A major victory for consumers has come from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as it successfully halts a deceptive phantom debt collection scheme that has misled and exploited individuals across the country. The FTC’s legal action has led to a temporary restraining order issued by a federal court, stopping the illegal operations of the scam and freezing the assets of its operators.
This fraudulent scheme, which has operated under a variety of names such as Blackrock Services, Blackstone Legal Group, Capital Legal Services, Quest Legal Group, and Viking Legal Services, has allegedly caused millions of dollars in losses to consumers.
Phantom Debt Collection Scheme Deceives Consumers Nationwide
At the center of this case are Ryan and Mitchell Evans, along with their network of affiliated companies, who are accused of running a widespread phantom debt collection operation. According to the FTC’s lawsuit, the defendants’ employees and affiliates sent deceptive letters and made harassing phone calls to consumers, falsely claiming that they owed a debt
These fabricated debts were linked to payday loans or other sources, and the recipients were threatened with dire consequences if they didn’t pay. These threats included legal action, wage garnishment, and damage to their credit reports. In some extreme cases, consumers were even warned of potential arrest or seizure of their homes if they failed to settle these non-existent debts.
The letters sent to consumers often contained sensitive personal details, including the last four digits of their Social Security numbers, which were strategically included to make the notices appear more legitimate. This tactic preyed on consumers’ fears and concerns, leading them to believe the threats were real.
Threats and False Claims in Debt Collection Calls
The calls and letters employed by the defendants in this phantom debt collection scheme went further by falsely claiming that consumers had been defrauding financial institutions and could face severe consequences, such as being arrested at their workplace or having their homes repossessed. These deceptive tactics were part of a broader scheme that not only harassed consumers but also manipulated them into paying money to settle debts that never existed.
The fraudulent operation also went as far as impersonating legitimate law firms and government agencies, which is a direct violation of the FTC’s Rule on Impersonating Government and Businesses. This tactic gave the scammers additional credibility, which they exploited to create further confusion and anxiety among their victims.
Violation of Fair Debt Collection Practices
In addition to the false claims of debt and legal action, the FTC’s complaint alleges that the defendants routinely violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Among other violations, the defendants failed to properly identify themselves as debt collectors during their interactions with consumers, a clear violation of the law designed to protect individuals from deceptive collection practices.
The FTC’s complaint also pointed out that the operators behind the phantom debt collection scheme used various business names and websites to further their fraudulent activities. This deceptive practice led consumers to believe that they were engaging with legitimate entities, even though the companies had no real legal or financial standing.
FTC Lawsuit Seeks to Halt Illegal Activity and Provide Consumer Redress
As part of its lawsuit, the FTC is asking the court to immediately stop the unlawful activities of the defendants and provide restitution to the consumers who have been harmed by the scheme. The Commission filed the complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, with the Commission voting unanimously (4-0) to authorize the lawsuit.
The case represents a new effort by the FTC to protect consumers from the growing threat of phantom debt collection scams. The court’s temporary restraining order will prevent the operators from continuing to carry out their fraudulent activities while the case progresses.
A Step Toward Consumer Protection and Justice
The FTC’s action against the phantom debt collection scheme serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance when dealing with debt collectors. Consumers are urged to be cautious when receiving unsolicited communication about debt, especially if it involves aggressive tactics or threats of legal action.
The FTC’s lawsuit highlights the critical role of federal agencies in holding fraudsters accountable and providing relief to those affected by such illegal activities.
As the case moves forward, the court will decide whether permanent measures should be taken against the defendants, including penalties or other forms of restitution for the affected consumers. The FTC’s lawsuit and court action also underscore the importance of continuing to protect vulnerable individuals from deceptive schemes that threaten their financial well-being.
Consumers who believe they have been victims of phantom debt collection practices are encouraged to report the issue to the FTC.