Consumers in Arizona and throughout the country should know about a story out of Charlotte, NC. Here, a debt collection agency was recently caught masquerading as a law firm. Going by the name Lombardo, Daniels, and Moss and several others, these debt collectors used this fake legal status to scare people into paying – whether they actually owed money or not. In addition to this, the debt collection agency committed several other Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) violations. Even though it happened in another state, Arizonians can learn a few things from this incident. When consumers get calls from debt collection agencies, they should ask a lot of questions. Also, there are certain red flags that reveal FDCPA violating debt collectors that are not what they say they are.
How Arizona Consumers Can Tell if Debt Collection Agencies are Lying or Violating the FDCPA
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sued Lombardo, Daniels, and Moss debt collection agency for defrauding consumers out of money that they had no right to collect. The also committed the following FDCPA violations.
- Debt collectors from this deceptive agency used harsh and abusive language when speaking to consumers.
- They threatened individuals with arrest and jail time.
- Agents discussed consumer debt with third parties.
- They often failed to disclose that they were debt collectors and neglected to follow phone calls up with required written notices. Because of this, harassed consumers had no opportunity to dispute debts.
The FTC sued, fined, and put this fraudulent debt collection agency out of business. Yet, unfortunately, there are other unscrupulous agencies in Arizona and other states committing FDCPA violations against consumers. Arizonians should remember that even debt collection law firms can’t arrest people for owing money. So, if any debt collection agent attempts this tactic with you, they are out of line and breaking the law. In addition, the FDCPA prohibits representatives from debt collection agencies from engaging in any of the actions mentioned above.
If, however, you experience any of these debt collector abuses, call Credit Repair Lawyers of America in Arizona. Once you contact our firm, an experienced FDCPA attorney will stop debt collector harassment for free. In fact, if we file a debt collection lawsuit on your behalf, you may receive payment for damages.
The Free and Legal way to Get Better Credit
Don’t let debt collectors or collection agencies get away with harassing or abusing you. At Credit Repair Lawyers of America, we’ve stopped debt collector abuse since 2008. We make the debt collector pay you. Our services cost you nothing. How do we do it? All of our fees come from the defendants in settled cases. This is why our clients pay nothing for the work we do.
Let’s start the conversation about what we can do to stop debt collectors from harassing you. Call Attorney Trinette G. Kent at (480) 771-6001 or send her an email through our contact page.
