Genesis Credit Management Harassment?
Debts have a huge impact on people’s finances and their minds. The emotional and financial burden of dealing with debt collection can be overwhelming, causing stress and uncertainty. When people get into debt, a lot of things follow; anxiety, fear, confusion, and being contacted by third-party debt collectors like Genesis Credit Management. If you’re in debt and are now receiving debt collection calls from Genesis Credit Management asking you to pay up, you should know that they are only doing their job. On the other hand, if they are beginning to harass and threaten you, they are violating your rights as a consumer and you should ask them to stop, and if they don’t, you are permitted to take legal action against them. How you respond to being contacted by debt collectors is crucial to protecting your rights and avoiding further issues.
It is to prevent the harassment of consumers by debt collectors that the federal government added the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to the Consumer Protection Act in 1978. The act was a commendable step taken to protect consumers from the abusive collection activities and deceptive strategies being used to intimidate and coerce them into paying off a debt by several debt collection agencies. Managing communication with debt collectors is essential to ensure your rights are respected and to avoid escalation.
Debt collectors who do not wish to have a lawsuit filed against them must act in accordance with the FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act), which protects the rights of consumers in the context of debt collection. Genesis Credit Management is acting as an intermediary between the creditor and the debtor. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act makes provisions for consumers to receive compensations for the violation of their rights. Under the FDCPA, consumers can be awarded up to $1000 and at times have the entire sum of their debt waved.
To deal with debt collectors effectively, consumers should understand their rights and take appropriate action to protect themselves.
What is Genesis Credit Management legally allowed to do?
- ▶️ They are allowed to collect on an expired debt
By law, debts have an expiry date known as a statute of limitations. After this date, the debt is considered to be “expired” and a debt collector cannot take you to court over non-payment. However, you still owe the debt, and debt collectors can still call you over it on behalf of the creditor. The person who owes the debt is known as the debtor. They, however, can’t sue you or threaten you with legal action. - ▶️ Communicate with you
While debt collectors are not allowed to harass you or mislead you, they are allowed to employ whatever ethical means they deem necessary to collect payment. This may include daily calls, frequent letters, or talk about pursuing a lawsuit for payment on the debt. Communication from a collection agency often begins due to an unpaid debt. This is all legal provided that they do not cross the line and begin harassing you. - ▶️ Sue you for defaulting on a debt
Genesis Credit Management can sue you for defaulting on your debts for a long time. If you don’t show up in court, they may have a default judgment leveled against you which may result in wage garnishment, bank levies, or both. Before any legal action, you have the right to request verification of the debt and ensure the claim is legitimate. - ▶️ Sell your debt to another third-party debt collector
Genesis Credit Management can resell your debt that they haven’t been able to collect to another third-party collector, who will also act on behalf of the creditor. So if Genesis Credit Management stops contacting you about a debt, another debt collector may pick up where they left off. - ▶️ They can negotiate with you
Most third-party debt collectors purchase debts for pennies on the dollar, they have flexibility in negotiating payment from a consumer. You may be able to negotiate a debt settlement that is less than the amount you originally owed. Before negotiating, consumers should verify the legitimacy of the debt and the agency. Collection agencies may charge a fee for their services. Again, get the agreement in writing, so you may avoid repaying an already settled debt.
When contacted by a collection agency acting on behalf of a creditor, there are several key points to consider. You have the right to dispute the debt, request validation, and provide evidence if you believe there is a mistake or error in the claim. Understanding your unique circumstances is important, so you should create a plan for resolution and make informed decisions about how to proceed.
Who is Genesis Credit Management?
Genesis Credit Management is a third-party debt collector located in Sunnyside, Washington. They have been a party to several federal cases based on their issuance of credit and collection of debts incurred on their credit cards.
Contact Information
Address: 7100 Evergreen Way, Ste C Everett, WA 98203
Phone: (509) 836-5558
Is Genesis Credit Management a Scam?
According to the Better Business Bureau website, Genesis Credit Management has been in business for 10 years. There have been 24 complaints filed against GCM with the BBB. Read more about it here: Genesis Credit Management Better Business Bureau.
Genesis Credit Management Phone Numbers
Are you receiving any harassing phone calls from any of the following numbers?
- ☎️ 509-836-5558
- ☎️ 866-863-9194
- ☎️ (509) 836-5558
- ☎️ (866) 863-9194
- ☎️ 5098365558
- ☎️ 8668639194
If the answer is yes, then you are receiving calls from a known GCM number. If you are receiving any form of harassment during these calls, do not hesitate to reach out to a qualified professional at 877-700-5790 for help.
Complaints Against Genesis Credit Management
The following is a sample list of complaints filed against Genesis Credit Management in the past year and can be found on Pacer.gov.
- 🔗 1:15-cv-03193-SMJ Miller v.
- 🔗 2:15-cv-01846-DLR Duong v.
- 🔗 2:15-cv-02198-JZB Cabanayan v.
- 🔗 14-cv-00105-TOR Stephens v.
- 🔗 2:14-cv-00110-TOR Woods et al v.
Taking Legal Action Against Genesis Credit Management
When dealing with Genesis Credit Management or any debt collector, it’s crucial to know your rights and the fair debt collection practices that protect you as a consumer. If you believe Genesis Credit Management has crossed the line—whether through harassment, making false statements, or other unfair tactics—you have the right to take legal action to protect yourself.
The Consumer Protection Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) are designed to protect consumers from abusive, deceptive, or unfair debt collection practices. Debt collectors are prohibited from using threats, abusive language, or misrepresenting the amount you owe. If Genesis Credit Management has violated these laws, you can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or your state’s business bureau, and you may also want to consult an attorney who specializes in debt collection law.
Before proceeding, it’s important to gather and organize all evidence of the violations. Keep detailed records of all communications with Genesis Credit Management, including phone calls, letters, emails, and any other forms of contact. Save voicemails, take notes during calls, and keep copies of all written correspondence. This documentation will serve as proof if you need to file a complaint or pursue legal action.
Consulting with an attorney can help you understand your options and the best way to proceed. An experienced attorney can review your case, help you negotiate better terms with the debt collector, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. In some cases, your attorney may be able to resolve the issue directly with Genesis Credit Management without going to court. However, if the violations continue, you may need to file a lawsuit to stop the harassment and seek compensation.
Be aware that there may be fees associated with hiring an attorney, but many law firms offer free consultations and may work on a contingency basis—meaning they only get paid if you win your case. In Washington, you can also file a complaint with the Washington State Attorney General’s office or seek help from a non-profit credit counseling agency for additional support and guidance.
Legal action can be a complex process, but it is sometimes necessary to hold debt collectors accountable and ensure fair treatment. For example, in the case of Dawson v. Genesis Credit Management, LLC, the court addressed violations of fair debt collection practices, highlighting the importance of knowing your rights and taking action when necessary.
Remember, under the FDCPA, consumers may be entitled to compensation of up to $1,000 for violations, and in some cases, the entire debt may be waived. By being proactive, documenting every interaction, and seeking professional assistance, you can protect your rights and work toward a fair resolution.
If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about the process, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Whether you’re dealing with unpaid debts, collection agency harassment, or false statements, you have the right to be treated with respect and dignity. Taking legal action is a powerful way to ensure that Genesis Credit Management and other collection agencies follow the law and respect your rights as a consumer.
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. 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 Genesis Credit Management. Our office has been assisting consumers since 2010, and we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Call us at for immediate assistance.
Success Stories
- 🏆 I reached out needing help. Scott contacted me right away and reassured me everything was going to be ok. And took care of all my worries. He was an amazing help and I’m grateful for his service. And they guaranteed I would not have to pay a dime. Very thankful.
- 🏆 I had such amazing time working with Scott and the Consumer Rights Law Firm! They got me a swift and really well planned out settlement as I hit a rough financial situation. They also guaranteed me that I would never be asked for any money out of my pockets! Thank you so much Consumer Rights Law Firm!
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Genesis Credit Management?
Answer: Genesis Credit Management (also operating as Columbia Debt Recovery) is a third-party debt collection agency. They often collect on debts owed to landlords, property management companies, or other creditors.
2. Is Genesis Credit Management allowed to call me at any time?
Answer: No. Under laws such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), debt collectors cannot call you before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m., unless you agree otherwise.
3. How many calls per week can Genesis Credit Management make without violating the law?
Answer: If a debt collector places more than seven calls about the same debt within a seven-day period, or calls again within seven days after a conversation, it may be presumed to violate the law.
4. Can Genesis Credit Management threaten me with arrest or garnishment?
Answer: No. Debt collectors cannot legally threaten arrest, imprisonment, or wage garnishment unless they really intend to take those actions under a court judgment. False threats may be illegal harassment.
5. Can Genesis Credit Management call my employer about my debt?
Answer: They are generally forbidden from disclosing your debt status to your employer or coworkers. They may contact your employer only to verify your employment, but repeated calls or discussion of the debt with your employer may violate your rights.
6. What should I do if Genesis Credit Management is harassing me by phone?
Answer: Keep a detailed record of calls (date, time, content), save voicemails and letters, and send them a written cease-and-desist request demanding all contact in writing only. You may also consult a consumer rights attorney or file a complaint.
7. Can I dispute the debt that Genesis Credit Management claims I owe?
Answer: Yes. Within 30 days of their first written notice, you can dispute the debt and require them to provide verification. Until they provide proof, they must cease collection efforts.
8. Can I sue Genesis Credit Management for harassment?
Answer: Yes. If they violate the FDCPA, you may sue in federal court and seek up to $1,000 in statutory damages, plus actual damages, attorney fees, and court costs.
9. Will Genesis Credit Management appear on my credit report?
Answer: Yes. They may report the debt to credit bureaus under their name or via Columbia Debt Recovery. You have the right to dispute inaccurate or unverifiable reporting.
10. What options do I have if the debt is valid and owed?
Answer: If the debt is legitimate, you can try negotiating a settlement or payment plan, ensuring you get written confirmation. You can also negotiate a “pay-for-delete” (i.e. payment in exchange for removal from your credit report) if the collector agrees.