Please help, really concerned (house, bankruptcy, landlord, paying)

[cingular]

My landlord has some type of debt, so a letter came today that I have been assigned
a rent receiver, and is asking about contact information and a W-9 asap?
my question is WHY A W-9? is this legal? what would they do with this information?

Would appreciate if someone can clarify this, really worried, I dont want to
have problems with the court, appreciate anyone helping
thanks

I live in New Jersey

[WorldKlas]

That makes no sense to me. W-9 forms are submitted to income-payors who will be issuing 1099's at tax time. Since you are paying the rent, you should not be getting a 1099 form from them. Call them and ask what this is about. Also find out for sure this is a bona fide receiver and that you are not being scammed.

[cingular]

Thanks for your reply WorldKlas.
It doesnt make sense to me too.
Im paying rent already like you said, should I ask like that? are you a bona fide receiver? sorry
if this is a stupid question, this is my first time with this type of issue.
I will contact them Monday earliest.

[WorldKlas]

Ask them for proof they are authorized to receive your rent. Then contact your State Attorney General's office to check out the receiver. Also go ahead and ask them why they are asking for a W-9. I would then verify with the IRS that they are correct in asking for you to complete and submit a W-9.

[momtothree]

Actually, why don't you just call your landlord and ask? I would NOT call the receiver yet as if they are scamming they will lie to you. First find out from your landlord what's going on.

[KonaKat]

There is no way they need a W9 from you. Call your landlord and see what he says. Could be a total scam.

[bentlebee]

Just ignore as the scammer seems.to be a dumb scammer so don't waste your time and throw it away.

Cops won't do anything as things like this usually are difficult to trace. Contact you State Attorneys office and give them the letter

[Ellwood]

Sounds like a scam. Don't bother calling rather as OP have said contact your landlord. He might want to report it to the police. AFA the information they are requesting, they are probably looking for personal info like SS number so they can use for ID theft.

[NY Annie]

Don't ask the landlord at this time. Call the clerk's office of the court that sent out the notice.

If it's an attorney's office, contact the court also.

You see, if the landlord is in receivership for whatever reason, there should still be a court order appointing a receiver.

Start with the court, then second: the attorney/receiver's office and the landlord - both together.

As for a W-9, I would think not. Again, as the court clerk's office.

If no court is named/stated on the letter you received, then begin with the bankruptcy court for your jurisdiction.

[JanND]

Originally Posted by cingular

Thanks for your reply WorldKlas.
It doesnt make sense to me too.
Im paying rent already like you said, should I ask like that? are you a bona fide receiver? sorry
if this is a stupid question, this is my first time with this type of issue.
I will contact them Monday earliest.

Can you go to the Court house this was supposedly sent from?? Sounds like a scam. Or contact your States Attorney General and ask the Consumer Fraud and Protection Dept. Ask questions asap. Link to N.J. Consumer Fraud and Prosecution http://www.nj.gov/oag/law/cfp.htm
And on the menu on left....Consumer Affairs http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/