🚨Lewis McDonnell & Associates Debt Collection Harassment?
Lewis McDonnell & Associates Debt Collection Harassment? Nobody ever wishes to be in debt, it is a very stressful and confusing situation to find yourself in. Are you dealing with their debt collection harassment? The bad news is that it only gets worse when they keep placing call after call on you, reminding you of your unpaid debt.
We understand that it is the responsibility of Lewis and Associates debt collector to recover debts owed by consumers, and it is very logical to want to make a profit, however, it is not acceptable for them to overstep the boundaries prescribed by the law and engage in Lewis and Associates debt collector harassment.
Some debt collectors may use misleading language about their legal authority and portray themselves as delivering legal documents to intimidate consumers.
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Debt collection Agencies must act in a way that ensures that the consumer does not feel disrespected, scared, or taken advantage of. The Act, also known as the FDCPA, protects consumers’ rights in the context of debt collection. In other words, debt service collectors must adhere to a certain set of rules when they are pursuing consumers who owe money. If a collector violates the FDCPA, you can sue the collector in court. The law allows consumers who have been victims of Lewis McDonnell & Associates debt collection harassment from debt collectors to get the calls to stop in addition to recover statutory damages of up to $1,000, plus attorney fees.
Who is Lewis and Associates debt collector?
Lewis and Associates debt collector is a debt collection agency that has been involved in several complaints and lawsuits related to their debt collection practices. The company has been accused of Lewis McDonnell & Associates debt collection harassment to collect debts from consumers. These allegations have raised significant concerns about the company’s adherence to ethical and legal standards in their debt recovery efforts. The agency’s practices have led to numerous consumer complaints, highlighting the need for vigilance and awareness when dealing with them.
Lewis McDonnell & Associates is a third-party debt collector located in Tustin, California.
📞Contact Information
Address:
PO Box 751
Tustin, CA 92781-0751
Phone: 888-263-8638 & 877-256-5525, 626-699-2561
Is Lewis McDonnell & Associates a Legitimate Collection Agency?
Lewis McDonnell & Associates is a registered business in Tustin, California. Being legitimate, however, doesn’t mean they always follow the law. Many consumers have reported abusive practices, including harassment and incorrect debt claims. Better Business Bureau records show over 240 complaints in the last three years, and the CFPB also lists complaints about threats and failure to validate debts. While they are a real collection agency, their history raises concerns about legal compliance.
What Counts as Harassment Under the FDCPA?
Under the FDCPA, third-party debt collectors cannot use unfair or coercive practices to collect a debt.
Unfair practices include:
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Charging extra interest or fees not owed.
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Depositing post-dated checks early.
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Failing to inform you of your right to dispute the debt.
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Using obscene, profane, or harassing language.
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Providing insufficient contact information or using fraudulent accounts.
Prohibited deceptive practices include:
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Misrepresenting debt details, such as amount owed.
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Pretending to be legal officials or law enforcement.
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Threatening actions they cannot legally take, including bodily harm or jail.
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Excessive calls intended to harass, shame, or intimidate.
State laws may add additional protections against abusive, unfair, or deceptive debt collection.
Protect yourself:
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Keep all letters, emails, and correspondence from debt collectors.
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Save copies of anything you send, including cease-and-desist letters.
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Record dates, times, and summaries of all conversations.
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Document any violations of your rights for potential legal action.
Proper record-keeping ensures you have evidence if you need to file complaints or hire legal counsel.
Lewis and Associates Lawsuits & Complaints
According to the (CFPB), Lewis McDonnell & Associates has received numerous complaints from consumers regarding their debt collection practices. Some complaints involve serious allegations such as sexual abuse, which underscores the gravity of the situation. These complaints often include allegations of false statements, Lewis McDonnell & Associates debt collection harassment, and attempts to collect debts that are not owed. The company has also faced several lawsuits related to their debt collection methods. For instance, one lawsuit involved a consumer who claimed that Lewis McDonnell & Associates used false statements and harassment to collect a debt, which underscores the serious nature of these allegations.
Credit Card Debt Issue
One of the most common complaints against Lewis McDonnell & Associates is related to credit card debt. Consumers have reported that the company has attempted to collect credit card debts that are not owed, using false statements and Lewis McDonnell & Associates debt collection harassment in the process. In one notable case, a consumer alleged that the company tried to collect a credit card debt that had already been paid off. The consumer claimed that Lewis McDonnell & Associates used false statements to pressure them into paying the debt again, highlighting the aggressive and potentially unlawful tactics employed by the agency.
Company Response to Lewis and Associates Allegations
In response to allegations of Lewis McDonnell & Associates debt collection harassment, Lewis McDonnell & Associates has stated that they take all complaints seriously and are committed to resolving debt collection issues in a fair and respectful manner. The company asserts that they have policies in place to prevent harassment and ensure that consumers are treated with respect. Despite these assurances, the volume of complaints suggests that there may be a disconnect between the company’s stated policies and their actual practices.
Signs of Lewis and Associates Debt Collection Harassment
If you are being contacted by a debt collector, it is essential to recognize the signs of Lewis and Associates debt collection harassment. Here are some common indicators:
Recognizing Lewis McDonnell & Associates Debt Collection Harassment
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Abusive or threatening language: Profanity, insults, or threats indicate harassment.
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Inconvenient calls: Early morning, late-night, or multiple daily calls may violate the FDCPA.
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Misrepresentation of debt: False information about the amount or status of your debt.
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Contacting family or friends: Only allowed to get your contact info, never to disclose debt details.
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False statements or accusations: Claims or threats that are untrue or misleading.
Debt collectors must follow laws like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). If you believe you are being harassed, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state Attorney General’s office.
Steps to protect yourself:
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Verify the debt and collector: Ensure the debt is legitimate and the collector is authorized.
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Document everything: Record dates, times, and content of all calls and correspondence.
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Know your rights: Review protections under the FDCPA.
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File a complaint: Report harassment to the FTC or state authorities if the collector violates your rights.
Lewis McDonnell & Associates has faced multiple complaints and lawsuits for aggressive debt collection. Stay vigilant, know your rights, and don’t let harassment pressure you into paying debts you may not owe.
How to End Badgering Calls from Lewis McDonnell & Associates
Lewis McDonnell & Associates is expected to adhere to these restrictions, as they are meant to protect your privacy, and a violation of them would amount to a violation of the FDCPA laws. Debt collectors like Lewis and Associates cannot call you outside 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. or place anonymous calls. They must provide their business name, address, reason for calling, and the representative’s name.
If you cannot take calls at work, notify them—they must follow your instructions. They may contact family or friends only to get your contact info, but cannot reveal debt details.
To stop harassment, you can:
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Hire an attorney – Once informed, all calls must go to your lawyer. Call (877)-700-5790 for qualified legal help.
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Send a certified cease-and-desist letter – This stops calls but does not remove the debt.
After receiving your letter, Lewis McDonnell & Associates can only contact you to:
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Confirm receipt of your letter
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Inform you of legal actions, like an impending lawsuit
Always consider legal counsel to ensure your rights are fully protected.
Resolving Debt Collection Issues
If you are experiencing debt collection issues with Lewis McDonnell & Associates, there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue. First, contact the company directly and ask to speak with a supervisor or someone who can assist you with your complaint. Keep a detailed record of all correspondence with the company, including dates, times, and details of conversations. If the issue remains unresolved, consider filing a complaint with the CFPB or seeking assistance from a consumer protection agency. Taking these steps can help ensure that your rights are protected and that any unfair practices are addressed.
How a Consumer Rights Lawyer Can Help
If you are facing harassment from Lewis and Associates, we will attempt to use both federal and state laws to ensure that they face the full consequences of their actions.
In the first stage, we will send Lewis McDonnell & Associates a cease-and-desist letter request, instructing them to desist from all harassing actions.
If, on the other hand, it is proven beyond reasonable doubt that Lewis and Associates debt collector has violated any of the laws that protect your consumer rights you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your inconvenience, and we will fight till the end to ensure that you get it.
Under the FDCPA, you are entitled to get $1,000 in statutory damages in addition to whatever amount that you claim the Lewis McDonnell & Associates debt collection harassment has caused you in actual damages. In addition to this Lewis McDonnell & Associates. is responsible for all legal costs, including your attorney fees.
What this means is that if we are able to prove a valid case of Lewis McDonnell & Associates debt collection harassment against Lewis and Associates, you do not have to pay us a penny, as all costs will be covered by the erring debt collection agency.
In addition to federal laws, you may also be covered by certain state laws that are set up to prohibit harassment from Lewis McDonnell & Associates.
🏛️CONSUMER RIGHTS LAW FIRM, PLLC
Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC is a law firm that specializes in helping clients who are facing Lewis McDonnell & Associates debt collection harassment from debt collectors in any form, including telephone communication. Contact a legal professional to stop the Lewis McDonnell & Associates phone harassment. Our office has been assisting consumers since 2010. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
FAQs
Who is Lewis McDonnell & Associates and why are they contacting me?
Lewis McDonnell & Associates is a third-party debt collection agency based in Tustin, California. They typically contact consumers about past-due debts that have been assigned or sold to them.
Is Lewis McDonnell & Associates a legitimate debt collector or a scam?
They are a legitimate collection company, but many consumers report aggressive tactics. Always request written debt validation to ensure the debt is valid.
What counts as harassment by Lewis McDonnell & Associates?
Harassment includes excessive calls, threats, using obscene language, contacting you at work after a request to stop, calling third parties about your debt, or misrepresenting themselves — all of which are violations under the FDCPA.
Can I request that Lewis McDonnell & Associates stop calling me?
Yes, you can send a written cease-and-desist letter. Once received, they can only call to confirm receipt or to tell you about legal action. Additional calls may violate your rights.
What should I do if they keep calling after I ask them to stop?
Document the date, time, and content of each call. Then file complaints with the CFPB, FTC, or your state Attorney General, and consider speaking with a consumer rights attorney.
Can Lewis McDonnell & Associates sue me or garnish my wages?
They cannot garnish wages or sue you without first filing a lawsuit and obtaining a judgment. Any threats to do so without legal action are false and illegal.
Can they call my family or employer about the debt?
No, calling third parties to discuss your debt, other than to get contact info, is prohibited. Contacting your workplace after you tell them not to is also illegal under the FDCPA.
What can I do if Lewis and Associates pretend to be a law firm?
Misrepresenting identity or using misleading threats is a violation. You can dispute the debt in writing, request validation, and report the behavior to the FTC or CFPB.
Can Lewis McDonnell & Associates affect my credit score?
Yes. They can report the debt to credit bureaus. If the debt is inaccurate, you can dispute it directly with the bureaus to correct or remove it.
Can I sue Lewis McDonnell & Associates for FDCPA violations?
Yes. Under the FDCPA, if they harass you or violate your rights, you may be entitled to up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus actual damages and legal fees, if you file within one year.