Q: I have received threatening emails from "debt collectors" for loans I have no record of taking out
These so called attorney's for a debt collectors have sent me emails threatening legal action of a court summons and/or having me arrested. However, when I ask for proof of the loan they say I took out, they have refused to provide me any information. Their only means of contact is email, which does not provide their company name, etc. I keep records of any and all loans I take out and am suspicious when an attorney does not or refuses to provide information to me to verify my obligations. Am I correct to be cautious and suspicious? Is there anything I can do to report these harassing and threatening emails?
A: It is indeed suspicious that they have failed to provide their company name and other such information. You cannot be arrested for owing debts such as those described.
Charles M. Baron agrees with this answer
A:
You are correct to be cautious and suspicious. Usually this type of written collection communication is by regular mail, not email - or possibly regular mail plus email, but not email alone. The written communication usually gives the debtor a deadline to write back to dispute the debt, and the communication MUST state somewhere that it's an attempt to collect a debt, and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
A real lawyer or law firm's email will ALWAYS include their street address and phone number, and might include a link to their website. The domain name part of their email (_____.com) is usually the same as their website. If they are falsely representing themselves to be lawyer(s), that should be reported. Google the phrase "where to report email scams" and you'll see various reporting sites, including the FBI. The unlawful practice of law should also be reported to the Fla. Bar - see https://www.floridabar.org/rules/upl/upl001/
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