Received calls from gotoupc.com aka UPC (United Payment Center) about a debt? Do you want to know if it’s legit? Well, the short answer is NO. Read on to find out details about Gotoupc.com scam and how to stay protected;
Gotoupc.com Details
Also known as United Payment Center, gotoupc.com portrays itself as a debt collector that allegedly helps people resolve debts. They claim to collect debt for individuals, corporate bodies e.t.c. However, their methods of operation are far from being legitimate.
An online search for ‘Gotoupc.com’ reveal a can of worms about the debt collection which has been labelled ‘scam’ ‘fake’ ‘hoax’ by reviewers.
What is The Gotoupc.com Scam?
The gotoupc.com scam is a debt collection scam that uses coercion and threats to make victims pay for a non-existing debt. The scammers get people’s telephone numbers from public records and claim the recipient has a huge debt which ought to be paid immediately or be in legal danger. Then they proceed to offer a low settlement fee to clear the debt.
Of course, the so called debts do not exist and when people check their credit it doesn’t appear. However for fear of a poor credit score, some people might end up falling for the scam.
Spotting Gotoupc.com Red Flags
- The debt collector claims to have been operating for 25 years but the website registration details shows ‘gotoupc.com’ was registered on 30th May 2024 (barely few months ago)
- Lacks tangible information about who they are and were they are based. No company street number, telephone number and address.
- Refuses to give full information about the debt they’re collecting.
- Doesn’t display a professional license number as a debt collector on the website.
- There’s no legal pages available on the website – This is quite abnormal for debt collection agencies.
- Threatens people with criminal charges. There are only a few circumstances when a debt can lead to an arrest. Legitimate debt collectors should not claim that they’ll have you arrested.
What to do If You’re being Harassed by UPC Debt Collector
The first thing you should do is request for a document that shows the debt is really yours. The request letter should be titled ‘Debt Validation Letter’. By law, you have the right to validate an alleged debt. The debt collector have 30 days to prove to you that the debt is really yours. and the total amount is accurate.
Once you receive the proof document, ensure that the total amount is accurate. If it is correct then you can contact the original loan provider, then negotiate a payment plan.
On the other hand, if you’ve never heard about the supposed company you’re owing, clearly let gotoupc.com know you don’t owe such debt.
Submit a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or you can contact your state Attorney General’s office
See latest alert – Amznewstore.com Scam
Hey, I am an employee at UPC. I saw this article and wanted to respond to some of your points.
The debt collector claims to have been operating for 25 years but the website registration details shows ‘gotoupc.com’ was registered on 30th May 2024 (barely few months ago)
We have been operating for 25+ years. The gotoupc.com domain is new and we switched to it because it was shorter than our first domain name.
Lacks tangible information about who they are and were they are based. No company street number, telephone number and address.
We do not use mail communication anymore, considering email is a lot faster. That is why we don’t provide that information. Also, our phone number is provided on the website in the top right corner.
Refuses to give full information about the debt they’re collecting.
We provide all required information to prove debt if asked, according to the CFPB https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-information-does-a-debt-collector-have-to-give-me-about-the-debt-en-331/
Doesn’t display a professional license number as a debt collector on the website.
We only collect debt in states that do not require a professional debt collection license. Here is a list of all states and if they require a license (simple Google search).
https://www.creditinfocenter.com/state-by-state-collection-agency-requirements/
There’s no legal pages available on the website – This is quite abnormal for debt collection agencies.
It’s not required, but I see your point.
Threatens people with criminal charges. There are only a few circumstances when a debt can lead to an arrest. Legitimate debt collectors should not claim that they’ll have you arrested.
We do not threaten debtors. We inform debtors that if they refuse to pay or prove the debt is not theirs, the account will be escalated to our legal department. Debtors may not like that, but it is what will happen.