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Stop harassing phone calls from creditors collecting fake debts

On Behalf of | Jan 1, 2014 | Personal Bankruptcy |

New Jersey residents behind on their debts due to financial problems typically receive frequent calls from creditors. Collection calls for legitimate debts create plenty of stress and frustration, and consumers do what they can to stop harassing phone calls from creditors. Due to the volume of calls many consumers experience during unsettled financial times, it may be difficult to discern when the call is a scam.

Many people nationwide have received a collection call where a computer-generated voice tells them they are named in a civil action regarding a debt owed. The so-called voice on the other end of the line may even provide personal information to make the call appear legitimate. However, these calls are often a scam designed to get money from people by using the threat of litigation and even arrest.

What are New Jersey residents supposed to do when facing these circumstances? One source urges consumers to avoid the computer-generated prompts for more information. Once a key is punched, the randomly dialed phone number is apparently verified and could result in additional calls. For people experiencing financial difficulties, this advice might be easier given than followed. If any doubt exists that the debt could be legitimate, do nothing without proof of the underlying debt first. This could dissuade a scammer from continued contact.

When the obvious answer of paying off debts simply is not possible due to a seemingly unmanageable financial situation, one way consumers can stop harassing phone calls from creditors is to file for bankruptcy protection. Without the constant barrage of stress-inducing phone calls, the filer can then step back and evaluate his or her financial issues. In those circumstances where a formal discharge is ultimately received and the collection calls have stopped, the focus can shift to implementing a plan for a return to financial stability.

Source: lacrossetribune.com, “Phantom debt” calls nothing to fear, No author, Dec. 26, 2013

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