It’s tough enough to deal with harassment from debt collection agencies without other bad actors trying to scam consumers. So what happens when a questionable agency tries to collect on a debt they claim you own? 

Learn what steps you should take to safeguard your finances from scammers and how the debt collection attorneys at Mike Agruss Law can help you take legal action to hold them accountable.

What Is McKarous Group?

McKarous Group is a Nevada-based limited liability company formed in January 2022. The company reportedly calls consumers to collect on non-existent debts without offering proof of account or their identity. McKarous Group does not have a website where consumers can learn more about the organization and its services.

Is McKarous Group a Legitimate Debt Collection Agency?

All signs point to the likelihood that McKarous Group is a scheme to collect phantom debts from unsuspecting consumers. Phantom debt is an account that has either expired or never existed. Trying to collect on a phantom debt is illegal, whether the account exists and its statute of limitations has expired or the debt is made up. 

What Are Consumers Saying About McKarous Group?

McKarous Group does not have a profile with the Better Business Bureau. The company’s listed address coincides with a company called United States Corporation Agents, an entity under the Commercial Registered Agent category on the opencorporates website corporation database. 

Although McKarous Group doesn’t have a BBB presence, consumers share complaints regarding the entity on several other platforms. One consumer wonders whether McKarous even exists and states that he was asked for money without proof of a debt.

A comment made by a consumer on the Nevada Consumer Affairs Facebook page on February 18, 2022, asks the Nevada authorities to investigate McKarous. The user claims this entity is calling consumers and harassing them and their relatives with pending litigation claims.

What Are the Signs of a Debt Collection Scam?

Detecting a debt collection scam can save you the pain of being swindled out of your hard-earned money. Common signs of a debt collection scam include:

• Threats of arrest, a practice that even licensed collections agencies are barred from using
• Being contacted about debts, you have no knowledge of
• Making demands of immediate payment
• Offering difficult to trace unconventional payment methods (Wire transfer, gift cards, prepaid debit card payment)

What Should You Do if You Suspect a Debt Collection Scheme?

If you receive a call from someone you believe might be a debt collection scammer, you can take action to protect yourself from potentially costly consequences. Start by searching online for the telephone number that the caller is using. If they call from a private number, this should sound alarm bells regarding the person on the line.

If you are unsure whether the person on the other end of the line is a scammer t, ask for a validation letter that confirms your debt. According to the Federal Debt Collection Practices Act, agencies must provide consumers with this written debt record.

Next, you can check your credit report for the account the caller is referencing. You can challenge the debt if you cannot find the item on your report.

Asking the caller for the original creditor will allow you to contact the debt holder so you can obtain confirmation. However, if the caller refuses to give you the creditor’s name or contact information, there is a high probability that you are speaking with a scammer.

After confirming that the person calling you is not from a legitimate debt collection agency, contacting law enforcement will ensure the authorities investigate the incident. You can also file a complaint with your state’s attorney general. Do not engage in conversation with the caller and refrain from sharing any information by answering questions or sharing credit card information.

Protect Yourself From Debt Collection Scams

If you’ve fallen victim to illegal practices by McKarous or been harassed by someone you believe to be a scammer or aggressive debt collector, a consumer protection attorney can protect your rights.

The attorneys at Mike Agruss Law can assist those who don’t have the legal expertise to fight for their consumer rights. Whether you are the victim of identity theft, unfair billing practices, or have sent money to scammers for a debt you do not own, our legal team can take the proper steps against those violating state or federal laws. 

Contact our law firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and take action against fraudulent parties.