Attorney Michael A. Abelson urges consumers to be on the alert for scam artists who are posing as debt collectors.
Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) January 05, 2013
Attorney Michael A. Abelson today issued a warning to the public to be on the alert for scam artists posing as representatives of his law firm and possibly other law firms while attempting to collect fake debts from consumers.
Abelson, a nationally recognized personal injury attorney and founder of The Abelson Law Firm in Washington, D.C., said his law firm recently learned of the scam.
According to Abelson, his firm was contacted by consumers who said they had received phone calls from individuals claiming to be either “Steve Hart” or “Alvin Scott” from The Abelson Law Firm.
“We want the public to know that our law firm has no connection whatsoever with these individuals and that we believe our firm's name has been essentially stolen by these scammers to perpetuate their illegal scheme,” Abelson said.
Abelson said the scammers have attempted to force consumers to pay “outstanding loans” by wiring the funds to them through Western Union or Green Dot. In some cases, the scammers have used phony documentation, harassed consumers with repeated phone calls and threatened to have warrants issued for the consumer's arrest if payment is not made.
“The Abelson Law Firm asks any consumer contacted by individuals who fit this pattern or scheme to immediately report the matter to proper law enforcement authorities,” Abelson said. “Additionally, law firms should be on the alert for the use of their firm's name as well in this scheme.”
Abelson has an “AV” peer review rating in the distinguished Martindale-Hubbell® legal directory – the highest rating possible – and is a former recipient of the “Lawyer of the Year” award from the Trial Lawyers Association of Washington, D.C. He is a leading member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and a sustaining member of the American Association for Justice. He has practiced law for more than 35 years, focusing his practice on representing injury victims.
“Certainly, our firm is upset that our good name is being used by these scammers, but above all, we are concerned about the public and want them to be aware of this scam so they can protect themselves,” Abelson said.
Abelson said the scam appears to be similar to one reported on by ABC News in June 2012 in which consumers complained of being harassed by “phantom debt collectors” from India.
He also pointed consumers' attention to a Federal Trade Commission warning about a nearly identical “fake debt collectors” scam. Abelson urged consumers to follow the steps outlined by the FTC if they believe they are being targeted by fake debt collectors using The Abelson Law Firm's name:
1. Ask the caller for his name, company, street address, and telephone number.
2. Stop speaking with the caller.
3. Do not give the caller personal financial or other sensitive information.
4. Contact your creditor.
5. Report the call.
“Our firm takes this matter seriously, and we ask anyone targeted by these scam artists to take it seriously as well,” Abelson said.
About The Abelson Law Firm
The Abelson Law Firm, based in Washington, D.C., assists victims of serious personal injuries. The firm's mission is to seek justice and fair compensation for personal injury victims and their families. Senior attorney Michael Abelson has received the Lawyer of the Year Award from the Trial Lawyers Association of Washington, D.C., and has been listed in “The Cream of the Legal Establishment” by Washingtonian magazine. He has more than 35 years of legal experience. To learn more, call (888) 797-4242 or use the firm's online form.
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