Fraudulent calls could increase your debt

Throughout Florida, countless families struggle with rising debts. No matter how hard you work or how careful you are with your expenditures, it can be difficult to keep bills paid and food on the table. At first you might put some of your expenses on a credit card or consider remortgaging your property. Even then, costs can mount up and the repayments only add to the problem. Before you know it, you can be spiraling into uncontrollable debt with no conceivable means of bringing it under control.

To make things worse, you could soon find yourself being hounded by debt collectors. Depending on how the amount you owe is distributed, this could mean numerous calls and emails every day. It quickly becomes hard to keep track of everything and you may be vulnerable to fraudulent schemes. This is the last thing you want to worry about when you are already buried in debt, but scams intimidating people into paying money that they do not owe are becoming increasingly prevalent.

These scammers may have extensive information about you, so if you are at all uncertain, do not be afraid to investigate further. Look them up and consider calling them back yourself to verify that they are genuine. If you suspect fraud, report the matter immediately and also ensure that a fraud alert is attached to your credit report. This can help to protect you from the potential financial impact of such scams.

Finally, whether you are worried about suspicious activity or you are simply struggling to manage your debts, a lawyer could be an invaluable ally. He or she can evaluate your situation and may be able to suggest the best course of action to take to reduce your debts and work toward a more financially stable future.

Source: 10 News, “Beware of ‘phony debt collectors’,” Emerald Morrow, June 24, 2015