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You answer your phone and hear, “You owe a debt and we’re collecting.” Your heart skips a beat. Maybe you’ve missed a payment or forgotten about an old account. Or maybe, just maybe, your instincts are setting off alarm bells, and something feels off.
In the age of robocalls and ever-present telemarketing scams, how can you know if a debt collector is real? Some collectors are legitimate. Others are con artists trying to scare you into sending money you don’t owe.
Here’s how to spot the difference:
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), real debt collectors are legally required to send you a written validation notice within five days of first contact. This letter should include the amount owed, the name of the creditor, and your rights to dispute the debt. If the caller refuses or avoids sending anything in writing, that’s a major red flag.
Ask for the debt collector’s name, company, phone number, and address. Then do your homework. Look up the agency online. Check their Better Business Bureau profile, search reviews, and see if their number matches what’s listed. If the collector gets aggressive when you ask for verification, hang up.
Scam collectors often try to scare you into paying immediately. They might threaten legal action, arrest, wage garnishment, or say you’ll go to jail. Real debt collectors cannot make these threats legally. If someone is using intimidation or high-pressure tactics, they’re likely trying to scam you.
A real collector should already have basic details like your name and the debt amount. If someone calls and starts fishing for your Social Security number, bank details, or passwords without confirming anything, it’s a red flag.
If the debt is real, it likely shows up on your credit report. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com and review your report for free. It could be a scam if you can’t find any record of the debt the collector mentioned.
If you’re unsure whether the debt collector is real, contact the original lender or credit card company. Ask if they sold or transferred your account to a debt collection agency. If they didn’t, someone else is likely posing as a collector.
Knowing whether a debt collector is real can save you time, money, and stress. Trust your instincts, know your rights, and never rush to pay without confirmation. If something feels wrong, it probably is.
Contact our team today if you’re unsure about a debt collector or feel pressured to pay a debt you don’t recognize.
