Is Resolve First Financial a Scam?

1. Verify the Debt Immediately

Legitimate debt collectors are legally required to provide "validation" information within five days of first contacting you.

• Request Written Proof: Demand a written "validation notice" that includes the amount owed, the name of the original creditor, and instructions on how to dispute the debt.
• Check Your Credit Report: Use AnnualCreditReport.com to verify if the debt is actually listed on your official credit file.
• Contact the Original Creditor: Call the company you supposedly owe money to (e.g., a bank or service provider) using a verified number from their official website to see if they have sold your debt.

2. Identify Red Flags

If you experience any of the following, you are likely dealing with a scam:

• Upfront Fees: Legitimate debt relief companies cannot charge you before they have actually settled or reduced your debt.
• Robocalls and Vague Voicemails: Scammers often use automated messages that do not specify who they are looking for but demand a "time-sensitive" callback.
• Illegal Threats: Threatening arrest, garnishing wages without a court order, or calling your employer are violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

3. Protect Your Information

• Do Not Share SSNs: Never provide the last four digits of your Social Security number or bank details to an unsolicited caller.
• Stop the Calls: You can send a "Cease and Desist" letter via certified mail to legally stop a collector from contacting you, though this does not erase a legitimate debt.

4. Report the Activity

If you believe you've been targeted by a scam, file official reports to help authorities take action:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Submit a formal complaint on the CFPB website.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): Document the experience on the BBB Scam Tracker.