Here are six telltale signs that you’re dealing with a credit collection services scam:

1. They pressure you.
2. They won’t give you their contact information.
3. The debt isn’t yours.
4. You didn’t receive a letter in the mail.
5. You’re asked to pay by prepaid card or money transfer.

How can a debt collector contact you?

If you’re in a state where a debt collector can still contact you about a time-barred debt, they can keep contacting you by phone, email, or letter to try to collect what you owe. If you want to stop a collector from contacting you, send your request by mail.

Do debt collectors make phone calls?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act says people collecting debt for someone else can’t harass, oppress, or abuse you or anyone else they contact. For example, debt collectors can’t: Make repeated phone calls that are intended to annoy, abuse, or harass you or any person answering the phone.

Can a debt collector ask for your phone number?

They may ask someone where you live or your phone number, but they may not reveal any information about the debt. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act prohibits third party contact from debt collectors without your consent.

What to do if you get a collection call from someone else?

Write down the phone number they are calling from and try to speak to someone to get the name of the collection agency. Remember, under the FDCPA, if you are receiving calls for someone else, they are required to provide the name of their employer upon request. Tell the collector they have the wrong person, and ask them not to contact you again.

What do you need to know about debt collection?

Under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), if you request that a debt collector stop contacting you completely, it must do so (with a few exceptions). Your request must be in writing. Think carefully before you do this.

Can a debt collector threaten you with violence?

Finally, even though debt collectors are often rude and pushy, don’t lose your temper. The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) (15 U.S.C. §§ 1692 and following) limits what collectors can and can’t do. For instance, this law prohibits debt collectors from using obscene language or threatening you with violence if you don’t pay.