Phony collection agencies are trying to extort money from unsuspecting, innocent citizens. These scam artists will claim you owe money from an upaid bill years ago, and they say your name has been turned over to them. Because collection agencies are so aggressive normally, people believe they must owe the money and they pay it. They are being called “credit kidnappers,” and they’re spreading like wildfire. They even send you a letter saying you need to pay the money within five days. You should send the letter back immediately via certified mail and tell them it’s not you and you do not owe the money. You have to send this letter because a debt is considered valid (even if it’s phony) if you don’t respond and tell the company otherwise within 30 days. It’s ridiculous, we know. But you will be responsible if you don’t respond. The state of Michigan has been going after these rogue companies in hot pursuit. Let’s hope other states catch on and start protecting their citizens.