Advance Bureau of Collections Debt Collection Harassment?
Is Advance Bureau of Collections (ABC) calling you? Stop Advance Bureau of Collections phone harassment. Do they threaten to take legal action or garnish your wages? Are they calling you at all hours or several times a day? Are they telling your family and neighbors that you owe a debt? If so, what they are doing is illegal and needs to stop. You have the legal right to stop ABC phone harassment. If a collection agency violates the FDCPA and engages in creditor harassment, you may be eligible to receive up to $1000.00 in statutory damages, along with covering your attorney fees. You can also sue debt collectors for harassment and violation of your rights under the FDCPA.
Is Advance Bureau of Collections a Scam?
Advance Bureau of Collections is a legitimate debt collection agency that has been in business for 77 years. However, just because they are a real company doesn’t mean they always follow the law. If you feel that ABC is violating your rights, it’s crucial to understand the protections offered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This federal law is designed to protect consumers from abusive and unfair debt collection practices. If ABC is found to be violating the FDCPA, you may be entitled to statutory damages and attorney’s fees. Knowing your rights can help you stand up against debt collector harassment and ensure that you are treated fairly.
. Is Advance Bureau of Collections a Scam?
According to the Better Business Bureau website, Advance Bureau of Collections has been in business for 77 years. As one of the many collection agencies regulated by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), there have been 2 complaints filed against ABC with the BBB in the past 3 years.
Advance Bureau of Collections Better Business Bureau
Who is Advance Bureau of Collections Debt Collection Agency?
Advance Bureau of Collections is a debt collection business and third party debt collector located in Macon, Georgia.
Address: 135 Lamar Street Macon, GA 31204 Phone: (478) 742-7581
Advance Bureau of Collections Fair Debt Collection Practices
If Advance Bureau of Collections engages in any of the following tactics, you may have a case:
Using obscene or profane language or abusive language
Calling you before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
Calling you multiple times per week
Talking to others about your debt
Making personal calls to your workplace without permission
Threatening to sue you, harm you, or destroy your credit
Telling you or anyone else that you’ve committed a crime
Calling repeatedly for the wrong person
Failing to notify you of your right to dispute the debt
Trying to collect more than legally allowed
Advance Bureau of Collections Phone Calls
Are you receiving any harassing phone calls from any of the following numbers? 478-742-7581, 478-743-4643, 478-742-2500, 478-742-8611, (478) 742-7581, (478) 743-4643, (478) 742-2500, (478) 742-8611, 4787427581, 4787434643, 4787422500, 4787428611
If the answer is yes, then you are receiving calls from a known ABC number. You may be a victim of ABC phone harassment. The list above is not all the numbers that ABC uses. The calls can be from a different number, and it still be Advance Bureau of Collections calling you. Contact our office right away so we can start the process to stop ABC from calling you illegally. Above all, no one should live with harassment!
Fair Debt Collection Practices
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that regulates the behavior of debt collectors. Enacted in 1977 and enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the FDCPA aims to eliminate abusive debt collection practices and ensure that debt collectors treat consumers fairly. This law applies to debt collectors who collect debts on behalf of creditors, setting clear guidelines on what they can and cannot do.
What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)?
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law enacted to regulate debt collection practices and protect consumers from abusive, deceptive, and unfair behaviors by debt collectors. This law applies to debt collectors who use any form of interstate commerce or mail in their business operations. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors are prohibited from engaging in conduct that harasses, oppresses, or abuses consumers. This includes making false statements, using obscene language, and threatening actions that cannot legally be taken. Understanding the FDCPA can help you recognize when a debt collector is violating your rights and take appropriate action.
What is Considered Harassment by a Debt Collector?
Harassment by a debt collector can manifest in various ways, all of which are prohibited under the FDCPA. Some common forms of harassment include:
- Repeated phone calls or electronic communications intended to annoy, abuse, or harass
- Using abusive or threatening language
- Contacting you at your workplace or home without permission
- Threatening to sue or report you to credit bureaus without basis
- Making false statements about the debt or your creditworthiness
- Publishing lists of consumers who allegedly refuse to pay debts
- Advertising debts for sale to coerce payment
If you experience any of these behaviors, it’s crucial to understand that they are illegal and you have the right to take action against the debt collector.
Overview of Fair Debt Collection Practices
Under the FDCPA, debt collectors are prohibited from engaging in harassing conduct. This includes making false or misleading representations, using abusive or obscene language, and threatening actions that cannot legally be taken. Additionally, debt collectors must provide a written notice of the debt within five days of their initial contact with you. If you request them to stop contacting you, they are legally obligated to comply. Understanding these protections can help you recognize when a debt collector is crossing the line and violating your rights.
Stopping Debt Collection Harassment
If you’re experiencing harassment from a debt collector, there are several steps you can take to put an end to it. Debt collection agencies must operate within the framework of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which places limits on their collection methods to protect consumers from harassment. Here are some effective strategies to stop debt collection calls and protect your rights:
How to Stop Debt Collection Calls
- Send a “stop contact” or “cease” letter: Write a letter to the debt collector requesting that they stop contacting you. Send this letter via certified mail and keep a copy for your records.
- Stop receiving calls from an autodialer: If you’re receiving automated calls, inform a live operator to stop calling you.
- Tell a collector to stop contacting you at inconvenient times or places: Specify to the debt collector that they should not contact you at certain times or places, such as at work or during dinner hours.
- Inform the collector that your only source of income is government benefits: If your income is solely from government benefits, notify the debt collector, and they should cease contact.
- Send a “verification” letter: Request verification of the debt by sending a letter that includes your name, address, and account number. Ask the debt collector to provide documentation of the debt.
- Send a “dispute” letter: If you dispute the debt, send a letter stating your dispute and requesting that the debt collector stop contacting you.
- Negotiate a payment plan: Work out a payment plan with the creditor to pay off the debt.
- Complain to the : If you believe the debt collector is violating the FDCPA, file a complaint with the .
Remember, you have rights under the FDCPA, and you should not be subjected to debt collector harassment. Taking these steps can help you stop the harassment and protect your rights.
How to Report Harassment by Debt Collectors
If you believe you are being harassed by a debt collector, there are several steps you can take to report the harassment:
- (CFPB): File a complaint with the CFPB, which oversees the enforcement of the FDCPA.
- State Attorney General: Report the harassment to your state’s attorney general, who can take action against the debt collector.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a complaint with the FTC, which also enforces federal laws against unfair debt collection practices.
Additionally, keep a detailed record of all communications with the debt collector, including dates, times, and the nature of the contact. This documentation can be crucial if you decide to seek legal advice or take further action.
Your Rights and Options
As a consumer, you have several rights and options when dealing with debt collectors. These include:
- Requesting a Validation Notice: Ask the debt collector to provide a validation notice to verify the debt.
- Disputing the Debt: If you believe the debt is not yours, you have the right to dispute it.
- Negotiating a Settlement: Work out a payment plan or settlement with the creditor.
- Filing a Complaint: Report the debt collector to the CFPB, FTC, or your state’s attorney general if you believe they are violating the FDCPA.
- Seeking Legal Advice: Consult a consumer protection attorney to understand your rights and explore your legal options.
Remember, you are protected under federal law, and you do not have to tolerate harassment from debt collectors.
Consumer Protection Resources
There are several resources available to help you deal with debt collectors and protect your rights:
- (CFPB)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Your State’s Attorney General
- National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
- Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA)
These organizations can provide guidance, support, and legal assistance to ensure that you are treated fairly and respectfully by debt collectors. If you believe you are being harassed or abused, do not hesitate to seek help and report the harassment.
Common Questions
Is ABC a scam? No, Advance Bureau of Collections has been in business for 77 years.
Can Advance Bureau of Collections garnish my wages? Yes, ABC can garnish your wages on a Federal Student loan or if they obtain a judgment from the courts.
Can ABC sue me? Yes, ABC can sue you so long as the debt is within the statute of limitations and they do not make false representations regarding the legal status of the debt.
Can ABC report my debt to the collection’s bureaus? Yes, debt collectors are allowed to place the collection account on your credit report as part of credit reporting. Additionally, they must provide the name and address of the original creditor when consumers dispute debts.
Can ABC arrest me? Debt collectors don’t have the authority to have you arrested for a debt. However, if you violate a court order, e.g., an order to appear in court, the judge can issue a warrant for your arrest. Depending on the laws in your state, you may be arrested for certain debts like unpaid child support or traffic tickets.
The following is a sample list of complaints filed against Advance Bureau of Collections in the past year and can be found on Pacer.org.
5:11-cv-00425-CAR Johnson v. Advance Bureau of Collections
5:15-cv-00016-MTT Jones v. Advance Bureau of Collections
5:18-cv-00119-MTT Whipple v. Advance Bureau of Collections
5:18-cv-00233-TES Waterson v. Advance Bureau of Collections
1:17-cv-04835-MHC Mains v. Advance Bureau of Collections
About Us
Consumer Rights Law Firm, PLLC is a law firm that specializes in helping clients who are facing harassment from debt collectors in any form, including telephone communication. Rather than suffer alone, contact our office to begin the process to stop the Advance Bureau of Collections harassment. Our office has been assisting consumers since 2010. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Consumer Rights Law Firm Better Business Bureau
If you are interested in learning more about how to safeguard yourself and prevent harassment from Advance Bureau of Collections call us at (877)700-5790 for immediate assistance or visit our website at www.consumerlawfirmcenter.com
Success Stories
“I would highly recommend the Consumer Rights Law Firm to anybody that has been harassed! They were very professional and straightforward about my rights”.
“I had the pleasure of dealing with Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC on 2 different occasions the staff were very courteous and helpful, and they were familiar with the Collection Agency’s in question and the harassment calls stop, I was even compensated. I would recommend this company to anyone going thru this type of harassment a very satisfied customer”.
“Because of a lie from a third-party debt collector that threatened me financially I nearly made the mistake of paying the debt collector money I couldn’t afford. The people here were friendly, knowledgeable and settled my case quickly. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!”
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Free assistance to stop Advance Bureau of Collections debt collection harassment. Please call us now at 877-700-5790. Stop the Calls! !quicklinks!