Have you ever gotten a call from a number you don’t recognize claiming that you owe money? If so, you’ve likely felt uneasy or even panicked, especially if the caller was being aggressive and demanding personal and financial information. However, before you share anything over the phone, it’s important to be sure that the call is legitimate and not a scam. Some scammers try to pose as debt collectors to get sensitive information from you.
These are a few common signs of debt collection scammers to be aware of if you receive a suspicious call.
Asking for Personal and Financial Information
Scammers will often ask you for a lot of personal information right away, such as your bank account number or Social Security number. They may use certain fear tactics to make you feel rushed into sharing this with them so that you don’t have time to think. However, it’s important to slow down and remember to never share personal information over the phone!
Withholding Information
Scammers will try to get personal information from you without sharing any specific details in return. For example, a legitimate call from a debt collector includes information such as the name of the creditor and the amount owed. Scammers will not tell you these specifics and will not give you a number to call back.
To verify that the debt collector is legitimate, ask them to provide their name, company, address, and phone number. Also ask them to provide the amount you owe and the procedure to dispute the debt. You also have the right to request verification, and the collector must provide proof of the debt. If they refuse to provide any of this information, you’re likely talking to a scammer.
Insisting You Pay in Specific Ways
Scammers want to get your money as quickly and directly as possible—usually by money transfer or prepaid gift cards. This is because these methods are untraceable and make it more difficult for you to get your money back. If you’re being asked to pay in one of these ways, that’s a sign you’re speaking with a scammer and should stop communication immediately.
Threatening You
Debt collectors must conduct themselves according to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which prohibits them from using abusive language or making threats. Scammers may try to threaten you by saying that they will have you arrested or that they will tell your family, friends, and employer about your debts. Legitimate debt collectors usually have no reason to have you arrested and should not make those claims. They also are not allowed to tell other people about your debts without your consent. If a debt collector is threatening you with jail time or by saying they will tell others, this is a red flag.
Calling at Odd Times
Legitimate debt collectors are only allowed to call you between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in your local time, unless you’ve previously communicated with them otherwise. If you get a debt collection call earlier or later than this, it could be a scam.
Receiving a call from a debt collector can feel unsettling, but it is even more stressful if you are dealing with a scammer. Remember to never share any personal information over the phone. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions and have them verify their identity and the company they’re calling with. Knowing how to recognize a suspicious call can keep you protected from falling victim to a financial scam, as well as give you peace of mind if you do receive one of these calls.
