Kansans almost lost $13,000 in classic debt collector scam

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – A Kansan lost $1,500 to a classic debt collector scam that used official-looking emails to pressure the victim into paying on a decades-old loan, according to a report from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) filed on September 12.

Josh Planos with the BBB said the scammer posed as both a courthouse official and a lawyer. The victim was told they owed $13,000 on a loan from 20 years ago, and was pressured to act quickly.

“Throughout the process of what really amounted to a few days, they collected the victim’s banking information, under the pretense of a settlement agreement,” Planos said.

Some of the emails included fake documents with legitimate-looking logos, and even a notary stamp, which made the scam appear convincing. The scammers also told the victim the $13,000 payment was actually a “good deal,” claiming the debt had since doubled.

The victim eventually became suspicious and researched the companies involved and discovering they didn’t have an address.

How to Avoid Similar Scams

The BBB advises anyone contacted by a debt collector to take these steps:

• Demand written documentation: Collectors must, by law, provide written proof of a debt within five days of first contacting you.
• Research the company: Verify the collector’s legitimacy through the BBB and state regulators.
• Never share banking information over the phone: Scammers often pressure victims to make quick payments.

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