- Phantom Debt Collection Scams
What You Need to Know
Scammers posing as debt collectors are harassing people with aggressive calls to collect on debts they don’t actually owe. These fraudulent “phantom debt” collectors:
- Use false threats or intimidation to pressure victims
- Demand payments on non-existent or unauthorized debts
- Violate federal laws by skipping required disclosures and notices
- Sometimes involve employers, unlawfully damaging reputations
These scams are not only financially harmful—they’re also emotionally distressing, especially for individuals unsure of their rights or whether the debt is real.
What You Should Do
If you receive a suspicious debt collection call, don’t engage or share personal information. Here’s what you should do instead:
Stay calm and ask for a written “validation notice”
- This must detail the alleged debt and explain your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
- Legitimate collectors are legally required to send this via regular mail
Never give personal or financial information over the phone
- You can’t confirm who’s really calling
Verify legitimacy before paying anything
- If the notice appears valid, contact the original creditor—not the caller—to confirm they authorized the debt collection
Know your rights
- Debt collectors cannot threaten arrest, contact your employer about the debt, or collect on debts they know are false
Think you are being scammed? Call our scam hotline or email us for help:
(801)-724-6211
[email protected]
