Debt Collector Scam Alert
Lee County- There’s another scam to warn you about. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office tells WINK News scammers are now posing as debt collectors to try to get you to part with your money.
Stacey Payne, with the Sheriff’s Office, says the scammers are using high pressure tactics and demanding to be paid immediately, “One of the things they’re doing, they’re turning around and saying, if you don’t give us this money, we’re going to start legal proceedings against you. We’re going to sue you, you’re going to end up paying more than your debt amount.”Don’t fall for it. Payne says many people might because the scammers are only asking for a small sum of money. None of the reports of these fraudulent calls are for more than $100.
“They’re saying it really sounds like the real thing. They’re afraid because it’s $20. Is $20 worth legal proceedings or ruining my credit over. I’ll just pay,” explained Payne.
Payne says if you get a call from a debt collector, do not pay the scammer! Payne advises, “Get some information in writing. If a debt collector calls you, ask to get a copy of whatever debt they’re talking about in writing. Who it is from, who the original creditor is and when did the credit start.”
Payne says it’s a good idea to check your credit report at least once a year to make sure someone has not opened an account in your name and that everything is accurate. You can get one copy of your credit report for free once a year.
The Sheriff’s Office says it’s hard to say how many people have fallen victim.
From WINK News.com
Fair Debt Collections Practice Act – read now.
Free Fair Debt Case Consultation – are you being treated abusively by debt collectors?
