What to do if a devt collector threatened to press criminal charges against me if I did not pay?
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What to do if a devt collector threatened to press criminal charges against me if I did not pay?
They called my family, who called me to let me know. I called them back and they said my husband and I owe for a TV, and gaming system we got from a rental store that we stopped paying. They said if I didn’t make a payment arrangement, they were pressing charges for unlawful criminal possession. I gave them my bank information and set up a payment arrangement. After the call, I checked my credit report, and this debt is not on my report, but is on my husband’s. Now I feel like I am being scammed. I didn’t think collectors could make threats like that. What should I do?
Asked on July 20, 2012 under Bankruptcy Law, Ohio
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
From what you have written, the debt collector has violated federal and state unfair debt collection practice laws by threatening a criminal action if you did not pay your alleged debt and contacting family members about the situation.
I suspect you were called by a scammer who now has access to your bank information. I suggest that you immediately contact your bank and close your account before all your money is pulled. If you have had all of your money pulled, I suggest that you contact local law enforcement about the theft.
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