Why Is a Structured Settlement Company Calling Me?
A structured settlement company is calling you because they want to buy your future settlement payments for a lump sum of cash today. They found your information through public court records or data brokers. Not all calls are scams but many use aggressive tactics. Here is exactly what is happening, how they found you, and what to do.
Where They Got Your Number (5 Sources)
Structured settlement buyers use multiple channels to find people with active settlements. Here are the five most common sources and whether you can stop them.
Is It a Scam or Legit? 6 Red Flags to Watch For
Not every call is a scam but the structured settlement industry has more bad actors than most. Here are the warning signs ranked by severity.
They pressure you to decide NOW
Any legitimate buyer gives you time. Courts require a waiting period anyway (usually 20+ days). If they say the offer expires today, it is a pressure tactic.
Action: Hang up. Real offers don't expire overnight.
They ask for upfront fees or payments
Legitimate structured settlement buyers NEVER charge upfront fees. Their fee comes from the discount rate built into the purchase price.
Action: Report to FTC at ftc.gov/complaint immediately.
They won't identify their company clearly
Legitimate companies proudly state their name, BBB rating, and registration. Scammers use vague names or refuse to provide credentials.
Action: Ask for company name, BBB profile, and state registration number. No answer = scam.
They promise exact dollar amounts before seeing documents
No company can quote a real number without seeing your settlement paperwork. A real quote requires: annuity issuer, payment schedule, remaining balance.
Action: Get a proper quote based on your actual documents from 3-5 companies.
They discourage you from getting other quotes
A company confident in their rates welcomes comparison. Those who discourage shopping are hiding high discount rates (often 15-20%+).
Action: Always get 3-5 competing quotes. Average savings: $12,400.
They call repeatedly after you say no
Legitimate companies respect your decision. Repeated unwanted calls may violate the TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) and your state's do-not-call laws.
Action: Document calls (dates, times, numbers). File FTC complaint. You may be owed $500-$1,500 per violation under TCPA.
Exactly What to Do When They Call (Step by Step)
Stay Calm and Ask Questions
Ask: What company are you with? What is your BBB rating? Are you registered in my state? What discount rate do you typically offer? A legitimate company answers all of these confidently.
Never Agree to Anything on the First Call
Tell them you need time to think. Any legitimate company respects this. Courts require a waiting period before approving transfers anyway so there is literally no rush.
Verify the Company Independently
Google their company name + reviews + complaints. Check BBB.org for their rating and complaint history. Look them up on your state\'s business registration database.
Get 3-5 Competing Quotes
If you ARE interested in selling, never accept the first offer. The company that called you is spending on marketing which means higher discount rates for you. Compare quotes from top-rated buyers.
Block and Report if Suspicious
Block their number. Report to: FTC (ftc.gov/complaint), your state Attorney General, and the National Do Not Call Registry. Document the call for potential TCPA claims ($500-$1,500 per violation).
Is YOUR Caller Legit? (Quick Assessment)
Answer 4 quick questions about the call you received and we will assess the risk level.
How did the company first contact you?
How to Stop Structured Settlement Calls Permanently
National Do Not Call Registry
Register at donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222. Takes effect within 31 days. Companies face $50,000+ fines per violation.
Free and takes 2 minutesRequest Internal Do-Not-Call
Tell each caller to put you on their internal do-not-call list. By law they must comply within 30 days and keep you on it for 5 years.
Say it clearly on the recorded lineOpt Out of Data Brokers
Remove your info from LexisNexis, Acxiom, Spokeo, WhitePages, and BeenVerified. Cuts off the source of your data.
Takes 30-60 minutes for all brokersFile TCPA Complaint
If they use robocalls or keep calling after you say stop, file at fcc.gov/consumers/guides/stop-unwanted-calls. You may be owed $500-$1,500 per call.
Document dates, times, and phone numbersActually Interested in Selling? Get Real Quotes.
Instead of dealing with cold callers offering bad rates, get 3-5 competing quotes from verified, top-rated buyers. Average savings vs. accepting the first offer: $12,400.
No obligation | No credit check | No spam calls
Learn More Before You Decide
What Is a Structured Settlement?
Complete explainer: how they work, tax rules, and your options.
Decision GuideShould I Sell My Structured Settlement?
How much cash you can get, when it makes sense, and alternatives.
ComparisonBest Companies to Sell To (2026)
All 10 buyers ranked by real payouts, rates, and complaints.
Tax GuideStructured Settlement Taxes
What is taxable, what is not, and what happens if you sell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tired of Unwanted Calls?
If you are actually considering selling, do it on YOUR terms. Get verified quotes from top-rated buyers instead of dealing with cold callers offering bottom-dollar rates.
Get My Free QuotesNo obligation | No credit check | Verified A+ rated buyers only
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information about the TCPA, Do Not Call Registry, and structured settlement laws is based on publicly available legal resources as of August 2026. Laws vary by state. If you believe you have been scammed, contact your local law enforcement and the FTC. Settlement Decisions may receive compensation from companies featured on this page, but all recommendations are made independently.