Although an oldie, apparently still a goodie. Enjoying a boost in popularity as of late, the fake debt collector scam still fools unknowing victims.

First, you will get a phone call from a number that will not be recognizable. Sometimes, it will seem legitimate, but ultimately, not familiar. When you get the call, the person calling will let you know that they are a debt collector with so and so debt collection agency, and that this is an attempt to collect debt. At times, the phonies have been known to claim that they are working in addition to a local lawyer to get your delinquent account settled. The conman will tell you that you have accumulated a large amount of debt from a previous account. Typically, the crooks will tell you that you potentially owe them thousands, but if you are willing to settle, they will “settle: for, oh say, five hundred dollars. And could you wire the money via Western Union?

An intriguing hint of ingenuity on the part of the crooks is that a number of times these calls will arrive on a late Friday evening, or afternoon. When they call at these times, any government offices that you might report this to will be closed.

On numerous occasions the phony debt collectors will be calling from outside of the United States. An example of this was a scam that made recent news involving a call center in India. Utilizing services in order to mask their numbers, call centers located outside of the country may even choose a number from an area code nearby to where you live.

If you have received a call from a debt collector that you feel may be a scam, it is imperative to be vigilant. Ask your debt collector for a written statement of your debt. If they won’t provide you with written proof, don’t fork out any money to this suspicious agency. If you feel as though you may have been victimized by a phony bill collector scam, it is necessary to file a report with the Attorney General’s office in your state. It is important to collect as much information as you can to provide more details in your complaint.

Rapid Recovery Solution is a commercial debt collection company. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service