Beware of Calls and Threats From Fake Collection Agencies

Posts Tagged ‘Scams’

Beware of Calls and Threats From Fake Collection Agencies

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Beware of calls from shady, unlicensed collection agencies and their verbal threats to garnish your wages.

I recently heard about people receiving repeated calls from the PDLR Group. Apparently representatives from PDLR were threatening to garnish people’s wages and consumers wanted to know if this was legitimate.

One individual questioned the legitimacy of the PDLR Group since the company had not indicated the name of the creditor to whom money is supposedly owed.

Furthermore PDLR had not sent the person a written validation notice (essentially, a letter stating who the person owes and how much). If a consumer requests it, a debt collector must send a written validation letter to the consumer under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Just as an FYI, there have been numerous complaints posted on 800notes.com from individuals who have received a call from at least one number associated with the PDLR group – 877-269-0088. The company doesn’t appear to be licensed in the state of Illinois, where it is based.

Regardless of PDLR’s status, just be aware that as a consumer, anytime someone contacts you claiming you owe a debt, you do have the right to know who the company is, how much was allegedly owed, and whether or not the person trying to get you to pay up is legally permitted to collect that debt.

Safeguarding Your Finances Against Natural Disasters

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Author: The Money Coach

The recent deadly tornado in Joplin, Mo., as well as a pair of devastating twisters in Springfield, Mass., serve as reminders to homeowners and renters nationwide about the need to shore up their properties – and their finances – against natural disasters.

And since hurricane season officially kicked off June 1, Americans everywhere would be wise to safeguard their homes, businesses and valuables.

Read: How To Avoid Home Repair Scams

Whether you live in a hurricane prone area of the U.S., a flood-ravaged or tornado-battered section of the country, or a region known for wildfires and earthquakes, there are four key ways you can build a financial fortress around you that will prove invaluable if disaster strikes. Read the rest of Lynnette Khalfani-Cox‘s article on WalletPop.

Video: How To Avoid Credit Scams

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Author: The Money Coach

Watch this short video to learn how to avoid credit scams.

How To Avoid Timeshare Telemarketing Scams

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Author: The Money Coach

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to be aware of potential scammers targeting owners of timeshare properties.

The scammers make unsolicited calls to current timeshare owners with promises of financial profit, and claim to be able to get owners out of their timeshare contracts by paying up-front fees, ranging from $200 to $8,000.

The Sheriff’s Office says some timeshare owners have lost thousands of dollars to these scams, and never ended up
selling their property.

Lee County Sheriff’s Office has offered a few tips to follow when dealing with timeshare telemarketers or vacation rentals.

1) If someone promises to sell your timeshare or tells you they have a buyer but need cash upfront DON’T do it! You wouldn’t pay a realtor to sell your home before they sell it, would you?

2) Companies that cold call you are more than likely a scam. Don’t do business with them as legitimate timeshare companies generally never initiate contact with you first.

3) Refuse to be pressured. Legitimate businesses do not demand that you make a snap decision. They welcome your questions and will encourage you to consult with experts and other reliable sources. Do not sign anything you do not understand.

4) Avoid sending cash, check or a money order should you decide to utilize a timeshare rental.

Ask The Money Coach

Posts Tagged ‘Scams’