Calls from debt collectors are worrisome, especially if the collection agency or law firm collector name is unfamiliar to you. You may be told misleading or false information about a debt they claim you owe.\u00a0 Or, you may be threatened with an action if you don\u2019t pay. Here are a few signs that may indicate that the collector isn\u2019t legitimate.<\/p>\n
If the debt in question is completely unfamiliar to you, it could be a scam. Ask that the collector provide a\u00a0validation of the debt<\/a> and a detailed itemization of any amount they claim is owed.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t recognize the collection firm, keep in mind that creditors will often assign past due balances to a collection agency or law firm collector. You may begin to receive collection calls or letters demanding payment from this third party collector years after defaulting on credit cards, loans, medical bills, etc.<\/p>\n If you are unfamiliar with the collection agency, ask the collector for the name of the firm, where it’s located – address and phone – and the collection agent’s name.\u00a0 \u00a0Also, ask the name of the underlying creditor, account number and balance claimed.\u00a0 A collector who won\u2019t provide any of this information is worthy of suspicion.<\/p>\n Never provide or confirm personal identifying information, such as social security number, birth date or bank account numbers, over the phone. Request that the collector send you a letter detailing the name of the creditor, account number and amount owed.<\/p>\n If you do not like the way you\u2019ve been treated by the collector, you may write and request they Cease & Desist<\/a> all contact with you.<\/p>\n Under the federal\u00a0Fair Debt Collection Practices Act<\/a> (FDCPA), debt collectors can’t threaten to take an action they don’t intend to take.\u00a0 For example, they can’t say, “We’ll sue you if you don’t pay,” when they have no intention of filing a lawsuit.\u00a0 If you are threatened with a lawsuit or possibly arrest, your consumer rights may have been violated.<\/p>\n Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that represents\u00a0 victims of abusive collection tactics.\u00a0 Contact us<\/a> for a free legal evaluation for violation of your consumer rights – whether you owe the debt or not!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Calls from debt collectors are worrisome, especially if the collection agency or law firm collector name is unfamiliar to you. You may be told misleading or false information about a debt they claim you owe.\u00a0 Or, you may be threatened with an action if you don\u2019t pay. Here are a few signs that may indicate … <\/p>\nYou are not provided with details<\/h2>\n
You are asked to provide personal
\nidentifying information<\/h2>\nYou are Threatened by the Collector<\/h2>\n
Seek Free Legal Help<\/h2>\n