If you’re getting calls or letters from Lewis McDonnell & Associates, the most important step is identity matching before you discuss payment. This is a company where the public record shows multiple alternate names, multiple mailing addresses (including PO boxes), and multiple phone numbers, so your best protection is to force written proof and keep everything documented.
Who is Lewis McDonnell & Associates?
This is presented on BBB as an alternate business name connected to a company listed there as McDonnell & Associates LLC. On that same BBB profile, BBB also lists other alternate names, including Maxwell & Bryant Group and First Capital Group, and it categorizes the company’s work as third party debt collection agency services.
Is McDonnell & Associates “legit” or a scam?
This is the accurate, evidence-based way to frame it:
- There is a real business profile and licensing/enforcement trail tied to the name(s).
- Scam callers can still impersonate real company names, so you should treat any demand as unverified until the caller can provide written validation and the details match the verified contact information below.
Verified McDonnell & Associates contact information
Better Business Bureau lists four locations, including multiple PO boxes (this matters because your letter may show a PO box, not a street address).
Address list
- PO Box 3123, Tustin, CA 92781-3123
- PO Box 1333, Tustin, CA 92781-1333
- PO Box 751, Tustin, CA 92781-0751
- 2321 E 4th St Ste C405, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone numbers
- (714) 462-4169
- (888) 263-8638
- (877) 314-0871
If you have other numbers (like 877-256-5525 or 626-699-2561), include them only as “consumer-reported/unverified” unless they appear on the actual letter you received.
The real problem pattern consumers should understand
This company is unusual because the public record points to a name-swap ecosystem:
- BBB lists Lewis McDonnell & Associates as an alternate name under McDonnell & Associates LLC.
- BBB also lists First Capital Group as another alternate name.
That means your first question should be:
“Which legal entity is actually contacting me, and what proof do they have that the debt is mine?”
McDonnell & Associates Debt Collection License Status
A) BBB rating and complaint volume
BBB shows a BBB rating of F, with reasons including “Failure to respond to 27 complaint(s)” and “280 complaint(s) filed against business.”
B) California DFPI enforcement action
California’s Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) lists an enforcement entry for McDonnell & Associates LLC with DCLA #11107-99 and a Desist and Refrain Order (PDF) dated 04/01/2025.
C) NYC debt collection license record (searchable)
A NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) license search portal exists for confirming license status.
(Third-party summaries list a DCWP debt collection agency license number 2105106-DCA tied to McDonnell & Associates LLC “doing business as Lewis, McDonnell & Associates,” but for a “real-only” blog, it’s best to confirm inside the official DCWP portal at publish time.)
D) Federal case example (proof there are real filings)
A docket exists for Cochran v. Lewis, McDonnell & Associates LLC in the Southern District of New York.
A filing is an allegation, not proof, but it is a verifiable court record you can cite.
When McDonnell & Associates refuse written confirmation
If you request proof and they keep pushing you to pay by phone, that could indicate weak documentation. Your rule should be:
No written validation = no payment plan.
What to ask for in writing:
- Original creditor name
- Amount breakdown (principal + any fees/interest)
- Account reference tied to you
- Proof they’re authorized to collect
The “recalled debt” strategy that works
This is a practical way to reduce pressure fast:
- Use one sentence on the phone:
Send me validation in writing. I’m not discussing payment by phone. - Stop the “identity-confirmation trap.”
Don’t confirm employer, bank info, or full SSN on a cold call. - Turn your evidence into a packet:
call log + voicemails + screenshots + every letter/envelope.
This strategy works because it forces the collector to prove the file instead of relying on urgency.
How to verify the debt and stop the contact
- Match the caller/letter to the BBB-listed phones and PO boxes first.
- Ask for validation in writing (and keep proof you sent it).
- If you want fewer calls, request communication limits (for example, “mail only”).
- If you receive real court papers, respond by the deadline listed.
How CRLF helps stop harassment and protect you
If you believe Lewis McDonnell & Associates (or any of the alternate-name entities) is using misleading pressure, refusing validation, or contacting you about the wrong debt, Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC can review your evidence and explain which options may apply under federal consumer laws.
What they may do quickly:
- Review your timeline (calls, voicemails, letters)
- Help preserve proof so nothing is lost
- Push for written verification before you pay
- Evaluate conduct that could potentially violate Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)/Telephone Consumer Protection Act/FCRA rules
Success Stories
Matt and Derek worked as a team to get me a fair and adequate solution for my concern. They kept me updated throughout the whole process and answered any questions I had. I would highly recommend them.
Scott was soo very helpful in getting this resolved for me. I had a nasty collection agency call me & harass me & my family. I reached out to this company & he got it resolved in no time. They also never asked me for any money out of pocket what so ever either which was a bonus. What did I have to loose?! Check them out if being harassed or threatened by a collection agency. Thank you again Scott for all your help. Stay safe!!!!
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.
About attorney Derek DePetrillo
Attorney Derek DePetrillo is described by the firm as focusing on consumer protection work, reviewing collector communications, organizing evidence, and helping consumers enforce their rights when collection tactics may cross legal lines.
Call +1 877 700 5790.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lewis McDonnell & Associates
1) Who is Lewis McDonnell & Associates?
BBB lists “Lewis McDonnell & Associates” as an alternate name under McDonnell & Associates LLC, a company offering collection agency services.
2) What address should I use to send a dispute?
BBB lists multiple mailing addresses (including PO Box 751 and PO Box 3123 in Tustin). Use the address that matches your notice, and keep proof of delivery.
3) What phone numbers are verified for this company?
BBB lists (714) 462-4169, (888) 263-8638, and (877) 314-0871 as additional phone numbers.
4) Why does the name on my letter look different?
BBB lists multiple alternate names (including First Capital Group and Maxwell & Bryant Group) tied to the same BBB profile. That’s why written validation matters.
5) What if they say they’ll sue me “right now”?
A collector can sue in some situations, but urgent threats without paperwork can be pressure tactics. Ask for written details and keep records.
6) What if the debt is too old?
Old or “time-barred” debt issues are commonly reported by consumers in BBB reviews. If you believe the debt is too old, don’t admit it’s yours, request validation first.
7) Are there real enforcement actions tied to this company?
California DFPI lists an enforcement entry for McDonnell & Associates LLC with a Desist and Refrain Order (PDF) dated 04/01/2025.
8) Has the company been involved in federal litigation?
A federal docket exists for Cochran v. Lewis, McDonnell & Associates LLC. A filing is an allegation, but it’s a verifiable court record.
9) Can they contact my family or employer about the debt?
Collectors generally have limited rights to contact third parties (usually for location information only). If you believe they disclosed debt details, document who was contacted and what was said.
10) When should I talk to a consumer-rights attorney?
If you believe calls are excessive, the debt isn’t yours, validation is refused, or the collector uses misleading threats, it’s worth getting a legal review based on your evidence.
If you share the exact phone numbers calling your client and a photo of the letter (redact private info), I can create a tight “verified vs. unverified numbers” table and tailor the validation section to the exact wording used in the notice.
