If your phone rings with threats of lawsuits or arrest over mystery debts supposedly owed to the “JM Legal Team”, exercise extreme caution. Scam callers are on the prowl pretending to be aggressive attorneys chasing fake debts in order to bully and trick victims into paying up.
This article exposes the inner workings of the “JM Legal Team” scam call operation plaguing consumers, equipping you with information on how to crush their intimidation racket and protect your money.
Overview of the JM Legal Team Scam Calls
This scam begins with prerecorded or live calls stating they are from the JM Legal Team and that you have unpaid debts in collections which must be resolved immediately to avoid potential legal action. The calls also often leave frightening voicemail messages urging you to call back regarding “important legal matters”.
While there is a real law firm named Jones, Moore & Associates Trade Name JM Legal in Texas, these calls do NOT originate from the actual company. Scammers are impersonating the name to lend credibility to their illegal debt collection ruse.
The criminals behind the JM Legal Team scam calls are phony debt collectors attempting to con targets into paying off completely fabricated debts, or in some cases real debts that they have no legal authority to collect on. Their phone harassment and intimidation tactics are aimed at tricking fearful recipients into complying.
How the JM Legal Team Scam Phone Calls Work
The fraudsters carry out this deceitful scam in a number of steps:
Step 1: Victims Receive a Call Supposedly From JM Legal Team
The scam starts with aggressive calls, often using robocalling technology to reach a vast number of potential victims efficiently. The pre-recorded voice claims to be from the “JM Legal Team” and states they are contacting the person due to unpaid debt obligations.
Step 2: The Call Warning of Legal Action and Demands Payment
The threatening call goes on to warn the recipient that they are facing various legal actions like wage garnishment or property seizure if the debts in question remain unpaid. They instruct the victim to phone back immediately to settle the debts and avoid these fictitious consequences.
Step 3: Victims Call Back the Scammers
Alarmed recipients will return the call to the number left on voicemail by the criminals posing as JM Legal Team debt collectors. This gives the scammers direct phone access to the victims.
Step 4: Fake Collectors Demand Payment for Made-Up Debts
The fraudsters answer the victim’s call acting as aggressive debt collectors, often yelling and berating the victim over supposedly unpaid credit cards, medical bills, student loans or other debts. The debts are completely fabricated or misrepresented to extract as much money as possible.
Step 5: Continued Harassment and Intimidation
The fake debt collectors repeatedly call victims while demanding they pay using difficult-to-reverse methods like gift cards, cash transfers, cryptocurrency, etc. The criminals apply intense pressure and false threats of lawsuits, embarrassment or arrest if victims do not comply and make payments.
Step 6: Stealing the Victim’s Money
At some point in the harassment campaign, the scammers coerce the targets into relenting and making payments on the imaginary debts. The criminals then quickly steal the money through gift card redemption, bank account access or other methods, disappearing without a trace.
This complex telephonic extortion scam preys on financial fears to steal thousands from everyday consumers. Awareness of their tricks is vital.
What to Do if You Get a Call from JM Legal Team
If you receive a suspicious call or voicemail supposedly from JM Legal Team about unpaid debts, there are steps you should take:
- Do not call the number back or engage with the potential scammers who left the message.
- Look up contact info for the real JM Legal Team law firm and call to verify if they contacted you.
- Check your credit reports for any legitimate debts that could be in collections.
- Understand your debt collection rights under the FDCPA and state law.
- Call the original creditor listed on your report to check if the debt is valid.
- Report fake, harassing and abusive callers to the FTC, state authorities and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
- Never pay debts to unverified callers – demand written proof first.
Follow these guidelines to avoid falling prey to fake debt collection calls impersonating real legal teams and firms.
Warning Signs of the JM Legal Team Scam
Here are red flags that a supposed JM Legal Team caller is an imposter scammer:
- Threats of immediate legal action like arrest or property seizure if you don’t pay
- Refusal to provide documentation validating the alleged debt
- Pressuring for payment methods like retail gift cards, Bitcoin, cash apps
- Harassing calls continue after requesting no further contact
- Caller becomes hostile and abusive if you ask questions
- You cannot find any record of the supposed debt they claim you owe
Use caution if you detect any of these signs a caller is likely a fraudster trying to swindle and intimidate you.
Examples of JM Legal Team Scam Call Scripts
Here are some examples of the dubious voicemail messages and call scripts scammers have been reported using while posing as JM Legal Team debt collectors:
“This is Lisa calling from JM Legal Team regarding your debt obligation. We have made numerous attempts to reach you regarding this time sensitive matter which has now been escalated for legal action. Call us at [scam phone number] immediately or face court proceedings.”
“JM Legal Team calling. We have been retained to collect the unpaid balance you owe our client. If this debt remains unpaid we will be forced to pursue asset seizure or garnishment of your wages. Call back today to finally resolve this issue.”
“This is your final notice from JM Legal Team that you have an outstanding debt of $2,355 that must be paid today to avoid us beginning the process to serve you papers over this legal matter.”
As you can see, threats and urgency tactics are central to these scam call scripts aiming to overcome logic and compliance.
Debt Collection Laws & Consumer Rights
If you are targeted by an aggressive debt collector, be aware of your rights under federal and state laws. Debt collectors are prohibited from:
- Using violence, profanity or making threats of illegal action
- Calling before 8 AM or after 9 PM
- Misrepresenting the amount or status of a debt
- Depositing post-dated checks early
- Contacting you after receiving written notice to cease communication
- Calling your workplace after being told not to
- Pretending to be an attorney if they are not one
Also know that debt collectors must:
- Identify themselves and show the debt is valid if asked
- Provide written notice of the debt within 5 days of first contact
These laws like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Telephone Consumer Protection Act allow you to report violators who harass, abuse, or scam.
How to Spot and Stop Fake Debt Collection Calls
Here are some smart ways to protect yourself against scams impersonating real companies and legal teams like JM:
- Let unknown calls go to voicemail and carefully screen them later. Avoid answering.
- Never call back numbers left on suspicious voicemails. Look up the company’s real published contact info.
- Ask callers to verify the last 4 digits of your SSN or other account identifiers to confirm if they have your info.
- Know the red flags like aggression, threats, odd payment demands, refusal to validate debt, etc.
- Get EVERYTHING in writing from collectors before paying a penny.
- Report scam calls to relevant regulators like the FTC, CFPB, FCC, and local authorities.
- Consult consumer protection attorneys on options like cease and desist orders for harassers.
- Use call screening/blocking technology and apps to stop repeat scam callers.
Protect Yourself from Fake Debt & Legal Scams
In conclusion, threats and harassment from debt collectors are unacceptable – and in the case of JM Legal Team imposters, completely illegal. Use these insights to recognize and report the scammers. Understand your rights to not be intimidated or bullied.
Don’t fall for the tricks of fraudsters impersonating real legal teams and debt collectors. Check everything thoroughly, get written validation of any legitimate debts, and confirm who you are really speaking with before paying or providing sensitive information. With awareness, you can keep yourself protected.
Frequently Asked Questions about JM Legal Team Scam Calls
1. I got a call from JM Legal Team about debt I don’t recognize. Is it real?
Likely not. The real JM Legal Team only contacts consumers about verified debts. Scammers spoof the name. Never call back numbers left on suspicious voicemails. Look up official contact info for JM Legal Team to call and verify if they actually tried to reach you.
2. What are some signs of the JM Legal Team scam calls?
Red flags include aggressive threats of legal action or arrest, refusal to provide written validation of the debt, asking for unusual payment methods like gift cards or cash transfers, calling repeatedly from different numbers, etc.
3. Can JM Legal Team actually have me arrested or garnish my wages?
No, the scammers posing as JM Legal Team have no power to take legal action against you, garnish wages, or have you arrested, no matter how serious the threats sound. All empty intimidation tactics.
4. Why do the scammers ask for gift cards or crypto?
Scammers ask for untraceable payment like gift cards so they can quickly take the money before victims realize it’s a scam. Never pay any company demanding these types of payment.
5. How can I verify a call from JM Legal Team is legitimate?
Look up contact info for JM Legal Team independently online and call them directly, not numbers left on voicemails. Ask for written debt validation. Check credit reports for collection accounts and contact original creditors to verify alleged debts.
6. Can I get in trouble for ignoring JM Legal Team calls?
No, you cannot get into legal trouble for ignoring scam calls. If it is the real company pursuing a valid debt, they must follow lawful debt collection practices and provide written notices – not just harassing calls.
7. Where can I report fake JM Legal Team calls?
Report scam calls to the FTC, CFPB, your state attorney general’s office, and the real JM Legal Team so they can take action against scammers misusing their name.
8. If I paid the scammers already, can I get my money back?
If you paid by credit card, file a chargeback dispute immediately. If bank wire transfer, contact the bank to try reversing it. Unfortunately gift cards or other cash payments are usually impossible to recover. Act fast giving payment details to authorities to potentially track the scammers.
9. How can I make the calls from JM Legal Team stop?
Request written validation of the debt and send a cease and desist letter. Report continued calls from likely scammers to regulators. Look into call blocking technology or changing phone numbers if needed. Never engage with harassing callers.
10. Are there laws to stop fake debt collectors from calling me?
Yes, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Telephone Consumer Protection Act make the illegal harassment and threats from “JM Legal Team” scammers punishable by fines or other penalties. Know your rights and report violators.
