and the 11th largest issuer of MasterCard and Visa cards. They quickly turned nasty, slamming Bhoomi with insults and. A debt collector can contact your spouse. C. How Debt Collector Scams work. 100 W. Make sure to record and save every call, letter and other form of communication you receive. Buzzfile estimates Transworld Systems Inc’s annual revenue at $ $1. Company website address Company email Request all of these details. On track now to get every. Harassing letters and emails. The agency bought Leading Edge Recovery Solutions, LLC, which is in the debt recovery business. It is a computerized tracking and follow-up tool with. Phone: 888-334-5677. Radius Global Solutions' BBB rating is an A+, but customer reviews give them one star out of five. Call our experts to answer all of your questions and get the best deal on resolving your obligations. Debt Collection. 16, 2023. com Here are a few red flags signaling a debt collection call could be a scam: The debt collector threatens you with criminal charges. Unpaid medical bills have become the largest source of debt owed to collection agencies, increasing from $81 billion in 2016 to $140 billion in 2020. Global Debt Collector, International Debt Collection Agency, have made themselves into global leaders in. See Your Offers Pay Online – Log in to. This card shows their photograph and identity number. And to see a list of other type of top 10 scams, such as by category, or targeting specific groups, see this page. Debt collection scams; Unscrupulous debt collectors often purchase old, discharged debt for pennies on the dollar. com. January 2022. Reviewed Nov. They can contact you by phone, email, or text, just like a real debt collector would for a past-due payment. a freely invented claim by an unregistered debt collection agency - and you want to stop the scam, you also have the option of filing a criminal complaint for fraud with the competent police authority. I would suggest that you send another short letter to the collection agent in which you simply state that you as you have previously advised them, you dispute the debt and that it is fraudulent and not your responsibility and that the credit collection agency has failed and refused to comply with the legal. Fake debt scam. The scam is to convince the mark to give the scammer something, usually money. ago. The debt is actually from 1999 and the last contact i had with GDR was 15/08/2001 which is 12 years ago. The BBB established a profile page for CRS in 1998. The average financial loss reported to Fraud. Our range of flexible account options help you get started and stay on track, including: Custom offers that fit your budget. Unfortunately, financial scams are pretty common. 3. They will call, text, or email a victim and claim that they owe money and they are contacting them on behalf of creditors. With a Fastclick dialer, maintaining compliance is a breeze. Most of the time this will work, but you need to have the money to pay the debt for them to do so. was founded and incorporated in 1970. Lines are open between 9am-5pm Eastern. Payments and Billing. Start a new complaint. Ironically, many debt collectors don't abide by the FDCPA, including MRS Associates. Signs of a debt relief scam. In a Nutshell. Unfortunately, aggressive debt collectors will use this fear to try to collect on debts that people no longer owe. 300. Metris is one of the largest bankcard issuers in the U. Suspicious telephone calls. Consumers have collectively. A civil judgment is not a court order to pay money. . Follow the instructions to validate the debt, as mentioned earlier. The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act requires all debt collectors to send a validation notice containing all the details of your debt within five days of your first contact. If you are sure that it is a dubious rip-off - i. June 29, 2023. If a person does not respond to the complaint within the time allotted or show up in court on the appointed day, it’s almost a given that the court will rule in favor of the debt collection agency. Case Format- Fair Debt Collection Act 811 (FC/SC) Due Amount-$963. Types of debt collection scams. If Aldous and Associates has sued you for debt, the first step to beating them in court is to respond to the Summons and Complaint. Here are some key points. The top frauds of 2021. Phone Number: 888-473-4858. The real debt collectors are “Bierengroups. 1. Here are 3 tips you should following in making your Answer: File the Answer with the court, and send a copy to the plaintiff. Now it has not only reached a new record,. Midland Credit Management is committed to helping you find the solution that works best for you. If they attempt to collect a debt that was discharged in a bankruptcy and make threats that cannot legally. The letters attempt to collect an outstanding debt and are part of a scam that fraudulently identify the sender as the State of Michigan. Avvo Rating: 10. FRS may use the alternate business name, Financial Recovery Services of Minnesota, Inc. com? Company Details Domain Creation Date Friday 16th, December 2022 12:00 am Website Popularity 0 (Poor) Domain Blacklist Status Not. The global debt collection software market size was valued at USD 3,736 million in 2021, presumed to reach USD 8,305 million by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 10. Eager to settle your debts, you provide your credit or debit card number. When your creditor is unable to recover a debt from you, they can choose to transfer the responsibility of recovering the debt to a third-party. You can read more about Global Credit and Collections Corp on their Better Business Bureau page. Therefore, it can be noted that this collections company is a legitimate business. If the collection hasn’t been paid, continue paying on time. Learn more about your rights as a consumer and how to spot and avoid scams. Respond to each allegation in the Complaint. The alleged debt may be completely fabricated,. 4576 or 877. However, my debt was written off before 2007 because of the original creditor was involved in Mis-selling PPI Scandal. The papers say I have 14 days to "file. You can choose a number ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 or higher. They may not reveal details about the debt or the creditor but will demand immediate payment of the debt. After doing some research, I found out that the statute of limitations for the State of Oregon is 6 years for credit cards. and 9 p. They are a legitimate debt collection agency and a longtime member of ACA. The phantom debt collection scam comes in a number of variations, but the common element in almost all of them is a claim that a consumer owes money on a debt and needs to pay or else face serious consequences. Systems on a Friday, and was informed that a credit card account We had had been sent to them, We wanted to clear this up so My wife asked if we could. This indicates if people send private data to this internet site, then there is less of a chance that the info will be stolen by a scammer considering all transmissions are encrypted. Report fraud by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226). By remaining vigilant and informed, savvy consumers can help us build a Stronger, Safer Florida. Thank you for sharing your phone scam experience. Last time anything was paid on the debt was 2/7 2009. Hospital says they turned it over to the first collection company (2nd collection co is who called me to. Never negotiate or make payment based solely on a phone call. If a debt collector calls you, ask for and write down the following information: the agent's name. S. How to Spot an Abusive Debt Collector What if you recognize the debt, but you think the debt collector is harassing or lying to you? Or treating you unfairly? At FJS Globlal, we understand the importance of credit reporting for your financial goals and we want to help you get back on track. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors must obey cease and desist letters under either of these circumstances: The statute of limitations on the debt has run out. In this article, we'll also show you a few other fraud prevention tips including what to do if you lost money to a scam. 4K subscribers. Consumers are warned to watch out for scams related to debt collection of old payday loans, finding a short-term loan online, phony texts about qualifying for a loan and debt relief scams. By. If it is fake, then there is no chance that there is a copy in the courts. Credit and Loans. Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 – open Weekdays from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Yes, Altus GTS Inc. Most of those complaints cited problems with billing and collections. The Better Business Bureau and most state attorneys general report that consumer fraud, which includes debt collection and other types of scams, consistently ranks among the top 10 complaints. According to the FTC’s complaint, Global. Most fake summonses often look and feel very convincing, complete with realistic seals, signatures, and case numbers. Here are key ways to identify and defend yourself from. Scam. The person says that you owe debt. In 2021 alone, consumers reported losing more than $5. The Reserve Bank is Fiji’s central bank. If the answer is yes, then you are receiving calls from a known FBCS number. EFXGlobal Review: Coleman, Peterson & Associates: Passive Trade Plan: Metcap Securities: InvestingPRO Review: Colby Mergers: Reclaws International (crypto recovery scam) Mergers & Acquisitions Law Group: CFXPoint Review: Coleman Brothers: RetireWellInvestors: Mercury Global Acquisition Inc. Respond to any phone calls or written communications with a request for debt particulars, which must be provided to you within five (5) days. E. More Resources. Afni helps some large companies recoup outstanding debt. S. The scammers tricked the recent widow into paying. Get Started with FJS Global and see why we’re the right partner for you. Respond to a debt lawsuit against Aldous and Associates. Debt Collection Fraud & Scams Money Topics Money Transfers Mortgages Payday Loans Prepaid Cards Reverse Mortgages. This company is pursuing a debt which has been removed from my credit report due to the statute of limitations. 844-804-8467 / 646-480-0521 and 425-754-1401 are debt collection scammer that broke the law and needed to be held accountable. That's why the FTC now takes reports in multiple languages. This article will provide a tool to help you avoid debt collection scams (yes, you scammers many times know that you took out loans and will try to scam you again), and to better control real debt collectors. Here are some steps you can take to do so: Ask for everything in writing. Report debt collection scams and abuse to the CFPB ( online or by calling 855-411-2372), the FTC ( online or by calling 877-382-4357) and your state’s attorney general. 00 and the financial. Is your company complying with the law?Founded in 1991, The Kaplan Group is a top commercial debt collection agency that only works on business-to-business (B2B) collection. On track now to get every thing paid off and keep an ease of mind. Emily Wu. The FTC sued GAFS Group in. Hospital says they turned it over to the first collection company (2nd collection co is who called me to. However, the supposed debt collectors balk when you try to get the information you’re entitled to by law. The collector or agency asks for sensitive information that they should already know. 1 Global Debt Collectors +1-888-123-1234 info@collectionsglobal. • This is the inaugural edition of the Global Debt Monitor. While the sender uses the “State of Michigan. When you contact a business, you know who's on the other end of the line. Our attorneys can discuss remedies such as debt consolidation, short sales, bankruptcy, and more, but most importantly, we can get the harassment to stop. Say you don’t owe some or all of the money, and ask for verification of the debt. Radius Global Solutions, LLC is a collection agency located in Edina, MN. Here’s a list: C. Most importantly, trust your instincts – if it feels even a little bit wrong, the chances are that it probably is. 8 billion to fraud — a $2. Unfortunately, there are a number of debt collection agencies that actually purchase debts from third parties and utilize. The debt validation letter includes: The amount owed. I'd be happy to review the letter. Online payments are limited to the. Autopay to never miss a payment. Selma Hrynchuk Selma is a fraud prevention specialist renowned for her expertise in private eye investigations and a remarkable partnership with law enforcement agencies. The following are the essential steps to get Radius Global Solutions off your credit report for good: Ask for a goodwill deletion. non-medical collections. m. Not only is this information that legitimate debt collectors should already know — giving it up can put you at risk of identity theft. Speak with an experienced consumer lawyer. We understand your situation is unique. I received a letter on 08/18/21, dated 08/08/21, regarding a debt that is not on my credit report from Radius Global Solutions to collect a debt for Cavalry SPV I, LLC. Scammers speak your language. 24) Doing Business As: ACS Incorporation ACS Legal Group ACS Legal & Collection Department ACS Inc. Kindly review our concerns. com is a scam. 30, 2021, debt collectors have new options for how they may communicate with you about debts they’re trying to collect. Please ask for "Law Pro" if you have any further future questions! A debt collection company is trying to collect 2 hospital bills from 2009 totaling almost $700. This indicates if people send private data to this internet site, then there is less of a chance that the info will be stolen by a scammer considering all transmissions are encrypted. And, because they are demanding immediate action. A charity scam is when a thief poses as a real charity or makes up the name of a charity that sounds real in order to get money from you. FJS Global works mostly with consumer finance accounts. read more. Lawyer's Assistant:. Dealing with debt collection issues can be challenging—especially when you’re not sure if the person you’re being contacted by is a legitimate debt collector or someone trying to scam you. Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and. " He spoke with FRESH AIR contributor Dave Davies, who is also WHYY's senior reporter. Fake Full and Final Settlements: Apex Debt Recovery Services entices victims into settling their alleged debts through one-time, lump-sum payments, claiming to provide a full and final settlement. On behalf of our client, Lemberg Law recently filed a complaint in U. Debt Collection. FIS provides a credit and collections management solution to help drive automation and workflow, lower days sales outstanding, mitigate credit risk, automate cash. This means that when you're contacted by MRS BPO about a debt, if you pay the debt off in full, MRS BPO will make a huge profit. A debt collection scam, or a phantom debt scheme is when a scammer poses as a debt collector to get money from people. Legal Name Global Debt Collector. 5 million. Make sure to request a validation letter or confirmation from the collection agency. Not only is this information that legitimate debt collectors should already know — giving it up can put you at risk of identity theft. Warning signs of debt collection scams Withholds information from you A debt collector must tell you information such as the name of the creditor, the amount. Also Known As GDC. Signs of a debt relief scam. ’s call centers are located in the USA, United Kingdom, Canada, and Panama. S. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Reddit Share on. com for a few different reasons. Often, the scam begins when a consumer inquires about a payday loan or other short-term credit online or over the. Unfortunately, my experience with their service is. The scammer will usually be pretending to be a large company with a lot of customers (such as Verizon) to increase their chance of getting a hit, or pretending to be with an existing collections agency as cover. You should request a written verification of debt. There are. , April 28, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global debt collection software market is projected to rise at a CAGR of 9. They were founded in 1994 in Louisiana and have been in service for over 25 years. Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC. A cease and desist letter is a formal way of telling a debt collector to stop contacting you. Company Type For Profit. Even if your salary varies, you just need to indicate if it is higher or lower than $1,500. Licensed Debt Collectors As applicants are approved consumers can look up and verify our licensed servicers’ telephone number, email address, and website information through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) Consumer Access ( ). TOP 3 MUST-WATCH FRAUD PREVENTION VIDEOS. The compensation package was also ridiculous for the amount of work they said it would entail - 3-4 hours per week, $48,000/year plus 5% commission for anything collected (if it sounds too good to. Debt consolidation scam: Debt consolidation can help you streamline the process of repaying your debt and can save you money in the long run. 1,975 satisfied customers. We provide thorough explanations regarding the Debt Management Program, including details about potential advantages and associated costs. You're probably being scammed. district court has halted a Georgia-based operation from using deception and threats to collect $3. Radius Global Solutions' BBB rating is an A+, but customer reviews give them one star out of five. Credit and Finance. Fake debt scam. Check out the scam below:Alert Number: CA047070_9/8/17(9/18) The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has received complaints for what appears to be a possible debt collection scam. Likewise, AARP's toll-free Fraud Watch Network Helpline, 877-908-3360, regularly hears from people besieged by. for collection services, facilitated by their agent, James **. Attorney, Federal Trade Commission. I n U. Federal and State debt collection laws and regulations govern the procedures and processes debt collectors must follow when seeking to collect a debt. 5 million calls, persuading already cash. If you feel smothered by your monthly bills, a call from someone who says they can reduce or eliminate your debts might sound like the answer to your problems. Global is a dedicated debt Recovery & Collection company that assists bad debt the Global most successful Debt Recovery Company. Fill out the form on their website or give them a call at (855) 281-1510 for a free credit consultation to see what they can do for you. FJM Collections has been in operation since 1990 and has received an “A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau. The first is simply failing to provide promised services. Per the Debt Collector Licensing Act some applicants are allowed to do business while they are waiting to be denied or approved. 4 million of payments on fake debts. If it turns out that the debt doesn’t belong to you, you need to send a letter disputing it to DRS and the credit bureau. (RALEIGH) Attorney General Josh Stein today warned North Carolinians to beware of fraudulent debt collectors and debt collection scams as part of Operation Corrupt Collector, a nationwide crackdown targeting debt collectors who use scare tactics to try to collect on non-existent. Altogether, the FTC heard 53,004 complaints in 2020 — an average of 145 complaints a day — about debts that people did not owe and about abusive or threatening debt-collection practices, an 8 percent rise in complaints from 2019. Coming in at number nine on the list is a collection of scams that [email protected] cents for every dollar of unpaid debt they bought. They may make up another debt to try to get more money from you. Unless you tell the collector otherwise,. Ask to see their identity card, which they must carry to prove who they are. Reviewed May 6, 2019. On the other hand, if you suspect a debt collector is illegitimate, seek to verify their license number and validate the debt using the steps outlined above. Global Lending Services LLC: Greenville: SC: USA: Global Payments Check Services, LLC. Please ask for "Law Pro" if you have any further future questions!Action by FTC and Pennsylvania Leads to Permanent Ban For Debt Collectors That Targeted Businesses, Non-Profits, First Responders ( April 26, 2023 ) Federal Trade Commission Returns More Than $1 Million To Consumers Harmed by Global Asset Financial Services’ Phantom Debt Collection Scheme ( August 4, 2022 ). Make payment to remove an entry. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Financial Recovery Services, Inc. Respond to each complaint in separate paragraphs. If the. If the court Summons is real, then it will have had to be processed through the court. The collector or agency asks for sensitive information that they should already know. These kinds of scams often increase during the holiday season as well as around natural disasters and emergencies, such as storms, wildfires, or earthquakes. However, they have not been accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Debt collectors are only allowed to contact you between the hours of 8 a. Our digital-first approach to debt collection creates a cycle of collections growth: 1. 14. Tim Bauer. Legitimate debt collectors should not claim that they'll have you arrested. In 2019, the global debt collection industry accrued around 5 billion U. Phone: (800) 900-3944. While there are many legitimate debt collectors in the financial marketplace, there are also scammers who may try to get you to pay on debts that you don’t owe or on debts that don’t even exist. No matter how much goes missing, you should take action. Report debt collection scams and abuse to the CFPB ( online or by calling 855-411-2372), the FTC ( online or by calling 877-382-4357) and your state’s attorney general. From September 2017 through April of 2020, the defendants collectively placed debts with a face value of more than $8 billion. Top 5 PayPal Scams in 2023 3. So these collectors are just debt buyers who are trying to bluff you into paying for a debt that is legally uncollectible. Total debt — spanning sovereigns, corporates and households — rose by $10tn to about $307tn in the six months to June, the IIF said in its global debt monitor report published on Tuesday. is a legitimate debt collection agency. If you see medical debt on your credit report, there are a few. Last time anything was paid on the debt was 2/7 2009. A Malvern man is targeted by a debt collection effort that he says is definitely a scam. The companies and people listed below are banned, by federal court orders, from participating in the business of debt collection. The phone scam from the person who called you was most certainly after your personal information which would be very damaging to say the least. As of Nov. New help for spotting, avoiding, and reporting scams in multiple languages. 1994 and subsequently completed a global initial public offering in October of the same year with the issuance of 1,250,000,000 foreign shares. Scammers commonly ask you to “confirm” your name, address, SSN, or banking details. A debt collection company is trying to collect 2 hospital bills from 2009 totaling almost $700. 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1400. The consumer called our. The notice should include the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor, and your rights under the FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act). Under federal law, a debt collector can't contact you at any "unusual time" or at a time that it knows, or should know, is inconvenient for you. The debt collector is not your enemy, and there’s no need to get angry or confrontational. Find the resources you need to understand how consumer protection law impacts your business. Don't give in to immediate calls for action. Soon the recovery agents started calling. JJohnson said: No they said they were going to send out a payment plan to pay the debt off, what the sent was a covering letter with attachment of earnings and outgoings on the back off it. These changes took effect November 30th, 2021. One of the companies, a debt-broker,According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Transworld Systems, Inc. Here are some steps to take if you think you have been scammed: Keep all documentation related to the scam, including any emails, letters, or receipts. FU DMA Journal of Sciences (FJS) Vol. Rosario Méndez. Hello, I have read your letter. What to do if you get ‘the call’. But that. was founded in 1996 and incorporated a month later. Address: 111 W. Send a Cease and Desist Letter. the company they work for. Our Collect product delivers up to 40% increased recovery performance, while being the world’s highest rated debt collection solution for customer experience. 8 million and the size of its headquarters staff at 4 employees. ”. Any communication about a case of this magnitude would come through certified mail. 5. 4 billion jump in losses in one year. 4. Hocusader • • 3 yr. Submitting online usually takes less than 10 minutes. Phone: (888) 248-2509. The Scam Detector’s algorithm gives this business the following rank: 100. If you live in Scotland, you should report a scam to Police Scotland by calling 101 or to Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000, or through their website at out this video to explore these three steps: SoloSuit – Win Your Debt Collection Lawsuit. Some fraudsters will represent themselves as a debt collector or court official and propose that you pay debt you don't actually owe to avoid “trouble”. Firstly, the purpose for which this partnership was created that entitles you to your 10% commission of any payment received and processed as well as your monthly stipend of $7,000 is to first, bridge the length in. The goal of this page is to allow people to share information that may be important to help others to make a more informed decision regarding their experience with this debt collection company. This is to confirm receipt of your email. By. CF has received complaints alleging violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), including threatening to take actions that cannot legally be taken and using false or misleading language in an effort to collect a debt. Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. Global Debt Recovery has been involved in sending me letters based on non-existing debt on their behalf of Intrum Justitia (Barclays) in 2016. (NYSE:MXT) is a financial services company that issues bank cards, insurance products, and credit protection. Boyland was featured on Dateline NBC in 2009, which led to action from the New York AG. But if the debt and the collection company are legitimate, the better option is to try to pay off your debt as soon as possible to avoid any harm to your credit. If you’re receiving numerous debt collection scam calls, consider blocking or ignoring these calls. Make sure to send the dispute letter within 30 days. 3. These include: recovery management services. The BBB report lists a few different scenarios that make up more 3,000 payday lender-related scam complaints received since 2019. Hang up if someone doesn’t do this. From a victim’s perspective, the consequences of falling. It’s hard to know where to look as someone who has personal debt. Second, even if it was not discharged the debt itself would be barred by the statute of limitations. That contact information can be sold to scammers all over the globe for as much as $5. If you feel smothered by your monthly bills, a call from someone who says they can reduce or eliminate your debts might sound like the answer to your problems. FJS Global works hard to make resolving your past-due debt as easy as possible. In addition to being banned from debt collection, debt brokering activities, and misleading consumers, the defendants also will be banned from misrepresenting to consumers whether they are attorneys. A debt collector cannot call you before 8AM or after 9PM. A statement detailing your debt collection rights; Only pay a collector after determining their authenticity. June 16, 2017. You can tell them that they are in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and if they contact you again, you will sue them for the $1,000 per contact allowed under the Act. FJS Global works hard to make resolving your past-due debt as easy as possible. Getting hounded by a debt collection agency can be a traumatic and stress-inducing experience. Below is an example of one customer’s negative experience with Global Holdings debt settlement services: “I started with Global Holdings to help reduce my debt and get them paid. Our practices are consumer-friendly and tailored to each individual’s circumstances. Likewise, AARP's toll-free Fraud Watch Network Helpline, 877-908-3360, regularly hears from people. Validate the Debt. By. Some people report being accused of not paying back a loan which. Validate the Debt. christopher d. The debt is very old, approx. ”. How to Report a Phone Scam. These scams typically include harassment and threats of all kinds. But in many cases, unscrupulous people are behind these calls. iq data international inc. Verify the debt. The maximum rating was given to for a few different reasons. S. Cherry Hill, NJ 08003. · Request more information. One recent example of this is Financial Freedom National, Inc. Personal information contained in e-mail sent by individuals may be used by Future Judgements Solutions to answer questions, follow-up on suggestions or complaints, process requests or transactions, or improve the level of service Future Judgements Solutions provides. I would suggest that you send another short letter to the collection agent in which you simply state that you as you have previously advised them, you dispute the debt and that it is fraudulent and not your responsibility and that the credit collection agency has failed and refused to comply with the legal requirement to provide you with all of the documentation. Telephone: 877-374-0943 or 713-776-6623. You can tell them that they are in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and if they contact you again, you will sue them for the $1,000 per contact allowed under the Act. Please call 952-295-3935 now or fill out our Free Case Evaluation Form and one of our attorneys handling Debt Collector Harassment can evaluate your case. Thanks for your mail. Please share your experience with this debt collection company and provide your review and feedback, in the comments section below. FTC and national news and consumer organization top 10 consumer complaint scam lists. How To Spot a Scam Email in 2023. CFPB took action against Global Client Solutions, a leading debt-settlement payment processor, for allegedly helping other companies to collect tens of millions of dollars in illegal upfront fees from consumers. read more The easiest way to verify if a debt is fake is to contact the court. 5. Do not make, set up, or arrange for payments. , CST and up until 9:00 p. 5 Signs of a Scam. If the court Summons is real, then it will have had to be processed through the court. Website. This is the most efficient option. Dealing with a bill in collections is stressful, so some people may not think twice when making a payment to a. 86 million refunds to consumers harmed by unlawful debt collection practices; filing amended complaints in two enforcement actions alleging unlawful debt collection practices against small businesses; sending a joint letter with the CFPB to the nation’s largest landlords reminding them of their obligations under the FTC. Reach a free, HUD-certified counselor at 800-569-4287. These companies may even ask for your credit card. Take action If you're getting threatening phone calls about a debt, even if it's one you recognize, you might be the target of a debt collection scam. Under federal law, a debt collector can't contact you at any "unusual time" or at a time that it knows, or should know, is inconvenient for you. FTC, FBI, AARP, Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Ohio and Oregon.