Debt Collection Scam

     PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota's attorney general is warning
residents about a scam in which debt collectors are impersonating
law enforcement officers to collect money.
     Attorney General Marty Jackley says the scam artists often claim
they are attempting to collect a debt related to a payday loan
obtained over the Internet. The callers have most recently
identified themselves as Criminal Investigations.
     Jackley says many of the residents contacted have never taken
out a payday loan, or theirs loan have been paid in full.
     The fraudsters call the victim's home, cell phone, and place of
employment.
     Jackley says the callers refuse to give any details of the
alleged loans and become abusive when questioned. Callers have
threatened legal actions, arrests and in some cases physical
violence if they refuse to pay.