Updated article on March 22nd, 2024, by Attorney Derek DePetrillo
Valentine & Kebartas Debt Collection Harassment?
Updated article on March 22nd, 2024, by Attorney Derek DePetrillo
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. There have been 11 complaints closed in the last 3 years and 6 complaints closed out in the last 12 months.
If you have any more questions than feel free to click on our FAQ page: FAQ | Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC (consumerlawfirmcenter.com)
Valentine & Kebartas Better Business Bureau
Who is Valentine & Kebartas?
Valentine & Kebartas is 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 cases alleges that Valentine & Kebartas was illegally collecting debts in stats where they are not licensed to collect.
Address: 15 Union St Ste 202
Lawrence, MA 01840-1823
Phone: (800) 731-7766 & 978-975-0799
Fax: (978) 686-1150
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.
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 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (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 intimidation tactics that leave consumers feeling helpless and anxious.
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.
Common Questions:
Is Valentine & Kebartas a scam? No, Valentine & Kebartas has been in business since 1994.
Can Valentine & Kebartas seize my property? Valentine & Kebartas can’t seize your property, but there are some exceptions. If the debt was tied to the property, the collector may be able to repossess it. Or, if the collector has sued and obtain a judgment against you, the debt collector may be able to take certain property as permitted by the court.
Can Valentine & Kebartas sue me? Yes, Valentine & Kebartas can sue you so long as the debt is within the statute of limitations.
Can Valentine & Kebartas report my debt to the collection’s bureaus? Yes, Debt collectors are allowed to place the collection account on your credit report.
Can Valentine & Kebartas arrest me? Debt collectors don’t have the authority to have you arrested for a debt. However, if you violate a court order, e.g. an order to appear in court, the judge can issue a warrant for your arrest. Depending on the laws in your state, you may be arrested for certain debts like unpaid child support or traffic tickets.
If you are not sure of the name of the collection agency that is contacting you than feel free to visit our list of collection agencies List of Collection Agencies in United States Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC (consumerlawfirmcenter.com).
The following is a sample list of complaints filed against Valentine & Kebartas in 2018 & 2019 and can be found on Pacer.org.
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.
Consumer Rights Law Firm, PLLC 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 at www.consumerlawfirmcenter.com.
Success Stories
“I had the pleasure of dealing with Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC on 2 different occasions the staff was very courteous and helpful, and they were familiar with the Collection Agencies in question and the harassment calls stop, I was even compensated. I would recommend this company to anyone going thru this type of harassment a very satisfied customer.”
“I would highly recommend the Consumer Rights Law Firm to anybody that has been harassed! They were very professional and straightforward about my rights.”
Check out the links below for more information:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/debt-collection-faqs
Massachusetts Attorney General
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Credit Control Services, Inc. Debt Collection Harassment?
AIH Receivables Debt Collection Harassment? Stop The Calls!
Sure Check Brokerage Debt Collection Harassment?
Is American Credit Management Calling?
Finance System of Richmond Phone Harassment?
Credit Control Services, Inc. Debt Collection Harassment?
Finance System of Richmond Phone Harassment?
Peroutka, Miller, Klima & Peters Debt Collection Harassment?
