Quick Answer: Visa Mastercard debt relief robocalls are scams that refuse to provide company names or legitimate websites when questioned. The callers claim government debt elimination programs but hang up when asked for basic verification details about their supposed services.
I got one of those hated robocalls. This one was from the Visa and Mastercard department, letting me know they could eliminate my debt under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
I thought I’d play along. Go on.
“You need to take advantage of this special limited offer for the government to eliminate your debt,” said the script reader.
Every weekday I read the enforcement actions, filings and fine print the outlets skip, and turn them into the one or two moves that actually improve your position — a rate worth moving for, a fee you can refuse, a deadline to beat before it costs you.
I write Your Money Actually most weekdays — actionable money information you will not find anywhere else, and the small decisions that compound. It is free, I sell nothing, and I take no money from any company I write about.
She asked if I had any questions. I did have a question, “What company are you calling from?” I asked.
The Daily Money Brief — Free, at 10 AM
Money you may be owed, scams to dodge, and the fine print decoded — the consumer money news that affects your wallet, every weekday.
“I’m with the Comprehensive Debt Relief company at Visa and Mastercard,” she said.
“That’s awesome. “What is your website,” I wanted to know.
The telemarketer had two responses to that question. One was to repeat the script and talk over me; the other was to give up and transfer the call to the company that would assist me.
Hopeful I would finally get some answers; I listened to an accent from India in my ear. When he asked me if I had any questions, I again asked for the name and website of the company trying to sell me the Visa and Mastercard debt relief program.
He got pissed.
“Why do you want to know that,” he said.
“Well, it should not be a tricky question. Afterall, you called me to tell me about your program. Can you please give me specifics about the program like who the service provider is?”
After I beat him at the long pause, he finally said, “Do you have something to write this website down?”
“I’m ready.”
“The website is O381LK…”
“That’s not a website address,” I said.
He hung up on me.
The Lesson
If you get a call from anyone trying to sell you debt relief, ask them for their website or contact information so you can check them out. Do not give out any personal information before doing your homework.
I recommend that anyone considering using such a company read the following free guides.
- The Ultimate Consumer Guide to Checking Out a Debt Relief Company Before You Sign On the Line
- 10 Must Do Steps to Find the Best Counseling or Settlement Company for You
- How to Check Out a Business or Company to Avoid Getting Scammed or Ripped Off
Dealing With Debt? Understanding your options is the first step. See how all your debt relief options compare — including ones most sites won’t tell you about. The Find Your Path quiz gives a recommendation based on your actual numbers, and the Scam-O-Meter checks any company’s complaint history before you sign. Federal Reserve research shows bankruptcy filers recover faster than those who don’t file.
Hang up the phone when you get one of those weird telephone calls. You control your telephone; those weirdos do not!
Yes, but it makes for some fun entertainment for me.