05 Feb Warning: Criminals Impersonating Court Officials
The Federal Trade Commission issues this warning about fake debt collection notices. The FTC says you may receive an official-looking letter with a seal, signed by a judge, saying you owe money. It could even include personal information including your Social Security number.
The FTC offers this information to help you avoid falling victim:
In a new twist on an old scam, criminals are impersonating law firms, judges, and court officials. They send out scary letters and make threatening phone calls about phantom debts to try to convince people to send them money.
So, what should you do if you get one of these nastygrams? No matter how convincing a letter or phone call seems, check it out. Look up the real number for the government agency, office, or employee (yes, even judges) and get the real story. It’s likely to be a scam.
Be suspicious if anyone — no matter who they say they are — asks you to wire money, or load a rechargeable money card as a way to pay back the debt. There’s no legitimate reason for someone to ask you to send money that way.
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