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Christopher S. Mulvaney, Esq.


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. You can temporarily lift the freeze anytime you want to apply for credit. You can also put a fraud alert on all three Bureaus when you do the freeze.

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.

When you get the free credit report, dispute all inaccurate entries online by uploading .pdf documentation of the correct information to all three Credit Bureaus.

Identity Theft

There are government resources to help you reclaim your identity.

Social Security & ID TheftDownload

Christopher S. Mulvaney’s Mission:

To Always Be a Human Being First, and My Role Second. 

To First, Do No Harm, then to provide the best legal outcome,

smoothest process, best value, and to make a positive difference in the life of every Client.

Christopher S. Mulvaney’s Mantra:

May I be filled with loving kindness for all life.

May I be safe from dangers within and without.

May I be healthy in body, mind, socially, and spiritually.

May I be at ease and happy, doing good in the world.

For more information about my practice in Bellevue, Washington, please consult my Blog.

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Mulvaney Law Offices, PLLC is located in Bellevue, Washington, representing estate planning, chapter 7 bankruptcy, and chapter 13 bankruptcy Clients in:

  • Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Bellevue, Redmond, Renton, Issaquah, Sammamish, Maple Valley, Burien, SeaTac, and throughout King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties.