Uncategorized

by Paul Mankin

Is IC System, Inc., Harassing You?

IC System, Inc.

IC System, Inc. is a debt collection agency headquartered in St Paul, Minnesota. The agency has been in business since 1938 and provides debt collection services to a wide range of clients including healthcare providers, utility companies, government agencies and educational institutions.

Contact Information:

444 Highway 96 E

Saint Paul, MN 55127-2557

Phone: (866) 483-8595

http://www.icsystem.com/

In the last three years, 517 complaints have been filed against IC System, Inc. with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and 1,134 have been filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a federal agency created to help prevent companies in the financial industry, such as banks, credit card companies, and debt collection agencies, from abusing and deceiving consumers. Complaints allege that the company:

• Refuses to provide enough information for consumers to verify the debt
• Falsely implies that consumers will be arrested if they do not pay
• Reports false credit information to the credit reporting bureaus
• Speaks with third parties about a consumers debt
• Attempts to collect the wrong amount
• Fails to provide consumers with the mini-Miranda
• Contacts consumers at work after being told the employer does not allow it

These are all violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), a federal law enacted to help protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, and abusive debt collection tactics. The Act specifically prohibits debt collectors from speaking with third parties about a consumer’s debt, falsely implying that a consumer will be arrested if they do not pay a bill, attempting to collect the wrong amount on a debt, and reporting false credit information. It also requires debt collectors to convey certain information to consumers. This includes reading them the mini-Miranda, which says that the communication is from a debt collector and is an attempt to collect on a debt and any information obtained will be used for the purpose of collecting the debt as well as providing them with basic information about the debt, such as the name of the original creditor, the amount of the debt, and any documentation that can validate the debt.

IC System, Inc. has been sued at least once, in Missouri, when it allegedly used abusive practices to collect on a debt from a consumer who repeatedly informed the company that she was not the person who owed the debt. Her complaint alleged that IC System, Inc. used the telephone to harass her, failed to identify calls as coming from a debt collector, misrepresented the name of the company and falsely represented the character and status of the debt. The suit was settled and dismissed.

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

by Paul Mankin

Is Debt Recovery Specialists Harassing You?

Debt Recovery Specialists a debt collection agency located in Mount Vernon, Washington. The agency has been in business since 1986 and provides debt collection services to a wide range of creditors, primarily in the state of Washington. According to its website, when it is hired to collect on an account of a consumer residing outside of Washington, it forwards the account to another collection agency.

Contact Information:

1601 William Way

Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Phone: (360) 428-8159

http://www.debtrs.com/

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reports no complaints against Debt Recovery Specialists and it maintains an A+ rating with the Bureau, although it is not accredited. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a federal agency created to help ensure that financial companies, such as collection agencies, do not harass or abuse consumer, reports one complaint filed against Debt Recovery Specialists in 2015. The complaint alleges that the collection agency threatened him will jail if he did not pay the debt, because the first check he wrote to pay it bounced. The company responded to the complaint in a timely manner, and it was closed, however its response was not made available to the public. While check fraud is a crime, simply bouncing a check is not, and a debt collector cannot threaten a consumer with jail in order to get them to pay on a debt. This is a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), a federal law enacted to help protect consumers from unfair and abuse debt collection practices. The FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from using many types of deceptive and abusive collection tactics including:

• Calling consumers before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
• Using obscene or profane language
• Threatening to take any action that it cannot legally take or does not intend to take
• Causing a consumers telephone to ring repeatedly
• Speaking with a third party about a consumer’s alleged debt

The collection agency has been sued at least once, in the Western District of Washington, for violations of the FDCPA. The complaint in this case alleges that Debt Recovery Specialists used harassing and abusive means to collect on a debt. The claim involved information the company reported on the consumer’s credit report that she disputed. Debt collection agencies are prohibited by the FDCPA from reporting false credit information, or information they should have known to be false to the credit reporting agencies. The case was settled shortly after the complaint was filed.

If you feel that Beacon Service, LLC 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 case review at 1-800-219-3577.

by Paul Mankin

Is the debt collection agency Alliance Group & Associates, LLC harassing you?

What is Alliance Group & Associates LLC?

Alliance Group & Associates LLC was established and incorporated in South Carolina in February 2012. It is a small debt collection operation that is run by its general manager, Mrs. Vanessia Arnold. In seven years, the business has grown to approximately 175 employees and primarily serves payday lenders attempting to collect on unpaid loans.

Is Alliance Group & Associates LLC a legit Debt Collection Agency?

Yes, it is legit. Alliance Collection Agencies, Inc. has been recognized by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2013 and has been BBB-accredited since 2015. The debt collector maintains an B rating despite having 44 BBB consumer complaints and an average 1.3-star review rating, which means the company is relatively prompt in responding to complaints and implies the business is legitimate.

Alliance Group & Associates LLC Contact Information:

600 E North St

Greenville, SC 29601-3044

(877) 908-5360 (phone)

What kind of complaints does Alliance Group & Associates LLC have against them?

In addition to 44 complaints through the Better Business Bureau, Alliance Collection Agencies, Inc. has received 22 public complaints through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. While some collections deal with medical or general debts, the vast majority of Alliance Group & Associates LLC’s disputed collection attempts regard harassing phone calls about payday loans. Specific complaints include threats to arrest, jail, or sue the alleged debtor, threats to damage the alleged debtor’s credit rating, and use of obscene and threatening language.

Consumers have provided the following additional phone numbers that might be connected to harassing calls from Alliance Group & Associates LLC:

(877) 908-5360

(864) 610-8039

(855) 717-5793

(972) 996-6441

Are Alliance Group & Associates LLC’s Practices Legal?

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) it is illegal for a collector to use many of the collection practices employed by Alliance Group & Associates LLC, including threatening arrest and using obscene language for no purpose other than to threaten and harass the alleged debtor. These practices are unlawful under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and could entitle you to up to $1000 in statutory damages, actual damages, and the debt collect must pay reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.

How can I defend myself against a debt collector like Alliance Group & Associates LLC?

If you receive a harassing calls or letter from Alliance Group & Associates LLC, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible to learn about your rights before attempting to resolve the matter with the collector. If you believe you have a claim for collector harassment or are a victim of another violation of state or federal debtor’s rights, you should speak with a consumer rights lawyer or debt collection harassment attorney immediately. Contact us today to discuss your matter and see how we can help at no cost to you.

Complaints regarding South Carolina-based collectors can be made at https://consumer.sc.gov/consumer-resources/consumer-complaints. Complaints regarding a collector in any state may be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov or (877) FTC-HELP (877-382-4357), and complaints regarding any collector or other business can be made at BBB complaints. To learn more about how the federal government regulates debt collection and protects debtors and other individuals from collector harassment, see FTC Debt Collection pamphlet.

by Paul Mankin

Is the debt collection agency Asset Recovery Associates harassing you?

When it comes to debt collection techniques and practices, how far is too far? What constitutes debt collection harassment, and what is considered okay? Here is what you need to know about Asset Recovery Associates, and how to defend yourself against their illegal and predatory techniques.

What is Asset Recovery Associates?

Asset Recovery Associates is listed as a debt collection agency that works primarily with businesses and corporations to collect on debts overdue. They service the Chicago and Northern Illinois area, with a hand in financial services, debt collection, and credit services. Their business is headed by a number of people, including:

• Bryan Cohen – Compliance Manager/Principal
• Bruce Cohen – President
• Mario Bianchi – Associate

Is Asset Recovery Associates a legit Debt Collection Agency?

Although Asset Recovery Associates is considered to be a legitimate debt collection agency, they have many issues pertaining to their company. They were said to be founded in 2003, with their Better Business Bureau file opening in 2004. They currently hold an F rating with the BBB, and a 1 star out of 5 star average review out of 28 customer reviews.

They are not accredited through the BBB.

Their known alias and other company name is Financial Credit Service Inc.

Asset Recovery Associates Contact Information

Address: 1919 S Highland Ave STE 225A Lombard, IL 60148-6180

Other Address: 1627 W Colonial Pkwy Inverness, IL 60067-4732

Other Address: PO Box 1211 Palatine, IL 60078-1211

Other Address: PO Box 4009 Schaumburg, IL 60168-4009

Other Address: PO Box 5002 Villa Park, IL 60181-5002

Website: http://www.arainc.us

Other Website: http://fcsinc.biz/index.htm

Phone Number: 1-800-706-3401

Other Phone: 1-800-706-4301

Other Phone: 1-888-310-1550

Other Phone: 1-630-599-5060

Other Phone: 1-314-584-6755

Other Phone: 1-888-409-5060

Fax Number: 1-847-991-3462

Other Fax: 1-847-925-2050

Does Asset Recovery Associates have Complaints against them?

Asset Recovery Associates have numerous complaints against them. Through the BBB database alone, there are 76 complaints that have been closed within the last 3 years, with 21 complaints closed just within the last 12 months. They also have 28 customer reviews that rate them at 1 star total, granting them an average of 1 star out of 5 stars. This is the basis for their F rating with the BBB.

Within the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Consumer Complaint Database, the name Asset Recovery Associates is tied with around 648 complaints. These complaints range in issue and scale, with some even detailing meticulous illegal activities and practices taken by Asset Recovery Associates.

The BBB has also put out an alert on Asset Recovery Associates. From the BBB database profile for Asset Recovery Associates, ARA had allegations made against them that they had used threatening actions such as suing or arresting consumers in an attempt to collect on a debt. It was later revealed that ARA had no such intentions, which falls under false claims and misinformation. This goes directly against the BBB’s terms of assurance. Because of this, Asset Recovery Associates ended up having to pay a total of $236,000 in restitution to consumers and the Better Business Bureau alike.

What kind of Complaints have been made?

The complaints range in scale, with many stating that the debt collection practices are not legal. In the BBB database, many complaints detail fraudulent calls and claims from their representatives, as well as excessive calls and robocalls being made under their names as well. The reviews also state that their experience was less than pleasant, and almost predatory in nature.

The CFPB’s CCD states that many of the complaints show signs that Asset Recovery Associates engaged in the following illegal practices and techniques:

• Calling workplaces and family members of consumers
• Excessive calls and harassment towards consumers
• Attempting to use misinformation and fraudulent debt records
• Threatening legal actions, such as arrest and suing
• Threatening with physical violence

All of these actions and practices are highly illegal if true, going against everything the Federal Debt Collections Practice Act stands for. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act’s (FDCPA) laws and guidelines specifically prohibit such actions, meaning that Asset Recovery Associates are practicing illegal techniques, and should be jailed for it.

How can I protect myself and fight back against Asset Recovery Associates?

Although we would normally state that it is best to take less drastic measures when dealing with debt collection agencies at the start, such as asking to authenticate the debt, with the information against Asset Recovery Associates, we advise a highly different method.

If you or someone you have has been contacted by Asset Recovery Associates or any of their known affiliated names or companies, it is best to immediately seek legal counsel. With their reputation of illegal and underhanded techniques, seeking counsel will grant you the best option of reprieve in the shortest span of time. We here at the Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC have dealt with Asset Recovery Associates in the past, and are well versed in their debt collection harassment practices. We can help you identify the harassment, document the harassment for future reference, and begin reporting the 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 Superlative RM Harassing You?

Superlative RM

Superlative RM is a third-party debt collection agency and is located in Elk Grove, California. FCS is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau. To be accredited by the Better Business Bureau a company must demonstrate trust, honesty, transparency, responsiveness, and integrity. The Better Business Bureau has received consumer complaints alleging that Superlative RM has engaged in unsavory debt collection practices, including:

• Improperly discussing the consumer’s debt with a third party; and
• Harassing consumers by repeatedly and frequently calling.

One consumer reported receiving a phone call from Superlative RM. The representative was looking for the consumer’s brother. The consumer advised the representative that the consumer did not keep in touch with their brother and did not have any contact information for him. After this conversation, Superlative RM began calling the consumer four (4) times a day. Superlative RM responded to the consumer’s complaint with the Better Business Bureau and agreed to cease further communication with the consumer.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (RFDCPA) regulate debt collectors and creditors’ communication with third-parties. A debt collector is only permitted to contact a third party when the debt collector reasonably believes that person would have information regarding the consumer’s location or telephone number. More importantly, debt collectors are only permitted to contact a third party once. Repeated phone calls to the third party is a form of harassment and that third party is protected by the FDCPA and RDCPA.

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 Superlative RM accountable. Please contact our office for a free, no obligation consultation at 1-800-219-3577.

by Paul Mankin

Is Fidelity Creditor Service, Inc. Harassing You?

Fidelity Creditor Service, Inc.

Fidelity Creditor Service, Inc. (FCS) is a third-party debt collection agency that specializes in collecting debt for financial institutions, law offices, retail businesses, property management companies, and real estate companies. The company was founded in 1964 and is based in Glendale, California.

FCS is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau. To be accredited by the Better Business Bureau a company must demonstrate trust, honesty, transparency, responsiveness, and integrity. In fact, the Better Business Bureau gives FCS a “D-“ rating for failing to respond to any of the consumer complaints. One consumer complained that FCS was attempting to collect a debt that was not owed. The consumer discovered the debt on their credit report. The consumer reached out repeatedly to FCS and requested, in writing, that FCS provide proof of the debt; however, FCS failed to validate the debt.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) expressly allows consumers to request a creditor or debt collector to send proof of the debt. Within five (5) days after its initial communication, the creditor or debt collector must send a notice, referred to as the G-Notice. A consumer then has thirty (30) days to dispute a debt and to request proof of the debt. Failure to respond to the request for proof of a debt is 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 FCS accountable. Please contact our office for a free, no obligation consultation at 1-800-219-3577.

by Paul Mankin

Is the collection agency Absolute Collection Corp harassing you?

Dealing with debts and debt collection agencies can be extremely difficult and time consuming. Some may even attempt to use extremely underhanded methods if it means that they will get paid in the end.

One such company is Absolute Collection Corp. Although a fairly new business, they have already had quite a few complaints lodged against their company, some of which are seen as most dire.

What is Absolute Collection Corp?

Absolute Collection Corp is a company that was started back in 2008. They currently reside in San Diego, California, and is headed by their president, Mr. Mark Naiman.

Is Absolute Collection Corp a legit Debt Collection Agency?

Absolute Collection Corp is a complete and legitimate debt collection agency. They have two locations, both located within San Diego, California. Although they have been set up since 2008, they were accredited by the Better Business Bureau in 2010, and have been since that time. They currently have a rating of A- with the BBB.

Absolute Collection Corp Contact Information

Main Address: 591 Camino De La Reina Ste 1219 San Diego, CA 92108-3114

Other Location: 1455 Frazee Rd #550, San Diego, CA 92108-4301

Fax Number: 1-(619)-295-3650

Phone Number: 1-(619)-295-1200

Other Phone: 1-(800)-713-0670

Other Phone: 1-(877)-771-3323

Website: http://www.absoluteresolutions.com

Does Absolute Collection Corp have Complaints against them?

Absolute Collection Corp has many complaints against them. THe BBB currently has 18 customer complaints against them. The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau Consumer Complaint Database currently has 14 complaints logged against them, with some ranging as far back as 2013.

What kind of Complaints have been made?

The complaints range of grievances and issues that have come about. One of the most common complaints made against Absolute Collection Corp has to do with using illegal debt collector harassment practices, as well as using misleading and improper information to try to trap debtors, or gullible, people into paying for a debt that may or may not be real.

They have also been notably listed as using robo calls and threatening legal actions if a person does not pay for a debt. This includes harassing people through the wrong number, which is illegal.

Are the Practices of Absolute Collection Corp Legal?

Many of the techniques and practices that have been listed in the complaints made against Absolute Collection Corp are deemed illegal.

Although debt collection itself is a regulated and legal practice, debt collector harassment is not. This includes harassment through persistent phone calls, threatening letters and emails, and even abusive behavior through threats of legal action against you, or others that may be acquainted with you.

The list of abusive and harassing practices that are illegal can be found within the laws known as the FDCPA. The FDCPA, or Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, protects innocent people such as yourselves against the abuse and harassment from the likes of debt collection agencies and credit card companies. These include protections from:

• Misuse or misleading and fraudulent information
• Persistent and threatening phone calls
• Robo calls being made to your home or personal phone

These are just a handful of the types of harassment that can happen on a daily basis. As such, if you feel like you have been harassed by Absolute Collection Corp, do not hesitate to reach out for help.

How can I protect myself and fight back against Absolute Collection Corp?

There are plenty of ways for you to protect yourself, through making sure you do not incur any debts or outstanding balances, and not overspending when you know you are not able to.

However, in most situations, you may already be in trouble, and need help quickly. If you or those that you are acquainted with have noticed harassment from debt collection agencies such as Absolute Collection Corp, contact us so that we can get you in touch with an experienced and knowledgeable debt collector harassment lawyer. Our lawyers and attorneys will be able to help put a stop to debt collector harassment, as well as report and shut down future debt collector harassment.

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 at 1-800-219-3577, and get started fighting back against the debt collection harassment.   We are experience debt collection harassment attorneys that will provide you with a free no obligation case evaluation

by Paul Mankin

Is the debt collection agency Americollect harassing you?

While some companies are new entries into the debt collection business, there are some that have been doing it for years. And to those that have been doing it for years, there are those that have been doing it for decades. Americollect is one such company that has been in business for a few decades. But does that mean that they are automatically reliable? We take a look at a company that has been around for half a century, and yet may have some underhanded tactics.

What is Americollect?

Americollect is listed as a consumer debt collection agency. They work primarily with creditors within the Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan area. Their catchphrase is “Ridiculously Nice Collections”.

Is Americollect a legit Debt Collection Agency?

Americollect is considered to be a legitimate agency. They opened in the year 1964, and their Better Business Bureau file was opened in 1997. Since then, they became accredited in 2010, and hold an A rating with the BBB. However, they hold a 2 star rating out of 5 stars on the BBB, and currently have quite a few reviews against them that are disparaging.

Americollect Contact Information

Address: 1851 S Alverno Rd, Manitowoc, WI 54220-9208

Other: PO Box 1566 Manitowoc, WI 54221-1566

Website: http://www.americollect.com

Phone: 1-920-682-0311

Other Phone: 1-800-838-0100

Fax: 1-920-682-0313

Does Americollect have Complaints against them?

Americollect has quite a few complaints against them. Through the BBB database, they have 123 customer complaints, as well as 15 customer reviews averaging out to 2 stars.

Americollect also has over 670 registered complaints through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Consumer Complaint Database.

What kind of Complaints have been made?

The complaints vary from area to area. The most prominent reason for the complaints are due to poor debt collection methods, as well as improper reporting.

Of the 672 complaints lodged against Americollect through the CFPB’s CCD, 604 were due to debt collection practices, and 62 were due to improper reporting techniques. Many of these state that they did not receive a notice of the right to dispute the debt, and that the debt sometimes wasn’t theirs to begin with. Many also report harassment and threatening language used by Americollect representatives.

Through the BBB, 114 of the 123 complaints were due to billing issues and collection complications. These also fall in line with issues of verification of the debts, as well as representatives harassing consumers in an attempt to get them to pay even when verification has not been made.

Are the Practices of Americollect Legal?

No, some of these practices are not legal. Per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) rules and laws, debt collectors are not allowed to harass you excessively, or call you at improper times. THey are also not allowed to misuse and misinform you in an attempt to get you to pay on a debt, even if it is not your own debt. The withholding of the right to dispute notice is also filed under misinformation, as that is deliberately not granting essential information to consumers.

In almost all of the complaints listed, Americollect is alleged to have done exactly this, and if true, its actions violate the law and are considered collection harassment.

How can I protect myself and fight back against Americollect?

There are many ways for you to fight back against such oppressive debt collection harassment. The first and easiest way to protect yourself against such predatory harassment by Americollect representatives is to ask for a verification letter of the debt. Verifying the debt means that the debt collection agency has to provide proof that the debt is real. This can be in the form of identification of the debt from the original owner, as well as identification for an online database. If the debt cannot be verified, then you are not obligated to pay the debt at any point.

If the representatives of Americollect continue to harass you even after you tell them to stop ,then you may want to get an experienced debt collector harassment attorney to help keep the predators at bay. We here at Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC, have our team of experienced debt collection harassment attorneys that can assist you against their advances. We can help you identify their harassment techniques and practices, as well as stop their attempts, and report their harassment to the proper authorities.

Not only can we help you to defend against 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

Are You Receiving Harassing Phone Calls From Barclays Bank Delaware?

Barclays Bank Delaware

Barclays Bank Delaware (Barclays) provides financial products and services, including consumer credit cards for travel, retail, entertainment, and business expenses. Barclays was founded in 2000 and is based in Wilmington, Delaware. According to its website, Barclays’ core values include respect, integrity, service, excellence, and stewardship.

A review of Barclays’ profile on the Better Business Bureau’s website indicates that Barclays does not always practice its core values. Barclays has received numerous complaints for engaging in unfair, deceptive and abusive debt collection practices. In the last three (3) years, the Better Business Bureau has received 1,128 consumer complaints against Barclays. Of those 1,128 complaints, 589 complaints have been related to Barclays’ billing and debt collection practices. Consumers most commonly complain that Barclays makes repeated and harassing phone calls as well as attempts to collect debts that are not owed by the consumer.

After receiving repeated calls from Barclays regarding a debt, a consumer sent a letter requesting that the company cease all communication with the consumer. Unfortunately, the harassment did not stop. Barclays continued to call multiple times daily, including up to five (5) calls in one day.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (RFDCPA) prevent creditors and debt collectors from abusive and harassing debt collection practices. This includes calling consumers repeatedly or continuously with the intent to annoy, abuse or harass. Although federal and state law does not state the exact number of calls that would constitute harassment, there is a large volume of case law that interprets three (3) or more calls a day from the same debt collector to be harassing.

The consumer filed a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which is a Government agency charged with protecting consumers from unfair, deceptive or abusive debt collection practices. Barclays settled the complaint and provided monetary relief to the consumer.

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 Barclays accountable. Please contact our office for a free, no obligation consultation at 1-800-219-3577.

by Paul Mankin

Is the debt collection agency Radius Global Solutions, LLC harassing you?

LOCATION:

Headquarters: 50 West Skippack Pike, Ambler, PA 19002

Telephone number: (267) 419-1111

CEO: Michael Barrist 

Website: https://www.radiusgs.com/

Radius Global Solutions, LLC (also known as RadiusGS) is a large multinational company that performs a variety of services including debt collection. Although its headquarters is located in Pennsylvania, RadiusGS operates through large sections of the US as well as Jamaica, Panama and India.

In its capacity as a debt collector, Radius primarily serves the interests of the healthcare, financial services, retail, utilities, education and the hospitality/entertainment industries. RadiusGS claims to offer “debt collection solutions to those in the healthcare industry and all other industries where prompt payment is essential.”

CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AGAINST RADIUS GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, LLC:

RadiusGS suffers from one of the worst track records in the debt collection industry, based on complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Complaints 

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a department of the US government with a stated goal of protecting consumers from “unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices.” To this end, it accepts and compiles consumer complaints against businesses such as debt collection companies. CFPB records show over 1,000 complaints with the CFPB over the past five years.927 of these complaints arose from debt collection issues.

THE MOST COMMON COMPLAINTS WERE:

• The company attempted to collect a debt that was not owed, sometimes with great persistence. In some cases the debt was never owed by the target; in other cases it had already been paid, was discharged in bankruptcy, or was generated through identity theft.
• The company issued a faulty written debt notification. It may have, for example, omitted the information that you have the right to dispute the debt.
• The company used unfair, harassing, threatening or abusive communication tactics, or called early in the morning or late at night.
• The company attempted to collect an inflated amount.
• The company’s required disclosure did not give the debtor enough information to verify the debt.

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU COMPLAINTS:

The RadiusGS Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile might seem contradictory at first glance — the company maintains an A+ BBB Rating, yet rates only one of five stars based on “Customer Reviews and Complaints.” Nearly 150 complaints have been registered to date. The resolution of this apparent paradox is simple — a BBB rating means little or nothing anymore. If you want to investigate the quality of a company, look at the customer reviews

Debtor complaints against RadiusGS include the following actions which, if true, would violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act:

• Arbitrarily increasing the amount owed under a repayment agreement;
• Using threatening language (threatening legal action that the debt collector is willing and able to take is not illegal, however).
•  Calling four times a day for a credit card debt, starting six years after the statute of limitations deadline expired.
• Placing false debt defaults on peoples’ credit records.

WATCH OUT FOR THIS TRICK!

RadiusGS has been accused of another tactic that is unethical, although it is not illegal. Because of its counterintuitive nature, however, you should know how it works. It is true that the statute of limitations can protect you from legal liability for a debt. If a creditor fails to sue you before the statute of limitation deadline (let’s assume, for example, that it’s seven years), they cannot file a lawsuit against you over the same debt — unless you revalidate the debt.

You can revalidate an expired debt by paying anything at all, even a dollar, to a collection agency for the debt. The reasoning is that by paying even a small amount, you are acknowledging that you still owe the money. If you do this, your legal liability for the debt could be revived and you could be sued on the debt even after the statute of limitations deadline has expired. Never agree to pay anything on an expired debt!

LAWSUITS AGAINST RADIUSGS AND ITS ASSOCIATED/AFFILIATED COMPANIES:

RadiusGS, as well as its affiliates and associates (subsidiaries, etc.) have been defendants in quite a number of lawsuits, with mixed results. Following is a small sampling:

Henry v. Radius Global Solutions, LLC, (January 18, 2019, US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania). A class action lawsuit filed under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act concerning a debtor’s right to dispute a debt orally in the absence of a clear statement that any dispute must be in writing.

Selou v. Integrity Solution Services, Inc. (October 19, 2015.) United States District Court, E.D. Michigan, Southern Division. Civil Case No. 15-10927. A lawsuit that alleged violations of the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, as well as Michigan’s Occupational Code and Regulation of Collection Practices Act.

Cox v. Hilco Receivables, LLC. and Central Credit Services, Inc. (November 24, 2010.) United States District Court, N.D. Texas, Dallas Division. No. 3:09-CV-897-M.. A lawsuit that alleged several violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Daugherty v. Central Credit Services (June 23, 2009.) US District Court, E.D. Missouri, Eastern Division. Case No. 4:08CV1967 CDP.. A lawsuit that alleged violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, as well as negligent infliction of emotional distress. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What legal weapons are available for use against debt collectors?

Below is a list of the main federal and state statutes that you can use against rogue debt collectors:

• The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, for example, lists acts that debt collectors are forbidden from committing, such as calling you before 8 am or after 9 pm; threatening legal action that the debt collector is either unable or unwilling to take; impersonating a lawyer; making threats; and many other prohibitions.
• The California Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which expands the protections available under the federal FDCPA.
   
•  The federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) protects you against robocalls.
•  The federal Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) protects you from unauthorized deductions from your bank account.
• The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) helps you ensure the accuracy of your credit report.

CAN I SUE RADIUS GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, LLC FOR MONEY DAMAGES?

Yes. You can receive up to $1,000, plus court costs and attorney’s fees, for each violation of the FDCPA; up to $500 for each robocall you receive from a debt collector; and perhaps additional amounts for damages such as emotional distress.

CAN RADIUS GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, LLC GARNISH MY WAGES?

Not unless they already have a judgment against you. If they have not even sued you on the debt, it is illegal for them to even threaten to garnish your wages. Be sure to check, however, whether a default judgment may have been entered against you.