The state Department of Commerce is warning residents of a fake debt collection scam sweeping through Utah.

Off-shore scam artists using pre-paid cell phone numbers are verbally threatening debt-riddled Utahns by saying they will damage their Social Security Number, file a lawsuit against them or take other actions unless the victims send them money.

"Scam artists are targeting Utah citizens who are already facing debt of their own and frankly don't have the money to lose. We want to alert the public that these fraudsters are reviewing public court records and may be contacting citizens who have filed for bankruptcy or face other financial hardships," said Francine Giani, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce.

St. George resident Tim Metzinger, who filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, told Consumer Protection he had received several calls from people with heavy foreign accents demanding money and making the same threats. Metzinger did not respond, but he worried other Utahns would fall prey to the scam artists.

The division reminds consumers not to give out personal account information, Social Security numbers or other identifying information to strangers over the phone. Also, the division recommends not wiring money to someone unless the recipient is known and trusted.