Fake Hammond Legal Group Calls – Don’t Fall for Debt Scam

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Written by: Thomas Orsolya

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Aggressive scam calls have become a growing plague, with fraudsters constantly inventing new schemes to deceive victims. One tactic on the rise involves phony callers pretending to be from the “Hammond Legal Group” and claiming you owe money or they need estate information to trick people into paying imaginary debts. This article exposes the deceitful workings of the Hammond Legal Group scam call racket and equips you to shut down their extortion ploys.

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Overview of the Hammond Legal Group Scam Calls

This scam starts with phone calls stating they are from the “Hammond Legal Group” and are contacting you regarding unpaid debt obligations that must be resolved immediately to avoid potential legal action or estate matters that require you to provide sensitive personal information.

The criminals behind the scam are not actually associated with the real law firm Hammond Law Group based in Colorado. They are impersonating the name to lend credibility to their illegal debt collection ruse or attempts to steal personal information.

In reality, the fake Hammond Legal Group callers are phony debt collectors and identity thieves using intimidation and urgency tactics to trick recipients into complying with their demands. Their harassment aims to frighten people into paying fabricated debts or handing over sensitive info.

How the Fake Hammond Legal Group Calls Work

Here is how this fake Hammond Legal Group Calls scam unfolds in a series of steps:

Step 1: Victims Receive an Aggressive Call Supposedly From Hammond Legal Group

The scam begins with robocalls or live calls to consumers claiming to be from the “Hammond Legal Group” regarding alleged unpaid debts or estate matters. The calls include stern warnings about immediate legal action if issues are not resolved.

Step 2: Call Warning of Legal Action if Debts are Not Paid

The threatening call warns recipients they face consequences like wage garnishment, property seizure or impacts to a deceased relative’s estate if the supposed debts remain unpaid or information is not provided. They insist victims call a number back urgently.

Step 3: Call Recipients Return the Call to the Scammers

Alarmed individuals return calls to the number left by the criminals posing as Hammond Legal Group. This gives the fraudsters direct phone access to targets.

Step 4: Fake Collectors Demand Payment on Fictitious Debts

The scammers answer victims’ calls acting as aggressive debt collectors, demanding payment on fabricated debts like unpaid credit cards, medical bills, taxes, loans or other urgent financial obligations. Debts are completely made up.

Step 5: Scammers Try to Get Sensitive Personal Information

For estate-related calls, scammers fish for personal details like full names, birth dates, Social Security numbers of the victim or deceased relatives, etc. under the guise of legal formalities.

Step 6: Continued Harassment & Intimidation

Fake Hammond Legal Group callers repeatedly harass and threaten victims with embarrassment, dire financial outcomes or legal consequences if payments aren’t made or information provided.

Step 7: Scammers Steal Money & Identity

At some point in the harassment campaign, desperate victims may make payments to the criminals on the imaginary debts or divulge personal information, allowing the scammers to steal funds or commit identity theft before disappearing.

This complex scam exploits lack of awareness about debt collection and estate administration processes to steal from average consumers through deception and intimation. Understanding their tricks is vital.

What to Do if You Get a Call from Hammond Legal Group

If you receive a suspicious call supposedly from Hammond Legal Group regarding unpaid debts or estate matters, exercise caution:

  1. Do NOT call back the number left by potential scammers in voicemails or texts.
  2. Look up contact info for the real Hammond Law Group independently and call to verify if they contacted you.
  3. Check your credit reports and accounts for any legitimate debts that could be in collections.
  4. Understand your debt collection rights under the FDCPA, TCPA and state laws.
  5. Request written validation of any debts before paying – avoid phone payments.
  6. Never give sensitive personal information to unverified callers.
  7. Report scam call campaigns to the FTC, FCC, state authorities, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Follow these tips to avoid falling prey to fake debt and estate collection calls falsely using respected law firm names.

Who is the Real Hammond Law Group?

Unlike the criminals impersonating them, the real Hammond Law Group is a legitimate law firm based in Colorado Springs, CO.

They focus on tax resolution, debt relief, personal injury and estate planning services. Their professional standards and collection procedures are very different from the harassing scam tactics of fake Hammond Legal Group callers.

The real Hammond Law Group only contacts consumers regarding verified legal matters, pursues resolutions through proper channels, and must follow fair debt collection regulations.

Warning Signs of a Fake Hammond Legal Group Call

Here are red flags that a supposed Hammond Legal Group caller is an illegal scammer:

  • Threats of immediate arrest, property seizure or other legal action if debts are not paid.
  • Refusal to provide documentation validating the alleged debt.
  • Asking for unusual payment methods like gift cards, Bitcoin, wire transfers.
  • Using an aggressive, abusive tone.
  • Calling repeatedly from different spoofed numbers.
  • Fishing for sensitive personal information about you or deceased relatives.
  • No record of the supposed debt they claim you owe.

Use extreme care any time these signs indicate an imposter scammer rather than real legal or debt professionals.

Examples of Fake Hammond Legal Group Call Scripts

Here are examples of dubious voicemails and call scripts reportedly used by criminals posing as Hammond Legal Group:

“This is Robert with Hammond Legal Group. We have been retained to collect the unpaid balance you owe our client. If this debt of $8,233 remains unpaid we will have no choice but to pursue asset seizure or garnishment of your wages. Call back today to finally resolve this issue.”

“Hello this is Hammond Legal Group calling in regards to the estate of a relative. We require additional personal information to proceed with settling their estate. Please return our call today and have their social security number along with your full name and birthdate ready to provide.”

As you can see, threats and urgently eliciting personal information are central tactics of these scam call scripts aimed at deceiving and frightening victims into compliance.

Debt Collection Laws & Consumer Protections

If targeted by an aggressive debt collector, know your rights under federal and state laws. Debt collectors cannot:

  • Make threats, use obscenity, or suggest illegal actions.
  • Call before 8 AM or after 9 PM.
  • Misrepresent debt amounts.
  • Contact you after written notice to cease communication.
  • Call your workplace after being told not to.
  • Deposit post-dated checks early.
  • Pretend to be an attorney if they are not one.

Debt collectors MUST:

  • Identify themselves and show the debt is valid if asked.
  • Provide written notice within 5 days validating the debt.

Understanding your protections under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Telephone Consumer Protection Act and state laws allows you to report scammers who violate the rules.

How to Spot and Stop Fake Debt & Estate Scam Calls

Here are effective ways to protect yourself against fraudulent callers falsely claiming affiliations with real legal groups and law firms:

  • Let unknown calls go to voicemail. Avoid answering numbers you don’t recognize.
  • Never call back questionable numbers left in voicemails. Independently look up company contact information.
  • Ask callers to provide your full name, last 4 of SSN or account numbers to validate they have your info.
  • Know the red flags like hostility, odd payment demands, refusal to verify debts, etc.
  • Demand everything in writing from any company pursuing payment or information.
  • Report scam calls to regulators like the FTC, Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, FCC.
  • Consult consumer protection attorneys on options like cease and desist orders to stop harassment.
  • Use call screening and blocking tools aggressively.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hammond Legal Group Scam Calls

1. I got a call from Hammond Legal Group about debt. Is it real?

Unlikely to be legitimate. The real Hammond Law Group only contacts clients with verified debts. Scammers spoof their name. Never call back suspicious voicemails. Independently verify the call via official Hammond Law Group contact information.

2. What are signs of the Hammond Legal Group scam calls?

Red flags include aggressive threats about legal action or asset seizure, refusing to provide written validation of debts, demanding unusual payments like gift cards/crypto, calling repeatedly, fishing for personal information, debts that can’t be verified, etc.

3. Can the fake Hammond Legal Group have me arrested or garnish wages?

No, the scammers have no authority to take legal action against you no matter how serious their threats may sound. All empty intimidation tactics used by the fraudsters.

4. Why do the scammers want gift cards or crypto payments?

Scammers request untraceable payment methods so they can quickly take victims’ money before the scam is detected. Never pay any company with gift cards, Bitcoin, wire transfers. Major red flag.

5. How can I confirm a call from Hammond Legal Group is real?

Independently look up contact info for Hammond Law Group online – don’t use phone numbers left in suspicious voicemails. Call them directly to verify any contact. Request written validation of alleged debts. Check credit reports and accounts for any legitimate collections items or debts.

6. Can I get in trouble for ignoring Hammond Legal Group calls?

No, you cannot get into legal trouble for ignoring likely scam calls. With a valid debt, real collectors must follow fair practices like providing written notification, not just harassing phone calls.

7. Where can I report fake Hammond Legal Group calls?

Report scam calls to the FTC, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, FCC, your state attorney general, and the real Hammond Law Group so they can take action against scammers unlawfully using their name.

8. If I already paid the scammers, can I get my money back?

If paid by credit card, request an immediate chargeback dispute. For wire transfers, contact your bank to potentially reverse it. Unfortunately gift cards or cash payments are usually impossible to recover. Give authorities any payment details to help bring the criminals to justice.

9. How can I get the calls from fake Hammond Legal Group to end?

Send a cease and desist letter demanding written verification of debts and stating continued calls without proof are illegal harassment. Report ongoing scam calls to regulators. Explore call blocking technology and consider changing phone numbers if needed. Never engage with suspected scammers.

10. What laws protect me from fake debt collectors calling?

Laws like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Telephone Consumer Protection Act prohibit the abusive tactics, threats, and harassment used by Hammond Legal Group imposters. Know your rights and report offenders to help crack down on these scams.

Don’t Become the Victim of Fake Legal & Debt Scams

In conclusion, threatened legal action or requests for sensitive personal information over the phone should be treated cautiously. Use the insights provided to recognize and report the scammers misrepresenting themselves as Hammond Legal Group. Never let someone bully or intimidate you into immediate payments or releasing private data.

Check credentials thoroughly, get written validation of any legitimate debts, and verify who you are actually speaking with before paying or providing info. With knowledge and vigilance, you can avoid being scammed by fraudsters posing as legitimate legal and debt collection firms.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

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    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

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    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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