Fake Debt Collectors

Not only are these phony debt collectors stealing from Oregon consumers, the tactics they are using are illegal.

Be careful over contact from debt collectors, they could be criminals trying to rip you off.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon Department of Justice has received several complaints regarding phony debt collection calls. Scam artists pose as debt collectors or law enforcement officers calling about an outstanding debt from an online payday loan. They frequently use fake phone numbers and official sounding business names. They also do their research.

Some Oregonians have been tricked into paying nonexistent debt because the scam artist knew personal information about them, including their Social Security number, home address, e-mail, and names of family and personal references.

The majority of debt collectors abide by the rules of fair debt collection practices.

Not only are these phony debt collectors stealing from Oregon consumers, the tactics they are using are illegal.

Attorney General Kroger reminds Oregonians that debt collectors may not:

• Harass or abuse you or any third party.  Harassment includes using threats of violence, obscene language, or repeatedly calling simply to annoy
• Claim to be a government or law enforcement representative
• Misrepresent the amount owed
• Use a fake company name
• Give false credit information about you to anyone
• Suggest you have committed a crime
• Send fake "official documents" from a court or government agency
•  Deposit a post-dated check early
• Take or threaten to take your property unless it can be done legally

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act collectors must send written notice of the debt within five days of initial contact. The notice should include information about the debt, the name of the creditor, and notice that the consumer has 30 days to dispute the debt in writing.  
 

If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a fake debt collection scam, please call the Consumer Hotline at 1 877 877-9392 for assistance.

Source: News release from the Oregon Attorney General's Office