What Is Considered Modell’s Credit Card Harassment?
Modell’s credit card harassment is any persistent, abusive, or deceptive practice used to collect a debt that violates your rights under federal law. Specifically, for a Modell’s Sporting Goods credit card debt, originally issued by Comenity Bank, harassment can include excessive calls, calls at prohibited times, threats, public shaming, or misleading claims about the debt or legal actions.
Is Modell’s Still Operating or Are Collectors Using the Name?
No, Modell’s Sporting Goods is defunct. The company filed for bankruptcy and liquidated all stores in 2020. The Modell’s MVP credit card program was closed on March 13, 2020. Any current collection calls are not from the original store but from third-party debt buyers or collection agencies that have purchased the old debt portfolios.
Who Actually Owns Modell’s Credit Card Debt?
Your Modell’s credit card debt is likely owned by a debt-buying company. After Modell’s bankruptcy, its outstanding credit card accounts (originally with Comenity Capital Bank) were sold off in bulk to debt collection agencies. These agencies now own the debt and are attempting to collect for their own profit.
When Credit Card Collection Calls Cross the Legal Line
Calls cross from permissible collection activity into illegal harassment when they violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Common violations include:
Calling you repeatedly to annoy, abuse, or harass.
Calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. (your local time).
Threatening arrest or legal action they cannot or do not intend to take.
Using obscene, profane, or abusive language.
Threatening violence or harm.
Falsely implying they are attorneys or government representatives.
Your Rights: The FDCPA and CFPB Rules
What the FDCPA Says About Credit Card Harassment
The FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) is the primary federal law prohibiting abusive debt collection. It grants you specific, actionable rights:
The right to demand collectors stop calling you by sending a written cease-and-desist request.
The right to dispute the debt and demand written validation.
The right to sue a collector in state or federal court for violations.
What the CFPB Rules Add on Top of the FDCPA
Rules enforced by the (CFPB) strengthen your position. They require collectors to provide clearer information about the debt and your dispute rights. If a collector violates these rules, you can file an official complaint, which the agency uses to monitor and penalize unlawful collectors.
Recognizing Harassment: Call Patterns, Threats & Scam Signs
How Often Can Modell’s Credit Card Collectors Call You?
While no law states an exact number, calling repeatedly within a short period, especially after you’ve asked for verification or to stop is considered harassment. Courts have ruled that even 7-10 calls per day can be abusive.
Illegal Threats Used in Collections
Be alert for threats that are illegal because they are false or coercive:
“You’ll be arrested if you don’t pay today.”
“We’re filing a lawsuit tomorrow.” (If they are not).
“We’ll garnish your wages/ seize your home.” (Without having a court judgment).
Common Voicemail & Robocall Patterns
Robocalls: Pre-recorded messages about your “Modell’s MVP account” demanding immediate callback.
Spoofed Numbers: Caller ID shows a local number, a 800-number, or even “Comenity Bank” to appear legitimate.
Vague Messages: “This is an urgent matter regarding your consumer account. Please call back immediately.”
Phone Numbers and Caller ID Tactics to Watch For
Collectors frequently change phone numbers. While these have been reported, they may rotate:
| Phone Number | Notes / Caller Type |
|---|---|
| 1-855-334-3702 | Toll-free number reported by consumers |
| 1-888-819-1918 | Toll-free collection call pattern |
| (212) 227-0560 | New York–based caller ID |
| (610) 284-9800 | Regional collection number |
| (718) 345-9300 | Brooklyn / NYC area number |
Is This a Real Debt or a Collection Scam?
With old, sold debt, scams flourish. Red flags:
The caller cannot provide a detailed debt validation letter.
They demand immediate payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
They are evasive about the name of their collection company.
Step-by-Step: How to Verify a Modell’s Credit Card Caller
Ask Immediately: “What is the name of your collection company, and your address?”
Demand Validation: Say, “I am disputing this debt. Send me validation in writing as required by the FDCPA.”
Do Not Confirm Anything: Do not confirm your address, the last four digits of your SSN, or any payment details over the phone.
Check Your Credit Report: Look for the debt listed under collections. This can confirm who is reporting it.
What To Do Immediately If You’re Being Harassed
Know Your Rights: You have the right to be treated with dignity and without abuse.
Demand Written Validation: This is your most powerful tool. It forces them to prove they own the debt and you owe the amount.
Send a Cease-and-Desist Letter: You can order them to stop all phone calls. They may only contact you after this to confirm they are stopping or to notify you of specific legal actions.
Do Not Ignore It: While you can stop calls, if the debt is valid, the collector may still sue. Proactive management is key.
What NOT To Do When Collectors Call
DON’T admit the debt is yours.
DON’T make a “good faith” payment, as it can restart the statute of limitations.
DON’T lose your temper or engage in arguments.
DON’T provide or confirm personal financial information.
Tracking and Proving Credit Card Harassment
Detailed records are evidence. Keep a log of every call:
Date & Time
Phone Number & Caller ID
Collector’s Name
Summary of Conversation/Threats
Save all voicemails and letters. This documentation is crucial if you need to file a complaint or a lawsuit.
What’s New in 2026
Increased Spoofing: Collectors are using more sophisticated spoofing to mimic local businesses or banks.
Text Message & Social Media Harassment: Agencies are aggressively using SMS and platforms like Facebook Messenger, which are also regulated under the FDCPA.
AI-Powered Calling Systems: More collections are using AI to analyze voices and tailor pressure tactics, pushing the boundaries of harassment laws.
Enforcement Focus: Regulators have signaled increased scrutiny on collectors of old, “zombie debt” like Modell’s, where misinformation is common.
Where to Get Help and File Complaints
Where to File Complaints About Harassment
You have several official channels to report illegal collection tactics:
The (CFPB): File an online complaint on their official government website. They will forward it to the collector and require a response.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report the harassment as an unfair or deceptive practice on the FTC’s fraud reporting website.
Your State Attorney General’s Office: They enforce state consumer protection laws, which are often stricter than the FDCPA.
If this feels confusing or difficult to handle on your own, you can contact Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC for help dealing with debt collection harassment.
Get Direct Legal Help to Stop Modell’s Credit Card Harassment
If the harassment is overwhelming or you’ve identified clear FDCPA violations, you need specific, professional help. Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC provides comprehensive legal assistance to stop the harassment and hold collectors accountable.
Contact Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC for direct help with every step:
Case Evaluation: They will review your call logs, letters, and details in a free, confidential consultation to identify FDCPA violations.
Handling Communications: They can take over all communication with the collector, immediately stopping calls to you.
Debt Validation & Disputes: They will formally demand debt validation and challenge invalid or unproven debts on your behalf.
Filing Official Complaints: They can prepare and file detailed complaints with the CFPB, FTC, and your state Attorney General.
Filing a Lawsuit: If your rights were violated, they can file a lawsuit against the collector for FDCPA violations. If successful, the collector may be ordered to pay you statutory damages and will be responsible for your attorney’s fees.
You do not have to navigate complaints, validation letters, or legal threats alone. If calls are disrupting your life, reaching out to Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC provides a direct path to enforce your rights, stop the abuse, and seek the compensation you may be owed by law.
Since 2010, we’ve helped consumers stop harassment and recover compensation while maintaining an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Success Stories
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Modell’s Credit Card Harassment FAQs
Q1: Can a Modell’s debt collector call my family or employer?
A: No. They can only contact third parties to locate you. They cannot discuss your debt, and they typically cannot contact them more than once.
Q2: What if the debt is very old? Can they still collect?
A: They can attempt to ask for payment, but if the debt is past your state’s statute of limitations (typically 3-6 years), they cannot successfully sue you to collect it. Be careful, as a partial payment can restart this clock.
Q3: I sent a validation letter, but they keep calling. What now?
A: This is a clear FDCPA violation. Document these calls. This is a strong reason to consult with an attorney at Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC.
Q4: Are robocalls from Modell’s collectors legal?
A: If it’s a pre-recorded voice, it may violate the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) unless they have your prior express consent. These calls may be illegal.
Q5: Can they garnish my wages for a Modell’s credit card debt?
A: Only if they sue you and win a court judgment. They cannot threaten garnishment without having taken this legal step.
Q6: What should I say when they call?
A: Calmly state, “I am disputing this debt. Please send me validation in writing. Do not call me again; all communication must be by mail.” Then document the call.
Q7: Will this hurt my credit score?
A: If the collection account is reported to the credit bureaus, it can negatively impact your score. Validating the debt is a first step to ensuring it is reported accurately.
Q8: Is there a fee to talk to an attorney about this?
A: Reputable consumer law firms, like Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC, typically offer free, confidential case evaluations for debt collection harassment.
Q9: Can I sue the collection agency for harassment?
A: Yes. The FDCPA allows consumers to sue for statutory damages (up to $1,000), actual damages (like emotional distress), and attorney’s fees. Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC handles these cases.
Q10: How can Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC specifically help me with Modell’s harassment?
A: They provide end-to-end legal help: from sending the initial cease-and-desist and validation demands, to filing complaints with government agencies, to ultimately filing a lawsuit against the collector to make them pay for their violations and stop the harassment for good.
