It begins with a phone call. The person on the other end says that you owe them money, sometimes hundreds or even thousands of dollars and threatens that you will be taken to court unless you pay immediately. You panic, wondering if this is real, but it’s 2025, and unfortunately for you, debt collector scams are more believable than ever, and thousands of people become victims every month.
As digital communication continues to expand, the methods used by fraudsters will, also. In 2025, debt collector scams have become more complicated, which has exacerbated consumers’ ability to identify the legitimate collections process from fraudsters. The Sunrise debt collector scam and the now-infamous Harris and Harris debt collector scam have shown how bogus agencies are using either open imitation of real companies, or creating their own way, to capitalize on unsuspecting and vulnerable people.
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) complaints about recovery of debt frauds increased substantially last year. In 2024 alone, there were over 70,000 consumers who reported having some form of suspicious contact from a debt collector, many of whom stated they were subjected to harassment, intimidation, or tricked into paying debts that were incorrect or non-existing.
If you have received aggressive phone calls, urgent voicemail messages, or confusing letters requesting money related to unpaid debts, know how to protect yourself.
What Is the Sunrise Debt Collector Scam?
Sunrise debt collection scams generally involve a scammer impersonating a made-up entity or misusing the agency’s name (like “Sunrise Credit Services”) to collect non-existent debts. People that report Sunrise Credit collection scams often mention the following:
· Aggressive phone calls demanding immediate payment.
· Threats to sue, or arrest them for not paying.
· Demanding unusual payment forms, such as, gift cards or prepaid debit cards.
· Refusal to provide verification of the debt or name of the company.
Sunrise Credit Services is a legitimate debt collector, but scammers create confusion by using or adopting similar names to coerce people into making quick payments.
What Is the Harris and Harris Debt Collector Scam?
The Harris and Harris debt collector scam consists of fraudsters impersonating Harris & Harris, Ltd. a legitimate debt collection agency based in Chicago. These fraudsters use fake caller IDs and email addresses to look like the real agency, causing victims to pay made up debts relating to:
· Medical bills
· Utilities
· Court fees
Victims typically only discover after money is sent to a scammer that Harris and Harris had never contacted them.
Common Signs of Debt Collector Scams
Fraudulent debt collector scams, including the Harris and Harris debt collector scam, usually feature similar red flags. Here are some common signs to look for:
1. They Demand Payment Without Any Verification
By law, legitimate debt collectors must provide a debt validation letter within five business days after initial contact. Scammers typically never offer this important notice.
2. They Refuse to Offer You Any of the Following
Scammers usually cannot, or will not, tell you:
· Who the original creditor was.
· How much you owe.
· What fees and interest are included in the total and how it broke down.
3. They Use Threats or Intimidation
Fake collectors commonly:
· Threaten Arrest, jail or lawsuits.
· Claim to be law enforcement agents or government agents.
· Excessive calling and spoofing of numbers to make it look like they are local.
4. They Ask for Unusual Payment Methods
Legitimate agencies will receive safe payments from bank transfers, checks or online payment portals. They do not typically want payment in the form of:
· Gift cards
· Cryptocurrency
· Prepaid debit cards
· Cash apps
5. They Pressure You to Take Action Immediately
You always need to worry about the phrase ” you’ll have to pay today or face legal action” because this is a common scam tactic.
How to Protect Yourself from Debt Recovery Scams?
1. Request a Debt Validation Letter
Legitimate collectors must send you a written notice that contains:
· The amount owed.
· The name of the original creditor.
· The right to object to the debt within 30 days.
If they refuse, it’s probably a scam.
2. Check the Agency
Search on the internet for the official website or contact information for the company. You might:
· Look at their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating.
· Verify with your original creditor.
· Search for them on the Consumer Complaint Database.
3. Never Give Personal Information
Don’t give out your:
· Social Security number
· Bank account information
· Drivers’ license
· Date of birth
Unless you have verified the caller is legitimate.
4. Report the Scam
If you think it is a fraud report it to:
· Federal Trade Commission (FTC): reportfraud.ftc.gov
· The office of your State Attorney General
5. Watch Your Credit Reports
Scammers are often preying on consumers whose data has been leaked or sold. Review your reports frequently using AnnualCreditReport.com because they are currently allowing free access on a weekly basis.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed?
If you have fallen victim to a debt collector scam, don’t panic, but act quickly:
· Collect everything: Print emails, save voicemails, text messages, and receipts if any.
· Dispute false charges: Contact your bank, or credit card company
· If you shared sensitive information or wired money, you may file a police report.
· Freeze your credit to stop any additional use of your money.
Final Thoughts
Debt is stressful enough without scams. Whether it is the Sunrise debt collector scam, the Harris and Harris debt collector scam, or similar type of scam, know that awareness is the first line of defense. Always check who you are speaking to, do not give into threats, and do not forget you have rights under federal law.
Scammers are counting on your fear and confusion. By knowing the facts, understanding who you are speaking to, asking the right questions, and reporting suspicious activity, you can protect yourself and hopefully other people who may become the next persons targeted by debt recovery scams.
Always trust your gut, if it feels like something is wrong, pause and ask. Don’t let urgency sway your path. If you ever feel in doubt, remember your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and don’t hesitate to make a report to the FTC, CFPB, or your state attorney general. Scammers may change their tactics, but your ability to combat them can too!
