Two Buffalo debt collectors could face decades in prison for a fraudulent debt collection scheme, U. S. Attorney Kathleen M. Mehltretter said Friday.

Timothy E. Arent, 37, and Neil G. Wieczkowski, 41, were charged Friday with mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Arent also is charged with bankruptcy fraud.

Over the last four years, the two obtained money from their victims under false pretenses, personation and representations, Assistant U. S. Attorney MaryEllen Kresse said.

Arent and Wieczkowski also are accused of trying to dodge the law by changing the names of their businesses as many as 18 times. They reaped more than $8 million, authorities said. Arent also is accused of withholding information from the bankruptcy court in 2005, failing to disclose the purchase of a Buffalo home worth $500,000 before he declared bankruptcy.