(FinancialHealth.net) – When debt collectors call, it’s important to be sure that they really are who they say they are before handing over money. Legitimate collection companies do contact people by telephone, but scammers posing as debt collectors also use the same strategy to collect on accounts that are closed, paid off, or don’t even exist.
One of the best ways to check if a “debt collector” is a scammer is by checking to see if the telephone number they call from is real. Try entering the phone number that comes up on caller ID into a search engine; then, hit search.
Review search results carefully. Often, linked sites reflect comments from other users about the caller or debt collector. That feedback may reveal whether the phone number is legitimate or related to a scam.
Alternately, you can also contact the original lender to find out who currently holds the debt for your account. Ask for the collector’s number and call them directly instead.
It is easy for scammers to use fake phone numbers to scare consumers into paying for debts that aren’t owed. Don’t pay a dime until you verify the company contacting you is a legitimate debt collector with a real and valid debt — not just a scammer looking to make a quick buck.
~Here’s to Your Financial Health
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