Mailers from these shady companies are often deceptive and violate your rights in terms of what they promise and how they try and get you to sign on for their services. Take a look at these debt relief scam mailer samples.
Ohio Debt Relief Scam Mailer Example
When you are in serious debt and are wondering how you are going to pay your bills, a letter from (in this case) the Ohio Assistance Center may seem like the help you’ve been needing. However, a quick Google search will reveal no business named Ohio Assistance Center exists. It is not a business listed with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office. And it is not a governmental agency or non-profit public organization that legitimately provides help.
Doing business under a fake name is not always illegal, but this isn’t the only problem.
Beware of Deceptive and Misleading IRS Names
According to this fraudulent mailer, there is a Form “DOT-4681” that mentions a Department of Treasury Publication 4681. Although the IRS does have a Publication 4681, there is no official, legal form DOT-4681 – this is deceptive and misleading. The mailer is also deceptive in that it tends to lead you to think that you are eligible for some governmentally-approved program to reduce your debt, when there is no such program. It implies that the IRS has just now started permitting people to avoid paying tax on debt that is deemed uncollectible or is written-off by creditors, when this has been IRS policy for some time.
Next, it mentions the person’s “tri-bureau credit reports” – meaning the three free credit reports you are allowed to get each year from the three major credit bureaus. As Cleveland consumer law attorneys who regularly represent consumers and people who need help with their debts, this mention of the person’s credit reports is a tip-off that the victim’s credit information was obtained illegally.
The mailer is additionally deceptive because it strongly suggests that you only have a limited time to reduce your debt under the IRS guidelines, which isn’t true. Finally, the mailer tries to imply that by calling Ohio Assistance Center, you might get an immediate reduction of your bills by up to 60%, a reduction of your debt by up to 68% or more and elimination of your credit card debt in 24 months. All of these wild claims are deceptive, misleading, and likely not true.
Avoid Falling Victim to These Fraudulent Debt Relief Mailers
We regularly help people who have too much debt and no way to pay it. If you are in debt over your head, and are getting these types of mailers, call us immediately for a free, confidential consultation at (216) 586-6600. You can speak with one of our Cleveland consumer law attorneys. You owe it to yourself to find out the legal rights and options that you may have. Many times, just finding out the options that you have can give you some peace of mind.
Free Consult with Cleveland Consumer Law Attorneys at Cleveland Bankruptcy Attorneys.
