Do Process Servers Usually Give You a Phone Call? Do process servers call you? The truth about phone calls may surprise you.
Receiving an unexpected phone call about a legal matter can be confusing and stressful. If the person claims to be a process server, you might wonder if it’s a scam or standard procedure. This leads to a crucial question: “Will a process server call you?”
The short answer is: Rarely. A professional process server’s primary job is to deliver physical documents in person, as a phone call is not a legal substitute for service. This guide will clarify the limited reasons a server might call and the major red flags that could signal a scam.
Key Takeaways
- A process server’s main job is to deliver documents in person, not to call you. A phone call is not legal service.
- A professional server will NEVER threaten you, demand money, or ask for personal information (like a Social Security number) over the phone.
- A legitimate server may only call in rare situations, such as to confirm an address or schedule a pre-arranged, cooperative service.
- If you receive a threatening call demanding payment, it is almost certainly a scam.
Why Phone Calls Are Not a Process Server’s First Choice
The entire legal system is built on the principle of due process. This means you have a constitutional right to be formally notified of a legal action against you. In fact, this notification must be a physical delivery of the court documents.
A process server’s job is to create a clear record that they delivered the papers. Therefore, their final product is a sworn Affidavit of Service that confirms they handed the documents to the correct person. A phone call provides no such legal proof and cannot be used in court.
Legitimate Reasons a Server Might Call (It’s Uncommon)
While in-person service is the goal, there are a few, very specific situations where a server might make a brief, professional call for logistical reasons:
- To Schedule a Cooperative Service: For example, an attorney may have already spoken with you and confirmed you are willing to accept the papers. In this case, a server might call to arrange a convenient time to meet.
- To Confirm a Vague Address: If they are at a large, gated apartment complex in Baton Rouge or a rural address without clear markings, a server might make a brief call to confirm they are at the right location.
- To Verify Presence at a Workplace: Furthermore, a server may call a company’s front desk to professionally inquire if an individual is working that day, simply to avoid a wasted trip.
In every legitimate scenario, the call is brief, professional, and logistical.
🚩 RED FLAGS: What a Professional Process Server Will NEVER Do 🚩
Scammers often pose as process servers to intimidate people into paying money. A professional and ethical process server from Lafayette Process Servers LLC (operating as Baton Rouge Process Servers) will NEVER do the following:
- Demand Money: They will never ask you to pay a fee, fine, or settlement over the phone to “make the case go away.” This is the number one sign of a scam.
- Threaten You: They cannot and will not threaten you with arrest, jail time, or wage garnishment. A process server is a neutral delivery agent, not law enforcement.
- Ask for Personal Information: They will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account details, or other sensitive personal information.
- Call Repeatedly or Become Aggressive: Finally, multiple, harassing calls are unprofessional and potentially illegal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What should I do if someone calls me claiming to be a process server and threatens me?
- A: Hang up immediately. It is a scam. A real process server will not threaten you. You can report the call to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Q: If I avoid the server, will they just call me instead?
- A: No. If you are avoiding service, the process server will not repeatedly call you. Instead, they will use other legal methods, such as serving you at work or using to find you.
- Q: So, it’s safe to just ignore all calls from a process server?
- A: While most initial calls are scams, if you are expecting legal documents, a brief, professional call may be a server trying to arrange a delivery. However, if they make any threats or demand money, it is a scam.
Your Trusted Partner for Legitimate Service
In conclusion, you should be highly suspicious of any phone call from someone claiming to be a process server. Our professional team at Lafayette Process Servers LLC handles every service with the discretion and ethical conduct the law requires.
for all your legitimate process serving needs.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This blog post provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. If you believe you are being targeted by a scammer, contact your local law enforcement. For legal advice, consult a qualified attorney.
📚 Sources & Further Reading
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Information on how to spot and avoid fake debt collector and process server scams.
- The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): A federal law with rules against harassment that often apply to process server conduct. [Link to the CFPB]
- Lafayette Process Servers LLC (serving Baton Rouge): Your expert partner for legal support. [Link to Baton Rouge Process Servers]
- Serving Evasive Defendants: The Pro Process Server Playbook
- Process Server Baton Rouge LA: Why You Need the Pros to Serve Legal Papers
- 5 Key Reasons You Absolutely Need a Professional Process Server
- What Tricks Do Process Servers Use? 🕵️♂️ Unveiling the Tactics of the Trade
- Louisiana Eviction Notice PDF: Your Free Form & Guide 📄✍️
About the Author
Scott Frank is the founder of Lafayette Process Servers LLC with over 20 years of experience in Louisiana legal support. He is an expert in the ethical and legal rules of service of process and skip tracing.
