by Paul MankinIs Merrick Bank Calling or Harassing You
Merrick Bank Corporation
Merrick Bank Corporation (Merrick Bank) provides credit cards and recreational vehicle loans. The company was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Draper, Utah.
In the last three (3) years, the Better Business Bureau has received 415 complaints against Merrick Bank, 258 of which are related to billing and debt collection issues. The majority of the complaints allege that Merrick has attempted to collect a debt not owed by the consumer, attempted to collect a debt that has already been paid, or refused to provide validation or proof of a debt.
According to one such complaint, Merrick Bank repeatedly contacted a consumer to collect a debt. The consumer informed Merrick Bank that a fraudulent account had been opened in the consumer’s name and that the consumer wished to dispute the debt. The consumer also requested that Merrick Bank validate or provide proof of the debt. Merrick Bank refused to respond; however, the company reported the debt to the credit bureaus, which negatively impacted the consumer’s credit score.
The Federal Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) allows consumers to request a creditor or debt collector to send proof of the debt. A consumer has thirty (30) days to dispute a debt and to request proof of the debt after being provided notice of the debt by the creditor or debt collector.
After four (4) months with no response from Merrick Bank, the consumer filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Following the complaint, Merrick Bank accepted the consumer’s identify theft claim, and requested the account be deleted from the consumer’s personal credit file.
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 Merrick Bank accountable. Please contact our office for a free, no obligation consultation at 1-800-219-3577.
by Paul MankinIs the collection agency Agency of Credit Control, Inc. harassing you?
With multiple debt collection agencies in the world, it is not unheard of to run into one that is less than stellar. These companies that deal with collecting on debts have a running history of being brutal, aggressive, and seemingly unchecked by law. Debt collector harassment and phone calls can be excessive, and calls from collectors to you about a debt that you do not even owe can happen as well.
So how can you tell if they are speaking the truth? That is a difficult question to answer. However, simple research can help you out. We understand that you may not have the time or energy to spend into researching a company, so we have done it for you. If you have been contacted by a debt collection agency known as Agency of Credit Control Inc, here is what you need to know about them.
What is Agency of Credit Control Inc?
Agency of Credit Control Inc. is listed as a collections agency on the Better Business Bureau. They have been around for quite some time, since 1956, and have had their file open on the BBB since 1973. They have an overall A+ Rating with the BBB. However, this does not take into account customer reviews. They operate in both Colorado and Montana, with the Colorado office being the accredited business.
Is Agency of Credit Control Inc a legit Debt Collection Agency?
Agency of Credit Control Inc. is a legitimate collections agency. Their agency has been serving for 63 years so far, and have been accredited through the BBB since 2011. They hold a 4.90 star rating of 5 stars on the BBB as well, with multiple 5 star reviews. They have 3 locations that are listed on the BBB website, with one in Colorado, and two in Montana.
Agency of Credit Control Inc Contact Information
Address: 2014 S Pontiac Way Denver, Colorado 80224-2412
Other Address: 27 W Broadway St Butte, MT 59701
Other Address: 27 N 27th St Ste 18D Billings, MT 59101
Phone Number: 1-303-757-5147
Fax Number: 1-303-757-4508
Website: https://www.getitpaid.com
Does Agency of Credit Control Inc have Complaints against them?
Agency of Credit Control Inc do have a few complaints against them. Recently in their reviews, a 2019 complaint from February states that they were contacted by the debt collection agency through a robocall.
They also have 8 filed complaints against them on the BBB website database. Of those 8, 1 complaint was closed within 2019. All 8 were due to billing and collections through Agency of Credit Control Inc.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Consumer Complaint Database currently lists that they have 35 complaints on file for the Agency of Credit Control Inc.
What kind of Complaints have been made?
There have been multiple complaints made, but a large percentage of the complaints have been targeted at billing and collections. The BBB complaints filed all complain of issues with debt collection misinformation. This includes attempts on collecting on already paid debts, as well as debt collector harassment through wrong number dials. There have also been complaints of non-verification for the debts.
The complaints through the CFPB state that there have been threats lodged against the victims if they did not pay. One such complaint states that they were threatened with their personal information being leaked and shared to others.
Are the Practices of Agency of Credit Control Inc Legal?
These practices are very illegal and improper of a debt collection agency. Under the FDCPA, practices such as usage of threatening language, persistent and excessive phone calls/robocalls, and improper usage of personal information or manipulation of information are all considered to be illegal. The FDCPA specifically gives you protections against such harassment and injustice.
How can I protect myself and fight back against Agency of Credit Control Inc?
There are a number of ways that you can protect yourself against such horrible harassment. The first step is to always get verification on the debt in question. If you do not recognize the debt, make sure to ask for some form of verification and authorization. This can come in the form of proper letters given, as well as over the phone information. If Agency of Credit Control Inc. is unable to provide this information, then you will have a chance to dispute the debt.
Another way you can protect yourself is to hire yourself an experienced and knowledgeable debt collection harassment lawyer or attorney. We here at Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC have a strong set of collection harassment attorneys that are able to not only help you stop the debt collector harassment, but also report the harassment to the proper authorities. They can help you build a solid case against the harassment as well, and ensure that you are properly compensated for the emotional and possible physical damage that you have sustained.
If you or someone you love has been a target of harassment, debt collector wrong number and robo calls, or have been threatened with legal abuse, then contact at 1-800-219-3577. Let us help you against the harassment of debt collectors.
by Paul MankinIs the debt collection agency Alpha Recovery Corp harassing you?
Many have heard the horror tales of being threatened by a debt collection agency. The stories of being beaten, assaulted, and having your livelihood threatened over a simple debt that could be paid off. It can seem scary, and yet, when it happens to you, it can be made many times worse.
Alpha Recovery Corps is one such company. As a debt collection agency, they may try just about every trick in the book to get you to cough up your hard-earned cash. If you have been contacted by Alpha Recovery Corps, here is what you need to know, as well as how to defend yourself against them.
What is Alpha Recovery Corps?
Alpha Recovery Corps is listed as a collection agency, offering services that include bad debt collections, asset sales, consulting services, early out self-pay methods, payment plan monitoring, debt purchasing, and early out insurance follow up. They serve the greater Denver and Central Colorado areas.
Is Alpha Recovery Corps a legit Debt Collection Agency?
Alpha Recovery Corps is a legitimate debt collection agency. They have been in operation for 9 years, started in 2010. They had their Better Business Bureau file opened in 2011 and have been accredited by the BBB since 2016. In that time, they have hired over 90 employees, and hold an A rating with the BBB. However, they currently have a 1.25 star average review of 13 customer reviews on the BBB database.
Alpha Recovery Corps Contact Information
Address: 6912 S. Quentin St. #1-, Englewood, CO 80112
Website: http://www.alpharecoverycorp.com
Phone Number: 1-877-359-8714
Other Phone: 1-720-509-2125
Fax Number: 1-866-630-6881
Does Alpha Recovery Corps have Complaints against them?
Alpha Recovery Corps currently has 43 listed customer complaints on the BBB website database. They also have multiple 1 to 2-star reviews on the BBB as well.
There are no registered complaints on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Consumer Complaint Database.
What kind of Complaints have been made?
Of the 43 complaints made within the past 3 years, 10 were closed within the last 12 months. 36 of these complaints fall under billing and collections issues, whereas 7 of the complaints fall under problems with the product or service.
The complaints made deal with a wide variety of issues. These range from issues with poor information management to consumers from the debt collection agency, to harassment and excessive phone calls and robocalls. There have also been complaints and reviews stating that the debt collection agency stooped to abuse and threatening language, threatening legal repercussions if the consumer did not pay on the debt, even if the debt was not verified. If true, some of these allegations would be considered debt collection violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (RFDCPA).
Are the Practices of Alpha Recovery Corps Legal?
None of the practices stated in the complaints and reviews are considered legal. According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, debt collectors have limitations set upon them that limit their collection practices. Per the FDCPA, debt collectors are unable to:
- Contact outside family, friends, and work
- Call excessively in the early morning, throughout the day, and late into the nights
- Use verbal or physical abusive language and actions
- Utilize misinformation or lack of verification to collect on a debt
As seen, Alpha recovery Corps has been seen to breach each of the examples given above, which puts them at harassing and abusive levels that can be punishable by law.
How can I protect myself and fight back against Alpha Recovery Corps?
There are multiple ways you can protect yourself against such predators like Alpha Recovery Corps. The first thing you can do is to verify the debt if you have been contacted. Verifying the debt should be relatively simple. Just ask for some form of authentication that shows that the debt is in your name. This can be a letter with the information, an online ID for the database search, or a number to call the original debt account. If they are unable to provide these for you, assume that they are not legitimate.
Another step to take is to hire a well-experienced and well-versed debt collection harassment attorney to help assist you against their abuse and harassing behavior. Our attorneys here at Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC have been working for years to help protect our clients against such abusive techniques. We can help you identify and document debt collector harassment, such as repeated and robocalls, and report them to the proper authorities that can deal with them.
Not only can we help you to defend against debt collector 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 under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. So do not wait, make sure to give us a call, and get started fighting back against the debt collection harassment. We are experienced debt collection harassment attorneys.
by Paul MankinIs the debt collection agency Amerifinancial Solutions, LLC harassing you?
There are some debt collection agencies that deal with general collections. However, some specialize in certain areas, such as specifically collecting on physician/medical debts or business debts. These agencies pride themselves on being a cut above the rest, but still tend to employ the same underhanded techniques that are borderline illegal. So here is what you need to know about Amerifinancial solutions LLC, and how to stop Amerifinancial Solutions, LLC from harassing you.
What is Amerifinancial Solutions, LLC?
AmeriFinancial Solutions LLC is listed as a collections agency based out of Maryland. They serve the Greater Maryland area, and is a collection agency and consumer finance company. They are headed by Elizabeth A. Miller, who is said to be the president of Amerifinancial Solutions, as she presides over 20 other employees.
Is Amerifinancial Solutions, LLC a legit Debt Collection Agency?
Amerifinancial Solutions LLC is considered to be a legitimate debt collection agency. Having started in 2007, their Better Business Bureau file was opened within a month of their creation. They are not accredited by the BBB, however, and hold a 1.2 star rating out of 5 with the BBB database, as well as a B rating.
Amerifinancial Solutions, LLC Contact Information
Alternate Names: AFS, LFM Enterprises LLC
Address: PO Box 65018 Baltimore, MD 21264-5018
Other: PO Box 602570 Charlotte, NC 28260-2570
Fax Number: 1-443-753-6097
Other: 1-410-472-3600
Phone Number: 1-800-945-7184
Other: 1-800-753-7106
Other: 1-800-753-7100
Website: http://www.payamerifinancial.com
Other: https://www.payafs.com/
Does Amerifinancial Solutions, LLC have Complaints against them?
Amerifinancial Solutions, LLC has quite a few debt collection harassment complaints against them. Through the BBB database, they have over 110 complaints lodged against them within the last 3 years, with 57 of those complaints being closed within the last 12 months. They also have 18 customer reviews, with over 90% of those reviews being 1 star reviews.
There is no listing of Amerifinancial Solutions LLC within the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Consumer Complaint Database. There are also no registered complaints within their database under the names AFS or LFM Enterprises LLC.
What kind of Complaints have been made?
The complaints lodged against Amerifinancial Solutions LLC are primarily dealing with the issue of billing and collections. Specifically, they state that many of the consumers state that they did not create this bill at all. As such, Amerifinancial Solutions LLC was attempting to collect on debts that were not the consumer’s to begin with.
Another issue that the complaints bring up is the abusive language and threatening actions of the representatives of Amerifinancial Solutions LLC. Many complaints state that they were threatened directly with bodily harm, as well as threats made to their family and friends.
Are the Practices of Amerifinancial Solutions, LLC Legal?
If true, these practices are absolutely not legal. The act of threatening a consumer with bodily harm goes directly against the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act specifically states that a debt collector may not use harassing or verbally abusive language in an attempt to collect on a debt. The laws also state that they may not use misinformation to try to confuse and manipulate consumers into paying the debt off.
Both of these laws were broken by Amerifinancial Solutions LLC. As such, it is considered illegal harassment, and is punishable by law.
How can I protect myself and fight back against Amerifinancial Solutions, LLC?
If you or someone you love has been harassed by Amerifinancial Solutions LLC, then you may be under pressure by them right now. If so, then you need to know how to protect yourself against their harassment and threatening acts.
The first thing you should do if you are being harassed by them is to ask for verification of the debt. As they have a history of using misinformation and improper personal information in attempts to make you pay on debts, asking for verification of the debt will stop them in their tracks. Verification can come in many forms, such as a written letter with the debt information. It can also be done by giving you information to get in contact with the original debt holder.
You should also contact a collection harassment attorney or consumer rights lawyer. The Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC focuses on stopping debt collection harassment. 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 Eltman Law, PC Harassing You?
Eltman Law, PC. is a law firm and debt collection agency headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey. The firm has been in business since 1978 and collects on many types of consumer debt. It employs attorneys licensed to practice law in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.
Contact Information:
101 Hudson St Fl 27
Jersey City, NJ 07302-3915
Phone: (212) 660-3100
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has received three complaints against Eltman Law, PC in the last three years and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has received 17 complaints about the firm since 2015. These complaints allege that the company has violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) by seizing, or attempting to seize property, attempting to collect on a debt that does not belong to the consumer, failing to provide verification of a debt, contacting third parties, and attempting to collect on debt that is too old. Several of the complaints also allege that Eltman Law, PC filed lawsuits and failed to provide the consumer with proper notice of the suit, which is required under the Rules of Civil Procedure in every state. Most of these consumers had no idea they had even been sued until their wages began being garnished or their bank account was frozen. Many consumers have also complained that when attempting to contact Eltman Law, PC they reached a recording and were never able to get a live person on the line.
Most of the complaints filed against Eltman Law, PC allege that the company continued to collect on a debt that did not belong to the consumer and failed to provide verification of the debt to the consumer. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) requires that a debt collector provide certain written information to a consumer 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. The FDCPA and Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practice Act (RFDCPA) also prohibit a creditor or debt collector from attempting to seize property it has no legal right to seize.
If Eltman Law, PC has frozen your bank account, began garnishing your wages, refused to provide you with verification of a debt or is abusing you in any way, 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.
by Paul MankinIs Genesis Credit Management, LLC Calling You?
Genesis Credit Management, LLC is a debt collection agency located in Everett, Washington. It has been in business since 2008 and also uses the name Columbia Debt Recovery, LLC. The company collects for all types of creditors across the country.
Contact Information:
906 SE Everett Mall Way
Everett, WA 98208
Phone: (509) 836-5558
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reports 22 consumer complaints filed against Genesis Credit Management, LLC in the last three years and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a federal agency created to help protect consumers from unfair practices of companies in the financial industry, reports nearly 100 complaints since 2015. Complaints allege that the collection agency:
- Attempted to collect on a debt that was discharged in bankruptcy
- Reported false information to the credit reporting agencies
- Called a consumer several times a day, causing his/her phone to ring continuously
- Refused to provide enough information to verify a debt
- Shared information with a third party
- Used profane and abusive language while attempting to collect on a debt
- Attempted to collect the wrong amount
- Contacted a consumer after being told he/she was represented by counsel
- Threatened to have a consumer arrested for not paying a bill
- Continued contacting a consumer after being asked in writing to stop
These are all violations of 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. Some of the complaints allege violations of other consumer protection laws and state rules of procedure for court actions, such as debiting a consumer’s bank account without prior authorization and failing to serve a person whom you have sued with proper notice of the law suit. Other complaints maintain that Genesis Credit Management, LLC reaches oral settlement agreements with consumers, telling them they do not need anything in writing, and then fails to honor the agreement, refuses to accept payments without reason, and employs representatives who are rude and attempt to bully consumers into paying a debt, even when the consumer is disputing that they owe it.
If you believe that Genesis Credit Management, LLC 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 MankinIs the debt collection agency AP Account Services, LLC harassing you?
What is AP Account Services, LLC?
AP Account Services, LLC is a subsidiary of the established mortgage company Southwest Business Corporation. The debt collection business was founded in Texas in 2009 and offers adjustment and debt collection services. It is estimated to have between one and five employees and it operated by Vice President, Mr. Gary Dudley with the guidance of Assistant General Counsel, Mr. Jerod Neas.
Is AP Account Services, LLC a legit Debt Collection Agency?
Yes, AP Account Services, LLC is a legit debt collection company. AP Account Services, LLC has been recognized by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 1987, accredited since November 2008, and maintains an A BBB rating. The company has responded to its BBB complaints and appears to operate as a legitimate debt collector. AP Account Services, LLC is not known to conduct business under any other aliases, though it may be broadly referred to as part of Southwest Business Corporation.
AP Account Services, LLC Contact Information:
9311 San Pedro Avenue 600
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 525-1242 (phone)
(210) 525-1240 (fax)
(800) 527-0066
(210) 525-1242
(817) 795-0031
What kind of complaints does AP Account Services, LLC have against them?
AP Account Services, LLC has received 16 BBB consumer complaints and 19 Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) complaints. The overwhelming majority of complaints describe practices where the collector makes it impossible for the debtor or alleged debtor to contact the collector in response to AP’s debt collection efforts.
Additional phone numbers reportedly used by AP Account Services, LLC include:
(866) 422-5412
(866) 536-1221
Are AP Account Services, LLC’s Practices Legal?
While it might sound more unfair than illegal for a collector to make it difficult or impossible for a debtor to contact the collector, that kind of behavior could amount to collector harassment, which is illegal under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Even though it sounds like bad business for a collector not to make itself available to receive calls (and payments) from debtors it has reached out to, this is a strategy employed by less scrupulous collectors to harass debtors into making payments in amounts greater than what is actually owed. It is also used by some collectors to harass debtors into sending payment without any kind of settlement agreement or other paper trail that the debtor can use to prove payment in the event the collector continues to harass the debtor or files a lawsuit.
How can I defend myself against a debt collector like AP Account Services, LLC?
Texas residents can find consumer rights information on the Attorney General’s website at https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection. 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 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.
by Paul MankinWhat is a Credit Report?
Credit reports come up in almost any serious conversation about personal finance and many companies now offer access to this information on a limited free or monthly subscription basis. But what is a credit report, where does the information on it come from, and how does someone get yours?
Credit Reporting Agencies
In the United States, there are three main credit reporting agencies that maintain credit reports on consumers. These agencies are:
Equifax
Equifax Information Services LLC
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374-0256
Transunion
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016
Experian
P.O. Box 4500
Allen, TX 75013
Creditors and debt collectors can report your account information to these agencies, who then compile and maintain your credit report.
Information Contained on Your Credit Report
Your credit report contains basic information about you such as your full name, address, social security number, and current employer. It may also contain previous names or aliases that you have used. Your debts are then listed on your report showing that the creditor or debt collector is, when the account was opened or placed for collection, whether the account is still open or has been closed, how much you currently owe, and the highest amount you have ever owed or the highest amount of credit that has even been extended to you. A graphic is then provided showing each month a payment was due and whether it was made on time or was 30, 60, or 90 days past due when it was paid. The credit reporting agency receives this information from the creditor or debt collector and then adds it to your report.
Do All Creditors Report Information to Credit Reporting Agencies?
Not all creditors report your account information to the credit reporting agencies, and some may only report it to one or two of the agencies. Companies who may not report any information to credit reporting agencies include:
- Utility companies
- Professional service companies such as accountants, attorneys, plumbers, and electricians
- Small local business who extend you credit
- Insurance companies
- Landlords
Those who you can pretty much count on reporting your account information to the credit reporting agencies include:
- Credit card companies
- Large cell phone and land line companies, such as Verizon, Sprint, and AT & T
- Mortgage companies
- Medical service providers
- Banks and other loan institutions
How Can Someone Get My Credit Report?
Each of the credit reporting agencies make your credit report available to companies who you authorize to view the report. Companies who may ask for authorization to see your report include banks, mortgage and loan companies, landlords, credit card companies, potential employers and any other company or agency from whom you are attempting to gain employment or receive credit or a loan.
If you are experiencing problems with your credit report, such as inaccurate information from a creditor or debt collector, feel free to contact our office at 1-800-219-3577, for a free, no obligation consultation.
by Paul MankinIs American Collection Services, Inc. Harassing You?
American Collection Services, Inc
American Collection Services, Inc. is a collection company located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It has been in business since 2005 and collects for all types of companies including healthcare providers, credit card companies, and professional services companies.
Contact Information:
3100 SW 59th St Ste A
Oklahoma City, OK 73119-6416
Phone: (405) 681-2332
http://www.americancollectionservices.com/
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) lists only 3 complaints against American Collection Services since 2015. These complaints allege that the company reported false information to the credit reporting agencies and failed to provide debt verification to a consumer from whom it was attempting to collect a debt. These are both violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), a federal law enacted in order to help prevent debt collectors from using unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices when attempting to collect on a debt. Other practices specifically prohibited by the FDCPA include:
- Contacting third parties about a debt
- 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
- Using abusive, profane, or obscene language
- Threatening to take action they have no legal right to take
- Calling consumers before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
- Threatening to commit acts of violence against a consumer or their property
- Falsely representing that they are an attorney or law enforcement officer
- Refusing to provide a consumer with verification of a debt it is attempting to collect
- Making telephone calls without properly identifying themselves
- Falsely representing the amount or legal status of a debt
- Charging fees not allowed for in the original contract
A successful claim filed under the FDCPA can stop unwanted collection attempts and get the debt collector to pay you for their violations. In some cases you may also be able to avoid the debt by having it declared paid in full. You will also be able to recover court costs and attorney fees for your successful claim. There may other state or federal consumer protection laws, besides that FDCPA, that can give you a claim against an abusive debt collector.
If you feel that American Collection Services, 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 MankinIs the debt collection agency Anchor Receivables Management harassing you?
What is Anchor Receivables Management?
Anchor Receivables Management, which primarily conducts business under the name “Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC” or “Pra III, LLC,” is a multi-location debt collector specializing in buying distressed debt. Founded in Virginia and incorporated in Delaware in 1996, the collections agency now has approximately 1,400 employees and does a substantial volume of business across the country.
Is Anchor Receivables Management a legit Debt Collection Agency?
Yes, Anchor Receivables Management is a legitimate debt collector, but they are not particularly well known for conducting business under that name. Under their primary alias, Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC, they have been recognized by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 1996, have been BBB-accredited since December 27, 1996, and maintain an A+ BBB rating.
Anchor Receivables Management Contact Information:
140 Corporate Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23502
(757) 519-9300 (phone)
(800) 772-1413 (alt. phone)
(757) 321-6278 (alt. phone)
What kind of complaints does Anchor Receivables Management have against them?
Anchor Receivables Management and its alias operations have received 1,338 BBB customer complaints and 11,848 Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) complaints. Notably, the debt collector has been the subject of numerous consumer complaints alleging inaccurate debt postings with credit reporting agencies, prompting requests for the removal of the inaccurate information. In many cases, Anchor has continued to report inaccurate information and/or has fought consumer requests by providing information they know, or should know, to be inaccurate or outdated. If these allegations are true, Anchor Receivables Management will have violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (RFDCPA), and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Are Anchor Receivables Management’s Practices Legal?
Just because Anchor Receivables Management is a legitimate debt collector, that does not mean they do not use immoral or unlawful collection tactics. If you have received harassing calls from phone numbers associated with Anchor Receivables Management or from Anchor employees using false numbers, your rights might be violated. Likewise, if Anchor Receivables Management continues to call you after you have made a formal request for them to cease calling and/or have notified them that they debt attempting to be collected either belongs to someone else or otherwise is not owed by you, you may have a claim against Anchor Receivables Management for debt collection harassment. Using proper communication tactics tends to be a pitfall for even the most well-meaning debt collectors since there are numerous potential violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
How can I defend myself against a debt collector like Anchor Receivables Management?
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 debt collector or other business can be made at BBB complaints. Complaints against Virginia-based debt collectors can be filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or be made by calling 1-855-411-CFPB (2372).
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.