How can I tell if an email from a debt collector is a scam or legitimate?

desta: How can I tell if an email from a debt collector is a scam or legitimate?
It is the only contact I have received from them. My name is not on the email. The web address included to contact them is not accessible to me. When I tried it, the message read that I needed to try a different domain. I know I have no debts owed. I have not received any mail or telephone calls from debt collectors. Does this sound like a hoax, scam or legitimate email?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Gaytheist Buddha
It is a scam. Collectors go through USPS or phone you.

Answer by Judy
sure sounds like a scam

Answer by bdancer222
Treat this email the same way you treat all those winning lottery emails: Delete ’em unopened.

You will never find anything of any value in an unsolicited email from an unknown source. Just delete them all. If you open them, you send a message that the spammer has a live email addy and you’ll only get more spam.

Answer by Droga A
They emailed you? Sounds like a scam, debt collectors are slimeballs and would much rather get you on the phone and harass you about paying your debts. If they emailed people it would just end up in the spam folder. Just remember NEVER EVER give out your personal information through email. If it is a company that you do business with like Wachovia or Bank of America or any other company you trust Google their name and go their website that way. Never use a link in the email to give out your information. Good luck and protect yourself.

Answer by StephenWeinstein
It’s a scam. Actual collection agencies contact you by telephone or U.S. mail. Any e-mail from a collection agency that has not contacted you by any other means is a scam.

Answer by Brandon S
My first response would be that it is illegitimate. One way to be certain you have no outstanding debts, even from distant past you’ve maybe forgot about, is to get a detailed report on your credit. You can check our blog for a post about this topic.

Also, if they are a reputable collector, they’ll have a physical address, telephone number etc. They should also be registered, so you can compare them with a regulatory body.

The only reason I would think of that they would be getting in contact with you by email is if they have lost all other contact with you and have no other way of getting in touch with you. Again, this is usually only in the case of a stagnant debt from your past that you may have forgotten about.

Best of Luck,