a man name Philip Thomas called me from Monroe and Foster being very aggressive and saying that I had until 12:00 tonight to pay them $696 ...

Question

a man name Philip Thomas called me from Monroe and Foster being very aggressive and saying that I had until 12:00 tonight to pay them $696 for a past due acct from 7-8 years ago. "If I didn't pay by midnight there would be a warrant issued for my arrest and I would be prosecuted for felony theft. And at my age could ruin my life." I was scared and didn't want to go to jail so I paid it. Now after doing research I am pretty sure it's a scam. I called my bank and cancelled my card and they said I have to open an investigation. What are the chances of me getting my money back? What do I do next?

Answer

I am sorry that you were subjected to such scare tactics and even sorrier that you believed the caller. For future reference, bill collectors are prohibited from using these tactics, or threatening a debtor with arrest or jail. Nobody can be arrested for a debt, and neither can they go to jail for a debt.

Nobody can give you odds on whether or not you will get your money back because you do not state how long ago this happened. You will have to call your credit card company and report this to the "Fraud Unit", not to dispute the debt.

You should also try to find out in what State the law firm is located, then report them to their State Attorney Disciplinary Board because what they are doing is contrary to law.

Kindest regards,

ANDREA