Being in debt is stressful, but dealing with debt collectors like American Adjustment Bureau (AAB) can make it worse. Many consumers fear harassment from debt collectors, which may include repeated calls, threats, or misleading information. Understanding your rights and taking the right steps can help protect you.
Ignoring calls or letters from a debt collector is never a good idea. Doing so can lead to a default judgment, giving the collector legal power to garnish wages or freeze bank accounts. Instead, you should know your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and how to respond safely.
What Is American Adjustment Bureau?
American Adjustment Bureau Inc is a third-party debt collection agency located in Waterbury, Connecticut. They specialize in collecting medical debts and sometimes handle “second placements,” accounts that previous collectors were unable to recover.
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Address: 73 Field St, Waterbury, CT 06702-1906
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Phone Numbers:
203-574-4200
866-843-9729
866-480-5568
Debt collectors using obscene or profane language during these calls are violating regulations. Call us now at 877-700-5790 for immediate assistance.
Is American Adjustment Bureau a Scam?
AAB is a legitimate debt collection agency and has been in business for decades. They have been involved in federal lawsuits (over 30 cases on PACER) and have an A+ BBB accreditation since 2012, with multiple consumer complaints processed in recent years. American Adjustment Bureau Better Business Bureau
What Constitutes Phone Harassment?
Under the FDCPA, harassment includes, but is not limited to:
| Harassment Type | Examples / Notes |
|---|---|
| Repetitive calls | Multiple calls per day, including voicemails that flood inboxes |
| Inappropriate timing | Calling before 8 AM or after 9 PM |
| Abusive language | Using profane or threatening words |
| False threats | Threatening arrest, imprisonment, or legal action not legally possible |
| Contacting third parties | Discussing your debt with relatives, coworkers, or neighbors without permission |
| Misleading information | Claiming you owe more than you actually do or pursuing debts that are invalid or already paid |
If you experience any of these behaviors, you may be a victim of American Adjustment Bureau phone harassment.
Your Rights Under the FDCPA
The FDCPA protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices. Key rights include:
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Right to Validation of Debt
You can request written proof of the debt within 30 days of first contact. The collector must pause collection efforts until they provide verification.
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Right to Written Communication
You may request all communication in writing to avoid stressful phone calls and maintain a clear record.
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Right to Dispute Inaccurate Debts
If the debt is incorrect, fraudulent, or already paid, you can dispute it formally. Send a certified letter to the collector detailing your dispute.
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Right to Stop Harassment
You can demand in writing that the collector stop contacting you via phone. They may only contact you to confirm or take legal action.
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Right to Sue for Violations
Violations of the FDCPA may allow you to sue for statutory damages up to $1,000, plus attorney fees and costs.
How to Handle Calls and Prevent Wage Garnishment
Here are actionable steps if you are being contacted by AAB:
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Do Not Ignore Debt Notices
Respond to demand letters. Negotiating small payments is better than letting a default judgment occur.
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Dispute Incorrect Debts
Send a written dispute within 30 days of first notice via certified mail. Collection must stop until your debt is validated.
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Request Written Communication
Ask AAB to communicate only in writing. This provides proof of all interactions.
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Seek Professional Advice
Contact a consumer rights attorney or credit counselor. An attorney can help stop harassment and, if applicable, recover damages.
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State Protections
Some states offer additional protection. For example, Ohio allows a court-appointed trustee to receive your payments, preventing wage garnishment.
Filing Complaints
If AAB violates your rights, you can file complaints with:
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Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Enforces debt collection laws.
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(CFPB): Handles harassment complaints.
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State Attorney General: Provides additional legal protections at the state level.
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Better Business Bureau (BBB): Documents complaints and business reviews.
Provide all relevant documentation, including: letters, emails, call logs, and account numbers.
Summary
American Adjustment Bureau is a legitimate debt collector, but phone harassment and abusive tactics are reported. Knowing your rights under the FDCPA, documenting interactions, disputing inaccurate debts, and seeking professional help can protect you from wage garnishment and harassment.
Tip: Keep records of calls, emails, and letters. Send disputes via certified mail and request debt validation in writing.
American Adjustment Bureau Complaints
The following is a sample list of complaints filed against the American Adjustment Bureau in the past and can be found on Pacer.gov.
- 📋 3:17-cv-01640-DJS Calderon v.
- 📋 3:99-cv-01180-AWT Beaulieu v.
- 📋 2:17-cv-05944-ODW-JEM Borkowski v.
- 📋 3:15-cv-01683-BEN-RBB Blaszyk v.
- 📋 3:13-cv-01043-MPS Cricco et al v.
Get Legal Help Against Harassment!
Consumer Rights Law Firm, PLLC is a law firm that specializes in helping clients who are facing American Adjustment Bureau Phone Harassment from debt collectors. If you suspect that your debt collection rights are being trampled upon, contact our office to begin the process to stop the harassment you may currently be receiving from AAB. Our office has been assisting consumers since 2010, and we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Call us at (877)700-5790 for immediate assistance.
FAQs
Are calls from American Adjustment Bureau legal or harassment?
FDCPA. Many consumers report aggressive calling patterns and failure to cease calls despite requests leading to the cases of American Adjustment Bureau phone harassment.
Can I stop American Adjustment Bureau collection agency from calling me?
Yes. You can send a written cease-and-desist letter via certified mail. Once they receive it, they can only contact you to confirm receipt or inform you of legal action.
What should I do if American Adjustment Bureau keeps calling even after I asked them to stop?
Keep a detailed log of calls, including date, time, and content. File complaints with the CFPB, FTC, and your state attorney general. You may also be entitled to 1000$ damages under the FDCPA.
Can I dispute the debt or demand verification?
Yes. You have the right to request written validation of the debt, original creditor, amount owed, and proof that the debt is yours. Failure to provide this makes their collection efforts illegal.
Can American Adjustment Bureau inc affect my credit score?
Yes. They can report the debt to credit bureaus, which may negatively impact your credit if it’s valid. But if the debt is inaccurate or disputed, you have the right to challenge it through the credit bureaus.
Does the American Adjustment Bureau pay online?
Yes. American Adjustment Bureau provides an online payment portal where consumers can make payments securely. Always confirm you are on their official website before entering any personal or payment details to avoid scams.
Does the American Adjustment Bureau report to credit bureaus?
Yes. If your account is placed with them for collection, they may report it to the major credit bureaus. This can negatively impact your credit score if not resolved.
How do I email the American Adjustment Bureau debt collectors?
The American Adjustment Bureau typically provides an email contact through its official website. If you can’t find one, it’s safer to use their customer service phone number or mailing address to request written correspondence.
What types of debts does the American Adjustment Bureau collect?
They collect on a variety of consumer debts, including medical bills, utilities, and financial accounts. Many complaints online mention medical debt collections.
Can the American Adjustment Bureau garnish my wages?
Not without a court order. They must first sue you and win a judgment before they can legally garnish wages, and laws vary by state.
What should I do if I can’t afford to pay the American Adjustment Bureau?
If you can’t afford full payment, you can contact them to discuss a settlement or payment plan. It’s also a good idea to consult with a consumer rights attorney to understand your options before agreeing to anything.
