How to Tell the Difference Between a Legitimate Debt Collector and Scammers

The difference between a legitimate debt collector and scammers is getting more and more difficult to pick up on. You get a phone call from an unknown number, and there is a stranger on the other end telling you that you’re in big trouble for a past debt. While some people who have exceptional credit and financial history may be able to blow this off immediately, you’re not so sure. You do owe money. Perhaps this call is real? You don’t want to ignore a true issue, and you certainly wouldn’t want to not show up for a court date. 

Dealing with debt collection issues can be challenging—especially when you’re not sure if the person you’re being contacted by is legitimate or trying to scam you. How can you know which phone calls to trust and which are a scam? We’ll help you do just that! These are the warning signs that the person on the other end of the phone is attempting to scam you:

#1 They withhold information from you.

A real debt collector must tell you the name of the creditor, the amount owed, and that if you dispute the debt the debt collector will have to obtain verification of the debt. If the person on the phone does not provide this information during the initial contact with you, they must send you a written notice within five days of that initial contact.

#2 They threaten you with jail time or claim to be a government official.

Unlike centuries ago, you can’t be arrested and put in jail for a debt you owe. That is not to say you’re off the hook for legal ramifications. If a debt collector sues you over debt and you fail to show up in court, you will lose by default. If you then defy that court order and still do not pay, they may pursue an arrest warrant against you. 

#3 You don’t recognize the debt that the person claims you owe money for.

When you answer, ask questions to make sure the debt is one that you actually owe. This person is required by law to tell you the name of the creditor and the amount owed. If you don’t think you owe the debt, tell the caller that you will send a written request to the debt collector to receive more information about the debt. You can also dispute the debt in writing.
Take back control of your life! For further help with any financial and debt issue, contact the team at Safe Credit Solutions. If these phone calls are real and meet certain criteria, they may be harassing you. We can stop harassing debt phone calls! You don’t have to put up with harassing calls. Some of these calls are illegal. You could receive up to $1,000 and actually have your debt absolved and removed from reporting, in some cases.