Overseas debt collectors may relentlessly call a victim’s home, cell phone, and place of employment in attempts to obtain payment.

Most payday loan companies that solicit over the internet are based overseas. Because they are not in the United States, it is not possible to sue them for violating the FDCPA. Without fear of litigation, these debt collectors threaten criminal prosecution and other intimidating consequences for not paying the loan. They threaten things that will not and cannot happen. It is not a crime to not pay a payday loan.

Involvement with these shady debt collectors can spawn more contact from criminals. Numerous reported instances of scam artists calling from unknown locations have been reported to HELPS. The callers like to impersonate attorneys, law enforcement personnel, courts, and other government employees in an attempt to collect on old payday loans. The FBI has a press release on this topic. Unfortunately, these criminals are likely beyond the reach of the law.

Ulitmately, the best course of action with overseas debt collectors is to not engage with them. Don't answer their calls. Block their numbers. Referring them to HELPS does not usually work because they don't care about the law. All they care about is scaring you enough to get you to pay. We are always happy to talk to you about your worries, but we cannot force anyone in a different country to follow U.S. law.

If you have given them a check number for your bank account we advise you to either change bank accounts or to make very sure that you have a stop payment put into place with your bank. Overseas debt collectors will do everything they can to skirt the rules.

Learn More About Other Issues and What HELPS Can Do For You.