How to spot debt collection scams: 6 signs to watch out for

In today’s digital age, you might encounter debt collector scams. Every day, criminals flood communication channels with counterfeit debt collection messages — texts, calls, emails and letters — that exploit the idea that settling legitimate debt is essential for financial well-being.

Scammers use specific tactics to scare you into handing over your hard-earned cash. You need to know how to spot cons to protect yourself from financial harm and identity theft.

8 warning signs of a debt collector scam

Receiving a call, email or letter from a company purporting to be a debt collector can spark alarm. Before disclosing any information, look for these eight signs of a fake debt collection scam.

1. The contact information is suspicious

Legitimate debt collectors usually provide contact information that can be verified. If the phone number or email address seems suspicious or untraceable, it could be a red flag.

Scammers often use unidentifiable or constantly changing contact details to evade detection. Research the provided contact information to see if it’s associated with a reputable agency.

If you cannot confirm the authenticity of the supposed debt collector’s contact information, proceed with caution.

2. You don’t recognize the debt

If you do not recognize the debt, verify that it is real and it belongs to you.

Legitimate collectors are obligated to provide detailed information about the debt upon request.

Sometimes, a legitimate debt collector will attribute a debt to the wrong person. If your financial information was stolen or someone else opened a credit card in your name, a reputable agency might be within its rights to attempt to collect the debt.

Ask questions to ensure the debt is legitimate. If you believe it is fraud or wrong, dispute it. It may also be helpful to understand how long debt collectors can pursue old debt.

3. They withhold Information

Real debt collectors must provide essential details during their first contact with you. This is called “debt validation” and is regulated under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

A legitimate debt collector usually provides debt validation through a letter before they reach out via other communication channels. The information a debt collector must validate includes:

• The name of the creditor
• The amount owed
• The procedure to dispute the debt

If a collector withholds this information or fails to provide it immediately, it may be a sign of a scam. Even if it’s not outright fraud, a debt collector has no right to take your money if they cannot validate the debt.

A scammer might also withhold contact information. When speaking to anyone claiming to be a debt collector, always ask for the company name, address and phone number. If you can’t verify a legitimate business, it’s almost definitely a scam.

4. They request an unconventional payment method

Scammers often use coercion tactics to provoke immediate payment. They may pressure you to pay through money transfers or prepaid cards because these methods are difficult to trace.

Here are some of the unconventional payment methods scammers might request:

• Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
• iTunes or other digital gift cards or virtual currency
• Money transfers
• Prepaid cards (like Visa® or Mastercard® gift cards)
• Wire transfers

Stop communication immediately if a debt collector insists you use one of these payment forms. This is an almost certain indicator of fraud.

5. They threaten harsh consequences

Be wary of debt collectors who threaten jail time or pose as government officials. While failure to pay legitimate debts can lead to legal consequences, collectors should not issue threats they cannot enforce.

The FDCPA forbids debt collectors from behavior that aims to “harass, oppress or abuse” individuals to collect a debt, regardless of whether the debt is legitimate or not.

“Legitimate debt collectors may sometimes be aggressive, but scammers often use fear to get you to act quickly and not ask any questions,” says Thomas Nitzsche, a senior director of brand and media at Money Management International. “If they’re threatening you with jail time — or worse — that’s a violation of your rights and a major red flag.”

If you suspect a threat is unfounded, seek clarification or report the incident to the appropriate authorities.

6. They violate your privacy

A debt collector can’t disclose your debts to third parties without your consent. If a collector threatens to reveal your debts to family, friends, coworkers or employers, it is a sign of a scam.

These signs may be more apparent when you know how to deal with debt collectors. Scammers and unethical debt collectors use what they can to get you to pay. Protect your privacy by refusing to engage with collectors, real or not, who threaten to break confidentiality.

7. They request sensitive information

Exercise caution when collectors request sensitive personal financial information, such as bank account numbers or Social Security numbers. Scammers may use this information for identity theft or other fraudulent activities.

Only provide sensitive, identifying information to people you trust with a legitimate need.

8. They reach out at unreasonable times

If they contact your residence or workplace and you haven’t instructed them otherwise, they can only do so between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in your local time zone. If you receive calls outside this window, it indicates a probable scam.

Legitimate collectors respect reasonable boundaries and avoid contacting individuals at inconvenient times. If you suspect fraudulent activity, cease contact.

How to protect yourself from debt collector scams

If you’re unsure about a debt collection call, you can take steps to protect yourself. If you are legally obligated to pay the debt, you should. But you don’t want your money to be taken by a scammer.

Here’s what you can do when you suspect a fake debt collection text, call, email or letter:

• Get contact information. Request the caller’s name, company details, street address and a callback number. Once you have it, do an internet search to make sure the information pulls up a legitimate business. If the information doesn’t match or the number is nonfunctional, it might be a scam.
• Confirm you owe the money. Before making any payments, get information about the debt or a written notice that verifies what you owe and to whom.
• Contact the original creditor. If you’re still suspicious, contact the creditor the debt collector claims to represent. They should be able to confirm they assigned your debt to collection.
• Check your credit report for the debt. AnnualCreditReport.com allows you to obtain a free weekly credit report from each major consumer reporting company.
• Familiarize yourself with the FDCPA. This law prohibits deceptive or abusive practices by debt collectors. Remember, you have rights regarding how debt collectors can interact with you.
• Stay informed about your legitimate debts. This can help you quickly discern between real and fake collection attempts. Monitor your credit report, regularly review it for accuracy and report any discrepancies immediately.

Staying ahead of scams is the best way to avoid them. If you’re unsure what to look for with the credit bureaus, learn how to read a credit report. If you notice errors, dispute them or get help from a credit repair company.

What to do if you are a victim of a debt collection scam

While you may be tempted, avoid retaliation if you’re the victim of a debt collection scam. You never know what type of person is on the other side of the conversation. If you encounter a debt collector scam, don’t engage.

Instead, protect yourself and report the incident

Keep a paper trail

Maintain detailed communication records of your communication with the scammer(s). Note the date and time of each call, and save all written correspondence you receive from the company (texts, emails and letters). If it’s legal in your state, record phone calls.

The more information you have, the stronger your complaint will be.

Contact local law enforcement

Reach out to your local police or sheriff’s department and report any criminal activity associated with the scam.

While local authorities may not always be able to help immediately, it’s best to document crimes with law enforcement. Plus, local police may be able to help you reach out to other authorities and advise you on how to protect yourself.

File a complaint

Report the scam to relevant authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future:

• Report the debt collection scam to your state’s attorney general.
• Submit a fraud complaint to the Federal Trade Commission.
• If you want to report violations of the FDCPA by a legitimate company, file complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Better Business Bureau.

Alert credit reporting agencies

If you have given out any sensitive information to the scammer, make sure the major credit reporting agencies know you’ve been targeted by fake debt collectors. You may want to place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit report. Contact Equifax, Experian and TransUnion to initiate these processes.

Each situation is unique, and you may need the help of a qualified professional. Consider contacting an attorney or certified public accountant for legal and financial advice about your circumstances.

The bottom line

Debt collector scams are a serious threat. When you recognize the red flags and know your rights, you can protect yourself from financial harm and identity theft. By staying informed and cautious, you can safeguard your personal information and avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

Remember, always verify the legitimacy of debt collectors and consult professionals when in doubt. Protecting yourself is essential to maintaining your financial health and peace of mind.