Florida consumers can stop creditors making false collections

On behalf of Bankruptcy Law Firm of Clare Casas on Saturday, November 9, 2013.

As if Florida residents aren’t having enough trouble recovering from any credit damage they may have experienced during the recession, now there are fake debt collectors trying to scam money out of unsuspecting consumers. However, it is possible to stop creditors making false collections. First and foremost, consumers may want to question the representations that a debt collector makes.

The Better Business Bureau says that many people have received a voice mail message telling them they will be sued if they don’t pay a certain debt. Often, the purported debt collectors claim to be connected to a law firm. They may threaten arrest, garnishment, and lawsuits; moreover, they often have some personal information about the consumer and possibly his or her family.

Consumers are not obligated to comply with these so-called debt collectors. There are state and federal laws protecting against this type of harassment. One easy way to flesh out a fake debt collector is to ask for the name of the caller, a company name and an address and phone number. If it can’t be verified, it is most likely a fake.

Conducting a bit of research into the debt that the consumer allegedly owes is another way to determine if the call is legitimate. Even if it turns out that a Florida consumer does owe the debt, creditors and debt collectors have boundaries. A consumer can stop creditors from making harassing phone calls. As for dealing with delinquent debt, filing for bankruptcy may be a responsible and effective solution. When debts are discharged, the consumer typically obtains a fresh start and the opportunity to rebuild credit free from creditor harassment.

Source: timesrecordnews.com, Consumers: Beware of fake debt collectors, No author, Nov. 6, 2013