Uncategorized

by Paul Mankin

Credit Report Errors

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON FCRA VIOLATIONS?

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), credit reporting agencies—e.g., TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian—are required to report fair and accurate information about a consumer’s financial history. When a credit reporter fails to abide by the regulations set forth in the FCRA, the consequences to the affected consumer can be devastating.

An FCRA violation can result in an unfairly reduced credit score, which could prevent a consumer from obtaining a credit card or a loan for a house or a lease for a car. For many, the inability to secure vehicle financing might mean losing—or being prevented from getting—a job or being unable to take care of one’s family. The FCRA may be designed to protect consumers’ credit reports but it doesn’t police itself, so it is in every consumer’s interest to know what FCRA violations look like and how to address them.

The most common FCRA violations deal with reporting inaccurate or outdated information. Some inaccurate or outdated information is easy enough for the average consumer to identify, whereas other information requires somewhat more specific knowledge of the FCRA regulations. For example, a consumer can readily identify when a paid account is marked as ‘delinquent’ or when a voluntarily closed account is marked as ‘active.’ It might, however, be less obvious to the average consumer that it is an FCRA violation to report debt on the report of a consumer who is merely an authorized user of the account.

Common types of FCRA violations due to reporting inaccurate information include:

• Marking a timely made payment as ‘missed’ or ‘late’.
• Reporting a credit account on the report of anyone other than the debtor.
• Failing to change the status of a charge-off account once it has been paid or settled.
• Stating an inaccurate account balance.
• Reporting ‘mixed’ information from two or more individuals on a single consumer’s report.

FCRA violations based on outdated information can be more difficult to identify due to the complex rules around statutes of limitation and debt re-aging. There is a statutory limit to how long an agency may report a negative credit event (or “trade line”), and the length of time is based on the type of event: 2 years (credit history requests), 7 years (missed payments; most public record items, such as court judgments; chapter 13 bankruptcy), or 10 years (paid closed accounts; chapters 7, 11 and 12 bankruptcies).

Common types of FCRA violations due to reporting outdated information include:

• Reporting debts as ‘new’ or ‘current’ after the statute of limitations for reporting has run.
• Continuing to report a debt that was discharged in bankruptcy.
• Maintaining an account listing as ‘active’ after it was closed by the consumer.

Credit reporters can also run afoul of FCRA regulations by failing to provide adequate procedures for reporting identity theft or for disputing a credit report trade line. A consumer who had been victimized by identity theft should promptly notify each of the three primary credit reporting bureaus of the theft and routinely check their credit report to ensure no inaccurate information was reported after providing notice. Likewise, a consumer should not hesitate to follow up with a reporting bureau after filing a trade line dispute. Credit reporters have 30 days to resolve the dispute once it is opened, and failure to properly investigate a dispute or to resolve it within the statutory time period is a violation of the FCRA.

 

WHAT IS THE FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT (FCRA)?

Enacted in 1970, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is the set of Federal regulations governing how credit-related financial information is managed and protected, including how it is collected, processed, reported, and accessed. With fairness and privacy as its primary focus, the Act creates a baseline for consumer credit security across the U.S., the protections of which may be augmented—but not mitigated—by individual state legislatures.

While the FCRA addresses critical privacy considerations by, in brief, limiting the types of financial information that may be reported and with whom that information may be shared, the Act puts most of its weight behind fair management of factors affecting access to, and the cost of, borrowed assets by regulating how credit scores are calculated.

The FCRA specifically targets consumer fairness by defining the types of reportable credit events (or “trade lines”), as well as the age limits of credit-related financial information that may be collected, processed, and reported by credit reporting bureaus (or “agencies”). Presently in the U.S., there are three such agencies that handle the vast majority of standard consumer credit reporting: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. These names should be familiar to anyone who has reviewed a consumer credit report, as the agencies’ respective credit scores, as well as the line item data used to generate the scores, are provided together in a typical consumer credit report.

Notably, the FCRA further promotes fairness in credit reporting by mandating no-cost access to a consumer’s own credit report, including report details from each of the big three reporting bureaus. In addition to basic credit accounts, a standard credit report might include other types of trade lines, such as cell phone or utility payment history, tax debt, bankruptcy, or outstanding legal judgment. Under the Act, a consumer is entitled to obtain a free annual report, though many online services are now available to consumers interested in monitoring their credit scores on a more frequent or ongoing basis (e.g., CreditKarma).

The right to access one’s credit information enables a consumer to monitor his credit activity and empowers him to take corrective action by identifying and disputing erroneously reported debts or other credit events (i.e., “trade lines”) affecting his credit score. When checking one’s credit report, it is tempting to look no further than the overall combined score, as the sheer volume of information provided by the three bureaus can be overwhelming. It is critical, however, to look at each of the three scores from the independent reporting agencies, as the independent scores can vary, each being capable of substantially affecting the combined reported credit score.

The cause of variance among scores may be as simple as a slight difference in bureau calculation or as critical as a reporting error based on a false or fraudulent claim by an ill-intentioned creditor. Score variance can also result from an agency’s failure to drop a trade line after it has been resolved or otherwise nullified, such as after the expiration of the statute of limitations for reporting on a specific type of credit account.

It is also important to carefully review the content of all three reports when disputing a trade line because resolving a dispute with one—i.e., successfully removing a trade line—will not affect.

by Paul Mankin

Are you being harassed by the debt collection agency ACA Receivables Company?

What is ACA Receivables Company?

The ACA Receivables Company is currently listed as a Collections Agency. They currently serve Salt Lake County in Utah, and have been in the business for close to 17 years. They help in collecting on overdue debts, as well as accounts receivables.

Is ACA Receivables Company a legit Debt Collection Agency?

According to the BBB, they are considered to be a legitimate debt collection agency. They were started in 2002, and incorporated in Utah. Since then, their file was opened in 2009 with the Better Business Bureau. They are not accredited through the BBB, and have a rating of NR with the BBB. They also have no listed reviews on the BBB website.

ACA Receivables Company Contact Information

Address: 136 E South Temple Ste 2100, Salt Lake City, UT 84111-1124

Business Management: Mr. John C. Leland, Customer Contact

Phone Number: 1-(877)-223-3791

Does ACA Receivables Company have Complaints against them?

The BBB does not have any listed complaints against ACA Receivables Company at this time. The CFPB consumer complaint database also holds no complaints against the company in their logs either.

However, there are various message boards, such as complaintsboard.com, that have listed ACA Receivables as being harassing and persistent.

What kind of Complaints have been made?

Although there are few in number, the complaints made towards ACA Receivables Company were seen as persistent and harassing phone calls to the victims in question. This includes such things such as calling at various times, inside and outside of legal periods; calling the victim’s workplace; calling the victim’s family and friends.

One such complaint notes that the debt collector from ACA Receivables attempted to call multiple times to the victim, even when told to stop. Once the phone call was done, the call receiver was listed as ACA Receivables Company. However, the representative had stated that they were from American Receivables instead. This put a question of authenticity to the debt, and put the victim on edge.

There has also been mention that they go under the name American Receivables as well. Indeed, on Bloomberg’s profiles of companies, the website listed is www.americanagencies.com. This discrepancy can cause major confusion, and cause improper information and possible attempts of mismanaging clientele background profiles.

Are the Practices of ACA Receivables Company Legal?

Although calling a debtor is not considered illegal, persistent and aggressive calling can be considered illegal. Through what is known as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or FDCPA for short, you are protected against debt collector harassment and excessive abuse. Debt collector harassment can come in many forms, including, but is not limited to:

• Excessive phone calls
• Threatening of legal action
• Robo calls
• Threatening letters and emails
• Harassment of family and friends and coworkers and workplace

These are just a few of the more notable instances of debt collector harassment. Excessive phone calls can include being called at night or midnight, or early in the morning. If a debt collector threatens legal action through a letter or email, it can be considered debt collector harassment.

If you have been contacted before and have no affiliation with the company or debt that they are attempting to contact you about, you may have been a victim of debt collector harassment through a wrong number. This is when a debt collection agency has no discrepancy on who they call. Instead, they call numbers that hold similar names as to who the debtor is, in an attempt to try to fleece you to pay up.

How can I protect myself and fight back against ACA Receivables Company?

There are plenty of ways to protect yourself against attacks and abuse such as this. The most notable way is to get an experienced and professional debt collector harassment lawyer or attorney to help. We here at The Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC have many experienced lawyers that will be able to help you stop the debt collector calls and harassment, as well as report them to the proper authorities. We can also help you to start a no fees lawsuit against illegal activities and practices taken by the agencies, so that you can get compensation from the companies that have made your life difficult.

The most important bit of information in your fight against the harassment of the debt collection agency is to always remain vigilant. No matter who you have at your side, it can seem like a daunting battle against such a large company and agency. If you have ever been the subject of:

• Multiple calls per week from a third party collection agency
• Multiple calls in the early morning or late night from debt collectors.
• Violent and belligerent language and harassment from debt collectors.
• Threats of arrests or poor credit due to outstanding debts.
• Having your friends, family, and coworkers harassed from debt collectors.
• Automated robocalls from third party collection agencies.

Then you may have a case available. So do not wait, make sure to give us a call, and get started fighting back against the debt collection harassment.  Feel free to call us at 1-800-219-3577 for a no obligation free consultation.

by Paul Mankin

Is cedars Business Services, LLC Harassing You?

Cedars Business Services, LLC

Cedars Business Services, LLC is an third-party debt collection agency that does business as Cedar Financial. Cedar Financial specializes in international and domestic debt collections in education, healthcare, commercial, government and retail. Cedar Financial was founded in 1991 and is based in Calabasas, California.

According to its website, Cedar Financial takes a consumer-centered approach to debt collection, but the consumer complaints reported to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) paint a different picture. The CFPB is a government agency charged with protecting consumers from unfair, deceptive or abusive debt collection practices. Over 100 complaints have been filed with the CFPB regarding Cedar Financial’s unlawful debt collection practices. Consumers complain that Cedar Financial has engaged in the following unlawful debt collection practices:

• Attempting to collect a debt that is not owed by the consumer;
• Improperly discussing the consumer’s debt with a third party
• Threatening to take legal action if payment is not made;
• Continuing to contact consumers after being asked to cease communication; and
• Refusing to validate or provide proof of a debt.

After receiving repeated telephone calls from Cedar Financial, one consumer sent a letter via certified mail to Cedar Financial requesting that they cease from contacting the consumer. Despite receiving the letter, Cedar Financial continued to call the consumer for months on end. The consumer filed a complaint with the CFPB and the matter was resolved to the satisfaction of the consumer.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (RDCPA) prohibit debt collectors and creditors from communicating with you after you have informed them in writing to stop communication. Once the debt collector has received a letter from you requesting that all communication stop, the debt collector may only contact you again to either inform you that the debt collector is no longer seeking to collect the debt or to inform you that the debt collector will be filing a lawsuit. Any other forms of communication are a direct violation of the law.

Creditors and debt collectors should be held accountable for these unethical and unlawful practices. If you are being harassed or subjected to any of these, deceptive, or abusive debt collection practices, it is time to hold Cedar Financial accountable. Please contact our office for a free, no obligation consultation at 1-800-219-3577.

by Paul Mankin

Is the debt collection agency Allen Daniel Associates harassing you?

What is Allen Daniel Associates?

Allen Daniel Associates is listed as a debt collection agency that provides debt collection services with the exception of debt buying. They work primarily within Massachusetts and the surrounding areas, providing debt collection services to those interested.

Is Allen Daniel Associates a legit Debt Collection Agency?

Allen Daniel Associates is a legitimate debt collection agency. According to the Better Business Bureau, they have been in business for over 47 years, having been started in 1972. They were recently accredited in 2011 by the BBB, and currently hold an A+ BBB rating. However, they do have a 3 out of 5 star average review from customers on the BBB. They are currently run by Daniel Desatnick and Victoria Desatnick, who are listed as the president and executive director, respectively.

Allen Daniel Associates Contact Information

Address: 159 Overland Road Suite 406 North Waltham, Massachusetts 02451-1703

Other Address: PO Box 541614 Waltham, Massachusetts 02454-1614

Phone Number: 1-800-882-2100

Fax Number: 1-781-647-8866

Website: http://www.payadanow.com

Does Allen Daniel Associates have Complaints against them?

Allen Daniel Associates currently has two reviews on the BBB database.

There are no registered complaints on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau consumer complaint database as well. A designated search also does not pull up any complaints against a company that may have the Allen Daniel Associates listed within the complaint either.

What kind of Complaints have been made?

Although there have been no formal complaints against Allen Daniel Associates, one of the reviews stated that they attempted to pay Allen Daniel Associates and was unable to send the payment.

However, the complaint was answered by Allen Daniel Associates promptly, and states that the person that filed the review is not an actual customer. The review answer states that they had attempted to contact the reviewer, but the reviewer had not responded. They had also pointed out discrepancies in the statement, stating that they do not “buy” accounts of debt, which lines up with their initial statement about excluding buying debts.

The other review listed shows that the consumer had a great time working with Allen Daniel Associates, and would work with them again if given the chance.

Are the Practices of Allen Daniel Associates Legal?

Although the reviews may be positive, there are still chances that Allen Daniel Associates has used less than legal methods in an attempt to collect on a debt. Attempts with practices such as threatening phone calls, and threatening your well-being, are both considered illegal by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act extensively talks about what is and is not allowed by debt collectors. For instance, if you let the debt collection agency know that you do not wish to be contacted or harassed, and they continue to do so, they will be liable for a counter-argument through the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act laws. Although Allen Daniel Associates does seem to be on the more tame side, it is worth noting that you should always be on the lookout in case they attempt to violate your consumer rights.

How can I protect myself and fight back against Allen Daniel Associates?

There are plenty of ways to protect yourself against Allen Daniel Associates if they attempt to harass you about a debt. The first thing to do is to verify the debt. This can be done in a number of ways, from asking for identification through a mailed letter, to registry identification numbers that allow you to look up the debt yourself. Both can be used in a similar manner to verify the debt, and prove or disprove the debt in question.

Another option you can go for is to hire an extensive and well-versed debt collection harassment attorney or lawyer that is experienced in debt collector harassment and debt. Our team of attorneys here at the Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC have experienced debt collection harassment attorneys, and will work with you to not only spot and identify debt collector harassment, but will also work with you to actively stop and report debt collector harassment that is far over the line of legal.

Not only can we help you to defend against harassment, we can also help to build a case, and assist you in understanding where the illegal collection patterns are for debt collectors. We are also able to help facilitate any communications or discussions between the parties, ensuring that nothing you say can be used against you.

The most important bit of information in your fight is to always remain vigilant. No matter who you have at your side, it can seem like a daunting battle against such a large company and agency. If you have ever been the subject of:

• Multiple calls per week from a third party collection agency
• Multiple calls in the early morning or late night from debt collectors.
• Violent and belligerent language and harassment from debt collectors.
• Threats of arrests or poor credit due to outstanding debts.
• Having your friends, family, and coworkers harassed by debt collectors.
• Automated robocalls from third party collection agencies.

Then you may have a case available. So do not wait, make sure to give us a call, and get started fighting back against the debt collection harassment.

by Paul Mankin

Is the debt collection agency Ashwood Financial, Inc., harassing you?

Ashwood Financial Inc. is another debt collection agency that is looking to make it big in the debt collection world. Debt collectors tend to be very scary, and conjure images of men in black coats looking around for you with baseball bats. But with the recent age of technology, debt collectors may never even see you to instill fear.

Such technological advances also allow scammers and illegal debt collectors to skirt around the law. In such cases, it can be difficult to know who is legal and legitimate, and who is practicing illegal methods. Here is what you need to know about Ashwood Financial Inc, and if they need to garner your attention.

What is Ashwood Financial Inc.?

Ashwood Financial Inc., or Ashwood Financial Services, is a debt collection agency that is based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. They work to help those within the Central Indiana area, and serve that district as well. They are run by Pat J. Santangelo, who is listed as the president of the company.

Is Ashwood Financial Inc. a legit Debt Collection Agency?

Ashwood Financial Inc. is considered to be a legitimate debt collection agency. Their Better Business Bureau file was opened in 2008, while the company was started in 1992. They currently hold about 30 employees, and hold an F rating with the BBB for failure to respond to their consumers’ complaints in a timely manner. They also hold an average of 1 star out of 5 stars in rating with customer reviews on the BBB database.

Ashwood Financial Inc. Contact Information

Address: 6325 S East STreet #A, Indianapolis, IN 46227-7111

Phone Number: 1-317-633-6633

Other Phone: 1-800-851-5736

Website: http://www.ashwoodfinancial.com/

Does Ashwood Financial Inc. have Complaints against them?

They have quite a few against them, which is how they received their F rating with the BBB. In the last 3 years, they have had 3 complaints made against them, with only 1 complaint closed within the last month. They also have 2 customer reviews which put them way below an average positive rating.

When searched in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Consumer Complaint Database, there are 20 listed complaints made against Ashwood Financial Inc.

What kind of Complaints have been made?

Many of the complaints detailed harassment and negligence made by Ashwood Financial Inc. Of the complaints made towards them, all 3 detailed issues with the debt collection method, citing continued threatening language, and harassing phone calls throughout the entire day.

In the CFPB’s CCD, the complaints detail debt collection methods that are illegal and harassing in nature. They detail events such as no notice of a right to dispute, attempts to collect on a debt that is not their own, and consistent robocalls and excessive calls.

According to the online open source database of court records PACER, a case in 2006 saw Ashwood Financial being brought to court over a paltry sum of $65.00 when Ashwood Financial attempted to harass a consumer into paying the $65.00 by threatening legal action.

If true, this is a highly illegal action going against the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act’s (FDCPA) guidelines and standards, which would make Ashwood Financial Inc. in violation of many ordinances and laws.

How can I protect myself and fight back against Ashwood Financial Inc.?

Although it may seem impossible, there are ways to combat the harassment and intrusion that debt collectors practice when they attempt to get their money. To start, if you have been contacted by a representative stating they are with Ashwood Financial Inc, you may ask to verify their contact with the debt collection agency. You may also ask to verify the debt itself, by asking for information about the original debt holder, and getting in contact with the original debt holder. You may also ask that they do not contact you again, and to stop harassing you.

If they continue to harass you and call you, then you may have a case against them. In this instance, we recommend getting yourself a knowledgeable and experienced debt collection attorney or lawyer to help you on your journey. We here at Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC have an excellent team of debt collection harassment attorneys and consumer protection lawyers that have plenty of experience with these sorts of cases. We can help to assist you in getting the harassment to stop, as well as help you report the debt collector harassment to the proper authorities.

Not only can we help you to defend against harassment, we can also help to build a case, and assist you in understanding where the illegal collection patterns are for debt collectors. We are also able to help facilitate any communications or discussions between the parties, ensuring that nothing you say can be used against you.

The most important bit of information in your fight is to always remain vigilant. No matter who you have at your side, it can seem like a daunting battle against such a large company and agency. If you have ever been the subject of:

• Multiple calls per week from a third party collection agency
• Multiple calls in the early morning or late night from debt collectors.
• Violent and belligerent language and harassment from debt collectors.
• Threats of arrests or poor credit due to outstanding debts.
• Having your friends, family, and coworkers harassed from debt collectors.
• Automated robocalls from third party collection agencies.

Then you may have a case available. So do not wait, make sure to give us a call, and get started fighting back against the debt collection harassment.

by Paul Mankin

Is the debt collection agency American Education Services harassing you?

There are many names within the debt collection business. From credit card debt collectors, to general debt collection agencies, there is no end to the harassment and abuse many people suffer from at the hands of such people.

American Education Services is one such company that works to try and collect on certain debts. However, there is a chance they may be doing a bit more in excess. So, are American Education Services a legitimate company? Here is what you need to know about American Education Services if you have been contacted by their representative.

What is American Education Services?

American Education Services is listed as a financial service that serves Detroit and Eastern Michigan. They have been around for quite some time, and are said to help both customers and businesses get the financial help they deserve.

Is American Education Services a legit Debt Collection Agency?

It is difficult to tell if they are a legitimate service or not. Although they have a listed registry on the Better Business Bureau website, much of their information seems outdated. They are said to be in business since 1997, with 22 years of business under their belts. However, they hold a B+ Rating with the BBB, as well as a 1 out of 5 star rating from 1 customer review.

American Education Services Contact Information

Address: PO Box 159 Farmington, MI 48332-0159

Website: http://www.american-credit.org

Phone Number: 1-248-848-9065

Fax Number: 1-734-943-5997

It is as noted that the website listed above is no longer in service.

Does American Education Services have Complaints against them?

They have quite a few complaints lodged against them. They have 1 customer review on the BBB that rates them at 1 out of 5 stars. They also have 11 complaints lodged against them on the BBB database within the last 3 years, with 4 of those complaints being made within the last 12 months.

There is no listed company under the name American Education Services within the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Consumer Complaint Database.

What kind of Complaints have been made?

Many of the complaints lodged against the company show that they had poor customer representation. Not only that, of the 11 complaints made against the company, 9 were due to the service being provided being faulty. Many state that the company failed to deliver on their promises of helping customers reach financial stability, and never gave them any responses back after putting money into the accounts of American Education Services.

One other complaint also states that they had attempted to pay off their remaining balance with the company many times. However, each time they attempted to get in contact with the company, they ended up getting no response, which then resulted in the bills for the company going up even further, and late fees being incurred.

Are the Practices of American Education Services Legal?

Absolutely not. Assuming the above complaints are true, American Education Services seem to be misrepresenting what consumers actually owe and collecting improper amounts of money. With the complaints listed, and debts being “owed” to the company, it is safe to say that the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (RFDCPA) laws have been broken by the American Education Services collection agency.

How can I protect myself and fight back against American Education Services?

If you have been contacted by American Education Services, know that there are things you can do to protect yourself. If you have been contacted about a debt, and are unsure of where it came from, ask for authorization and proof of the debt. If the company cannot provide you this information, you are under no obligation to pay it.

Next, is record all information and conversations with them. All emails, phone calls, letters, and texts should be kept on record in case they attempt to bluff their way through a trial using misinformation and blatantly obvious abuse tactics.

Lastly, you can hire an experienced and knowledgeable debt collection harassment attorney or consumer protection lawyer to help assist you through the process. We here at the Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC have seen many cases go by against debt collection agencies such as these that use underhanded tactics to force you to pay. As such, we are able to identify debt collector harassment, as well as put a stop to it quickly and efficiently. Not only that, we can help you report such harassment to the proper authorities, and take them to court for breaking the law.

Not only can we help you to defend against debt collection harassment, we can also help to build a case, and assist you in understanding where the illegal collection patterns are for debt collectors. We are also able to help facilitate any communications or discussions between the parties, ensuring that nothing you say can be used against you.

The most important bit of information in your fight is to always remain vigilant. No matter who you have at your side, it can seem like a daunting battle against such a large company and agency. If you have ever been the subject of:

• Multiple calls per week from a third party collection agency
• Multiple calls in the early morning or late night from debt collectors.
• Violent and belligerent language and harassment from debt collectors.
• Threats of arrests or poor credit due to outstanding debts.
• Having your friends, family, and coworkers harassed from debt collectors.
• Automated robocalls from third party collection agencies.

Then you may have a case available. So do not wait, make sure to give us a call, and get started fighting back against the debt collection harassment.

by Paul Mankin

Is the debt collection agency Amity Associates, LLC harassing you?

With so many different businesses working and thriving, it’s difficult to know who is legitimate and who is not. Not only that, it is difficult to know who has the proper authority to commit certain acts and practices, and who is doing so illegally.

Debt collection is one such thing. For companies such as Amity Associates LLC, who are listed as a property management company, it is a grey area where you may not know if they are allowed to collect on certain debts. Here is what you need to know about Amity Associates LLC, and how to stop Amity Associates, LLC from harassing you.

What is Amity Associates, LLC?

Amity Associates, as listed with the top search results on the Better Business Bureau, is considered to be a property management and ownership company. They operate in multiple different areas of Ohio, such as the Batavia to Harrison areas, as well as Dayton to Cincinnati. They are headed by Judi Channels, who is listed as the vice president on the BBB website.

Is Amity Associates, LLC a legit Debt Collection Agency?

It is currently unknown if they are a proper debt collection agency. Although they are primarily listed as a property management business, this does not mean that they have not tried to collect on debts owed to them. They opened in 1992, and have been in business for 28 years and counting. Their business became incorporated in 2003, and hold an A+ rating with the BBB. However, they have very few reviews of their company.

Amity Associates, LLC Contact Information

Address: 122 W Main St Ste 205 Mason, OH 45040-1775

Phone: 1-513-459-7100

Does Amity Associates, LLC have Complaints against them?

Amity Associates LLC does have complaints against them. They have 2 complaints listed against them on the BBB database.

On the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Consumer Complaint Database has 5 registered complaints matching to Amity Associates LLC.

What kind of Complaints have been made?

All of the complaints made against Amity Associates LLC are due to billing and collection issues. The complaints made on the BBB database have been redacted. However, the complaints made against Amity Associates LLC on the CFPB’s CCD states that the representatives of Amity Associates LLC attempted multiple times to collect on debts not owed to the companies. They also state that, when a consumer attempted to collect verification, the representative dodged the question, and instead made insulting comments and threats to the consumer in an attempt to bully them into paying.

Are the Practices of Amity Associates, LLC Legal?

If true, these debt collection methods are illegal. Since Amity Associates LLC is listed primarily as a property management company, it is unclear why they are attempting to collect on so many debts made. However, it is not outside of their rights as a property management business. But if they are attempting to collect on medical debts, as is stated in the complaints made, then they are overstepping the line.

Not only that, their methods go directly against the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). These rules and guidelines state that a representative of a debt collection agency may not make harassing calls after the consumer has stated that they wish for them to stop, and they cannot use misleading or misinformation in an attempt to trick consumers into paying a debt that they do not owe.

How can I protect myself and fight back against Amity Associates, LLC?

Because of the practices performed by Amity Associates LLC, it is important that you learn how to protect yourself against such representatives of companies hoping to collect on debts. The first step you should take is to ask for verification of the debt in question. This can be done by asking the representative for proof of the debt, either by getting a written letter with the information, as well as a document stating the debt in question. If neither can be produced by the representative, you are under no obligation to pay the debt.

You can also ask them to stop calling you or messaging you. If they do not comply with your wishes, then you should hire a knowledgeable and experienced debt collection harassment attorney to assist you in your defense. We here at the Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC have an experienced team of lawyers and attorneys that are willing to assist you against such harassers. We can help you identify debt collection harassment from their representatives, as well as stop the collectoin harassment, and report continued harassment to the proper authorities.

Not only can we help you to defend against harassment, we can also help to build a case, and assist you in understanding where the illegal collection patterns are for debt collectors. We are also able to help facilitate any communications or discussions between the parties, ensuring that nothing you say can be used against you.

The most important bit of information in your fight is to always remain vigilant. No matter who you have at your side, it can seem like a daunting battle against such a large company and agency. If you have ever been the subject of:

• Multiple calls per week from a third party collection agency
• Multiple calls in the early morning or late night from debt collectors.
• Violent and belligerent language and harassment from debt collectors.
• Threats of arrests or poor credit due to outstanding debts.
• Having your friends, family, and coworkers harassed from debt collectors.
• Automated robocalls from third party collection agencies.

Then you may have a case available. So do not wait, make sure to give us a call, and get started fighting back against the debt collection harassment.

by Paul Mankin

Is the debt collection agency Allen, Maxwell, & Silver harassing you?

What do you do when you are told that you have a debt that needs to be paid? Or that you have a debt that you didn’t even know you had? Being told and forced to pay a debt that you may not have had a hand in can be extremely terrifying and dangerous, as your finances and livelihood may be hanging in the balance.

Because of this, it is important to know who you are talking to, as well as if they are legitimate and going through the proper channels to collect on the debt. One such company is Allen, Maxwell & Silver, a well-known name based in New Jersey. If you have been contacted by Allen, Maxwell & Silver, here are the details you need to know about this long-running debt collection agency.

What is Allen, Maxwell & Silver?

Allen, Maxwell & Silver are listed as a debt collection agency that works primarily with commercial accounts receivable management solutions. They currently work within the New Jersey area, and offer first party collections, third party collections, litigation services, and affiliated attorneys.

Is Allen, Maxwell & Silver a legit Debt Collection Agency?

Allen, Maxwell & Silver are a legitimate debt collection agency. They have been in business since 1992, with their Better Business Bureau file being opened in 2008. In 2012, they became accredited through the BBB, with 27 years of experience for them at the present.They currently hold an A+ rating with the BBB. However, they currently hold a 1 out of 5 stars average review with 2 customer reviews, as well as 6 customer complaints against them.

Allen, Maxwell & Silver Contact Information

Address: 17-17 Route 208 North, Suite 340, Fair Lawn, New Jersey 07410-2819

Phone Number: 1-201-871-0044

Fax Number: 1-201-871-1197

Website: http://www.amscollections.com

Does Allen, Maxwell & Silver have Complaints against them?

Allen, Maxwell & Silver do currently have a number of complaints made against them.

The BBB reports that there are 6 complaints made against AMS, with all 6 being made within the last 3 years. There were also 2 reviews left with an overall rating of 1 star out of 5 possible.

There are currently no listed or registered complaints within the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau consumer complaint database.

What kind of Complaints have been made?

The BBB lists 4 of the complaints made were with the billing and collections. 2 of the complaints were due to problems with the product or service. In detail, the complaints list that customers and victims have been contacted either about an invalid debt, or a debt that they do not recognize. Many have had trouble getting back in contact with Allen, Maxwell & Silver to get it resolved, which is a poor showing on the debt collection agency representatives.

The reviews both state that the customers were not given properly updated information when attempting to pay a debt. These debts then transferred over towards issues with the payment and billing cycle, forcing the customers to deal with a debt that has already been paid being shown as unpaid. This affected their businesses, and AMS did not even attempt to apologize.

Are the Practices of Allen, Maxwell & Silver Legal?

Although AMS did not seem to go out of their way to contact the customers, the issue lies with the blurring of information transfer. As noted, AMS had issues with information and transferring the debt money to the proper debtors. This can be seen as misinformation and falsified information, in a possible attempt to elicit an extra payment out of the customer. This directly goes against the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which strictly prohibits attempts to gain a payment through unscrupulous means, such as falsifying information and misleading customers through unreported situations. But, it is important to note, for the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to apply, the debt must be a consumer debt, not a business debt.

How can I protect myself and fight back against Allen, Maxwell & Silver?

There are plenty of ways to deal with debt collectors and possible debt collection harassment. The easiest and quickest way to help deal with the harassment is to hire an experienced and knowledgeable debt collection harassment attorney or lawyer that can assist you throughout the entire process.

We here at the Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC have a team of experienced attorneys that can assist and guide you to getting your debt cleared. They not only are able to help identify debt collection harassment and unlawful practices, but they can also help you put a stop to attempts, as well as report the illegal practices to the proper authorities and powers in the government.

Not only can we help you to defend against debt collection harassment, we can also help to build a case under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and assist you in understanding where the illegal collection patterns are for debt collectors. We are also able to help facilitate any communications or discussions between the parties, ensuring that nothing you say can be used against you.

The most important bit of information in your fight is to always remain vigilant. No matter who you have at your side, it can seem like a daunting battle against such a large company and agency. If you have ever been the subject of:

• Multiple calls per week from a third party collection agency
• Multiple calls in the early morning or late night from debt collectors.
• Violent and belligerent language and harassment from debt collectors.
• Threats of arrests or poor credit due to outstanding debts.
• Having your friends, family, and coworkers harassed by debt collectors.
• Automated robocalls from third party collection agencies.

Then you may have a case available. So do not wait, make sure to give us a call, and get started fighting back against the debt collection harassment.  There is no cost to you and there is no obligation.

by Paul Mankin

Is Valley Credit Services, Inc. Harassing You?

Valley Credit Services, Inc. is a debt collection agency headquartered in Keizer, Oregon. The agency has been in business since 1936 and collects for the healthcare, retail, utility, and telecommunications industries.

Contact Information:

626 Apple Blossom Ave N

Keizer, OR 97303-6013

Phone: (503) 585-5651

http://www.valley-creditservice.com/

A handful of complaints filed against Valley Credit Service, Inc. with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) allege that the agency attempted to collect debt that does not belong to the consumer from whom they were trying to collect it or placed collection accounts on the wrong consumer’s credit report. Another collection agency using the same name appears to be operating out of Wisconsin and some of the complaints filed with the CFPB seem to be against that company, although the agency in Wisconsin does not have a Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile.  The BBB has received 11 complaints about the company located in Oregon over the last three years. These complaints allege that Valley Credit Service, Inc. has violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) by:

• Refusing to send debt verification information to consumers
• Giving confidential information to third parties about a consumers alleged debt
• Being verbally abusive to callers by belittling them and attempting to humiliate them
• Attempting to collect fees and interest not authorized by the original agreement

One complaint filed with the BBB alleges that the collection agency mishandled automatic payments then filed a lawsuit without properly serving the consumer. The consumer only became aware of the lawsuit after receiving a solicitation from a bankruptcy attorney offering to help with the suit filed by Valley Credit Services, Inc.

Federal and state law prohibit debt collectors from being verbally abusive to consumers, attempting to collect fees the original agreement did not authorize, and from giving your personal information to third parties. It also requires collectors to provide verification of debts and to properly serve consumers against whom they file lawsuits.

If Valley Credit Service, Inc. is using unfair or abusive practices in order to collect a debt from you, it is time to hold them accountable. Please contact our office for a free, no obligation consultation at 1-800-219-3577.

by Paul Mankin

Is the collection agency Advantage Financial Credit Service harassing you?

Dealing with debt collectors can be a scary task. The harassment that you may encounter daily from a debt collector can harm you both physically, mentally, and financially. Because of this, it is important to understand what debt collector harassment is, and when it has occurred to you. Even if they may or may not be a legitimate company, such as Advantage Financial Credit Service, that does not mean they are using legal practices.

What is Advantage Financial Credit Service?

Advantage Financial Credit Service is said to be a credit reporting agency outside of Ontario, Oregon. This is based on their Facebook page. Through the Better Business Bureau, they are listed as Advantage Financial Services Credit Services, and are listed as financial planning consultants.

Is Advantage Financial Credit Service a legit Debt Collection Agency?

Advantage Financial Credit Service is not listed as a primary debt collection agency. However, their facebook page does list them as a collection agency, along with credit counseling services. Their Better Business Bureau file was opened in 2016. However, the only activity seen from them on their business page on Facebook dates back to 2014, with only 4 reviews at that time. They currently hold an A+ rating with the BBB. However, they are not accredited, and have no reviews or complaints made for them on the BBB website.

Advantage Financial Credit Service Contact Information

Address: 972 W Idaho Ave PMB 7, Ontario, OR 97914

Of note, the address on the BBB does match the facebook address.

Fax Number: 1(541)-889-5060

Of note, the fax number on BBB is also listed as the phone number for the Facebook page.

Website: www.afcsi.org

Of note, the website listed on both the BBB and Facebook page is currently an unregistered domain. This means that it is not under their control, and the business may be closed.

Does Advantage Financial Credit Service have Complaints against them?

Advantage Financial Credit Service currently has no complaints against them through the Better Business Bureau.

Advantage Financial Credit Service currently has no complaints listed against them through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Does this mean I can trust them?

Just because there are no registered complaints against Advantage Financial Credit Service, does not mean that any call from them is automatically authentic and correct. There are plenty of debt collection harassment techniques that utilize a real-sounding name without having any physical evidence or proof.

The primary issue is the notice that, not only are the phone number and website offline in a sense, they have had no activity on their facebook page within the last few years. Although this is not the most credible source for if a business is still operating, it does mean that they may have shut down, or have had some issues and are no longer in service.

Are the Practices of Advantage Financial Credit Service Legal?

If you have been contacted by Advantage Financial Credit Service, understand there is a large percentage chance that whoever is calling is not a registered debt collector. If you are contacted, understand you do not have to immediately comply with their demands. The FDCPA protects those that are illegally harassed and extorted through improper means and practices. If you feel like you have been targeted or harassed, understand that the law is on your side.

How can I protect myself and fight back against Advantage Financial Credit Service?

If you have been harassed by Advantage Financial Credit Service, or feel that you have been harassed, there are a number of ways to deal with the situation. First is to verify the information. If you have been contacted, and they state they are attempting to collect on a debt under your name, feel free to ask for verification. This can be through letters, emails, or over the phone information. Any and all ways to verify the authenticity of the debt is well within your right to ask.

Another way to protect yourself and fight back is to hire an experienced and well-versed debt collector harassment lawyer that will be able to help you. Here at the Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC, we have plenty of collection harassment lawyers and attorneys that can help to get you on the right path to fighting back against debt collection harassment.

Our attorneys are able to help you understand how long debt collectors are able to harass you for, as well as how to stop their harassment, and how to report their debt collection practices if they are illegal. They can assist you in understanding what is considered to be harassed by a debt collector, as well as help build a case against the debt collectors to help you get compensation in the case of illegal activities.

Remember, there is always a way to fight back. So don’t wait. If you feel you have been a victim of:

• Robocalls
• Harassment by Debt collectors
• Abusive or threatening language from debt collectors
• Threatening letters
• Improper or misinformation with regards to debts

Then you may have a case that can get you compensation for the harassment. Give us a call now, and start the fight back.