Ripley County sheriff warns residents about possible debt collection scam

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

RIPLEY COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Ripley County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a possible debt collection scam reported Sept. 22.

According to the sheriff’s office, a resident received an unsolicited call from someone claiming to represent a collection agency. The caller allegedly threatened to file a claim with “the county” unless the resident began making payments.

Officials recommend asking callers for the collection agency’s name and mailing address, information about the original lender and details about the alleged loan, including its amount and date.

Anyone who cannot verify the information or does not recognize the loan should end the call and contact local law enforcement.

The sheriff’s office said lenders and debt collectors may pursue unpaid debts through civil court, but they cannot have someone arrested solely for failing to repay a loan.