Beware of bankruptcy fraudsters who are calling debtors and demanding money. They lie about who they are. They are using information from bankruptcy schedules to fake you into thinking they are legitimate. Do not fall for their scam. Say no and hang up the phone. Do not send money!
Spoofing Your Bankruptcy Attorney Caller ID
The fraudsters are so slick they change their caller ID to make it look like your bankruptcy attorney is calling you. They demand you immediately pay money to a fake account. This is a scam. Your bankruptcy lawyer does not do this. If you are uncertain who is really calling, hang up and call your bankruptcy lawyer. Do not wire money.
The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys issued a warning that “Under no circumstances would a bankruptcy attorney or staff member telephone a client and ask for a wire transfer immediately to satisfy a debt. Nor would the bankruptcy attorney and staff ever threaten arrest if a debt isn’t paid.”
“Bankruptcy filers in Vermont and Virginia reportedly have received calls. Vermont’s Attorney General says scammers use software to “spoof” the Caller ID system so the call appears to be originating from the phone line of the consumer’s bankruptcy attorney. Typically the calls come late in the evening or during non-business hours to make it difficult for intended victims to verify the call by contacting their attorney,” according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
Consumers receiving this kind of call are advised to hang up and contact their bankruptcy attorney as soon as possible. Do not give any personal or financial account information to the caller.
About Jill Michaux
