Learning About The Process Of Filing Bankruptcy

Fake Debt Collectors And Your Finances

24 September 2017 by Evelyn Perkins

If your financial state of affairs is less than healthy, you may be getting phone calls from bill collection agencies on a constant basis. While you know you have fallen behind on your bills, these debt collectors do have to follow some guidelines about contacting you. For example, they're only allowed to call during certain hours of the day and days of the week. A new problem has arisen with debt collection activities however, that can make the normal collections activities appear relatively tame by comparison. Read on to learn more about how fake debt collectors might only add to your misery.

What are fake debt collectors?

In most cases, these "agencies" have somehow gotten access to some of your personal information, either through a rogue employee of an illegitimate company or through hacking. In some cases, they have detailed information about your debts, including account numbers and amounts owed, which can add to the appearance of legitimacy.

How can I tell that they are fakes?

1. A real collection agency is always happy to provide you with the contact information of the owner of the debt but fake ones don't want you to contact them since you would find out that they use an entirely different agency for debt collection. Contact the original owner of the debt and find out who the debt collection has been assigned to.
2. A real collection agency can provide you with numerous ways of making contact with them, such as multiple phone numbers, email addresses, street and mailing addresses, and websites. Fake debt collections are often just a bad guy with a cell phone at their kitchen table. Be sure to follow up and check all contact information before you send any money.
3. A real collection agency will provide you with a number of ways to make payment, and will seldom demand that you make payment within the next few hours. Fake agencies often will want credit card information over the phone or will only accept money transfers (like Western Union or MoneyGram), and they are not willing to wait even a day for that payment.
4. A real collection agency would never threaten to have you arrested for not paying a bill. Fake agencies will threaten arrest, but you cannot be jailed for failing to pay a bill (unless the debt owed is taxes or child support, but you would have lots of advance warning of such actions).
5. A real collection agency, while aggressive, would never use unprofessional manners and resort to cursing or rudeness.

If your financial situation has gotten out of hand, speak to a chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney as soon as possible. You can put an end to nearly all collection activity so call today.