Know Your Rights: The Truth About Debt Collection Scams

Getting an unexpected call from someone demanding money can be frightening — especially when they claim you’ll be arrested if you don’t pay. But before you panic or hand over any money, it’s essential to understand your rights and how to spot a scam.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently took action against a company called Global Circulation, Inc. (GCI), which also operated under names like Consumer Impact Recovery and Total Mediation Solutions. According to the FTC, GCI tricked thousands of people into paying debts they didn’t owe — using illegal threats and deception to extract over $9.6 million from consumers.

Your Rights When Dealing With Debt Collectors

You Cannot Be Arrested for Owing Money

Despite what some fake debt collectors claim, you cannot be jailed for failing to pay a bill. Legal debt collection — like wage garnishment — requires a legal process. If someone threatens arrest, it’s a major red flag and could indicate a scam.

Always Ask for Validation Information

Before paying anything, you have the right to request validation information, including:

  • Name and mailing address of the debt collector
  • The name of the creditor
  • The amount of money owed, including interest, fees, payments, and credits
  • Your debt collection rights

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) & Other Helpful FAQs

The FDCPA makes it illegal for debt collectors to use abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices when they collect debts.

Click FTC Debt Collection FAQs for additional, helpful information about your rights.

Concerned About Abusive or Illegal Debt Collection Practices?

Debt can be difficult, but intimidation, deception, and illegal practices are never part of the legal process. By knowing your rights and staying alert, you can avoid falling for these high-pressure scams.

If you believe you’ve experienced unfair, abusive, deceptive, or otherwise illegal debt collection practices, reach out to Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. You can contact an attorney for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your legal options by sending us a message or emailing us at [email protected].

 

About Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors.

Our firm litigates securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.

Kehoe Law Firm’s class action legal services are provided on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients are not responsible for any fees or litigation expenses.

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ADDRESS

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
2001 Market Street
Suite 2500
Philadelphia, PA 19103

PHONE

Tel: 215-792-6676

EMAIL

[email protected]

Civitas Resources – Class Action Filed on Behalf of CIVI Investors

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is investigating potential securities fraud claims on behalf of investors of Civitas Resources, Inc. (“Civitas” or the “Company”) (NYSE: CIVI).

On May 2, 2025, a class action complaint for violations of federal securities laws was filed against Civitas Resources in United States District Court, District of New Jersey, on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Civitas securities between February 27, 2024 and February 24, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”).

According to the complaint, throughout the Class Period, the Civitas Defendants allegedly made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that Civitas was 1) highly likely to significantly reduce its oil production in 2025 as a result of, among other things, declines following the production peak at the DJ Basin in the fourth quarter of 2024 and a low TIL count at the end of 2024; 2) increasing its oil production would require the Company to acquire additional acreage and development locations, thereby incurring significant debt and causing the Company to sell corporate assets to offset its acquisition costs; and 3) Civitas’s financial condition would require it to implement disruptive costreduction measures including a significant workforce reduction.

To review a copy of the complaint, please click Civitas Class Action Complaint.

Civitas Investors May Have Legal Claims

Investors who acquired Civitas securities during the Class Period are encouraged to complete Kehoe Law Firm’s Stockholder Information Request Form or send us a message to contact an attorney for a free, no-obligation evaluation of potential legal claims.

Civitas investors can also contact Michael Yarnoff, Esq.(215) 792-6676, Ext. 804[email protected][email protected].

About Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors.

Our firm litigates securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.

Kehoe Law Firm’s class action legal services are provided on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients are not responsible for any fees or litigation expenses.

SEND US A MESSAGE

Contact Us

ADDRESS

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
2001 Market Street
Suite 2500
Philadelphia, PA 19103

PHONE

Tel: 215-792-6676

EMAIL

[email protected]

Open Lending Corporation – Class Action Filed on Behalf of LPRO Investors

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is investigating potential securities fraud claims on behalf of investors of Open Lending Corporation (“Open Lending”) (NASDAQ: LPRO).

On May 1, 2025, a class action complaint for violations of federal securities laws was filed against Open Lending in United States District Court, Western District of Texas, Austin Division, on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Open Lending securities between February 24, 2022 and March 31, 2025, inclusive (the “Class Period”).

According to the complaint, throughout the Class Period, the Open Lending Defendants allegedly (1) misrepresented the capabilities of the Open Lending’s risk-based pricing models; (2) issued materially misleading statements regarding Open Lending’s profit share revenue; (3) failed to disclose its 2021 and 2022 vintage loans had become worth significantly less than their corresponding outstanding loan balances; and (4) misrepresented the underperformance of Open Lending’s 2023 and 2024 vintage loans.

To review a copy of the complaint, please click Open Lending Class Action Complaint.

Open Lending Investors May Have Legal Claims

Investors who acquired Open Lending securities during the Class Period are encouraged to complete Kehoe Law Firm’s Stockholder Information Request Form or send us a message to contact an attorney for a free, no-obligation evaluation of potential legal claims.

Open Lending investors can also contact Michael Yarnoff, Esq.(215) 792-6676, Ext. 804[email protected][email protected].

About Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors.

Our firm litigates securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.

Kehoe Law Firm’s class action legal services are provided on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients are not responsible for any fees or litigation expenses.

SEND US A MESSAGE

Contact Us

ADDRESS

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
2001 Market Street
Suite 2500
Philadelphia, PA 19103

PHONE

Tel: 215-792-6676

EMAIL

[email protected]

Restaurant Brands International Faces Class Action for Alleged Privacy Violations

On April 25, 2025, a class action complaint was filed against Restaurant Brands International, Inc. and Restaurant Brands International US Services (collectively, “Restaurant Brands”) in United States District Court, Northern District of California (Case No. 3:25-cv-03647-JCS).

The class action lawsuit claims that Restaurant Brands misled users of their website, www.bk.com, by falsely promising the ability to opt out of cookies and tracking technologies. Despite users opting out, third-party cookies were allegedly placed on their devices, enabling unauthorized tracking and data collection. ​

According to the complaint:

Even after users elect to manage their ‘Cookie Settings’ and opt out of the sale/sharing of their personal information and all cookies that were not strictly necessary, Defendants surreptitiously causes several third parties – including Google LLC (DoubleClick and Google Analytics), Meta Platforms, Inc. (Facebook), Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft Clarity), Snap Inc. (SnapChat), The Trade Desk, Inc., and AdTheorent, Inc. . . . to place and/or transmit cookies that track users’ website browsing activities and eavesdrop on users’ private communications on the [w]ebsite.

The complaint includes causes of action for invasion of privacy, wiretapping, common law fraud, and unjust enrichment. The plaintiff seeks damages, restitution, injunctive relief, and punitive damages for the alleged violations.

The Class is defined in the complaint as “[a]ll persons who browsed the [w]ebsite in the State of California after opting out of the sale/sharing of their personal information in the cookies consent preferences window.”

To read a copy of the complaint, click Restaurant Brands Class Action Complaint.

Questions About the Class Action?

If you have questions about the class action lawsuit against Restaurant Brands, please send us a message or send an email to [email protected]

About Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors.

Our firm litigates securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.

Kehoe Law Firm’s class action legal services are provided on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients are not responsible for any fees or litigation expenses.

SEND US A MESSAGE

Contact Us

ADDRESS

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
2001 Market Street
Suite 2500
Philadelphia, PA 19103

PHONE

Tel: 215-792-6676

EMAIL

[email protected]

Napco Stock – Class Action Filed on Behalf of NSSC Investors

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is investigating potential securities fraud claims on behalf of investors of Napco Security Technologies, Inc. (“Napco” or “Napco Security”) (NASDAQ:NSSC).

On April 25, 2025, a class action complaint alleging violations of federal securities laws was filed against Napco in United States District Court, Eastern District of New York (Case No. 1:25-cv-02308), on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Napco securities between February 5, 2024 and February 3, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”).

To review a copy of the complaint, please click Napco Securities Complaint.

Napco Investors May Have Legal Claims

Investors who acquired Napco securities during the Class Period are encouraged to complete Kehoe Law Firm’s Stockholder Information Request Form or send us a message to contact an attorney for a free, no-obligation evaluation of potential legal claims.

Napco investors can also contact Michael Yarnoff, Esq.(215) 792-6676, Ext. 804[email protected][email protected].

About Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action firm dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors.

Our firm litigates securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.

Kehoe Law Firm’s class action legal services are provided on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients are not responsible for any fees or litigation expenses.

SEND US A MESSAGE

Contact Us

ADDRESS

Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
2001 Market Street
Suite 2500
Philadelphia, PA 19103

PHONE

Tel: 215-792-6676

EMAIL

[email protected]