Asset Acceptance Debt Collection Harassment: How to Stop the Calls and Protect Your Rights
Asset Acceptance, LLC is a major debt buyer owned by Encore Capital Group, one of the largest debt purchasing companies in the world. They buy old, charged-off debts often for pennies on the dollar and then attempt to collect the full amount, plus interest and fees, from consumers.
If you’re getting calls from Asset Acceptance, it’s because they believe you owe on a debt they now own. Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC helps consumers stop illegal debt collection calls and hold abusive collectors accountable under federal law.
Why Is Asset Acceptance Targeting You?
Asset Acceptance targets you because your name is on a portfolio of debts they purchased from the original creditor (like a credit card company or telecom provider). These debts are frequently very old, may contain inaccurate information, or may have already been paid. Their business model relies on contacting a high volume of consumers in the hope that a percentage will pay, even if the debt is disputed or unenforceable. Read more here: Asset Acceptance Better Business Bureau
Federal Protections Against Debt Buyers
You have powerful rights under federal law that protect you from abusive debt collectors like Asset Acceptance. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits harassment, false statements, and unfair practices. Key protections include the right to demand they stop calling you at work, the right to dispute the debt, and the right to be free from abusive language. The (CFPB) enforces these rules. You can learn more about your FDCPA rights directly from the FTC.
Identifying Illegal Tactics Used by Asset Acceptance
How do you know if Asset Acceptance is breaking the law? Common FDCPA violations include:
Calls at Prohibited Times: Calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. your local time.
Harassment: Using threats, obscene language, or repeatedly calling to annoy you.
False Statements: Misrepresenting the debt amount, threatening actions they cannot take (like immediate arrest), or falsely implying they are attorneys.
Failure to Identify: Not stating they are a debt collector attempting to collect a debt in every communication.
Contact After “Stop” Request: Continuing to call you after you’ve sent a written request to cease communication (with limited exceptions).
| Common Violation by Asset Acceptance | Is It Legal? | Governing Law / Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Calling you multiple times a day | No. This is often harassment. | FDCPA, 15 U.S.C. § 1692d(5) |
| Threatening to sue on a very old (time-barred) debt | No. This is a false or misleading representation. | FTC Consumer Advice on Time-Barred Debts |
| Failing to send written validation notice within 5 days of first call | No. This violates your right to be informed. | FDCPA, 15 U.S.C. § 1692g(a) |
| Discussing your debt with a family member or coworker | Generally No. They can only contact others to locate you, not discuss the debt. | FDCPA, 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(b) |
Source: FTC – Debt Collection FAQs: For Consumers
Steps to Silence the Calls for Good
Don’t Acknowledge the Debt. Verbally confirming or making a small payment can restart the statute of limitations.
Request Written Validation. Verbally state you are disputing the debt and demand they send proof via mail.
Send a Formal Debt Validation Letter. This is your most powerful tool. Send it via certified mail within 30 days of their first contact.
Send a “Cease and Desist” Letter. If they continue to harass you, demand all communication stop in writing by sending a cease and desist letter (except to notify you of specific actions like a lawsuit).
File Complaints. Report violations to the CFPB, your state Attorney General, and the FTC.
Consult an Attorney. If the harassment persists or your rights are violated, a consumer rights attorney can help. Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC handles these exact cases, helping consumers stop calls and seek damages for violations.
Building Your Case Against Harassment
Start a harassment log immediately. For every call, note:
Date, time, and phone number
Name of the collector who called
A summary of what was said, especially any threats or abusive language
Save all voicemails and letters. Keep copies of every letter you send them via certified mail.
Asset Acceptance Tactics
The “Urgent Matter” Voicemail: “This is an urgent message regarding a personal business matter. Please call back immediately at 1-800-XXX-XXXX.” They avoid stating it’s a debt collection call.
The “Settlement Offer” Pressure: “We can settle this today for 50%, but this offer expires at 5 p.m. If you don’t act, we will proceed with legal action.” This creates false urgency.
The “Attorney” Implication: “This call is from the legal department of Asset Acceptance.” This is often designed to intimidate, even if no attorney is actively reviewing your file.
The Encore Capital Connection: Why You See Midland Credit Management
Asset Acceptance, LLC is a subsidiary of Encore Capital Group. Encore’s other major brand is Midland Credit Management (MCM). They operate under similar models. You may receive communications from both entities for different debts. Understanding this corporate family helps you see the scale and strategy of the debt buyer you’re dealing with.
New Enforcement Actions Against Asset Acceptance
Debt collection practices remain under intense regulatory scrutiny. In 2026, watch for:
Increased CFPB Focus on “Zombie Debt”: Enforcement actions targeting the collection of exceedingly old or unverifiable debts.
AI & Robocall Scrutiny: New rules and cases around the use of automated dialers and pre-recorded messages by debt buyers.
Data Integrity Lawsuits: Regulators are challenging debt buyers’ reliance on sparse data packets sold with debts, which often lack proper documentation.
Verify the Caller: A Step-by-Step Security Guide
Scammers often impersonate legitimate companies.
Ask for Official Details: Request the caller’s name, company name (Asset Acceptance, LLC), mailing address, and a callback number.
Hang Up & Verify: Do not call back a number they provide in the moment. Instead, find the official contact number for Asset Acceptance/Encore Capital through their SEC filings or your own search.
Demand Written Communication: A legitimate collector must send a written validation notice. If they refuse or cannot provide a valid mailing address, it’s a major red flag.
Check Your Credit Report: See if Asset Acceptance has placed an inquiry or trade line on your reports from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.
Can Asset Acceptance Actually Sue You?
Yes, Asset Acceptance can file a lawsuit to collect a debt. However, they are far more likely to do so if the debt is within the statute of limitations, they have solid documentation, and you are a resident in a state where they frequently litigate. Many of their threats are empty, designed to scare you into paying. If you are served with actual court papers, do not ignore them. Seek legal advice immediately.
Statute of Limitations
Every debt has a state-law deadline for filing a lawsuit, called the statute of limitations (SOL). This period (typically 3-6 years) starts from your last payment or acknowledgment of the debt. If the SOL has expired, the debt is “time-barred.” Asset Acceptance cannot legally win a lawsuit to collect it. Crucially, they are still allowed to ask for payment, but threatening to sue on a time-barred debt is illegal. The FTC has clear guidance on this practice.
How Asset Acceptance Impacts Your Score
Asset Acceptance will typically report the collection account to the three major credit bureaus. This can severely damage your credit score. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to dispute inaccurate information. If Asset Acceptance cannot verify the debt’s accuracy during a dispute, the credit bureau must remove it. Furthermore, they cannot “re-age” a debt to make it appear newer on your report.
The Debt Validation Letter
Debt Validation Letter is a written demand, sent via certified mail, requiring Asset Acceptance to provide proof that you owe the debt, that they own it, and that the amount is correct. By law, they must cease collection activity until they provide this validation. You can find templates from the CFPB.
How Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC Fights Back
When Asset Acceptance violates your rights under the FDCPA or FCRA, you may be entitled to statutory damages (up to $1,000 per lawsuit), actual damages, and attorney’s fees. Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC specializes in holding debt buyers accountable. We:
Analyze your case for FDCPA and FCRA violations.
Handle all communication with the collector.
File lawsuits to stop harassment, seek damages, and potentially get the debt canceled.
If the calls from Asset Acceptance are overwhelming, or you suspect they are using illegal tactics, you do not have to face it alone. Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC provides guidance and legal support to stop the harassment and protect your rights. Contact us for a confidential case evaluation. Our office has been assisting consumers since 2010, and we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Success Stories
Absolutely incredible law firm to work with. Matthew took care of everything, and was fully equipped even though he said it was a case he had never seen before. couldn’t reccomend them enough
Matthew was able to get my situation handled and stop the Harassing phone calls. He kept me updated with how the case was going and never left me in the dark about anything.
Reclaiming Your Peace of Mind
Dealing with Asset Acceptance can be stressful, but you are not powerless. By knowing your rights, documenting everything, and using strategic written communication, you can stop the harassment. In cases of clear violations, legal action can not only bring peace but also hold this large debt buyer accountable for crossing the line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Asset Acceptance a legitimate company?
Yes, Asset Acceptance, LLC is a legitimate, large debt-buying company and a subsidiary of the publicly-traded Encore Capital Group.
2. Can I just ignore Asset Acceptance’s calls?
Ignoring calls is not a long-term strategy. They may continue, escalate to your workplace, or potentially file a lawsuit. It is better to engage strategically by demanding written validation.
3. What happens if I pay Asset Acceptance even a small amount?
Making a payment or even verbally acknowledging the debt can restart the statute of clock in many states, making an old debt legally enforceable again.
4. How do I get Asset Acceptance off my credit report?
You can dispute inaccurate information with the credit bureaus. If Asset Acceptance cannot verify the debt, it must be removed. If they have violated reporting laws, an attorney can help force removal.
5. What is the difference between Asset Acceptance and the original creditor?
Asset Acceptance purchased the debt from the original creditor (like a bank). They did not lend you money; they bought the right to collect it, often for a fraction of the amount owed.
6. Can Asset Acceptance garnish my wages?
Only if they sue you, win a court judgment, and follow state garnishment procedures. They cannot garnish wages without a judgment.
7. How long can Asset Acceptance try to collect a debt?
They can attempt to collect indefinitely, but their right to sue you expires when the statute of limitations does. Reporting to credit bureaus is typically limited to 7 years from the date of first delinquency.
8. Should I talk to Asset Acceptance on the phone?
It is generally advisable to limit phone conversations, as they are recorded and can be used against you. Direct all communication to writing (certified mail) to create a clear record.
9. What should I do if Asset Acceptance sues me?
Do not ignore the lawsuit. File a written answer with the court before the deadline. Immediately consult with a consumer rights attorney to build your defense, which may include the statute of limitations or lack of proof.
10. How can a lawyer help me with Asset Acceptance?
A consumer rights lawyer can identify FDCPA violations, demand they stop all contact, negotiate deletion of the debt from your credit report, and file a lawsuit against Asset Acceptance to recover damages for their illegal conduct.
