Debt collection scam on DPD radar

A widespread phone scam has made its way to Demopolis according to police department Chief Tommie Reese.

Victims of the scam report receiving phone calls from individuals trying to collect on loans the consumers either never received or in amounts they did not owe.

Often as part of the charade, the scammer informs the potential victim that there would be a warrant issued for their arrest if the loan amount is not paid.

Reese said he and his department are working to inform the public about the scam. As with all potential scams, Reese encourages citizens to be careful with personal information such as Social Security numbers, birth dates and banking information.

The Federal Trade Commission has a section of its website dedicated to informing individuals about potential scams. The FTC also provides tips for spotting potential scammers, noting that an individual may be running a scam if he or she is seeking payment on a debt for a loan you do not recognize, refuses to give a mailing address or phone number, asks for your person financial or other sensitive information or places high pressure to try to scare you into paying.

Those who believe they may have been contacted about the scam are encouraged to contact the Demopolis Police Department. For more information regarding potential scams, visit

A widespread phone scam has made its way to Demopolis according to police department Chief Tommie Reese.

Victims of the scam report receiving phone calls from individuals trying to collect on loans the consumers either never received or in amounts they did not owe.

Often as part of the charade, the scammer informs the potential victim that there would be a warrant issued for their arrest if the loan amount is not paid.

Reese said he and his department are working to inform the public about the scam. As with all potential scams, Reese encourages citizens to be careful with personal information such as Social Security numbers, birth dates and banking information.

The Federal Trade Commission has a section of its website dedicated to informing individuals about potential scams. The FTC also provides tips for spotting potential scammers, noting that an individual may be running a scam if he or she is seeking payment on a debt for a loan you do not recognize, refuses to give a mailing address or phone number, asks for your person financial or other sensitive information or places high pressure to try to scare you into paying.

Those who believe they may have been contacted about the scam are encouraged to contact the Demopolis Police Department. For more information regarding potential scams, visit http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0258-fake-debt-collectors.