Scams: Fake Debt Collection

The Fake Debt Collection Scam is an easy one to fall for. If you owe money to someone it's easy to assume that the person on the other end of the line may be a legitimate collector. Con artists trick you out of your money by taking advantage of any weaknesses they can exploit when they are talking to you on the phone. Information about you can be obtained in many ways and may be brought up during the call to establish that the caller is “legitimate”. Do not be fooled by this.

It is important to be aware of some of the more common scams. When swindlers find something that works they stick with it. The best thing is to not allow a conversation to continue if you suspect it is not legitimate. DO NOT be afraid to hang up on these people. Remember, If you have only exempt retirement income such as Social Security, VA Benefits, and/or most pensions, these callers cannot do anything to you – by law, they cannot take your income!

You might be dealing with a scammer or con artist if...

• You don't recognize the debt or loan (always check the account number).
• The caller won't give you their name, a mailing address, a company name, or a court case number.
• The caller asks for personal financial information.
• The caller uses high pressure tactics, often demanding payment TODAY, threatening arrest, or swearing. Remember, con artists know they get more suspicious over time and will try to force you to act without careful consideration.
• They offer limited payment options, be especially wary of ones requiring you to wire money or load a rechargeable money card since there is no way to prove that you made a payment.
• The caller claims to be with law enforcement (police and/or the courts will never call you regarding a debt).
• The caller (or letter) accuses you of some type of fraud and/or says that they are from a State Attorney General's office.
• You may always make a free call to HELPS Nonprofit Law Firm before paying someone who calls you on the phone.

If you suspect you are being targeted by a fake debt collector you should ask for the individuals name, company, street address (not a PO Box), and a validation notice for the debt. It may be a good idea to tell the caller that you are recording the conversation (even if you are not), often the caller will hang up immediately.

Remember - Never give or confirm personal information of any kind, particularly Social Security numbers or bank account information.

For HELPS clients: You may simply treat these calls like any other collector and tell them you are represented by a law firm, give them our name and number, then politely hang up. If you receive a letter, simply forward it to our office and forget about it.