Debt Collection Scams

This a warning: If someone calls you saying they are trying to collect a debt that you’re not aware of (probably from years ago) tell them to send proof in writing and to never contact you on the phone again.

Then go look up their phone number at 800notes.com where you will likely find complaints from other people about whoever it is trying to run a similar scam on them.

I also recommend going to AnnualCreditReport.com (which is the official government recommended place to get a real free credit report) and attaining a copy of your credit report. Look to see if you really do have outstanding debt on a closed account.

I would not be surprised if you find that the claims they made are complete bunk. In my personal experience I’ve had a “debt collector” (i.e. some scummy “law office”) contact me about a supposed outstanding debt on an old closed credit card, but according to my credit report that card was paid off in full many years ago.

Do not be threatened or scared by them having some of your personal information (like your previous addresses or info about credit cards you used to own.) Sadly this kind of information isn’t that difficult for these scam artists to get ahold of. They use this info to try and bully you into giving up your bank information so they can take your money.

And NEVER give your bank information up to these people without an investigation into who they are. I recommend contacting a lawyer before agreeing to pay any debt collector anything. In my experience most so called “debt collectors” are scam artists.

I’ve personally been contacted by two such scam artists in my life. I don’t know whether I’m on some sort of list or if these kind of debt collection scams are really that common in general.

It’s amazing to me that these “people” (and I use that term loosely) get away with doing this kind of stuff time and time again (click here for an example.) Where are the laws to protect consumers?