Debt Resolution - Is this a scam?

[sashaglo]

They even had my SS# on the email:
My name is Veronica Price and I am a legal adviser with "Debt resolution department". This email is about the criminal law suit going to be filed against your name so it has nothing do with bankruptcy.

Please read the legal affidavit carefully before asking any questions to you or to us.

Legal Affidavit :

Our client is pressing charges against your name regarding three serious criminal allegations: count (1) Violation of federal banking regulations. count (2) Collateral check. fraud. count (3) Theft by deception.

Now, this means three things for you. If you are under any state probation or payroll I need you to inform your superior or manager what you have done in the past and what would be the consequences once the case has been downloaded and executed on your name.

This is to inform you that the creditors do have all the rights and authorities to inform your employer what you have done in the past and what will be the consequences once the case will be downloaded and executed against your name.

The entire cost for resolving this issue out of court will be $1125 but if you like to fight this case in court house then this law suit will cost you over $5894 which is including loan amount, attorney's fees, and the interest charges. You have the right to hire a criminal attorney. If you don't have one or if you can't afford then one will be appointed for you, but please make sure you have someone to take you out of jail when the judge hears the case.

Reply us back to this email to resolve this issue.

Best regards, Veronica Price – Debt Resolution Department.

[sashaglo]

From: "Veronica Price" < debtresolutiona14@live.com> Date: Aug 16, 2012 3:08 PM Subject: Debt Resolution

[mysteryquest]

Well its a scam. Obviously no real company or agency uses a free email address.

[cmstone]

I received the same email message on the same day you received yours. I too was wondering if this was a scam or not? I have not committed any crime and was very bothered by this email. Scary that they have my social security number?!!

[sashaglo]

This kind of email is very scary. Like you, I haven't committed any crimes. As a precaution, I changed all my passwords on my computer. Since they have my ss#, I don't know if they have the ability to hack into my computer. I didn't respond to the email and haven't received another one. Did you respond? Have you received another email from them?

[cppgenius]

sashaglo, a lawsuit normally has to be delivered to you in person by recognized officer of the court. Email is very unreliable so it is crazy to think a lawsuit delivered via e-mail will hold up in court, so this is the first thing that's out of place.

Secondly, this Veronica Price is from the "Debt resolution department". I mean she even places this name in quotes. What kind of law firm gives itself a generic name like "Debt resolution department"?

As mysteryquest pointed out, no law firm will use a free e-mail address.

Regarding your SS#, have you ever replied to a phishing scam (i.e. have your bank account been hacked for example). I've seen cases where people fell for a phishing scam, but luckily did not lose any money. But after the hack, they started receiving spam containing their full names, this information is not always readily available to spammers.

So if the phishing scammers can't get their hands on your money, they often take a sneak peak at your personal information before leaving your account. This information is very valuable, because now they can send you highly targeted and professional looking scam e-mails.

Finally, changing all your passwords is good, but you should also make sure you have some form of anti-virus and a good firewall on your computer. It may be some spyware leaking out sensitive information to the spammers.

[sashaglo]

Thanks for your advice. I have macafee virus protection (complete security suite)installed on my computer. I've never responded to a phishing scam and my bank accounts haven't been hacked. That's what makes this sort of email so unsettling. I wish I knew what other steps I can take to protect myself.

[Dodobird]

Originally Posted by sashaglo

I wish I knew what other steps I can take to protect myself.

Protecting yourself on the web can amount to a long list. Here's what I can add on to cppgenius' advice;

- don't publish your email address for others to find on the web
- don't publish any of your personal information on the web
- if you're on a social networking site (like Facebook), go over the security parameters of your account to make sure you don't allow strangers to see your information or photos
- never click on links from sites that you don't recognize, especially in emails from people you don't personally know

That the email was addressed personally to you means one of two things;

- you left enough information somewhere on the web and it was picked up by a robot
- or a company sold a list to your scammer/spammer

Simply ignore and delete the email. It deserves no more attention than that.

[Vsopbrandy]

I, too have recieved this type of email recently. But, I didn't have the money to pay the loan company back, and its been almost 2 years since I used them. I had to block my number because I was getting sooo many phone calls from various "payday loans". And, not to mention, from arabic indian accent people running scams on me, stating they're from that payday lender. I don't know what to do. I replied back to the address, awaiting to read what's next.

[Vsopbrandy]

It is a scam. When I responded back they told me that I had to pay $200 upfront & the rest in payment plans. They also said that they can only reach me thru email and can't call me. And they asked for my photo id. When I started to ask about my photo id & not calling me, they started to get mad. I've been asking if they were a scam, & I haven't heard back from them.