I agree with Attorney Artim on this one. Real debt collectors will offer to settle debts for less than what is owed, but they don't offer to send people prepaid gift cards. Something is not right here.
Do you have caller ID? If so, write down the number and Google it. It may tell you who is calling and if they are legitimate or a scammer. If you don't have caller id, it depends on what kind of person that you are. I am not a fan of allowing clients to talk to debt collectors.
If you can do so, answer and get their name and address. Ask if they have sent you verification as they are required to do by federal law. If they have not, tell them to do so and hang up. If they get rude with you hang up. Don't admit that this is your debt or let them bully you.
You should not pay a penny to anyone until you receive verification that you owe a debt and that you are liable for it. Has this collection company sent you any correspondence at all? If and when you receive a collection letter, you need to see what it is for and if you are responsible.
If you are sued, immediately contact Attorney Artim as he handles litigation of this type or or another local attorney.
Federal and PA debt collection law provides that a creditor or debt collector cannot contact you once they know you are represented by an attorney. If you need help with the phone calls or the validation letter, I can assist with that for a reasonable fee. Please contact me at rachelforjustice@hotmail.com if interested.
