Is the collection agency Able Recovery Service harassing you?

by Paul Mankin

Is the collection agency Able Recovery Service harassing you?

Able Recovery Service holds the name that seems quite soft and easy to understand. They sound very promising, with the understanding that a service that helps you get back onto your feet would have the name Able Recovery. However, are they legal and legitimate? We dive into what we found out about Able Recovery Service, and if they are a proper debt collection agency or not.

What is Able Recovery Service?

Able Recovery Service is supposedly listed as a debt collection agency. However, not much is found about them. Looking through the Better Business Bureau, they have no recognizable page, and seem to not be a legitimate business at all. As there are no listings for Able Recovery Service, they may very well be a sham, with the next closest thing being Able Recovery, which is a rehab facility in Oklahoma.

Is Able Recovery Service a legit Debt Collection Agency?

As there is no discernable information about Able Recovery Service, it is safe to assume that they are not legitimate. There is no listing for them in the BBB, and no listings or information anywhere on the internet either. The closest that they do have is an addiction treatment center located in Oklahoma, which should have no discernible correlation with Able Recovery Service.

If you are contacted by someone stating that they are from Able Recovery Service, assume it is a scam, or a robocall that you should not answer, in case they attempt to take your information.

Able Recovery Service Contact Information

Currently, there is no listed information or contact information for Able Recovery Service. They have no known addresses for buildings, or a phone number, or fax number.

Does Able Recovery Service have Complaints against them?

They do not have any complaints filed against them. The Better Business Bureau and CFPB have no registered debt collection agency listed as Able Recovery Service.

Should I be worried about the Able Recovery Service?

There is a potential situation where the name Able Recovery Service is a false name given for a third party debt collection agency to harass and abuse customers and debtors with little to no backlash.

Debt collector harassment is very problematic, with many companies skirting the lines between legal and illegal practices. However, if a debt collection agency were to use a stand-alone name, or a fake name, they would have, for some time, unlimited access to abusing and harassing debtors without fear of repercussions.

Would this practice be legal?

Absolutely not. Harassment by debt collectors is against federal laws, as listed in the FDCPA. The FDCPA, or Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, was specifically passed to curb and safeguard debtors and people with debts against abusive behaviors and collection methods. These debt collector harassment practices can range in levels of severity. They include such things as:

• Constant phone calls to your work or private numbers
• Threatening letters and emails involving legal abuse
• Harassing neighbors and friends and family for debt collection

These are just a few of the ways that debt collectors may attempt to extort and steal your hard earned money.

These practices are generally regulated by the legal authorities in different states. However, the main concern comes when the company attempting to collect from you has no past history, or traceable path for the collections.

How can I protect myself and fight back against Able Recovery Service?

If you or a loved one have been contacted by the Able Recovery Service, know that you have many rights at your disposal.

The first step that we recommend is to hire a professional and experienced debt collector harassment lawyer. We here at the Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC have many skilled and proficient attorneys and lawyers that are well-versed when it comes to debt harassment. We are able to help you stop the debt collector harassment, as well as report it to the proper authorities, ensuring that you will not be harassed any further.

If they continue, we are also able to help you build a case against them if it ever goes to court. We can help you file the information, as well as focus on the proper forms of harassment, and document where, and how long, the harassment has been going on for.

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.

 Feel free to contact us at 1-800-219-3577.  We are experience debt collection agency harassment attorneys and will provide you with a free no obligation case evaluation.

by Paul Mankin

Is the debt collection agency Asset Acceptance harassing you?

Have you been getting phone calls from random numbers? Some calling warning you that you have an outstanding debt that needs to be paid off? If you have, then you know the feeling of being lost and confused when it comes to debt collection agencies and their tactics. Debt Collection Agencies such as Asset Acceptance may use very aggressive tactics. But what is legal, and what is illegal? We bring you the information you need to know when it comes to Asset Acceptance, the debt collection agency.

What is Asset Acceptance?

Asset Acceptance, also known as Asset Acceptance LLC, is known as a debt collection agency. They label themselves as a company that helps consumers resolve past-due debt obligations. Supposedly, they do this by providing payment plans and a path that resolves their outstanding obligations. They are said to serve multiple different locations including:

• Genesee County, MI
• Lapeer County, MI
• Livingston County, MI
• Macomb County, MI
• Oakland County, MI
• Saint Clair County, MI
• Shiawassee County, MI
• Washtenaw County, MI
• Wayne County, MI

Is Asset Acceptance a legit Debt Collection Agency?

They are considered to be a legitimate debt collection agency as well. As they do operate with financial records and information, it is understood that they also collect on debts owed. They opened in 1994, with their Better Business Bureau file being opened on the same day. In 1997, their business was accredited by the BBB, and they currently hold an A+ rating on the BBB page. However, they have an average of 2 stars out of 5 stars with 3 different customer reviews.

Asset Acceptance Contact Information

Address: 320 E Big Beaver Rd Ste 300 Troy, MI 48083-1238

Phone Number: 1-800-545-9931

Other Phone: 1-586-446-7826

Does Asset Acceptance have Complaints against them?

They do have some complaints made against them. On the BBB database, there are 6 complaints made against them in the last 3 years, with none of those complaints being closed within the last year. There are also 3 customer reviews giving less than 3 stars on the review page of the BBB database.

There are no registered Asset Acceptance companies within the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Consumer Complaint Database. This does not mean the company does not exist, just that there are no complaints listed against them.

What kind of Complaints have been made?

These complaints range in issues, but primarily center on complications with the tactics and practices employed by Asset Acceptance. Many of the complaints explicitly state that there has been some harassing phone calls from their representatives, as well as threatening and controlling/abusive language.

Within the PACER records, which is a database of recent cases, there is a notable case that was made against Asset Acceptance by a Jack Coleman. In 2011, Jack Coleman had been contacted by Asset Acceptance representatives regarding a hospital bill. These calls were consistent, continuing into 2012. At this time, Mr. Coleman alleged in court that the debt collectors had used the following tactics:

• Excessive calls within a single day
• Calling at improper times
• Failing to identify themselves during the conversations
• Threatening legal repercussions
• Misinformation when attempting to claim the bill payment.

Mr. Coleman eventually hired an attorney to help in his case, with the case eventually being settled out of court.

The above issues brought about during the case dive into illegal activities that debt collection agencies must not dip their hands into. With debt collection, agencies are not allowed to cross certain lines. These lines and rules are outlined with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act’s (FDCPA) rules and guidelines. If these guidelines and laws are broken, the debt collection agency may be sued for up to $1,000 per violation they are found to have performed.

How can I protect myself and fight back against Asset Acceptance?

There are plenty of ways to protect yourself against debt collection agencies such as Asset Acceptance. The first thing to do is to first ask for verification. Asking for authentication of the debt can be done through many means, and is your right to do as a consumer being called. You can do this by asking for where the original debt came from, as well as if the representative is actually from Asset Acceptance like they state they are.

If Asset Acceptance continues to harass you through all this, it may be time to get in contact with an experienced debt collection harassment attorney or lawyer. We here at Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC have a great team of debt collection harassment attorneys and lawyers that have worked with plenty of plaintiffs that have dealt with debt collectors and their harassment and excessive calling. We can assist you when it comes to identifying the harassment, stop the harassment, and get the harassment reported 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 Team Recovery, Inc. Harassing You?

Team Recovery, Inc. is a debt collection agency located in Stow, Ohio. The agency has been in business since 1999 and also uses the name Team Recovery. The company provides debt collection services to a wide range of creditors, including healthcare providers.

Contact Information:

3928 Clock Pointe Trl Ste 101

Stow, OH 44224-6964

Phone: (330) 916-7030

http://teamrecovery.com/

While no complaints have been filed against Team Recovery, Inc. with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) the Better Business Bureau (BBB) lists six complaints filed with it since 2016. Most of the complaints are unavailable to the public through the website. One of the available complaints alleges that the company refused to provide any details regarding the debt it was attempting to collect, stating that it could not answer any questions about the debt. The complainant also says that the representative talked down to her because she had Medicaid and made derogatory remarks about her not paying her bills. The other complaint that is visible to the public alleges that Team Recovery, Inc. continuously reported delinquent accounts to the three credit reporting agencies that did not belong to him and refused to provide him with any verification of the debt. The collection agency responded to both of the public complaints; however their response was rejected by one of the consumers who still believes that the company was being dishonest in its collection attempts and reporting to the credit reporting bureaus.  Team Recovery, Inc. is accredited by the BBB and has an A+ rating. BBB ratings are not based on a company’s lack of complaints, though, but rather on its responsiveness to the complaints that are filed.

In a lawsuit filed by an Ohio resident against Team Recovery, Inc., the Plaintiff alleges that the company violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) when it left messages for him that failed to disclose the calls were an attempt to collect or a debt or to give the name of the company calling. The suit was settled later dismissed.

The FDCPA was passed in order to protect consumers from abusive and unfair debt collection practices, such as refusing to provide verification of a debt, using abusive language when attempting to collect a debt, reporting false information to the credit reporting bureaus, and failing to inform consumers that the communication is an attempt to collect a debt.

If Team Recovery, 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 Navient Solutions Calling or Harassing You?

Navient Solutions, LLC

Navient Solutions, LLC (Navient) provides asset management and business processing solutions. Navient is the nation’s largest servicer of both federal and private student loans. Navient was incorporated in 1997 and is based in Reston, Virginia. According to its website, Navient is committed to enhancing the financial success of its customers while providing compassionate and personalized service.

However, the complaints filed against Navient do not highlight compassionate business practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a Government agency charged with protecting consumers from unfair, deceptive and abusive debt collection practices, has received approximately 3,000 complaints against Navient for its debt collection practices. Consumers allege that Navient has engaged in the following illegal debt collection practices:

• Attempting to collect a debt that is not owed by the consumer;
• Attempting to collect a debt that has been paid;
• Attempting to collect more than what is owed;
• Threatening to take legal action if payment is not made;
• Harassing consumers by repeatedly and frequently calling;
• Improperly discussing the consumer’s debt with a third party; and
• Refusing to validate or provide proof of a debt.

One consumer stated that Navient called repeatedly, including over eight (8) times 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 CFPB and the matter was resolved in favor of 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 Navient accountable. Please contact our office for a free, no obligation consultation at 1-800-219-3577.

by Paul Mankin

Is the debt collection agency Allied Data Corporation harassing you?

What is Allied Data Corporation?

Established and incorporated in Houston, Texas in January 1993, Allied Data Corporation offers debt collection and adjustment services on claims and other insurance related issues. The company has conducted more business in recent years under the name RTB Enterprises, Inc. and had 79 employees at last count. It is operated by its general manager, Mr. Tim Weber, and its president and CEO, Mr. Raymond T. Blair.

Is Allied Data Corporation a legit Debt Collection Agency?

Most likely not. Mail sent in 2005 was returned, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) listing has not been claimed by the business owner. While it might have been legitimate at one time, it no longer appears to be.

Allied Data Corporation’s Contact Information:

13111 Westheimer, Suite 400

Houston, TX 77077

(281) 558-7176 (phone)

(800) 275-7176 (toll free)

(281) 293-0417 (fax)

What kind of complaints does Allied Data Corporation have against them?

A Better Business Bureau (BBB) file was opened for Allied Data Corporation on 3/30/1995, and it currently has 1 consumer complaint and no other reviews. Allied Data Corporation has an additional 4 Consumer Finance Protection Bureau complaints. The most serious complaints relate to collector harassment, one in particular regarding the attempted collection of a debt already paid.

Are Allied Data Corporation’s Practices Legal?

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.

Depending on whether Allied Data Corporation is aware that it is attempting collection on a debt already paid, the mere act of sending a letter or making a collections call could constitute collector harassment and entire you to damages under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

How can I defend myself against a debt collector like Allied Data Corporation?

Texas residents can find consumer rights information on the Attorney General’s website at https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection. For more information about Utah State’s consumer resources, see the Consumer Referral Guide. 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.

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 Mankin

Is General Business Recoveries, Inc. Calling You?

General Business Recoveries Inc. is a debt collection agency located in Tucson, Arizona. It has been in business since 1981 and collects for healthcare providers, landlords and rental management companies, and other consumer creditors.

Contact Information:

2033 E Speedway Blvd Ste 103

Tucson, AZ 85719

Phone: (520) 622-4441

http://gbr-abs.com

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reports 6 complaints filed against General Business Recoveries, Inc. in the last three years. The complaints all indicate that the collection agency is attempting to collect on a bill that should have been paid by a health insurance company. It does not appear as if the agency explained to any of these complainants that it was unable to contact their insurance company due to privacy laws and that they would have to work out insurance payments themselves with their insurance company and healthcare provider or that it ever notified the healthcare provider that the patient was claiming the bill should have been paid by their insurance company. While this practice does not violate any law, it makes resolving billing and payment issues between the consumer and healthcare provider more difficult and is unprofessional at the very least. It could make one wonder if General Business Recoveries, Inc. simply wants to collect from the consumer before he or she is able to get their insurance to pay in order to ensure that they themselves get paid for the collection, as they likely would not be paid anything if the consumer’s insurance company ended up paying the bill.

The most important law governing debt collectors is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) which prohibits debt collectors from using unfair, abusive, or deceptive practices in order to collect on a debt. The Act specifically prohibits practices such as:

• Attempting to collect fees and charges not included in the original contract
• Falsely implying that a consumer will be arrested if they do not pay
• Calling consumers before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
• Charging fees not allowed for in the original contract
• Threatening to commit acts of violence against a consumer or their property
• Refusing to provide a consumer with verification of a debt it is attempting to collect
• Threatening to take action they have no legal right to take
• Making telephone calls without properly identifying themselves

Any harassing, deceptive, or abusive practice employed by a debt collection agency may also be in violation of other state or federal consumer protection laws and if those practices are being employed by an agency attempting to collect a debt from you, they may owe you money.

If you believe that General Business Recoveries, 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 case review at 1-800-219-3577.

by Paul Mankin

Is HF Holdings, Inc. Harassing You?

HF Holdings, Inc. is a collection agency based in Orlando, Florida. The agency also has three offices in California, in Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco. The company has been in business since 2012.

Contact Information:

5929 Anno Ave

Orlando, FL 32809

 (877) 680-6064

Debt Collection Agency

A search of the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) database shows no complaints have been filed against HF Holdings, Inc. But wait. That does not mean the company is a kind and caring bill collector. A quick look at the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) website says this debt collector not only frequently violates the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), but it publically responds to BBB complaints by calling the consumer a liar. Some of their responses include:

• Stating that the consumer was abusive and threatened violence, they are no longer contacting him/her for staff safety reasons, and that local authorities had been contacted.
• Saying that their staff did not use abusive language or threaten arrest and that “no apology is due, nor forthcoming”
• “This “complaint” is a total farce.”
• Claiming that consumers are using aggressive and abusive tactics with them
• Stating numerous times that they provided debt verification more than once, although the consumers still claim that they have not
• Saying that a consumer is attempting to defame the agency in an attempt to avoid making payment
• Stating that the complaint is “frivolous” and on another occasion, that it was “without merit”

What is more, all of the complaints against HF Holdings, Inc. were not filed by consumers from whom they are attempting to collect a debt, but some were filed by their own clients, who have hired them to collect on a debt! One of the debt collector’s clients posted a complaint on RipOff Report claiming the company advertised no fees unless the debt was collected, but then charged hundreds of dollars in compensation for outside legal counsel it hired to assist with collection attempts.

HF Holdings, Inc. responded to its own client’s complaints in the same way that it did consumer complaints – it claimed that the client was lying and they had done nothing wrong. In one response, it even said, “Once the claimant was advised this was a lie, she then accused our office of “name calling”. Per the attached contract, the claimant is not due a refund; one is not forthcoming. When Ms. ***** realized this fact, she then began to leverage the threat of negative reviews such as this one. We refuse to be extorted or intimidated”.

Not only does HF Holdings, Inc. accuse the people it attempts to collect from of lying and being abusive, but it accuses its own clients of lying about them and attempting to extort and intimidate them!

Has HF Holdings, Inc. abused or harassed you? If you feel like they have, please contact us for a free, no obligation case review at 1-800-219-3577.  

by Paul Mankin

How Do I Obtain My Credit Report?

While any company who denies you credit must provide you with some basic information about why they did so, which includes the credit reporting agency from whom they obtained your credit information and the credit score that agency has for you, most do not provide you with your actual credit report. So how do you get a copy of your report and can you get it for free or will you have to pay for it?

Getting a Free Copy of Your Credit Report

Federal law allows all consumers to obtain one free copy of their credit report from each of the three national credit reporting agencies once every 12 months. You can order your free reports from the government website: Annual Credit Report.

The website will provide you with links to follow to obtain your report from each of the reporting agencies, who will then ask for your full name, date of birth, and social security number. You will also be required to answer a few security questions in order to further verify your identity. These questions are multiple-choice and include items such as:

• At which of the addresses below did you previously live?
• What company did you take a car loan from in 2004?
• Have you ever worked for any of the following companies?
• In 1999 you took out a mortgage from which bank?
• What is your astrological sign?

If you can answer all of the questions correctly you will be able to view, save, and/or print your credit report immediately, and if you wish, return to the government site to order your report from the next agency. If you cannot answer all of the questions correctly, do not worry, you can still obtain your free credit report by following the instructions to receive a printed copy by mail. If you have already obtained your free credit reports in the last 12 months and need a copy now, you can pay for one, but be careful who you pay and what other fees, subscriptions, or services are included or required.

Purchasing a Copy of Your Credit Report

For those who need a copy of their credit report immediately and are unable to obtain a free one, there are options to pay for a copy, but not all are equal, and you should carefully evaluate the fees, services, and subscription requirements involved before placing an order. You should also be aware that if you are only unable to obtain an immediate free copy because you could not successfully answer all of the security questions, the paid options will likely also involve security questions that will prevent you from obtaining your report right away, so you may want to call first to ensure that you will be granted instant access if that is your goal.

Purchasing Your Credit Report from the Reporting Agency

The best place to start, when considering where to purchase a copy of your credit report, is the credit reporting agencies. You can decide which agency’s report you really want or need, or purchase all three if you wish.  Each agency offers different options for purchasing your report, including monthly subscriptions which allow unlimited access to your credit report and credit score, identity theft and credit monitoring and/or protection services, and credit score recommendations. The three national credit reporting agencies are:

Equifax

Equifax Information Services LLC

P.O. Box 740256

Atlanta, GA 30374-0256

https://www.equifax.com/personal/

Transunion

P.O. Box 2000

Chester, PA 19016

https://www.transunion.com/

Experian

P.O. Box 4500

Allen, TX 75013

https://www.experian.com/

When visiting the credit reporting agencies’ websites to purchase a copy of your report, you may see options to obtain it for free by registering as a free user. Choosing this option will provide you with some of the information contained in your credit report, but it will not allow you to view, save, or print your actual credit report as others see it when checking your credit and much of the information may be inaccurate or listed on the summary report differently than it is in your actual credit report, which is what lenders and potential employers will see. For example:

• Open accounts may be listed as closed or vise versa
• Account information such as balances and credit limits may be inaccurate or missing
• Entire accounts may be missing

These free summary reports will give you an idea of what is on your actual credit report but are not a substitute for the real credit report that others will see when checking your credit. They also do not generally include your credit score, which is an important part of your credit report.

Purchasing Your Credit Report from a Third Party Service Provider

There are many companies that offer credit report and credit score services for a flat or monthly fee. These companies, like the credit reporting agencies, may also offer services such as credit lock and monitoring, credit simulators, identity theft protection and credit alerts. They may also require you to answer some of the same security questions that the government website and credit reporting agency sites require before you can access your report.

When reviewing third party service providers, read the fine print and call and ask what is included with the fee if you need to, as many only provide you with a one-time credit report but continue to charge you monthly for other services, charge you for the summary report, not the actual credit report, that you can obtain from the credit reporting agency for free, or advertise as if you will receive all three reports when in fact you will only get one. Ultimately, your best bet is to stay away from third party credit report providers and obtain your reports directly from the credit reporting agencies or the government website, Annual Credit Report.

If you are experiencing problems with your credit report, such as inaccurate information from a creditor or debt collector or the inability to obtain a copy of your report, feel free to contact our office at 1-800-219-3577, for a free, no obligation consultation. 

by Paul Mankin

Philips – CPAP/BIPAP

Philips CPAP Recall & Sleep Apnea Machine Lawsuit Attorney

Sleep apnea can have many negative affects on your health, and CPAP machines are supposed to help. However, many people who used a defective medical device from Philips Respironics suffered serious illness and some even developed cancer. If your Philips CPAP machine was involved in the recall and you were injured by the device, you may qualify for compensation.

Our product liability lawyers at The Law Office of Paul Mankin protect consumers nationwide. Call us today for a free initial consultation of your case: 800-219-3577.

Philips Respironics Has Issued a Recall of BiPAP and CPAP Machines

One of the largest makers of sleep apnea devices, Philips Respironics, has issued a recall for millions of CPAP and BiPAP machines manufactured before April 26, 2021. If you have used or are currently using a Philips Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine or Philips Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP or Bi-Level PAP) machine, your device may be part of the recall.

These mechanical ventilator devices were recalled because they have the potential to cause lung injuries and other health conditions. Philips is currently facing many lawsuits from people who have been injured by the machines that the company manufactured and sold.

Why Were Philips CPAP Machines Recalled?

Certain CPAP and BiPAP machines manufactured by the Philips company have been recalled because they cause an increased risk of cancer, lung injuries, and other health conditions. These injuries and illnesses have been caused when machine users inhale foam particles through the breathing device.

Philips sleep apnea machines use a sound-reduction component which is made of a polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam. This material degrades over time and breaks apart, entering the breathing pathway of the machines. The foam particles are then inhaled by the defective Philips CPAP machine users.

These machines may also be exposing patients to toxic chemicals that were used to manufacture the devices. Philips has admitted that there is a release of “off-gas” chemicals related to the PE-PUR foam degradation. These dangerous substances may be made worse with “unapproved” cleaning methods that involve heat, humidity, and ozone environments, which are commonly used by CPAP machine users.

Many people have identified health conditions that can be connected with the foam and toxic chemicals used to manufacture Philips sleep apnea machines. These machines are both designed defectively, and the company failed to warn users about the toxic materials being used in manufacturing.

Personal Injuries Caused by Defective Philips CPAP Machines

A number of health issues have been related to the Philips CPAP and BiPAP machines. People who have become ill often find black debris in their breathing tubes and begin feeling symptoms like headache, nausea, inflammation, and irritation.

Some victims have suffered the following:

• Lung Cancer
• Respiratory Failure
• Difficulty Breathing
• Shortness of Breath
• Newly Diagnosed or Worsening Asthma
• Airway Irritation or Inflammation
• Lung Damage
• Pneumonia
• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
• COPD
• Chronic Respiratory Illness
• Pulmonary Hypertension
• Reactive Airway Disease (RAD)

In addition to lung problems, other health conditions have been associated with the defective Philips machines, including:

• Stroke
• Heart Attack
• Heart Failure
• Angina
• Colon Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Liver Disease
• Kidney Cancer
• Kidney Disease
• Laryngeal Cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Pancreatic Cancer

If you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions or have related symptoms, and have used a Philips Respironics CPAP machine, you should immediately contact a personal injury law firm near you.

Which Philips CPAP Machines Were Recalled?

The Philips Respironics sleep apnea machine recall applies to all devices in the following models:

• A-Series A30
• A-Series BiPAP A40
• A-Series BiPAP Hybrid A30
• A-Series BiPAP V30 Auto Ventilator
• C Series S/T, AVAPS
• Dorma 400, 500 CPAP, Auto CPAP
• DreamStation ASV
• DreamStation CPAP, Auto CPAP, BiPAP
• DreamStation GO CPAP, APAP, Auto CPAP
• DreamStation ST, AVAPS
• E30
• Garbin Plus, Aeris, LifeVent Ventilator
• OmniLab Advanced Plus
• SystemOne ASV4
• System One 50 Series
• System One 60 Series
• Trilogy 100 Ventilator
• Trilogy 200 Ventilator

If you have used any of these models of Philips Respironics machines, you should know that they are considered defective. You should immediately contact a products liability attorney for a free initial consultation.

What Should I Do If I Used a Recalled Philips CPAP Machine?

Most people who used the recalled sleep apnea machines have already been notified that they were dangerous. However, if you are currently or ever used one and have suffered an injury or illness as a result, then you may be eligible for compensation. You should immediately take the following steps:

1. Stop Using Your Machine.

If you are still using a recalled CPAP machine, you should immediately stop using it and contact your physician to determine your next steps regarding sleep apnea treatment. There is currently a BiPAP and CPAP machine shortage, so you may have to wait to obtain a new device. However, your doctor may have solutions for you.

2. Contact Your Doctor.

If you have ever used a recalled Philips Respironics machine, you should immediately call your doctor. They are aware of the recall and should be prepared to help you decide what to do next. You will likely need additional medical testing to determine if you are at risk of any of the injuries or illnesses caused by these dangerous machines. Your doctor can also prescribe you a new machine and get your treatment approved by your insurance company.

3. Call a CPAP Lawyer.

There are many ongoing Philips CPAP lawsuits which involve collection of information about potential victims and evidence about the illnesses these machines can cause. A CPAP lawsuit lawyer can help determine if you are eligible for compensation.

4. Register Your Defective Machine with Philips Respironics.

Philips has a webpage associated with its Voluntary Recall Information for Philips Respironics Sleep and Respiratory Care Devices. You can register your defective device and obtain a replacement or repair of your device. The company estimates that the majority of currently registered dangerous recalled machines will be repaired or replaced by December 2022.

Registration of your device requires you to enter the serial number and begin a claim if your unit has been recalled. The serial number is located on the bottom of your unit on a label with the letters “SN” or “S/N” in front of a series of letters and numbers. Once you enter the serial number of the recalled CPAP machine, you will be prompted to enter your name and contact information.

Philips Respironics may contact you after you register your device. They will have instructions regarding how to handle the defective sleep apnea machine. You should not speak with them or answer questions about your health. Instead, let your CPAP lawsuit lawyers protect your rights throughout the legal process.

5. File a Philips CPAP Lawsuit or Join the Class Action.

A class action lawsuit was filed against Philips Respironics in June 2021. The lawsuit presents evidence that the company knew about the toxic foam and potential for illnesses that had been caused by the machines for years. Additionally, the Philips class action lawsuit points out that the company did not recall the dangerous devices until June 14, 2021, just before they released a newer device. This led many users to purchase a new machine. Philips only recalled the defective CPAP machines in order to profit from the new ones.

When you contact a CPAP law firm, an attorney can evaluate your specific case and help you determine what type of legal action is best for you.

Call a CPAP Lawyer for Help with Your Case

The Philips sleep apnea machine lawsuit is underway, and you may have a right to join the class action or file your own claim. Find out of you are eligible for a Philips CPAP sleep apnea machine lawsuit. When you call attorney Paul Mankin, he will help you understand your options and ensure your rights are protected in a potential personal injury case.

Call The Law Office of Paul Mankin for a free initial consultation: 800-219-3577.

by Paul Mankin

Is National Credit Systems, Inc. harassing you?

National Credit Systems, Inc. is a collection company located in Orlando, Florida. It has been in business since 1991 and also uses the names National Credit System, Inc and N C S. The agency collects for apartment owners and managers across the United States.

Contact Information:

5929 3800 Camp Creek Pkwy SW Bldg 1800-110

Atlanta, GA 30331-6050

Phone: (404) 629-9595

http://www.nationalcreditsystems.com

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau show nearly 500 complaints filed against National Credit Systems, Inc. since 2015. Complaints include allegations that the debt collector has:

• Reported false information to the credit reporting agencies
• Failed to identify a disputed account as such
• Refused to provide a receipt for payment or properly apply payments
• Used abusive language when attempting to collect a debt
• Misapplied payments
• Used obscene or profane language while attempt to collect a debt
• Failure to sent required notifications to consumers

These collection practices violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), a federal law which was enacted to help protect consumers from unfair and abusive collection tactics. Some practices that are specifically prohibited by the FDCPA include:

• Using language that is abusive to the person who hears or reads it
• Failing to provide a consumer with validation of a debt, including the name of the original creditor and the amount owed
• Reporting false credit information
• Allowing a consumer’s telephone to ring continuously in an attempt to annoy them into paying a bill
• Falsely implying that a consumer may be incarcerated or face criminal charges if they do not Preview Sitepay a bill
• Failing to read consumer the “mini-Miranda”
• Calling a consumer before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
• Continuing to contact a consumer after being asked in writing to stop all communication
• Using foul language
• Misrepresenting the legal status of a debt
• Failing to properly identify themselves as a debt collector when collecting on a debt

This is not an all inclusive list and if you feel as if you are being harassed or abused by National Credit Systems, Inc. you should keep track of all calls you receive, including the time and date of the call, the name of the caller, and how the caller violated the FDCPA. You may have a claim against the debt collector and may want to consider contacting a consumer attorney in your state to help you determine if National Credit Systems, Inc. has violated any consumer protection laws and assist you in making them stop harassing you.

If you reside in California and National Credit Systems, Inc., National Credit System, Inc or N C S. 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 case review at 1-800-219-3577.