BBB Warns Consumers of Scam with Local Address

The BBB has been made aware of a business with a local PO Box that has been threatening consumers with jail time if they don’t fork over money.

Century Processing has been calling consumers across the country about debts that had been paid off years ago. They call from 816-812-0142 and claim to operate from PO Box 4201, Kansas City, MO. They claim that these debts are still outstanding and demand payment. The company then makes various threats about charges being brought against consumers, FBI involement, and placing warrants for their arrests. This type of threat violates the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The business hopes to bully and scare the consumer into making payments.

Consumers should be aware of their rights concerning debt collection practices.

-A consumer cannot be arrested for owing a debt.

-A debt collector cannot lie to the debtor for any reason. If they tell a consumer that he or she will be arrested, they are lying.

-A debt collector must validate the debt, in writing, if requested to do so.

If a business is unwilling follow these rules, they are in violation of federal law and the consumer should hang up the phone. If the consumer is still worried about owing a legitimate debt, he or she should contact the original creditor for more information.

BBB Warns Consumers of Scam with Local Address