How can I be sure a ‘debt collector’ isn’t a scam?

I have a letter from a company saying they want to settle a debt I have. Is there any way I can make sure it’s legit?
"Lil E", I always search first to make sure the question hasn’t been asked, got nothing when I did this….k thx

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Posted April 29th, 2010 in Debt Settlement. Tagged: , , .

5 comments:

  1. Kaiden:

    Google the company name it’s from, and the word "scam" with it. If it’s a scam, unless it’s a brand new scam, you should be able to find something about it through that.

    If everything you find points to that company being legit, go to the company’s website and call the telephone number you find on THERE, not the telephone number on the letter you received.

    Those are my simple but effective ways of finding out if something’s a scam or not; I’m sure there’s some official, technical ways, and I’m sure you’ll be those answers on here, too.

    Best Luck, and I’m glad to see you’re being careful. Too many people fall victim to scams.

    April 29th, 2010 at 2:13 am
  2. speedy_me18:

    Call them. Ask them what the debt is for and ask them for the number of the company that you have this debt with, so then you can call the company and figure out what the debt is for. If they don’t give you the name of the company or their number, then it’s probably a scam.

    April 29th, 2010 at 2:13 am
  3. sugarplum1960:

    Call them and ask what debt they have. They should be providing you with an 800 number to call. there should also be an account number on the letter. When calling and talking to them do not disclose any information. for social security number only verify last 4 digits. If the debt thay are talking about was not incurred by you then tell them.

    April 29th, 2010 at 2:13 am
  4. Jean H:

    First, I would contact the debt collector in writing only and send the letter certified mail. You want to send a debt validation letter. There are sample letters all over the web (www.creditinfocenter.com). This letter should ask the debt collector for several pieces of information, including proof that they are licensed to collect debts in your State. They will have 30 days to respond to your request. A full outline of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is available at the http://www.ftc.gov website.

    Only communicate with a debt collector in writing.

    April 29th, 2010 at 2:13 am
  5. Lil' E.:

    how many times will this question b asked today, in the same hour?

    April 29th, 2010 at 2:13 am

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