Q: I have been contacted by a law firm Bernstein and Binder saying there is a lawsuit for fraud against me by a creditor.
I have called them and they said they send a certified letter to me, which I never received. I have their phone number, but they wont send me anything about their law firm and wont email me the paperwork. I am retired and my former employer called to say they have received lawsuit papers on me requesting all my records. I was told that I would never be able to have a bank account again, nor a drivers license and would have to appear in court and go to jail for fraud. I can’t find this law firm anywhere and they have given me only 1 hour to pay or I will be served.
A:
If you suspect the law firm contacting you may not be legitimate, it's important to proceed with caution. Do not make any payments or provide personal information. You have the right to request written verification of the debt and the lawsuit. A legitimate law firm should provide you with this information. If they refuse to send you documentation or their contact details appear suspicious, this could be a sign of a scam.
You can check the state bar association's website to verify the existence of the law firm and the attorney contacting you. Additionally, you can contact your local court to see if there are any cases filed against you. If you continue to have concerns, consider consulting with a licensed attorney in your state who can assist you with verifying the legitimacy of the claim and advise you on the appropriate steps to take.
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