Posing as a debt collector is one of the most common ways scammers attempt to trick you out of your money over the phone. If you’ve never dealt with a professional and legitimate debt collection company before, it can be difficult to tell whether or not a collection call is a scam. Here’s how to identify a scammer if you receive a call claiming to be a debt collector.

They ask for your sensitive personal or financial information. 

An authentic debt collector will already have the information they need to process your case and work on collecting payment, including your name, the amount of money you owe, and the creditor you owe to. Scammers will use this information to open new accounts in your name or steal your identity. If they ask you to verify any information, you can ask them to verify their company’s information first to confirm that they are legitimate.

They refuse to give you the collection agency’s name, address, telephone number, etc. 

You have the right to ask any debt collector for their company’s name, street address, telephone number, and professional license number. Debt collection agents are obligated to provide this information to any person inquiring. You can then verify this information with your state’s attorney general. If the caller refuses to give any of this information, you do not have to continue the call or provide any of your information to them - hang up immediately. You can also confirm the company’s legitimacy by contacting your creditor to ensure they’ve hired the collection service.

They threaten you with criminal charges or an arrest. 

Genuine debt collectors will never threaten to have you arrested or charged with a criminal offense. If you discover this is happening, report the caller to your state attorney general and do not respond to further communication.

They won’t agree to send you a validation letter. 

You may refuse to continue a conversation with a potential debt collector and ask them to send a validation letter before you continue in the collection process. The agent should already have your address. The validation letter should include the amount of debt you own, the creditor you owe it to, and information about your rights under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

  

Authentic debt collection agencies like Viking Client Services help you understand legitimate debt collection processes. The more you learn and understand collections and scamming tactics, the better prepared you will be to handle calls from potential collection agents. Remember that you have rights and can always ask questions or even end the phone call if you feel uncomfortable. Learn more about Viking Client Services to help you better recognize legitimate debt collectors. 

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10050 Crosstown Cir.
Suite 300
Eden Prairie, MN 55344

1-800-767-7895
952-944-7575

NMLS# 954098

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