Beware of false claims of debt collectors.

In this day and age, debt collectors continue to use illegal and immoral tactics to try to collect debts. They will claim that you will be arrested, they will claim that legal action will be taken against you if you don't immediately return their phone call, and they will make other false claims. They may even pose as court officers or other officials, as a threat to collect a debt. The state and federal government tries to shut down improper debt collectors, and they have done so, but it seems that every time one is shut down another one pops up. Very recently the state and federal government targeted two firms in Western New York, Vantage Point Services and Four-Star Resolution, accusing them of improper practices. When you add the improper practices to the fact that certain debts are "bought" improperly by some debt collectors, including debts that are no longer valid for various reasons, you should be extremely cautious and skeptical upon receiving any contact from a debt collector. Debt collectors have no power over you or your money. In New York State, for anybody to try to take money from you through a garnishment or other means, they have to start by filing a lawsuit and properly serving you with a summons.

If you are receiving multiple calls from debt collectors, it may be helpful to talk to an attorney about your rights and your options. And whatever you do, do not give out personal information to any stranger over the phone, and certainly not over the Internet.