Mrs.Manuel

There are many debt collection agencies who can scam you. The next time when the collection agency contacts you, ask them to validate the debt. You can even send them a debt validation letter for the same. Unless they validate the debt, don't pay them anything. In case, they are unable to validate the debt, you won't be liable to pay them anything and you can send them a cease and desist letter and ask them to stop calling you.

A 3rd party collector is bound by federal laws (FDCPA) to send the debtor a dunning letter (letter of collection) through the mail within 5 days of their first initial contact. At the time any collector calls, you should never admit to owing the debt, simply tell them you will not discuss financial matters over the phone, and also tell them you are timing them for the dunning letter in case you need to file a complaint with the FTC. And PLEASE follow through with the complaint. Once you receive the dunning letter you will then have the option to send an official request for them to validate the debt, any debt validation letter should be sent within 30 days of receipt, certified.