by Paul MankinIs the debt collection agency AllianceOne Receivables Management harassing you?
What is AllianceOne Receivables Management?
AllianceOne Receivables Management was founded in Pennsylvania and incorporated in Delaware in March 1999. The debt collection business operates under its president and CEO, Mr. Timothy Casey and serves an array of creditors, performing third-party debt collections on payday loans, mortgages, medical bills, credit cards, and auto loans.
Is AllianceOne Receivables Management a legit Debt Collection Agency?
Yes, it is legit. AllianceOne Receivables Management (also known as “AllianceOne”) is currently pending accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintains an A+ rating, which means it has a strong record of responding to consumer complaints, numerous as they are (58 BBB complaints at last count). The collector provides a publicly available consumer hotline in addition to its general contact number, which speaks to its validity as a consumer debt collector.
AllianceOne Receivables Management Contact Information:
4850 E Street Rd
Ste 300
Trevose, PA 19053-6643
(215) 354-5500 (phone)
(800) 858-4472 (consumer hotline available from 8 am to 5:30 pm CST)
(215) 396-7255 (fax)
(800) 501-4743 (alt. fax)
What kind of complaints does AllianceOne Receivables Management have against them?
In just over 20 years of business, AllianceOne Receivables Management has received an astonishing 58 BBB complaints 654 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau complaints. The collector has done a lot of business over its two decades, has served a variety of creditors, and received a broad range of complaints, including:
- Attempting to collect ‘bad’ debt, debt that’s been paid, or debt that belongs to someone else
- Harassing debtors by phone, including making threats and using obscene language and profanity
- Attempting to collect the wrong amount
- Accusing debtors of acting unlawfully
- Instructing debtors not to respond to lawsuits
- Impersonating attorneys or other officials as to intimidate debtors
(866) 834-4950
(800) 661-1353
(866) 385-0284
(215) 354-5500
(866) 385-0277
(877) 516-6555
(800) 624-6873
(866) 672-3308
(800) 858-4472
Are AllianceOne Receivables Management’s Practices Legal?
Among other practices, it is strictly unlawful for a collections agency like AllianceOne Receivables Management to make any false or threatening statements in connection with an attempt to collect on a consumer debt. Many complaints against AllianceOne contain allegations of gross violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), including and especially allegations that AllianceOne impersonated an attorney or anyone in an official capacity for the purpose of intimidating a debtor into paying on a debt. FDCPA and could entitle you to $1000.00 in statutory damages, as well as other state and federal remedies.
How can I defend myself against a debt collector like AllianceOne Receivables Management?
If you receive a collection attempt from AllianceOne regarding a debt or amount you do not owe or that is made in a harassing, threatening, or overtly intimidating manner, you should consult with a debt collection harassment 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 collection harassment or are a victim of another violation of state or federal debtor’s rights, you should speak with a consumer rights attorney or debt collection harassment lawyer immediately. Contact us today to discuss your matter and see how we can help at no cost to you.
Complaints regarding Pennsylvania-based collectors can made by submitting an online complaint form at https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/. You can also contact the Delaware Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Unit since the collector is incorporated in and subject to the laws of the State of Delaware. 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 MankinAre You Receiving Harassing Phone Calls From Bank of America?
Bank of America Corporation
Bank of America Corporation (Bank of America) provides banking and financial services to approximately 67 million consumers and small businesses. These services include personal banking, debit and credit cards, residential mortgages, auto loans, and other personal loans. Bank of America was founded in 1874 and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. According to its website, Bank of America’s mission is grounded in its culture and its culture is rooted in integrity.
Despite its claims of integrity, Bank of America has received numerous consumer complaints. The Better Business Bureau has received 5,890 complaints against Bank of America in the last three (3) years. Of those 5,890 complaints, 1,621 complaints dealt with Bank of America’s billing and debt collection practices. The most common complaints leveled against Bank of America include:
- Harassing consumers by repeatedly and continuously calling;
- Attempting to collect a debt that is not owed by the consumer;
- Threatening legal action if payments are not made; and
- Making false or misleading statements.
A complaint was filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) against Bank of America for repeatedly and continuously harassing a consumer’s spouse. The CFPB is a Government agency charged with protecting consumers from unfair, deceptive or abusive debt collection practices. The complaint stated that Bank of America repeatedly contacted the consumer’s spouse with the intention of harassing the spouse to make a partial payment on a time-barred debt. The debt was five (5) years old.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (RFDCPA) prevent creditors and debt collectors from filing lawsuits against old debt. Debt collectors only have a certain number of years to file a lawsuit to collect on a debt. This is referred to as the statute of limitations. In California, there is a four (4) year statue of limitation for filing a lawsuit to collect a debt. Debts that are beyond the statute of limitations are considered “time-barred.” In some situations, a partial payment on a time-barred debt will actually restart the clock on the statute of limitations.
Bank of America’s actions clearly violated both federal and state consumer protection laws. Thus, Bank of America 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 Bank of America accountable. Please contact our office for a free, no obligation consultation at 1-800-219-3577.
by Paul MankinIs the debt collection agency Adams & Morse Associates, Inc. harassing you?
Adams & Morse Associates is an insurance debt collection agency founded on December 18, 1984 in New Hampshire. Adams & Morse Associates, Inc. is managed by its President, Athena Adams, its Vice President, Noel Negroni, and its Office Manager, Jessica Perry.
889 Elm St
Manchester, NH 03101-2019
(800) 328-8239 (phone)
A Better Business Bureau (BBB) file was opened for Adams & Morse Associates, Inc. on October 2, 1991, and it has two 1-star consumer reviews but no official consumer complaints. The collector is not BBB accredited but does maintain an ‘A+’ BBB rating despite its negative reviews.
Adams does not have an extensive or consequential litigation record, and no consumer complaints have been reported the CFPB. Adams & Morse Associates was sued, however, in Pennsylvania for Fair Debt Collection Practices Act violations taken in 2006, including using false, deceptive, and misleading means to collect a debt; using harassing and abusive means to collect a debt; calling a debtor at work although such calls were prohibited by the employer.
Negative consumer reviews primarily include complaints about calls from false numbers and leaving threatening messages, as well as repeated calls from the collector even after they’ve been notified the person they are trying to reach is not reachable at that number. Adams is also reported as being rude and unhelpful. These consumer reviews, if true, allege additional violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
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. More information regarding complaints regarding New Hampshire-based collectors can be found at https://www.doj.nh.gov/consumer/sourcebook/credit-debt-collection.htm. 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.
It is against federal debt collection regulations to engage in certain annoying and unkind acts in furtherance of pursuing repayment of a debt, including: calling before 8:00AM or after 9:00PM, calling repeatedly or even just a few times per week (no matter how many different phone numbers they use), calling your place of work if you are not permitted personal calls, calling you after you have made an unmistakable request for them to stop calling, using profanity or other threatening language, and other intimidating actions. It is also unlawful for collectors to misrepresents who they are and what the purpose of their communication is, as well as for them to attempt collection on an amount more than you owe or to collect from someone who is not legally responsible for the debt. These actions, each and all, amount to collector harassment, and you have the right to be free of this behavior.
If you believe you have a claim for collection harassment or are a victim of another violation of state or federal debtor’s rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you should speak with a consumer rights attorney or debt collection harassment attorney immediately. Contact us today to discuss your matter and see how we can help at no cost to you.
by Paul MankinIs the debt collection agency Alliance Collection Service, Inc. harassing you?
What is Alliance Collection Service, Inc.?
Founded March 27, 1995, Alliance Collection Service, Inc. is Mississippi-based debt collection company that has been around for nearly 25 years. Also known casually as “ACS,” Alliance Collection Service, Inc. is a general debt collector that appears to pride itself on its ethical collection practices and guarantees that if its clients do not get paid, the company does not get paid. In its 25 years, ACS has grown from a one-man show operated by its founder and owner, Mr. Jeffrey Chambers, to a thriving operation of 35 employees.
Is Alliance Collection Service, Inc. a legit Debt Collection Agency?
Alliance Collection Agency has been recognized by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2003 but is not BBB-accredited and has no BBB rating. Based on the company’s website and appearance of ongoing business, it does appear to be a legitimate collector.
Alliance Collection Service, Inc. Contact Information:
600 W Main St Ste A
Tupelo, MS 38804-3733
http://www.alliancecollectionservice.com
(662) 841-9995 (phone)
(662) 841-9176 (fax)
What kind of complaints does Alliance Collection Service, Inc. have against them?
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 18 CFPB complaints have been made since 2014 with no record of any complaints during the 19 years prior. The vast majority of these complaints deal with medical collections or other health-related debts that were reportedly already paid or not the debt of the person being contacted. Other complaints deal with the nature of the collection attempt, such as failing to communicate that a particular communication is actually an attempt to collect on a debt or, as in other cases, disclosing the existence of the debt to third parties. If these complaints are true, most are violations common debt collection violations that violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Are Alliance Collection Service, Inc.‘s Practices Legal?
While it is possible for a collections company to unknowingly purchase old debt that has either been paid or discharged in bankruptcy, it is unlawful (under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) for them to continue collection efforts after they learn the debt is no longer valid. Likewise, it is unlawful for a collector to harass a debtor by telling third parties—such as friends and family—about an alleged debt, and it is impermissible for collectors to contact you at your place of employment unless you are generally permitted by the employer to be contacted at work. Alliance Collection Service, Inc.’s practices in recent years may very well be unlawful under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which would provide the consumer with up to $1000.00 in statutory damages, actual damages, and the debt collector would be required to pay reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
How can I defend myself against a debt collector like Alliance Collection Service, Inc.?
If you feel you are being harassed by a collector, you should consult with a debt collection harassment attorney about your rights as soon as possible. It can be tempting to try to negotiate with debt collections agencies, even when they are being unkind or unreasonable, but debt collectors who use unlawful practices to force payment seldom stop those practices even after being paid.
If you believe you have a claim for debt collection 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 a debt 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. Complaints regarding Mississippi–based collectors are handled by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office. To make a complaint, call 1-800-281-4418 or visit the Attorney General’s website at www.agjimhood.com.
by Paul MankinIs the debt collection agency Capital Alliance Financial, LLC harassing you?
What is Capital Alliance Financial, LLC?
Founded in 2006, Capital Alliance Financial, LLC offers debt purchasing and reselling to debt collectors. The company has three employees, including its managing member Mr. Phillip Stenger and its general manager Ms. Amanda McKendry, and primarily serves the Michigan area.
Is Capital Alliance Financial, LLC a legit Debt Collection Agency?
Capital Alliance Financial, LLC has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2014 and maintains an A+ BBB rating. As such, it appears to be a legitimate debt collection company. Notably, Capital Alliance Financial, LLC has been reported to conduct business under the aliases Alliance Asset Management and Alliance Corporate Solutions Inc.
Capital Alliance Financial, LLC Contact Information:
2618 East Paris Ave SE STE 131
Grand Rapids, MI 49546-2454
(616) 940-3020 (phone)
http://capitalalliancefinancial.com
What kind of complaints does Capital Alliance Financial, LLC have Complaints against them?
Capital Alliance Financial, LLC has received one BBB complaint and 29 CFPB complaints. Complaints against Capital Alliance Financial, LLC predominantly include the use of threatening language and threats of legal action for paid or aged debt.
One BBB complaint was from a consumer trying to pay off a debt held by Capital Alliance but could not reach the collector after many attempts. The law firm representing the collector, which is owned and managed by the same managing member for the collector, responded to the consumer, claiming to have followed up. The consumer disputes this claim.
If the complaints about receiving threats of legal action for paid debt is true, these consumers would have strong claims for improper creditor harassment under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), and depending on the consumer’s residence location, a claim under the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Are Capital Alliance Financial, LLC’s Practices Legal?
The FTC enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which makes it illegal for debt collectors to use abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices when they collect personal debts, including credit card debt, auto loans, medical bills, student loans, mortgage, and other household debts. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors are, generally, allowed to call, send letters, send emails, or even send text messages to collect on debts, but they are not allowed to bother consumers at inconvenient times without the debtor’s permission or at locations such as a debtor’s place of employment unless personal calls are permitted by the employer.
Some of the consumer complaints lodged against Capital Alliance Financial, LLC represent activity that might violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), including harassing consumers by threatening to take legal action on debt that might have been owed but is no longer able to be litigated. When the age of a debt exceeds the state-specific statutory limit, the debt can no longer be enforced through the courts. This is called “aged” or “zombie” debt. It is not illegal, however, for a creditor or collector to attempt to recover payment on aged debt such that any payment from the debtor would be considered voluntarily. It is unlawful under the FDCPA to misrepresent a collector’s power to force payment on aged debt, so any threat by a collector to sue on debt that a consumer knows to be outdated is likely a violation of consumer rights law. In addition to state remedies, the violations could mean a $1,000 penalty under federal law.
How can I defend myself against a debt collector like Capital Alliance Financial, LLC?
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 creditor and collector harassment, see FTC Debt Collection pamphlet.
Consumer complaints regarding Michigan-based collections agencies are handled by the Michigan Consumer Complaints Department.
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.
by Paul MankinIs the debt collection agency AmerAssist A/R Solutions harassing you?
Of the many types of debt collectors, those that employ illegal and harassing practices are among the worst to run into. Being harassed again and again by their phone calls, robo-collectors, and letters can be tiresome, as well as predatory in nature. As such, if you have been contacted by people such as those from AmerAssist A/R Solutions, here are the steps to take to defend yourself.
What is AmerAssist A/R Solutions?
AmerAssist A/R Solutions is listed as debt collection agency offering debt collection services to companies. They are headed by Kenneth Monnett, the CEO of AmerAssist A/R Solutions, who is also the president of Commercial Debt Counseling Corp, as well as Turnaround Commercial Corp. They are said to work primarily out of Central Ohio.
Is AmerAssist A/R Solutions a legit Debt Collection Agency?
Yes, they are legitimate. Started in 2004, in business for 15 years. They hold a C- rating with the Better Business Bureau, and 2.8 stars out of 5 stars from the BBB reviews. They are not accredited through the BBB.
AmerAssist A/R Solutions Contact Information:
Address: 445 Hutchinson Ave Ste 500, Columbus, OH 43235-8616
Phone Number: 1-877-294-9707
Other Phone: 1-614-848-9800
Website: http://www.amerassist.com
Does AmerAssist A/R Solutions have Complaints against them?
They have multiple complaints lodged against them through various business databases.
There are 25 complaints listed on BBB database, with 12 within the last 12 months. There are also 3 customer reviews of varying degrees.
94 complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Consumer Complaint Database were made and logged, with many within the last few years as well.
What kind of Complaints have been made?
Within the BBB database, all of the complaints lodged dealt with billing and collections thereof. The reviews also stated the same, stating that there were issues with the representatives that attempted to collect on the bills.
Of the 94 complaints made against AmerAssist A/R Solutions, 85 were about debt collection issues, 7 were made about credit reporting problems, and 2 were about consumer loan issues. They list that AmerAssist attempted to use incorrect information to collect on the debt, as well as mislead consumers about how much their bill is. They also used abusive and excessive calls or robocalls to whittle down the patience of consumers in an attempt to get them to pay. If these complaints are true, AmerAssist A/R Solutions violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (RFDCPA).
Are the Practices of AmerAssist A/R Solutions Legal?
The practices performed by AmerAssist A/R Solutions are all considered to be harassment and worse, and illegal at best. Attempting to collect on a debt not verified is illegal, as well as constant harassing phone calls after calling periods.
According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), it is also illegal for a debt collector to continuously call and robocall a consumer to get the debt paid, even when they ask for the debt collector to stop. This is seen as debt collection harassment and is punishable by law.
How can I protect myself and fight back against AmerAssist A/R Solutions?
If you have been contacted by AmerAssist A/R Solutions and told you have to pay a bill, there are a few steps you should take first. Before anything, you should verify the authenticity of the debt. This can be done in a number of ways, from asking for the original debt holder, to asking for authentication on paper. If AmerAssist is not able to produce this information, then you are not obligated to pay the debt until they do.
The second thing to do is to contact and hire a well-versed and experienced debt collection harassment attorney. We here at the Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC, have many years of experience working with consumers and clients against such debt collection harassment. We are able to help you identify, stop, and report excessive harassment from debt collectors.
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 MankinIs the debt collection agency Action Financial Services, LLC harassing you?
Action Financial Services, LLC is a multi-state collections practice that is known as ‘AFCS, LLC’ in Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Michigan, Texas, and Washington. The debt collector was founded on December 1, 2009 by owner and manager, Rebecca Dillon, and has approximately ten employees. Action Financial Services is contracted by the U.S. Department of Education to collect on outstanding student loan debt. AFS is licensed to collect throughout all 50 states and extensively works recouping money for the US Department of Education (ED) (City of New York License #1417973-DCA, City of Buffalo License #CAG12-10021605).
Business Address:
2055 Cardinal Avenue
Medford, OR 97504
Mailing Address:
Department of Education Division
Action Financial Services, LLC
P.O. Box 3250
Central Point, OR 97502
Website: http://actionfinancialservices.net/
Email: [email protected]
(888) 253-4239 (toll free)
(844) 965-9229 (fax)
Action Financial Services LLC has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has been BBB-accredited since January 24, 2014 (BBB file originally opened January 10, 2012). Action has received 35 BBB complaints in the last three years and currently has 67 CFPB complaints on public file.
Action Financial Services, LLC does a lot of business around the country and has been embroiled in its share of litigation. In one notable case, Action was sued in California for collections actions taken in 2012, alleging using false, deceptive, and misleading means to collect a debt; using unfair and unconscionable means to collect a debt; using abusive and oppressive means to collect a debt; using profane and obscene language; threatening legal actions it had no intention of taking. These are all violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and California Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Consumer complaints against Action Financial Services, LLC generally include: calling from false numbers; claiming to have contacted debtors without evidence of actually making calls or sending letters; garnishment of social security, disability, and/or wages based on old, paid, or otherwise outdated accounts; being unable or unwilling to work with debtors to arrange payment; poorly handling debt payments.
Action Financial Service’s collection practices, as reported by consumers, may very well be unlawful under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and California Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Complaints regarding Oregon-based collectors can made by submitting a Consumer Complaint Form or by calling 1-877-877-9392. 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. 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 24 hours per day.
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 attorney or debt collection harassment attorney immediately. Contact us today to discuss your matter and see how we can help at no cost to you.
by Paul MankinStop Debt Collector Harassment And Credit Report Abuses
At the Law Office of Paul Mankin, we are strong advocates for consumers throughout California. Experienced and tenacious, we work hard to stop harassment by debt collectors and to remove inaccurate information from credit reports.
If you have debt problems, are being harassed by collection agencies, or are being held down by a bad credit rating, we may be able to help. Call us at 800-654-9517 for a free consultation.
We Make Harassing Debt Collectors Pay You
Debt collectors and collection agencies must obey the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act(FDCPA) and other consumer protection legislation and other laws. If a debt collector violates FDCPA, the collector can be held liable for $1,000 for each violation. If a debt collector violates the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the collector may have to pay $500 for each offending call.
Our firm can represent you, seeking to end debt collector harassment and maximum compensation under FDCPA, TCPA and other laws. We can handle your case at no charge to you, because the debt collector will be responsible for paying our attorney fees.
Stopping Credit Report Abuses
Our firm helps people remove inaccurate information from their credit reports. We can provide you with free credit report analysis and a complementary letter you can use to request the removal of inaccurate information from your credit report.
If we believe that a credit bureau or another party has violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act, we can represent you. If we are successful, you may obtain $1,000 for each willful violation, plus attorney fees and court costs.
Contact A Lawyer Today
For a free consultation about debt collector harassment or credit report inaccuracies, call the Law Office of Paul Mankin at 800-654-9517 or contact us online. We serve clients throughout California from offices in the San Diego area and Los Angeles.
by Paul MankinIs Equidata, Inc., Harassing You?
Equidata, Inc. is a debt collection agency located in Newport News, Virginia. The agency has been in business since 1905 and collects on many types of consumer debt. It also operates under the names Retail Merchants, Pen. Credit Bureau, and Equidata.
Contact Information:
724 Thimble Shoals Blvd
Newport News, VA 23606-2574
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reports 2 complaints against Equidata, Inc., one of which is not available to the public. The publicly available complaint alleges that the debt is not owed by the consumer and he/she had no knowledge of the collection account until it appeared on his/her credit report. Equidata, Inc. responded to this complaint, saying that it mailed out the required notice informing the consumer that he/she had 30 days to dispute the debt, and provided the name of the original creditor and amount of the debt at this time. The company further said that because they did not receive any type of written dispute within those 30 days, the debt is now assumed to be valid and they are not required by any federal law to provide the consumer with further information.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has received 15 complaints about Equidata, Inc. over the last four years. The majority of the complaints allege that the agency reported false information to the credit reporting bureaus or failed to provide them with sufficient information to verify a debt.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) requires a debt collector to provide a consumer with certain written information within five days of the initial contact if the debt has not yet been paid and the information was not provided during the initial contact. This includes the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed, and notice that the consumer has thirty days to dispute the debt before it is assumed to be valid. If the consumer disputes the debt within the thirty days, the debt collector must then mail the consumer the name and address of the original creditor and a copy of any judgment that may exist. The FDCPA specifically prohibits debt collector from reporting credit information that it knew to be false, or should have known was false, to a credit reporting bureau. The Act also prohibits debt collectors from using many other annoying, abusive, or deceptive practices when attempting to collect a consumer debt. This includes:
- Calling before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
- Using profane or obscene language
- Falsely implying that a consumer has committed a crime by not paying a bill
- Allowing a telephone to ring continuously
- Failing to inform consumers that a call is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose
If Equidata, Inc. is annoying, abusing, or harassing you it is time they are held accountable for their actions. For a free, no obligation consultation, please call our office at 1-800-219-3577.