Fake Debt Collectors!
You get a letter from a debt collector and you're sure to feel pretty alarmed. Well that's exactly what these scam artists are hoping you'll be so you'll pay up. But wait, before you shell out any cash, listen to this.
It looks like the real deal, from account numbers, to international codes to all sorts of legal jargon. But Call for Action learns that this so called "debt collector" is only looking to put you into debt.
John Palangio, Director, Consumer Protection Division, RI Attorney Generals Office
"Sometimes now we're getting these scams where companies are just sending collection notices just hoping you're going to pay it without asking questions."
But as we can prove...questions are a must. According to the RI Attorney Generals office, this scam letter from Premium Recovery has a return address of a P.O. Box number in Switzerland.
John
"I don't know too many people who deal with, you know, doing business with Euro dollars, this bill is in actual Eruos."
But this fake company could care less who it sends out it's scam letter too, they figure someone is bound to fall for it.
John
"It was sent to an American company in Kingston, RI and they probably get mailing lists by the millions, you know, they cast a wide net hoping they can catch some people."
Before you pay any debt collector, make sure the debt is actually yours. Often times these scam letters make the debt look so real, it could fool you. If you've been ripped off we want to hear from you. Contact our Call for Action hotline Monday thru Thursday from 11 until 1, the number is 228-1850.
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