Scam alert: Better Business Bureau issues phony debt collector warning
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The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers that they could be preyed on by phony debt collectors.
The watchdog organization issued a national alert about calls coming from supposed lawyers claiming to be from the Financial Accountability Assn. or the Federal Legislation of Unsecured Loans.
The callers contend that the consumer has defaulted on a payday loan and will be immediately arrested and extradited to California to stand trial unless as much as $1,000 is wired or the consumer provides bank account or credit card numbers.
Armed with potential victims’ personal information, including Social Security numbers, old bank account or driver’s license numbers, home addresses or employer information, the scammers have been reportedly calling from numbers that include (949) 468-5107, (415) 200-0274, (415) 200-0274, (213) 784-5745 and (408) 715-1614.
The Better Business Bureau recommends that, in the instance of a suspicious call, consumers ask to see official documentation and avoid providing or confirming any numbers or personal information until the legitimacy of the call is verified.
If the caller is abusive or makes threats, consumers can complain to the Federal Trade Commission online, or file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau online.
-- Tiffany Hsu
