Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC has represented consumers against creditor and debt collector harassment since 2010. We hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and because we work on a fee-shift basis, you pay nothing out of pocket. Call us at (877) 700-5790 or visit our website for a free case review.
In our practice, what makes a file like Creditors’ Protection Service worth taking seriously is not a long public complaint history, it is the gap between the company’s clean BBB rating and what consumers actually describe experiencing on platforms like Yelp and WalletHub. That gap is exactly where we tell clients to start documenting.
Who Is Creditors’ Protection Service, Inc.?
Creditors’ Protection Service is a real, long-established agency working on behalf of an original creditor, most often a business, medical provider, or other commercial client that placed an unpaid account with them. They did not extend the original credit, but federal and Illinois law still govern exactly how they can pursue you.
| Detail | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Creditors’ Protection Service, Inc. (CPS) |
| Founded | January 1, 1963 |
| Headquarters | 308 W State St #485, Rockford, IL 61101 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 4115, Rockford, IL 61110-0615 |
| Primary Phone | (815) 964-9331 |
| Toll-Free Number | (800) 964-3087 |
| Owner | Michael Mather |
| General Manager | Andrea Quist |
| BBB File Opened | 6/7/1995 |
| Current BBB Rating | A+ (Not BBB Accredited) |
| State Licensing Authority | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation |
| Services Offered | Third-party debt collection, accounts receivable management for businesses |
| Years in Business | 63 |
Is Creditors’ Protection Service a Scam?
No, Creditors’ Protection Service is not a scam. It is a genuine, Illinois-licensed collection agency that has operated continuously since 1963. Its BBB rating is A+, but that rating reflects how the company has handled BBB-filed complaints specifically, not the full range of consumer experiences described elsewhere online.
In our practice, we caution clients against treating a clean BBB grade as the whole picture. BBB ratings are heavily influenced by whether a business responds to disputes filed through that specific platform. A company can hold an A+ rating while still generating serious complaints on other review platforms that never reach BBB’s system.
Why Is Creditors’ Protection Service Calling Me?
Creditors’ Protection Service typically calls because a business or medical creditor placed an unpaid account with them for collection, and the company is attempting to recover that balance on the creditor’s behalf.
Common reasons consumers report being contacted include:
- A medical, business, or commercial account referred to CPS after non-payment
- Continued calls about a balance the consumer disputes or believes was already resolved
- Automated, repeated calls that do not stop even after the consumer has answered and discussed the account
- Difficulty reaching a live representative to discuss or dispute the debt despite frequent inbound calls from the company
Consumer Complaints and Reviews
While Creditors’ Protection Service’s BBB file shows an A+ rating, independent reviews on other platforms describe a more contentious experience.
Yelp: One reviewer described the company bluntly: “This is an awful collection agency. Their email address for customer support does not work, they don’t answer their phone, but they will continue to auto dial you consistently until you answer, then on the other end they’re ignorant jerks when you try to make payment arrangements with them.”
WalletHub: One consumer described a wrong-person collection dispute that was not resolved despite repeated contact: “Called and spoke with them 20 times and explained they have the wrong person. We settled and they still put on my credit report.” A different reviewer reported confusion over an unexplained credit report entry: “Was never notified of this debt. Unsure of who or what company this is. I have no mail, phone calls or anything. I don’t understand why this is being reported to my credit.” Not every review was negative; one consumer described the process positively, noting a representative “was very polite and helpful, explained the process and how long it will take to show in my credit report.”
In our practice, what we see in complaints like these is a consistent thread: consumers report that getting a dispute actually resolved, rather than simply acknowledged on a phone call, is the hardest part of dealing with this company. A verbal assurance that an issue has been corrected is not the same as a written confirmation, and the WalletHub reviews above describe exactly that gap.
A Federal Court Case That Still Matters:
Gruber v. Creditors Protection Service, Inc
In this consolidated appeal, four consumers sued four separate debt collectors, including Creditors’ Protection Service, Inc., alleging that the validation notices in their collection letters violated 15 U.S.C. § 1692g(a)(4) of the FDCPA. The plaintiffs argued that the standard language used, which told consumers they could request “verification of the debt” within 30 days, failed to clearly tell them they could “dispute” the debt, and that this distinction could confuse an unsophisticated consumer into requesting the wrong thing. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit disagreed and affirmed dismissal of the claims, holding that a written request for verification of a debt legally constitutes a dispute under the Act, regardless of which specific word the consumer uses. The court also rejected a separate argument that the phrase “we believe you want to pay your just debt” was misleading, characterizing it as permissible “puffery” rather than a violation. View opinion on Justia
In our practice, we point to Gruber not because it was a win for consumers, it was not, but because it is directly useful for understanding your own rights. The Seventh Circuit confirmed that you do not need to use the exact word “dispute” when you write to a collector. If you ask Creditors’ Protection Service, or any debt collector operating in the Seventh Circuit’s jurisdiction, to verify a debt in writing within 30 days of first contact, that request legally counts as a dispute and triggers the collector’s obligation to pause collection efforts until verification is provided. One thing consumers often misunderstand is assuming they need to use specific legal language to protect their rights. This case confirms you generally do not.
What Are Your Rights?
- The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq., requires debt collectors like Creditors’ Protection Service to provide specific validation information in their initial communication, and to cease collection activity once a consumer disputes the debt in writing, until verification is provided. As the Seventh Circuit confirmed in Gruber, you do not need to use the word “dispute” specifically; a written request for verification has the same legal effect.
- The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), 47 U.S.C. § 227, restricts the use of automatic telephone dialing systems without prior express consent. If you are receiving repeated automated calls and have not consented to that contact method, this law may apply.
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how accurately a collection account can be reported. If you believe Creditors’ Protection Service is reporting a debt to credit bureaus that belongs to someone else, or that has already been resolved, you have the right to formally dispute that reporting with the credit bureaus directly.
- Illinois Collection Agency Act licensing requires collection agencies operating in Illinois, including Creditors’ Protection Service, to be licensed through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. You can verify a collector’s current license status directly through that agency.
FDCPA Violations
| Violation Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Excessive or repeated auto-dialed calls | Continuing automated calls after a consumer answers, without clear identification of the caller |
| Misrepresenting account status after dispute | Continuing to report a debt to credit bureaus after the consumer states, and the collector does not dispute, that the wrong person is being pursued |
| Failure to validate debt | Not providing a clear, written breakdown of the debt after a timely request, written or verbal, for verification |
| Inadequate or confusing validation notices | Letters where the required 30-day dispute and verification language is unclear or internally inconsistent, as addressed in Gruber and related Seventh Circuit cases |
| Continuing collection after a dispute | Pursuing payment or continued credit reporting before debt validation is provided following a timely dispute |
How to Stop Creditors’ Protection Service Calls
In our practice, we walk Creditors’ Protection Service clients through the following sequence:
- Request debt validation in writing, regardless of whether you use the word “dispute.” As Gruber confirmed, a request for verification carries the same legal weight.
- Do not rely on a verbal promise that a wrong-person or resolved-debt issue has been corrected. Ask for written confirmation, and follow up if you do not receive it.
- Document every automated or repeated call, including the date, time, and number that called, particularly if calls continue after you have answered and explained the situation.
- Pull your credit report to confirm exactly what Creditors’ Protection Service is reporting, and dispute any inaccurate entry directly with the credit bureaus.
- Send any cease-and-desist or dispute letter by a method that creates a delivery record, such as certified mail.
- Speak with a consumer protection attorney if calls continue after a written dispute, or if a wrong-person or already-resolved debt remains on your credit report despite your efforts to correct it.
CONSUMER RIGHTS LAW FIRM PLLC
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 them. Our office has been assisting consumers since 2010. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
If you are interested in learning more about how to safeguard yourself and prevent even more harassment from Creditors Protection Service, call us at (877)700-5790 for immediate assistance or visit our website.
Success Stories
- I was overwhelmed with nonstop calls from a debt collection agency. I had no idea that what they were doing was illegal until I found Consumer Rights Law Firm online. From the very first call, their team made me feel heard and protected. They explained my rights clearly, handled all the paperwork, and kept me updated at every step. Within weeks, the harassment stopped completely. I couldnât believe how quickly they resolved my issue. If you’re facing similar harassment, donât wait. These folks know exactly what they’re doing and truly care about their clients.
- I contacted Consumer Rights Law Firm after a collector began calling my job and family members. I was embarrassed and didnât know where to turn. The legal team at CRLF was incredibly professional and never made me feel judged. They explained that the collector was violating the law and took immediate action on my behalf. Their responsiveness and transparency were impressive. Not only did they make the calls stop, but they also helped me receive compensation. I would recommend them 100% to anyone being harassed by debt collectors.
- Consumer Rights Law Firm helped me get my peace of mind back. I was being harassed by robocalls every single day, sometimes 10 times a day! I was scared, frustrated, and didn’t think I had any legal options until I found them. Their intake process was simple, and their team was very knowledgeable and patient in answering my questions. They handled everything and got the harassment to stop. Even better, I ended up receiving a settlement for the illegal calls. I didnât expect that! This firm is truly life-changing. I finally sleep well at night.
FAQs
Why is Creditors Protection Service calling me?
They are a debt collection agency that contacts consumers about past-due debts; if theyâre calling, they likely believe you owe money theyâre attempting to collect.
Is Creditors Protection Service a legitimate debt collector or a scam?
They appear to be a real collection agency, but there are numerous complaints alleging FDCPA violations, so you should always request written debt validation before paying.
What qualifies as harassment by Creditors Protection Service?
Harassment includes repeated calls meant to annoy, calls outside 8 a.m.â9 p.m., threats, or contacting you at work after being told not toâeach prohibited under the FDCPA.
Can I legally stop Creditors Protection Service from calling me?
Yes. You can send a written cease-and-desist letter, and they must stop contacting you except to confirm they will cease communication or to notify you of legal action.
Can they sue me if I ignore their calls?
They can file a lawsuit, and ignoring it may result in a default judgment, which can lead to wage garnishment. You should always respond if sued.
Can they affect my credit score?
Yes. If they report your account as delinquent to credit bureaus, it can lower your credit score. You can dispute inaccurate reporting.
What should I do if they continue to harass me?
Record all calls and interactions, send a cease-and-desist letter, file complaints with federal/state regulators, and consider legal action for FDCPA violations.
Can I sue Creditors Protection Service for FDCPA violations?
Yes. If they violate the FDCPA through harassment, misrepresentation, or calling outside allowable hours, you can sue for damages, attorney fees, and costs.
What information must they provide when first contacting me?
They must send a validation notice within five days, stating the amount owed, the original creditor, and your dispute rights under FDCPA §1692g.
How do I dispute a debt with Creditors Protection Service?
You must send a written dispute within 30 days of their validation notice. They must stop collection efforts until they provide valid documentation.
