THE SANTA CRUZ DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE IS RECEIVING REPORTS FROM COUNTY RESIDENTS DETAILING HARASSING PHONE CALLS BY AGGRESSIVE DEBT COLLECTORS. SOME COLLECTORS ARE THREATENING ARREST OR JAIL TIME IF THE DEMANDED AMOUNT IS NOT PAID IMMEDIATELY. THE CALLERS ARE ALSO ASKING FOR PERSONAL INFORMATION SUCH AS SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS AND BANKING ACCOUNT NUMBERS. THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S CONSUMER AFFAIRS UNIT ADVISES ALL RESIDENTS TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY A DEBT BEFORE PAYING IT, EDUCATE THEMSELVES ON LEGAL DEBT COLLECTION TACTICS, AND NEVER PAY A DEBT OVER THE PHONE.
