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A debt collector of some sorts called with a pre-trial docket number should i be worried?
Anonymous7 views7 answers
A man called my house and left a message on my answering mention saying I had 2 counts of fraud pending against me and that I would receive a summons within 24 hours if I did not respond.
He gave me a pre-trial docket number which I I researched online, and it did not exist. Would it be correct to assume this person is not an investigator and or lawyer but someone attempting to collect a debt or something else.
This person new digits in my SS number, home phone and full name along with my current address.
Should I wait out the 24 hours since i did not receive anything by mail yet, or prepare for the worse which ever that may be.
This type of call is either a scam or a debt collector using egregious and illegal tactics. Under no circumstances should you contact this alleged creditor before speaking to an attorney. Some debt collectors will use the threat of criminal action or other legal action to which they are not entitled to attempt to intimidate debtors into making a payment. Such threats are most likely violations of the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Pennsylvania Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act. Violations of these statutes can result in the creditor paying damages, costs, and attorney's fees.
Payday lenders and vulture debt collectors (collectors who buy old debts) are particularly notorious for these types of tactics. Even if the debt is legitimate, you may have defenses. I suggest that you speak to a local attorney who is familiar with debtor defense and the FDCPA.
Save the message left on your phone, and write down the date and time of the call, as well as the phone number and any identification the caller leaves. Record the same information for any future calls. What you're describing, assuming the caller was a debt collector (which is most likely), are illegal collection tactics under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Pennsylvania's Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act (FCEUA). There are many local attorneys, including myself, that practice in this area. Contact one of us to learn more about next steps you can take.
This sounds like a scam. If it isn't a scam, you might have a claim against the debt collector for illegal debt collection practices. If you are having debt problems, contact a local bankruptcy. You should also consult someone who handles cases under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
This is a scam. A very common scam.
Nonetheless, you should make sure you take steps to protect yourself against fraud. Get a copy of your credit report. (Free through the government at
www.annualcreditreport.com
) and pay careful attention to all of your accounts.
You should absolutely contact a debt defense attorney and/or one that handles FDCPA claims. Given the hostile conduct and bogus claims, you maybe entitled to economic damages for unfair debt collection practices (FDCPA claim). Don't delay-the statute of limitations for an FDCPA claim is short. Good luck.
