Wakefield & Associates Phone Harassment?
*Is Wakefield & Associates (WA) calling you?*Stop Wakefield & Associates phone harassment. Do they threaten to take legal action or garnish your wages? Are they calling you at all hours or several times a day? Are they telling your family and neighbors that you owe a debt? If so what they are doing is illegal and needs to stop. You have the legal right to stop WA phone harassment. If a collection agency violates the , you may be eligible to receive up to $1000.00 in statutory damages, along with covering your attorney fees.
Certain circumstances, such as receiving emergency care from out-of-network providers, can affect financial agreements and negotiations, particularly in relation to debt settlement options available to consumers.
Is Wakefield & Associates a Scam?
According to the Better Business Bureau website, Wakefield & Associates has been in business for 32 years. There have been 199 complaints filed against WA with the BBB.
Wakefield & Associates Better Business Bureau
Who is Wakefield & Associates Debt Collection Agency?
Wakefield & Associates is third party debt collector located in Aurora, Colorado. They have been sued in federal court over 190 times for violating consumer’s rights while collecting on alleged debts. A recent Federal Court cases alleges that Wakefield & Associates improperly reported information on a consumers credit reports after settling a Fair Debt Collection Practies Act.
Wakefield & Associates has extensive involvement in the debt collection industry, particularly within the healthcare sector across various locations within the country, highlighting their certifications and partnerships.
Address: 10800 E Bethany Dr Ste 450
Aurora, CO 80014-2697
Phone: (866) 623-2069
Company Overview
Wakefield & Associates is a third-party debt collection agency that specializes in collecting medical debts. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Aurora, Colorado, this agency operates under various names, including Wakeassoc, Wakefield Associates, Wakefield RRC, and Wakefield Collections. Despite its long history, Wakefield & Associates has received numerous complaints from consumers. These complaints often involve allegations of harassment, misrepresentation of debt amounts, and failure to verify debts. Understanding the nature of this debt collection agency can help consumers better navigate their interactions and protect their rights.
Wakefield & Associates Collection Tactics
Wakefield & Associates is a debt collection agency that employs a variety of debt collection efforts to recover money from consumers. Some of their common methods include:
- Sending Letters and Emails: Wakefield & Associates often sends written communications to demand payment from consumers. These letters and emails can be persistent and may include details about the debt and instructions on how to pay.
- Making Phone Calls: Frequent phone calls are another tactic used to negotiate payment plans or settlements. These calls can be stressful and intrusive, especially if they occur at inconvenient times.
- Reporting to Credit Bureaus: If a consumer fails to pay, Wakefield & Associates may report the delinquent account to credit bureaus, which can negatively impact the consumer’s credit score.
- Filing Lawsuits: In some cases, Wakefield & Associates may take legal action against consumers who do not pay their debts, seeking a court judgment to enforce payment.
- Skip Tracing: This technique involves using various methods to locate consumers who have moved or are attempting to avoid debt collectors.
Understanding these debt collection efforts is crucial for consumers to protect themselves and respond appropriately when dealing with a collection agency like Wakefield & Associates.
Wakefield & Associates Abusive Debt Collection Practices on Consumers
If Wakefield & Associates engages in any form of debt collection harassment, you may have a case:
Security is crucial in maintaining trust and integrity in business practices, particularly in fields that require confidentiality, such as data privacy and legal sectors.
Wakefield & Associates Phone Numbers
866-623-2069, 303-872-8492, 800-864-3870, 303-652-5869, 844-544-0408, 866-623-2072, (866) 623-2069, (303) 872-8492, (800) 864-3870, (303) 652-5869, (844) 544-0408, (866) 623-2072,8666232069, 3038728492, 8008643870, 3036525869, 8445440408, 8666232072, 844- 554-0399, 800-264-9399,
If the answer is yes, then you are receiving calls from a known WA number. You may be a victim of WA phone harassment. The list above is not all the numbers that WA uses. The calls can be from a different number, and it still be Wakefield & Associates calling you. Contact our office right away so we can start the process to stop WA from calling you illegally. Above all, no one should live with harassment!
Debt Collection Practices
Debt collection practices can vary, but most agencies follow a similar process. Here’s an overview of what consumers can typically expect:
- Initial Contact: The debt collector will contact the consumer to inform them of the debt and request payment. This can be through phone calls, letters, or emails.
- Validation: Consumers have the right to request validation of the debt. This means the debt collector must provide proof that the debt is legitimate and the amount owed is accurate. Consumers can request a debt validation letter to ensure the debt is legitimate and the amount owed is accurate.
- Negotiation: Debt collectors may offer to negotiate a payment plan. This could involve a lump sum payment or a series of monthly payments to settle the debt.
- Reporting to Credit Bureaus: If the debt remains unpaid, the collector may report it to credit bureaus, which can damage the consumer’s credit score.
- Lawsuit: As a last resort, the debt collector may file a lawsuit to obtain a court judgment, which can lead to wage garnishment or other legal actions.
Consumers should be aware of their rights at each stage of this process to protect themselves from unfair practices and ensure they are treated fairly.
Consumer Complaints and Rights
Consumers have the right to file complaints against debt collectors who engage in unfair or deceptive practices. Common complaints include:
- Harassment: Debt collectors are prohibited from harassing consumers with excessive phone calls, emails, or letters. This includes calling at odd hours or using abusive language.
- False or Misleading Statements: Debt collectors must not make false or misleading statements about the debt, such as inflating the amount owed or threatening consequences that are not legally permissible.
- Failure to Verify Debt: Before attempting to collect, debt collectors must verify the debt if the consumer requests it. This ensures that the debt is legitimate and the amount is correct.
- Many complaints often involve debts from credit card companies, where consumers face aggressive collection tactics.
Consumers can file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or their state’s Attorney General’s office. Knowing and exercising these rights is essential for protecting oneself from unfair debt collection practices.
Know Your Rights Under the FDCPA
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law designed to protect consumers from abusive debt collection practices. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors like Wakefield & Associates are prohibited from engaging in certain behaviors, including:
- Harassing or threatening consumers
- Making false or misleading statements
- Failing to verify debt
- Reporting inaccurate information to credit reporting agencies
- Collecting debt that is not owed
Consumers have the right to request validation of their debt from Wakefield & Associates. This means the agency must provide documentation proving the debt is legitimate. Additionally, consumers can dispute the debt and request that Wakefield & Associates cease communication. Knowing these rights can empower consumers to stand up against unfair debt collection practices and ensure they are treated fairly.
Options for Resolving Your Debt
If Wakefield & Associates is contacting you about an unpaid debt, there are several options available to resolve the issue:
- Paying the Debt in Full: This is the most straightforward option if you have the means to do so.
- Negotiating a Settlement: You can negotiate a settlement with Wakefield & Associates, which may involve paying a reduced amount to settle the debt.
- Disputing the Debt: If you believe the debt is not valid, you can dispute it and request that Wakefield & Associates cease communication.
- Seeking Assistance: Consider seeking help from a credit counselor or debt management company to explore other options for managing your debt.
Understanding your rights under the FDCPA and taking proactive steps can help protect you from abusive debt collection practices and find a resolution that works for you.
How Wakefield & Associates Reports to Credit Reporting Agencies
Wakefield & Associates reports debt information to credit reporting agencies, which can significantly impact your credit score. If you are contacted by Wakefield & Associates regarding an unpaid debt, it is crucial to verify the debt and ensure the information being reported is accurate. You can request a copy of your credit report from the credit reporting agencies and dispute any inaccuracies. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can protect your credit score and ensure that only accurate information is reflected in your credit report.
Defending Against a Lawsuit
If a debt collector files a lawsuit against you, it’s crucial to take action to defend yourself. Here are some steps to consider:
- Respond to the Lawsuit: It’s important to respond to the lawsuit by filing an answer with the court. Ignoring the lawsuit can result in a default judgment against you.
- Raise Defenses: You can raise defenses against the lawsuit, such as challenging the validity of the debt or questioning the debt collector’s right to collect it.
- Request a Trial: If necessary, you can request a trial to present your case before a judge or jury.
Seeking the advice of an attorney can be invaluable in these situations. An attorney can help you understand your rights and develop a strategy to defend against the lawsuit effectively.
Can Wakefield & Associates Sue You?
Yes, Wakefield & Associates can sue you if you fail to pay an unpaid debt. However, the company must follow proper legal procedures and provide you with notice of the lawsuit. If you are being sued by Wakefield & Associates, it is essential to seek the assistance of an attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, raise defenses, and protect your rights. Understanding the legal landscape and having professional support can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
To protect yourself from debt collection scams, it’s important to be vigilant and take the following steps:
- Verify the Debt Collector: Always verify the identity of the debt collector and ensure they are legitimate. Ask for their name, company, address, and professional license number.
- Be Cautious of Unsolicited Calls: Be wary of unsolicited calls from debt collectors, especially if they ask for personal or financial information. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to coerce payments.
- Don’t Pay Without Verification: Never pay a debt without first verifying its legitimacy. Request written proof of the debt and the collector’s right to collect it.
By staying informed and cautious, consumers can protect themselves from falling victim to scams and ensure they are dealing with legitimate debt collection agencies.
How to Respond to Wakefield & Associates with a Debt Validation Letter
Is WA a scam? No, Wakefield & Associates has been in business for 32 years.
Having knowledge about your rights and debt collection practices is crucial. This knowledge can empower individuals to navigate challenges with debt collection agencies like Wakefield & Associates.
Can Wakefield & Associates garnish my wages? Yes, WA can garnish your wages on a Federal Student loan or if they obtain a judgment from the courts.
Can WA sue me? Yes, WA can sue you so long as the debt is within the statute of limitations
Can WA report my debt to the collection’s bureaus?
Can WA 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.
The following is a sample list of complaints filed against Wakefield & Associates in the past year and can be found on Pacer.org.
2:18-cv-00551-WKW-TFM Milner v. Wakefield and Associates, Inc.
3:18-cv-00514-TRM-HBG Lakins v. Wakefield & Associates, Inc.
2:18-cv-00210-CLC-MCLC Breeden v. Wakefield & Associates, Inc.
3:18-cv-00480-TAV-HBG Schultz v. Wakefield & Associates, Inc. et al
3:18-cv-00445-TAV-HBG Purkey v. Wakefield & Associates, Inc.
is a law firm that specializes in helping clients who are facing harassment from debt collectors in any form, including telephone communication. Rather than suffer alone, contact our office to begin the process to stop Wakefield & Associates harassment. Our office has been assisting consumers since 2010. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
We are committed to providing outstanding service and ensuring positive outcomes and satisfaction for our clients.
If you are interested in learning more about how to safeguard yourself and prevent harassment from Wakefield & Associates call us at
“I had the pleasure of dealing with Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC on 2 different occasions the staff were very courteous and helpful, and they were familiar with the Collection Agency’s 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”.
“Because of a lie from a third-party debt collector that threatened me financially I nearly made the mistake of paying the debt collector money I couldn’t afford. The people here were friendly, knowledgeable and settled my case quickly. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!”
