🚨Valentine & Kebartas Debt Collection Harassment❓
Valentine & Kebartas Debt Collection Harassment? Tired of Valentine & Kebartas Debt Collection Harassment? Wish there was a way to make the calls stop? Is Valentine & Kebartas constantly calling and harassing you? Does your phone ring every day, several times per day, because Valentine & Kebartas is calling you to demand payment? Threatening you with legal action? Has Valentine & Kebartas ever used abusive or profane language when speaking with you on the phone? If so, Valentine & Kebartas may be violating your legal rights. Stop the harassment.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, also known as the FDCPA, protects consumers’ rights in the context of debt collection. In other words, debt 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 harassment from debt collectors to get the calls to stop in addition to recover statutory damages of up to $1,000, plus attorney fees and court costs.
⚠️Is Valentine & Kebartas A Scam❓
According to the Better Business Bureau website, Valentine & Kebartas has been in business since 1994. They hold a compliance manager license (CM12047) and their manager NMLS registry number is prominently listed, showcasing their commitment to industry regulations and best practices. There have been 11 complaints closed in the last 3 years and 6 complaints closed out in the last 12 months.
🔎Who is Valentine & Kebartas Debt Collector❓
Valentine & Kebartas, LLC Valentine, is a third party debt collector located in Lawrence, Massachusetts. They have been sued in federal court over 230 times for violating consumer’s rights while collecting on alleged debts. A recent Federal Court case alleges that Valentine & Kebartas, LLC was illegally collecting debts in states where they are not licensed to collect. Valentine Kebartas LLC NMLS highlights their licensing and compliance credentials, ensuring adherence to best practices and strict privacy policies. Additionally, their Nevada Compliance Manager NMLS emphasizes their commitment to state-specific regulations.
Address: 15 Union St Ste 202 Lawrence, MA 01840-1823 Phone: (800) 731-7766 & 978-975-0799 Fax: (978) 686-1150
🏦Company History and Background
Valentine & Kebartas, LLC has a rich history dating back to 1994 when it was founded by Bob Kebartas and Cheryl Valentine. The company started as a small debt collection agency and has since grown into a full-service account receivable management company. Over the years, Valentine & Kebartas, LLC has established itself as a reputable player in the debt collection industry, specializing in education debt collection, including private student loans. The company has worked with various clients, including Navient Solutions, Inc. (formerly known as Sallie Mae), credit card companies, utility companies, and retailers. This diverse client base has allowed Valentine & Kebartas, LLC to expand its services and expertise, making it a significant entity in the debt collection sector.
💼Legal Protections and Recourse:
The FDCPA was enacted to protect consumers from abusive debt collection practices, including harassment. However, despite these regulations, debt collection agencies like Valentine & Kebartas often find loopholes or choose to disregard the law. Consumers must be aware of their rights and take necessary steps to protect themselves. It is also important to note that a compliance manager nmls registry ensures that agencies adhere to licensing and regulatory standards, which can help build trust and credibility.
Individuals who believe they are victims of debt collection harassment should document all communication with Valentine & Kebartas, including dates, times, and the content of interactions. Additionally, filing complaints with regulatory bodies such as the (CFPB) and seeking legal advice can be crucial steps toward holding debt collectors accountable.
🎯Understanding Debt Collection Harassment
Debt collection is a legitimate business activity, essential for maintaining the economic ecosystem. However, the line between ethical debt recovery and harassment is often blurred, with companies like Valentine & Kebartas facing numerous allegations of crossing that line. Harassment can take various forms, including incessant phone calls, threatening language, and unfair practices that leave consumers feeling helpless and anxious.
To ensure compliance with state regulations and maintain ethical standards, our company holds the CM12047 Nevada Compliance Manager license, underscoring our commitment to lawful and respectful debt collection practices.
📢Debt Collection Activities and Harassment
Valentine & Kebartas, LLC is a debt collector that engages in various debt collection activities, including sending collection letters and making phone calls to consumers. While the company is not a law firm, it has been known to use aggressive collection tactics to recover debts from consumers. Some consumers have reported experiencing harassment from Valentine & Kebartas, LLC, including excessive phone calls and threatening letters. However, it’s worth noting that the company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has closed several complaints against them in the past. This indicates that while there are reports of aggressive tactics, the company also takes steps to address and resolve consumer complaints.
📵Prohibited Times for Debt Collection Calls
According to the FDCPA, debt collectors cannot contact consumers at inconvenient times unless the consumer has given explicit permission or unless the collector has no other means of contacting the debtor. But what exactly constitutes an inconvenient time?
- Before 8:00 a.m. and after 9:00 p.m.: Debt collectors must refrain from contacting consumers before 8:00 a.m. and after 9:00 p.m. local time at the consumer’s location. These hours are considered reasonable for individuals to attend to personal matters, unwind, and rest without undue disturbance.
- Times Known to be Inconvenient: Beyond the specific time restrictions, debt collectors are also prohibited from contacting consumers at times that are known to be inconvenient. For instance, calling during work hours for a debtor with a 9-to-5 job would likely be considered inconvenient.
⌛Why Timing Matters
The timing of debt collection calls isn’t just a matter of inconvenience; it can significantly impact a debtor’s well-being and daily functioning.
- Disruption of Personal Time: Everyone deserves personal time free from the stress of financial worries. Unexpected calls from debt collectors during evenings or weekends can disrupt family time, relaxation, or sleep, causing unnecessary anxiety and strain on relationships.
- Work Interference: Debt collection calls during working hours can disrupt productivity and even jeopardize employment. Constant interruptions at work can lead to stress and impact concentration, ultimately affecting job performance.
- Emotional Toll: Financial struggles and debt can already be emotionally taxing. Unsolicited calls at inappropriate times can exacerbate feelings of shame, guilt, and helplessness, worsening the debtor’s mental health.
- Privacy Concerns: Debt collection calls often occur in public settings, leading to potential embarrassment and privacy concerns. Receiving such calls at work or in social gatherings can be humiliating and intrusive.
📲Valentine & Kebartas Phone Numbers
Are you receiving any harassing phone calls from any of these numbers?
800-731-7766, 978-975-0799, 978-686-1150, 239-347-6518, 314-932-0978, 314-912-0396, 314-500-0177
If so, you may be a victim of Valentine & Kebartas debt collection harassment. The list above is not all the numbers that Valentine & Kebartas uses. Also, calls can be from a different number, and it still be Valentine & Kebartas calling you. Contact our office right away so we can start the process to stop Valentine & Kebartas from calling you illegally. Above all, no one should live with harassment. For assistance with accounts receivable management, contact us toll free.
📋Federal Cases and Lawsuits
Valentine & Kebartas, LLC has been involved in several federal cases and lawsuits over the years. One notable case is Bailey v. Chase Bank USA, N.A. and Valentine and Kebartas, Inc., 2010 WL 4867963 (S.D.WV. 2010), where a consumer brought an action against Chase Bank and Valentine & Kebartas for violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The consumer alleged that Valentine & Kebartas excessively called them over 100 times, including after the consumer retained the assistance of counsel. The case was brought in the Southern District of West Virginia. This case highlights the importance of understanding your rights under the FDCPA and taking action if you believe those rights have been violated.
📝Negotiating a Debt Settlement
If you’re facing debt collection efforts from Valentine & Kebartas, LLC, you may be able to negotiate a debt settlement with the company. Debt settlement involves paying a portion of your total debt to clear your name of the debt and get a debt lawsuit dismissed. To negotiate a debt settlement with Valentine & Kebartas, LLC, you’ll need to determine how much you can afford to pay and start communicating with the company. It’s essential to be proactive and responsive in your communication with Valentine & Kebartas, LLC, as this can help you reach a mutually beneficial agreement. You can also consider using a debt settlement platform like SoloSettle to negotiate online and resolve your debt digitally. Being prepared and informed can significantly increase your chances of a successful settlement.
📜The following is a sample list of complaints filed against Valentine & Kebartas in 2018 & 2019 and can be found on Pacer.gov.
1:19-cv-00398 Toepper v. Valentine & Kebartas, LLC
2:18-cv-01569-EAS-CMV Shauberger v. Valentine & Kebartas LLC
3:18-cv-01063-TJC-MCR Grace v. Valentine & Kebartas, Inc.
1:18-cv-02256-MSK-KLM Hernandez v. Valentine & Kebartas, LLC
1:18-cv-02650-JPH-TAB VINTILA v. VALENTINE & KEBARTAS, LLC et al
🏛️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. Contact a legal professional to stop Valentine & Kebartas debt collection harassment. 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 Valentine & Kebartas debt collection harassment, call us at (877)700-5790 for immediate assistance or visit our website.
🏆Success Stories
“Valentine & Kebartas kept threatening to garnish my wages over a medical debt I didn’t even owe. After just one consultation, Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC proved the debt was past the statute of limitations. They sent a cease-and-desist letter and filed FDCPA violations – not only did the harassment stop immediately, but I received a $3,200 settlement check! These attorneys know how to turn the tables on abusive collectors.”
“Valentine & Kebartas tanked my credit score by falsely reporting a settled debt as active. Within 45 days of hiring this firm: 1) All negative marks were removed from my reports, 2) The collector paid me $2,800 in damages, and 3) They signed a binding agreement never to report again. My credit score jumped 127 points! If you’re being bullied by debt collectors, call these lawyers TODAY.”
“Valentine & Kebartas sued me for a debt I’d already paid, harassing me at work. Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC demanded proof they couldn’t provide, countersued for illegal tactics, and won my case – plus a $6,000 settlement. The calls stopped immediately. If debt collectors are threatening you, call them now!”
