Fake debt collector scam
Fake debt collectors call or text about a debt you may not recognize, threaten arrest or legal action, and demand payment today by prepaid card or app.
How this scam works
Fear of arrest makes people pay first and ask questions later. The debt is made up or already paid.
Common versions of the message
- A debt you do not recognize
- A threat of arrest or a warrant
- Payment today by prepaid card
What the message looks like
Text from +1 (555) 016-3390
NOTICE: You have an outstanding debt of $1,480 that has been sent to legal action. A warrant will be issued for your arrest unless you pay today. Call (555) 016-3390 immediately to settle with a prepaid card.
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
Surprise debt: “outstanding debt of $1,480”
Ask for written proof before paying anything
You have the right to ask for written details of any debt before you pay.
- 2
Arrest threat: “warrant will be issued for your arrest”
Collectors cannot have you arrested
Debt collectors cannot have you arrested.
- 3
Pay today: “pay today”
Pressure so you pay before checking
The same-day deadline is pressure.
- 4
Untraceable payment: “with a prepaid card”
Real collectors do not want prepaid cards
Real collectors do not ask for prepaid cards.
What to do
- Do not pay or share account details.
- Ask for a written validation notice, then check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- If you paid with a prepaid card, contact the card company with your receipt right away.
- If you shared bank details, call your bank.
- Expect more calls. Do not pay again.
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