Last month, the FPS Economy received 330 complaints about fake collection agencies. That is three times more than usual. These are scammers who let you know by telephone or e-mail that you still have an open account. Either you pay it immediately or your property is seized. Many people are so shocked that they pay quickly. And lost their money.
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The Economic Inspectorate of the FPS Economy has been inundated last month by reports of fraudulent collection agencies, says Chantal De Pauw of the FPS Economy.
Whether there is a link with the corona crisis and the fact that people have more time and may have suffered financially is a mystery.
“They contact you in the name of a non-existent debt collection agency or even use the name and logo of the National Chamber of Bailiffs. You get the message that you still have an outstanding debt that you urgently need to pay. You only have a few days to pay your alleged debt and they immediately threaten to seize your household effects, your home and your income. This is often accompanied by several phone calls or reminders by e-mail in a very short time. When you ask for more clarification about the outstanding debt, you only get a very vague answer. ”
Whoever pays has lost his money. Too many victims have already experienced this. The FPS Economy has therefore started the campaign ‘Don’t fall into the trap’ to point out the possible dangers to people.
Be careful
The Economic Inspectorate of the FPS Economy gives the following advice to who is contacted by a (false) collection agency:
* First check whether you know the company and whether you indeed have an unpaid debt with them and ask for additional information. For example, you can request the original invoice. If the debt collection agency cannot provide it, dispute the debt and ask not to contact you again.
* A collection agency must always be registered with the FPS Economy before they can carry out their activities. Check whether the collection agency is registered. Is this not the case? In that case, do not pay the bill, even if the collection agency threatens to impose high costs, bailiffs or other measures. Don’t let that pressure you.
* Never provide your personal details, such as a copy of your identity card or your personal bank details. Did you do that anyway? Request a new identity document from your municipality, if you have provided your identity card, or call Card Stop on 070 344 344, if you have provided your bank details. Also contact your bank.
* Know that an attachment can only be done through a bailiff and not through a collection agency. The seizure of furniture or goods is only possible after the official service of a writ of execution by the bailiff at your home. They are never sent by e-mail and must be signed off upon receipt.
Anyone who has been contacted or who has paid should file a complaint with the police.
“A fake collection agency trying to collect a fictitious debt can be punished with a prison sentence of one month to five years and a fine of 26 euros to 2,000 euros,” the federal police said.
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