Scam debt collectors are everywhere and their tactics are downright frightening for most people. Some are threatened with arrest, exposure to employers, or humiliating calls to friends, relatives and neighbors. Every day we receive calls from scared, angry consumers in this situation.
Dealing with debt collectors can be overwhelming. Scammers often claim to be from law enforcement agencies, law firms or even government agencies and threaten arrest if consumers don’t pay. Consumers may believe these scam debt collectors are the real thing, since they often have accurate personal information about the consumers they target.
Here is some vital information about these scammers and what consumers can do to protect themselves:
1. If you are receiving intimidating calls, first determine if you even owe the debt. If you have no record of it, do not make any payments or give out personal financial information such as your bank account until you receive proof. If you have given the caller your bank information, alert your bank that your account may have been compromised. Consider putting a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit reports.
2. Do not be intimidated into making payments on an unknown debt by threats of arrest. Scam debt collectors are not even real licensed businesses, so they have no power to arrest you or issue warrants. This is just a scare tactic, and sadly, a lot of people end up paying on debts they don’t owe because of this shady trick.
3. Report all scammers to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov as well as your state’s Attorney General’s office. Then call us, your consumer attorneys at Michigan Consumer Credit Lawyers.
We see this type of sleazy behavior by debt collectors every day. The harassment of consumers is growing every year, and people need to know that they have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This federal consumer law prevents debt collectors from using abusive, unfair or deceptive practices. If a debt collector is found to be in violation, the law (“FDCPA”) allows you to sue the collector, stop the calls and get paid damages (up to $1,000 or actual damages) plus all of your attorney costs are covered. We represent you for free. We fight the debt collectors that wish to harass and intimidate consumers. The consumer walks away with a measure of justice and a check from the debt collector.
If you have been victimized by a debt collector or have items on your credit report that are incorrect, call or email Attorney Gary Nitzkin at [email protected] for a free consultation at (888) 293-2882. For more information about your credit rights as a consumer, visit our website at www.micreditlawyer.com for informative, how to videos on consumer financial protection. We are here to fight for you. Call us today at 888-293-2882
