Social securty number and collections agency?

Question

so i got a letter from a place called proline solutions (collections agency)... it came addressed to me, but on the letter, it addressses someone else... so i call the number and ask about the letter that i recieved... they cant find my file based on my name so they asked for my social... i gave it to them without thinking of the validity of this group or company... though they said it was addressed to the wrong person, does this sound like a scam to you? or is this normal procedure?

do you think they will steel my identity? what can i do to stop them from happeneing?

Answer 1

collection agency uses SS# to identify which person has good/bad credit and his criminal records.  however, if u have good credit and received that letter, u r probably in the process of being scammed

Answer 2

First, and I think you've already figured this out..don't give your social security # out to anyone....this could be a mailing error and/or wrong letter in your addressed envelope.....But, your best recourse is to verify any of your debts on your credit report. If this is in fact a debt you owe, it could be a debt that is past SOL and it's a scavenger collector trying to see if they can get you to pay. Hard to say if anyone will steal your identity, but I wouldn't give such personal info out until you know who you are talking to. If someone like that calls you again...request everything in writing, don't validate any debt until you know you owe something. Ask them who they are supposed to be calling or writing. Or better yet....google the debt collector and see what info you can find out first. But...I'd run your credit report first and see if you recall your debt and if this is the collections for it.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

First thing NEVER EVER EVER give out your SSN to someone. If it was a scam you'd be knee deep in it now that you gave it out! It may very well be a mismatch of client to address situation. I would keep a copy of the letter (just in case) and send it back to the agency with a note saying that you are not the person stated in the letter.

If it's really you they're looking for, they'll be in touch.

In the mean time you may want to have a fraud watch notice added to your credit report just in case.

Answer 4

2 things here, it could be a scam. The people already have your address, then you call and say my name is "____" then when they can't find it, you spell it nice and slow for them. Still can't find you? What's your Soc? Now they have all they need to take you for a ride.

The other thing to consider, check your credit report. Possibly someone already used your number with a false name (which is who the letter possibly was addressed to).

Good luck!

Answer 5

Ouch......you made a mistake here by so willingly giving out your SS#....you've opened yourself wide open for identity theft....I would strongly encourage you to monitor your credit reports for the next three or four months....You can temporaily sign up for Equifax credit monitoring for that amount of time...I think it's $9.95 per month....Putting a fraud alert on your credit report might be too drastic.

Send Proline a letter via Certified Mail + Return Receipt stating:

Per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, I am requesting:

- Written validation of this alleged debt and that said alleged debt is within the statute of limitations

- Cease all verbal communications with me about this alleged debt.

Read up on the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and understand your rights:

Answer 6

Hi, they cant steal your identity JUST with the Social Seciurity number. At the very least it will be very difficult.