Q. I received a voicemail yesterday stating that a motion was being filed to suspend all bank accounts bearing your name and social security number. The message said that to avoid further proceedings I had to call a number and arrange to make immediate payment by a bank account debit.
A. This is a scam. Debt collectors do not have the power to suspend bank accounts or your social security number. Legitimate debt collectors do not demand immediate payment to avoid "proceedings." Report the contact to law enforcement -- Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and state Attorney General.