Is a debt collector who can't provide written proof of debt legitimate?

Phantom debt scams involve callers claiming you owe money on an old loan, medical bill, or credit account. They create urgency by threatening legal action, wage garnishment, or arrest. Genuine debt collectors are legally required in most countries to provide written validation of the debt, including the creditor's name and the amount owed, when you request it. If a caller refuses to send anything in writing, cannot name the original creditor, or demands immediate payment by unusual methods like gift cards or wire transfer, it is almost certainly fraudulent. Never pay a debt to someone who called you unprompted without first verifying it in writing.