Trade Commission Warns of Bad Debt Collectors

The Federal Trade Commission is warning about debt collectors who use abusive tactics to get consumers to pay debts they may not even owe.

The FTC has received more than 280,000 reports of bad behavior by collection agencies since 2014, making it one of the top complaints submitted to the government’s consumer watchdog. Federal law makes it illegal for debt collectors to "harass, oppress or abuse" consumers in the pursuit of payment.

The Better Business Bureau has posted an alert on its website about one Los Angeles collection agency, "The Lincoln Group."

For the FTC's tips on how to spot a bad debt collector, see its list here. You can also contact the agency by calling 877-FTC-HELP or visiting its website.

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