There are many debt related scams. I will focus on four.
- Debt Collection Scams
- Debt Settlement and Relief Scams
- Credit Card Fraud
- Identity Theft
Debt Collection Scams
The number one way scammers operate is by telephone. Unscrupulous debt collectors can lie to you and tell you that a warrant has been issued for your arrest and that you will go to jail if you don’t pay. This is false. Debt is a civil matter, not a criminal matter. Unscrupulous debt collectors can lie to you and tell you that you have to pay the debts of your deceased loved one. This is false. The Estate pays debts of the deceased. If the Estate cannot pay the Estate is insolvent. Loved one’s are not liable.
Debt Settlement & Relief Scams
Debt settlement companies do not owe fiduciary duties to you the way that lawyers do. Companies can take fees from you when you have a debt-to-income ratio higher than 35% and a high probability of getting sued which will trigger the need for bankruptcy protection.
Stop Credit Card Fraud
with a Credit Freeze
I did this myself and recommend a credit freeze.
Below is a link for how to do it for all three bureaus.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0497-credit-freeze-faqs
It does not stop you from getting a free credit report at annualcreditreport.com which I also recommend.
Identity Theft
There are government resources to help you reclaim your identity.
- Federal Trade Commission
- identitytheft.gov
- usa.gov
- fbi.gov
- irs.gov
- justice.gov
- Social Security has a brochure.
Free Consultation
I offer free and confidential initial legal consultations to potential bankruptcy and estate planning clients. Please email me at chris@attorneymulvaney.com to schedule your consultation.
For more detailed information about my practice in Bellevue, Washington, please consult my Blog.
14205 SE 36th St. Suite 100
Bellevue, WA 98006-1553
Email: chris@attorneymulvaney.com
Phone: 425-998-6352
Fax: 425-223-3197
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Mulvaney Law Offices,PLLC, is located in Bellevue, Washington, representing estate planning & probate, chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy, and real estate transactions clients in Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Bellevue, Redmond, Renton, Issaquah, Sammamish, Maple Valley, Burien, SeaTac, and throughout King, Snohomish and Pierce counties.
