Does a debt collector know about my SSN?
Date: Wed, 12/14/2016 - 22:34
Got a call from a debt collector few days back. I asked him to tell the last 4 digit of my Social Security Number. Just wanted to see if he was a fake debt collector. The collector said that he can reveal my SSN. He doesn’t have that information. Really? Should I ask him to send a debt validation letter? Or, it isn’t required any more?
Yes, you should always ask
Yes, you should always ask for debt validation to be assured that the debt collector has been assigned to collect the debt or the collector has bought the debt. Only start negotiating after you're confirmed that you owe the debt and the SOL (Statute of Limitations) period hasn't been over yet.
See, a legitimate debt
See, a legitimate debt collector won't reveal your SSN. If he does, then he will be violating the FDCPA laws. A fake debt collector may try to reveal your SSN, especially if he has the last 4 digits of your SSN.
If you smell a rat, get help
If you smell a rat, get help from your state's attorney general office.
