BBB Warns about Phony Debt Collection Calls
Scammers Targeting Central Texas Consumers
BBB warns consumers to beware of phony debt collection callers impersonating Kentucky-based payday loan company, US Cash Advance. Janiece Charlez of Temple, Texas reported to BBB she received a phone call from the alleged company, stating her husband had been turned in for collections.
“They called and said ‘your husband is in serious legal trouble’,” said Charlez. “They had his name, social security number, our address, his birthday and the name of our bank.”
The caller claimed Charlez needed to take care of an outstanding payday loan from 2009 or charges would be filed. She tells BBB her husband never took out a payday loan and the caller could not verify the exact date of the loan. Charlez refused to pay and called BBB for help.
BBB investigated Charlez’s complaint and she is not alone. The Cincinnati, Ohio BBB has received over 77 similar complaints. Click here for the online statement from US Cash Advance explaining that they are not involved with these phony collections or here for the BBB report on the impersonation scam. BBB is unable to identify the persons responsible for these calls at this time. If you have been a victim or have any further information, please call 409/835-5348 or 800/685-7650 immediately.
BBB offers the following advice to consumers who receive suspicious telephone calls about an outstanding debt:
· Demand proof. Ask the debt collector to provide official documentation which substantiates the debt.
· Avoid providing personal information. Do not provide or confirm any bank account, credit card or other personal information over the phone until you have confirmed the legitimacy of the call.
· Report all suspicious behavior. File a complaint with BBB or the Texas Attorney General’s Office if the caller is abusive, uses threats or otherwise violates federal telemarketing laws.
To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit BBB.