TOZZIBLINKZ
VIP Contributor
Here are a few ways to tell if a debt collector is legitimate:
CHECK IF THE DEBT COLLECTOR IS LICENSED IN YOUR STATE. Most states require debt collectors to be licensed, and you can verify this information with your state's attorney general or consumer protection agency.
ASK FOR THE NAME OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR. Legitimate debt collectors will be able to provide you with the name of the company or person that originally extended the credit or loan.
REQUEST VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT. Legitimate debt collectors are required by law to provide you with proof that the debt is yours, such as a copy of the original credit agreement or loan document.
BE AWARE OF RED FLAGS. Be wary of debt collectors who use threats or intimidation, refuse to provide you with information about the debt, or demand payment using methods such as wire transfer or prepaid debit card.
LOOK FOR CONTACT INFORMATION. Legitimate debt collectors should provide you with their name, address, and telephone number. Be wary of collectors who refuse to provide this information or only contact you through email or social media.
CHECK THE TIMING. Legitimate debt collectors are generally only allowed to contact you between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. local time, and they are not allowed to contact you on holidays or Sundays.
It is also important to note that there are laws in place to protect consumers from debt collector harassment. If you believe a debt collector is not following these laws, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state's attorney general.
CHECK IF THE DEBT COLLECTOR IS LICENSED IN YOUR STATE. Most states require debt collectors to be licensed, and you can verify this information with your state's attorney general or consumer protection agency.
ASK FOR THE NAME OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR. Legitimate debt collectors will be able to provide you with the name of the company or person that originally extended the credit or loan.
REQUEST VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT. Legitimate debt collectors are required by law to provide you with proof that the debt is yours, such as a copy of the original credit agreement or loan document.
BE AWARE OF RED FLAGS. Be wary of debt collectors who use threats or intimidation, refuse to provide you with information about the debt, or demand payment using methods such as wire transfer or prepaid debit card.
LOOK FOR CONTACT INFORMATION. Legitimate debt collectors should provide you with their name, address, and telephone number. Be wary of collectors who refuse to provide this information or only contact you through email or social media.
CHECK THE TIMING. Legitimate debt collectors are generally only allowed to contact you between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. local time, and they are not allowed to contact you on holidays or Sundays.
It is also important to note that there are laws in place to protect consumers from debt collector harassment. If you believe a debt collector is not following these laws, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state's attorney general.