Fake Debt Collectors Raid Woman's Bank Account

News 5 reported last Wednesday on the fake debt collectors. The Better Business Bureau has received a number of calls from people being harassed and threatened over the phone.

It is believed that the people making the calls bought a list of old debts, which may contain personal information such as social security numbers and bank account numbers. It is not unusual for the information to also contain relatives's names and telephone numbers. They've called several people at their jobs.

Erica Jackson is the first person we've heard of who had money electronically lifted from her account. She said when she was called by the scam artists a week before, she verified the information they had, that included her account number. A week later the money was missing. She called the Better Business Bureau and found out she'd become a victim.

Jackson will get her money back, according to USA Federal Credit Union, her bank. Betty Gorham says they receive thousands of electronic debit transactions a week. She says if you believe someone has gotten access to your banking information, close the account and open a new one. As much of a pain as it is, its the best way to protect yourself.

Tina Waller of the Better Business Bureau says if you receive a call from someone trying to collect a debt that you don't believe you owe, they must verify it to you in writing.