Q: I received a call yesterday, from an LLC company stating i was being sued by a payday loan company who i owed 255. Legit
He made it seem like he was an attorney. And called my partner and told him a case number and all. I contacted them and he stated they were getting ready to serve me. I have not received even a mail piece or anything. After seeing this company contract, it says this is an attempt to collect a debt from a collection firm. He stated i had two charges and if i made a payment or arranged they would stop everything and if i don’t pay then they would proceed. I panicked because he sounded as if he were an attorney representing that company. But after the “contract for payment” i saw it stated they were a collection firm. Is this legal or legit and how can i see if the ‘case number’ exist in any systems? I reached out and asked for the company info of who was attempting to ‘sue’ me but haven’t received a response.
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A:
It’s understandable to feel anxious in this situation. Scammers often pose as attorneys or collection agents to intimidate you into paying quickly. Legitimate collection agencies must provide written notice of the debt and cannot threaten legal action without proper documentation. Since you haven’t received any official mail, it’s a red flag.
To verify the legitimacy, first check your records to confirm the debt with the original payday loan company. You can also visit your local court’s website or contact them directly to see if there is an active case number. Be cautious about sharing personal information until you’re certain the caller is genuine.
Additionally, consider filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state’s attorney general. They can provide guidance and take action against fraudulent practices. Stay vigilant and avoid making any payments or arrangements until you have confirmed the legitimacy of the claims.
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