{"id":16729,"date":"2021-12-02T14:40:02","date_gmt":"2021-12-02T20:40:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/?p=16729"},"modified":"2024-05-06T13:01:37","modified_gmt":"2024-05-06T19:01:37","slug":"stop-debt-collection-scams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/credit-101\/stop-debt-collection-scams.html","title":{"rendered":"7 tips to stop debt collection scams"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/woman-looking-worried-at-her-phone-hero.jpg\" alt=\"Woman staring perplexed at her phone.\" class=\"wp-image-16728\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/woman-looking-worried-at-her-phone-hero.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/woman-looking-worried-at-her-phone-hero-1100x367.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/woman-looking-worried-at-her-phone-hero-768x256.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 767px) 600px, calc(100vw - 35px)\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice. <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/disclaimer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>See Lexington Law\u2019s editorial disclosure for more information.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"quick-answer\">\n<h2>You can avoid debt collection scams by asking for a written debt validation letter, avoiding providing personal or financial information, getting additional details from the collector, watching out for threatening behavior, blocking or ignoring calls, knowing all of your rights, and keeping an eye on your credit reports.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>By now, all of us are used to the deluge of spam calls we receive every day. While these calls vary in their content\u2014from your car\u2019s extended warranty to free stays in fancy hotels\u2014their aim is always the same: steal your personal information or your money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the more difficult scams to spot has to do with fake debt collection calls, especially if you do have legitimate debts that you owe. These scammers have sophisticated techniques to convince you that they are authorized to collect money from you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, there are techniques to spot these scams before you\u2019re taken advantage of by fake collection companies. Read on to learn tips to stop debt collection scams.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"responsive-youtube\"><iframe width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ucxWg3xoKSQ\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-ask-for-a-written-debt-validation-letter\">1. Ask for a written debt validation letter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re first contacted about a debt, make sure that you ask the caller to verify the debt by sending a written <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/credit-repair\/debt-validation.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">debt validation letter<\/a>. By law, debt collectors must send you information about how much you owe and who the original creditor for the debt was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"740\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/01-debt-validation-letter.png\" alt=\"Debt validation letter.\" class=\"wp-image-16725\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/01-debt-validation-letter.png 1500w, https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/01-debt-validation-letter-1100x543.png 1100w, https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/01-debt-validation-letter-768x379.png 768w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 767px) 600px, calc(100vw - 35px)\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve received the letter, you can verify that the debt legitimately belongs to you, following up with the original creditor if necessary. If the debt collector refuses to provide debt validation, it\u2019s likely that they are not authorized to collect the debt\u2014or the debt never existed in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bottom line: <\/strong>The law requires debt collectors to provide a validation letter for any legitimate debt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Avoid providing personal or financial information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Scammers are often keen to ask you to \u201cconfirm\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/negative-items\/4-things-identity-thieves-can-do-with-your-social-security-number.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">personal or financial information<\/a>, like your Social Security number, credit card numbers or checking account details. You do not need to provide this information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, a debt collector may have your personal or financial information, but that does not mean that they are legitimate. Sensitive information is frequently leaked online, so a scammer may have purchased or acquired your personal information in an attempt to steal your identity or lure you into a debt collection scam.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a general rule, you should only provide sensitive information when you know that you\u2019ve specifically called a trusted financial or government institution. When you receive a call, there\u2019s no way to know for sure who is calling, so it\u2019s best to err on the side of safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bottom line: <\/strong>Don\u2019t share your personal or financial information when you receive a call, as scammers can use these details to steal your identity or convince you to send them money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Get additional details from the collector<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can often determine whether a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/finance\/how-to-deal-with-debt-collectors.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">collector is legitimate<\/a> by asking for additional details about the caller and what they\u2019re saying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you ask for the collector\u2019s name and the name of the agency they work for. Some callers also identify themselves as members of law enforcement or attorneys. In those cases, ask for names, badge numbers, agencies or law firms. If a caller indicates that a lawsuit has been filed against you, ask for the court where the suit was filed as well as the case number.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In most cases, scammers will be unwilling or unable to provide all of this information. If you do get specific information, you can follow up by calling creditors or law enforcement directly to verify the claims.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bottom line: <\/strong>Press the collector for specific details, like their name and the collection agency they work for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Watch out for threatening behavior<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, scam debt collectors will pressure you to pay quickly over the phone. Often, they\u2019ll use serious claims to motivate you to act quickly\u2014for instance, they\u2019ll tell you that you have a warrant for your arrest or you will serve jail time if you don\u2019t pay immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Scammers may also tell you that others in your family may suffer consequences, that you will lose your job or that your debt amount will skyrocket if you don\u2019t provide payment over the phone. Debt collectors cannot send you to jail or make threats for non-payment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"740\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/02-debt-collectors-cannot-threaten-you.png\" alt=\"Debt collectors cannot threaten you.\" class=\"wp-image-16726\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/02-debt-collectors-cannot-threaten-you.png 1500w, https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/02-debt-collectors-cannot-threaten-you-1100x543.png 1100w, https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/02-debt-collectors-cannot-threaten-you-768x379.png 768w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 767px) 600px, calc(100vw - 35px)\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether the debt collector is legitimate or not, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/life-events\/your-guide-to-debt-collection.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">threatening behavior is never permitted<\/a>. Federal law specifically governs how debt collectors must behave, so you have recourse regardless of whether the debt is legitimate. If you believe the debt collector is a scammer, simply stop engaging until you receive debt validation. On the other hand, if the debt collector is legitimate but behaving in a threatening way, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bottom line: <\/strong>Debt collectors are forbidden by law to threaten you, and extreme claims about jail time or immediate need for payment are often indications of a scammer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Block or ignore repeated calls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re receiving numerous debt collection scam calls, consider blocking or ignoring these calls. Here are a few tips for blocking spam calls:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Watch out for \u201cspoofed\u201d numbers.&nbsp; <\/strong>The number a scammer calls from rarely belongs to them\u2014instead, they temporarily use someone else\u2019s number. Be wary of unfamiliar numbers that start with the same six digits as your own.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Some carriers and phones offer spam-blocking software. <\/strong>Call your cell phone carrier and ask if they have any features for blocking spam calls, or search your phone\u2019s app store for highly rated apps that can block spam calls.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Only accept calls from known numbers. <\/strong>Many phones allow you to only accept calls from trusted contacts, sending all other callers to voicemail. This feature can be helpful, as many scammers won\u2019t leave voicemails or will leave robotic voicemails that can simply be discarded.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you do need to accept calls from unfamiliar numbers\u2014for instance, because you\u2019re waiting for an important phone call\u2014make sure that you\u2019re careful when answering the phone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a caller identifies themselves as a debt collector, keep it short. If you don\u2019t have any outstanding debts, simply say, \u201cThis debt does not belong to me,\u201d and hang up. If you know that you have legitimate debt, ask for a validation letter and contact information, then end the call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bottom line: <\/strong>If possible, ignore calls from unfamiliar numbers or install spam call-blocking software on your phone. If you do accept a call from someone claiming to be a debt collector, keep the conversation short.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Know all of your rights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/finance\/debt-collection-laws.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)<\/a> is a federal law that outlines exactly what debt collectors can and cannot do. Understanding your rights as a consumer offers two benefits: First, you can identify callers who violate these practices as possible scammers. Second, you can file a complaint against a legitimate collector who violates the law.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watch out for any of the following behaviors, which are prohibited by federal law and could indicate a scam debt collection call:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Calls outside of the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.<\/li><li>Uses profane or inappropriate language<\/li><li>Makes false claims about your debt<\/li><li>Refuses to identify themselves or their company<\/li><li>Claims that you will pay penalties or face punishment for not paying immediately<\/li><li>Fails to provide debt validation<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Most legitimate collection agencies follow the FDCPA guidelines when contacting people, so be wary when talking to anyone who is aggressive or unwilling to provide additional details.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bottom line: <\/strong>If you\u2019re dealing with a scammer, they likely won\u2019t honor federal laws about debt collection\u2014so make sure you know your rights and avoid scams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Keep an eye on your credit reports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To have the best chance of avoiding scammers, you\u2019ll want to make it a habit to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/credit-101\/why-you-should-check-all-3-of-your-credit-reports.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">check your credit report<\/a>s at least once a year, and more often if you\u2019re actively rebuilding your credit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By reviewing your reports regularly, you\u2019ll know whether you have any outstanding debts\u2014so if a debt collector calls, you\u2019ll be ready to ask for validation. Additionally, checking your credit reports frequently enables you to spot any fraudulent or inaccurate accounts listed on your reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019re armed with knowledge about your credit, collection laws and common tactics used in scams, you\u2019ll be prepared to stop debt collection calls with ease. Just remember: ask for debt validation and contact information, avoid providing personal information on the phone and watch out for red flags like threatening behavior.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bottom line: <\/strong>Staying on top of your credit reports will help you avoid scams and know when you have legitimate debts to pay.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to do if you\u2019re the victim of a debt collection scam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Today\u2019s scammers can be quite convincing, so many people fall victim to fake debt collection calls by providing personal information, financial information or even payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"740\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/03-file-an-identity-theft-report.png\" alt=\"How to report identity theft.\" class=\"wp-image-16727\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/03-file-an-identity-theft-report.png 1500w, https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/03-file-an-identity-theft-report-1100x543.png 1100w, https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/03-file-an-identity-theft-report-768x379.png 768w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 767px) 600px, calc(100vw - 35px)\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve been the victim of a scam, act quickly by taking the following steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Freeze your credit: <\/strong>Contact the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/education\/three-credit-bureaus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">three credit bureaus<\/a> and ask them to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/education\/how-to-freeze-your-credit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">freeze your credit<\/a> immediately\u2014that way, no one can open a new line of credit in your name.<\/li><li><strong>Watch out for identity theft: <\/strong>File a report with the <a href=\"https:\/\/reportfraud.ftc.gov\/#\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Federal Trade Commission<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.identitytheft.gov\/#\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IdentityTheft.gov<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Contact your bank and credit card providers: <\/strong>Get new credit cards and change your bank account information if it has been compromised.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You should also change account passwords for your email and financial accounts. Finally, consider contacting local law enforcement to report the scam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having your identity stolen can lead to fraudulently opened accounts, so you\u2019ll want to ensure that your credit reports do not contain any misleading information. The work of a scammer could damage your reputation, so make sure you stay vigilant about monitoring your credit if your information is stolen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Often, it can be helpful to work with a credit repair company to review your reports and file disputes after a scam. Consider reaching out to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/our-services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">credit repair consultants at Lexington Law Firm<\/a>, who are trained to contact credit bureaus on your behalf and ensure your information is accurately reported.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"responsive-youtube\"><iframe width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WpQCYXu7NHk\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lexingtonlaw.com\/disclaimer\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>Note:<\/em><\/strong><\/a><em> Articles have only been reviewed by the indicated attorney, not written by them. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice; instead, it is for general informational purposes only. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client or fiduciary relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website owner, authors, reviewers, contributors, contributing firms, or their respective agents or employers.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How can you tell a legitimate debt collector call from a scam? Read on to find out.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":63,"featured_media":16744,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v18.1 (Yoast SEO v18.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>7 Tips to Stop Debt Collection Scammers | Lexington Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Debt collection scammers may try to get you to pay a debt you don\u2019t legitimately owe. 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