Debt Collectors Called me, Im scared

Question

I don't know the name, but they said theyre a debt collector company, and wanted me to call their main office. I'm scared, I don't know what to do. My mom doesn't know what it is (She's chinese) And I don't think we had any debts at all. Noone in our family went to college yet, my mom just uses her credit card. And when the debt collectors message said they were required by law, but wouldn't tell me their name. Help!

Answer 1

Has your mom been paying the credit card bill? You shouldn't be scared - you should just call them back and find out what the debt is for. They can't really do anything.

1. When a Debt Collector calls, make sure to speak in an even tone.

2. Ask for identifying information: such as a return callback number, the collectors name, and information about the debt itself.

3. Remember, if you owe the debt, do not try to wiggle your way out of it.

4. If you cannot pay the balance in full, tell the collector that right away, this will save any headaches on your part, as well as the collectors part.

5. Know how much you can afford in any repayment scheme, and keep to it.  

Answer 2

its a scam they just want to take your money they always say there required by law my dad gets the same calls we have caller id and it always says private caller or unknown caller so we never answer  

Answer 3

i'm in debt and my mom and my brother are on my azz everyday.  they're far worst than debt collectors.

Answer 4

It could be a scam. A lot of times they will call you and give you a number to call back. The number you call back will cost you thousands of dollars on your phone bill. DO NOT CALL THE NUMBER and DONT GIVE AWAY ANY PRIVATE INFO OVER THE PHONE! The number may be one that is not in your phone coverage area with extremly high international rates. Be careful...it's happened to people I know.

Answer 5

Pay them 10 dollars a month, It worked for me.

Answer 6

First don't give them any information of yours. Second, if you know you don't owe a debt, then don't call or talk to them. Third, don't worry they can't do anything to you if you don't owe it, even if you did all they could do is call you and send you a bunch of bills.  

Answer 7

Call them back. It could be that someone took your mom's social security number and is using it get credit cards and run a debt up in your name.

Answer 8

Debt collectors dont' leave their name on the answering machine. They simply state, this is an attempt to collect on a debt.

Now, everyone in your family could and should sign up for their free credit rating at freecreditrating.com. Someone could have stolen your identity and used credit in your name and on your social security numbers. The message should state the name of the person that has the supposed debt. That's the name you carefully go over. You can also pay for all three reports for a very low fee and that would be worth it to me for peace of mind. If there's no debt listed, than dont worry about it.

If it is a true debt collector, they will tell you their name if the supposed debtor speaks with them. You should also ask for their address. You can't send money in to somewhere without this information. There should also be a letter. It could be that they have the wrong person. We get debt collectors calling here once in awhile looking for someone with the same name. Everytime i have to go through that they have the wrong person and we are not related to that person.

It is illegal for them to contact friends and family, but friends and family need to tell them it's illegal. If they know that the person tehy called knows it's illegal for them to call, they stop. They dont' want to get into trouble, but they want to collect this money so they can make money.

Debt collection is an agency that goes around and does nothing but try to make people pay on their late bills. If your bill is late enough, that company gives it over to a debt collector. If you owe money to a company, it is better to pay the actual company and not the debt collectors as they put fees on the collection. You'll still be paid in full if you pay the company itself, unless it is way too old. Debt can only stay on your record for 7 years and than it is no longer legally allowed on your credit. But it can effect your credit score for years to come. Which can mean higher interst on loans or the inability to get a loan.

Hope this helped?

Answer 9

Well, if you don't have any debt, just call them to see what they have to say.  If they tell you that you have an outstanding debt that you don't agree with you can tell them that it is not yoru debt and then order a credit report.  When you get your report, they give you information on disputing a debt.  Then you follow the directions to dispute the debt.  It may not be a quick process, but it'll be worth it in the end.  You don't have to be scared, especially if you did nothing wrong.  Creditors are jerks and don't let them know you are intimidated by them.

Also, don't give them any of your information, like social or bank account numbers.  If it is a scam, they will rape your accounts.

Answer 10

Probably just a prank, because America hates communists.

Answer 11

If they call back, ask them who this is in reference to, and to mail any information regarding the alleged debt to you. If they don't know your address, don't give it to them - it could be a scam, or they could just have the wrong number.

Someone in your household could also be a victim of identity theft, so if you want to give them an address, use a Post Office box, but don't give your home address.

Answer 12

Call them back and find out all the details. You are not admitting anything by calling them back.  Ask what debt it is, how past due it is.  If it isn't your debt, tell them.  You will have to get this straightened out even if it isn't your debt.  Don't be scared.  Just get on the phone and find out what this is about.  Just get info.  Do not give them any promises or information about your bank.  Tell them you will check on it and call them back.

Answer 13

As far as i know,this is a question with many different answers,it is really depend on the judgement of yourself,provide a great resource here for reference though.http://debt-relief.expertips4u.info/debt...

Answer 14

Debt collectors are companies that buy people's bad debt, add high cost and try to collect on that. They have little power to do anything other than harass you.

They can start court proceedings but it would have to be an outrageously high amount to do that or they will lose money.

You can work this out with the original debtor or negotiate with them but NEVER fear collectors. That is their biggest weapon.

Answer 15

if they did not say someone in your family's name and they wouldnt give the company's name then it might be a scam. What i would do is call the number back and see if it gives a company name. If you get to talk to someone then ask what the call was for but ONLY give them your name DONT GIVE ANY PERSONAL INFO. make them tell you what specific instance they are collecting for. if you dont recognize it then hang up it is probably a scam!

Answer 16

It's a scam, don't sweat it. These places call out a lot.

Sometimes they say they 'bought' all your debt and now you owe them or something. If you have no debt then you're fine.

Answer 17

Next time they call, inform them that the FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) requires that they send you in writing any and all information regarding the deb.  Phone calls do not count.

By law they have 5 days to send you this information from the first contact (unless they have already sent it).

Here is a link to where you can read what it is they are supposed to do.  Once they notify you, you have the right to dispute the debt and they have to prove it is yours.

http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title15...

Hope this answers your question

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:  The advice contained herein is for informational purposes only.  It is not to be construed as Legal Counsel nor Legal Advice.

Answer 18

DO NOT RETURN CALL!!!!!!  could be a phone scam ignore...don't worry about it.

Answer 19

i would not be worried. probably one of them telemarketers.

but if you are concerned, give them a call, but find out a lot of info as to why they are calling, and all that stuff. dont give out your card number over the phone