May 6, 2011
The job of a debt collector is to reclaim funds on past-due accounts on behalf of individuals, creditors, or businesses. Unfortunately, sometimes the “debt collector” is a scam artist and is trying to steal your identity. They use threatening tactics and often times harass consumers. Before giving any of your personal information to a debt collector, your BBB recommends the following advice:
Make sure they are legitimate.
Ask for the debt collector’s name and contact information to research the agency further. Check with the BBB at www.bbb.org to see what information we may have on them. Check to make sure the representative who called is indeed affiliated with the agency. Also call the agency using a phone number from a public or online directory.
Request written proof of the debt you owe.
By law, a debt collection agency must provide a validation notice within five days of contacting you about the debt. Within 30 days of receiving their validation notice, send the debt collector a written request to further verify the debt details. Do not provide personal or financial information unless the validity of the debt and the debt collector has been confirmed.
Avoid phony calls.
Be wary if the debt cannot be verified or if no documentation is received. Advise them to stop contacting you and register with the National Do Not Call Registry at www.DoNotCall.gov or 888-382-1222.
The job of a debt collector is to reclaim funds on past-due accounts on behalf of individuals, creditors, or businesses. Unfortunately, sometimes the “debt collector” is a scam artist and is trying to steal your identity. They use threatening tactics and often times harass consumers. Before giving any of your personal information to a debt collector, your BBB recommends the following advice:
Make sure they are legitimate.
Ask for the debt collector’s name and contact information to research the agency further. Check with the BBB at www.bbb.org to see what information we may have on them. Check to make sure the representative who called is indeed affiliated with the agency. Also call the agency using a phone number from a public or online directory.
Request written proof of the debt you owe.
By law, a debt collection agency must provide a validation notice within five days of contacting you about the debt. Within 30 days of receiving their validation notice, send the debt collector a written request to further verify the debt details. Do not provide personal or financial information unless the validity of the debt and the debt collector has been confirmed.
Avoid phony calls.
Be wary if the debt cannot be verified or if no documentation is received. Advise them to stop contacting you and register with the National Do Not Call Registry at www.DoNotCall.gov or 888-382-1222.
