Fake Debt Collection Company Gets in Trouble

Were you contacted by Blackstone Legal about paying a debt?

Blackstone Legal, owned by Ryan and Michell Evans, are in deep trouble with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) for coercing consumers to pay fake debts.

They lied to people, telling them if they did’t pay, they would be sued, face wage garnishment, and have their credit ruined.

Now Blackstone Legal and its associates are permanently banned from the debt collection business. In addition they face a judgment of $8,254,368, and they are required to turn over most of their assets. You can read more about this at https://tinyurl.com/49464pb3.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF A DEBT COLLECTOR CONTACTS YOU

1. Make sure the company is legitimate by doing a Google search with their name + lawsuit and their name + complaints.
   
2. Gather your documentation so you are ready to check the dates and balances.
   
3. Make sure the debt belongs to you. If you co-signed for a loan and the person didn’t pay, then unfortunately, that debt belongs to you, the co-signer. But if you don’t recognize it and think it isn’t yours, you have the right to have it verified.
   
4. Take immediate action! Don’t procrastinate or delay, because if you wait too long, you may lose certain legal rights or the situation could get even more complicated and difficult to fix. It will not go away if you ignore it, so make that phone call or send that letter NOW not later.
   
5. If needed, contact a professional for help. That might be an experienced, ethical credit repair business (I can provide recommendations) or a local consumer credit attorney.
   
   Remember, you have legal rights and recourses. But at the same time, if you owe a bill, then that bill must be paid. No one can purchase goods and services and then just not pay — that is the same as theft. If a hardship prevents you from being able to pay, contact the creditor immediately and ask for assistance with your situation. Most creditors will work with you to set up a do-able plan.