AG warns of debt collection scam

PIERRE (AP) - South Dakota's attorney general is warning residents about a scam in which debt collectors are impersonating law enforcement officers to collect money.

Attorney General Marty Jackley says the scam artists often claim they are attempting to collect a debt related to a payday loan obtained over the Internet. The callers have most recently identified themselves as Criminal Investigations.

Jackley says many of the residents contacted have never taken out a payday loan, or theirs loan have been paid in full.

The fraudsters call the victim's home, cell phone, and place of employment.

Jackley says the callers refuse to give any details of the alleged loans and become abusive when questioned. Callers have threatened legal actions, arrests and in some cases physical violence if they refuse to pay.

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