at the table when the phone rang. Before he could get in a word edgewise, my client was subjected to a stream of abusive language that would have made most people blush.
A debt collection agent screamed at him, called him a deadbeat, threatened to lock him up in jail, and hurled expletives at him.
The worst part of it was that this wasn’t the first time this had happened. And he didn’t even owe the money.
My client’s got a fairly common name, and he lives in a big city. He gets this sort of thing every once in awhile, letters and phone calls intended for the OTHER guy who shares his name. Luckily he’s smart enough to realize the error and to take the steps he needs to take to avoid serious troubles.
1. They Know Your Information
Sometimes the debt is real, sometimes not. Either way, you’ve got to be sure the debt collection agent has the right person before you either hear them out or hang up.
If a debt collection agent knows your name, don’t get freaked out. Ask to verify the last four digits of your social security number, date of birth, and mailing address.
Don’t be the first to give out the information, and never release your full social security number. But if the caller has the wrong person, you’ll both save a lot of time by knowing in advance.
2. They Talk Fast And Loud
Debt collection agents thrive in part on fear and intimidation. You may not owe a dime, but if someone’s screaming about sending you to jail, there’s a chance you agree to make a payment. They don’t care who pays the bill, so long as it gets paid and off their computer screen.
...
