Estate and Property Fraud
What are fake debt collectors and how do I identify them?
Short answer
Scammers call surviving family members claiming the deceased owed money and demanding immediate payment. Real debt collectors must send a written validation notice within 5 days of first contact. You have the right to request written verification of the debt. A surviving…
What this usually means
Scammers call surviving family members claiming the deceased owed money and demanding immediate payment. Real debt collectors must send a written validation notice within 5 days of first contact. You have the right to request written verification of the debt. A surviving spouse is not personally responsible for debts solely in the deceased's name. If a collector misrepresents your liability, file a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.