Process serving is an incredibly important service. That said, it is sometimes taken advantage of by scammers who see the facade of being a process server as an opportunity to take advantage of unknowing individuals.
As a source of professional process serving, we believe at Central Point Investigations that it is important to be informed — allowing you to determine whether or not a process server is legitimate or a scammer looking to make a quick buck. Continue reading as we discuss how you can tell whether a process server is legitimate or not.
Did They Ask You for Payment? A Receipt?
If a process server asks you to pay them upon serving you papers, they are not legitimate. In fact, it is the lawyers, individuals, or businesses that have the papers served who are the parties expected to pay — not the recipient. Because of this, if a process server demands money from you upon serving you papers, it is important that you get in contact with local law enforcement.
Do You Know the Person Trying To Serve the Papers?
In most states, the process server can’t be a party involved in the case — so if the person trying to serve you papers is someone you know or someone you know to be involved in the case, it is important to research your state’s process serving rules and regulations to determine whether the service process was done legally.
Does the Process Server Ask for Personal Information?
If a process server shows up at your door with court documents, it is completely normal for them to ask your name. After all, they need to verify that they have given the correct person the legal documents. That said, if they ask you for any information beyond your first and last name, it is important that you do not disclose any information. Some scammers will pose as process servers to try and get people to disclose their social security numbers, bank card numbers, and other sensitive information. Because many people have never been served before, the scammers are hoping to find someone who might think the disclosure of sensitive information is normal in order to steal their identity or clean out their bank accounts.
Ask Them Questions Too!
If you are still unsure of whether or not a process server is legit or not, be sure to ask them questions that only a legitimate process server would know. Asking them what particular court documents are being served, the courthouse where the lawsuit was filed, the case number, and other case-specific information can indicate whether or not they truly are a legitimate process server.
For Process Serving, Think Central Point Investigations
At Central Point Investigations, we offer professional process serving services in all 50 states. If you are in need of a legitimate, experienced process server, we urge you to contact a member of our team today! We look forward to helping you.