Absolute Collections Corporation Phone Harassment? Here's How to Fight Back
Absolute Collections Corporation Phone Harassment? Here's How to Fight Back
Blog Article
If you’ve been receiving constant calls from Absolute Collections Corporation, you’re not alone. Thousands of consumers across the country are subjected to excessive and unwelcome contact from debt collectors. While debt collection is a legitimate business practice, there’s a fine line between lawful debt collection and Absolute Collections Corporation phone harassment.
In this blog, we’ll explore what constitutes harassment, your legal rights under federal and state laws, how to stop these unwanted calls, and what to do if Absolute Collections Corporation violates your rights. By the end, you'll know exactly how to take back control.
What Is Absolute Collections Corporation?
Absolute Collections Corporation (ACC) is a third-party debt collection agency that collects on behalf of various creditors, including medical providers, banks, utility companies, and more. Like other debt collectors, their primary goal is to recover unpaid debts. However, in their pursuit of payments, they may cross the line into harassment.
Consumers have reported experiences such as:
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Receiving multiple phone calls per day
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Getting calls at inconvenient hours
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Being spoken to in a threatening or disrespectful tone
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Receiving calls at work despite asking the caller to stop
If any of these scenarios sound familiar, you may be experiencing Absolute Collections Corporation phone harassment.
What Counts as Phone Harassment?
Phone harassment by debt collectors occurs when their methods of communication violate your rights or cause undue stress. According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the following practices are considered illegal:
1. Repeated or Continuous Calls
Calling you multiple times a day with the intent to annoy, abuse, or harass is unlawful. This includes automated calls and voicemails.
2. Calling Outside Permissible Hours
Debt collectors can only contact you between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. in your time zone. Any contact outside of these hours may qualify as harassment.
3. Contacting You at Work
If you’ve told a debt collector not to contact you at work and they continue, it’s a violation.
4. Threatening or Abusive Language
Collectors must treat you with respect. Profanity, yelling, or threats of arrest or legal action are not allowed.
5. Failing to Cease Contact Upon Request
Under the FDCPA, you have the right to ask a debt collector to stop contacting you. If they continue, this constitutes Absolute Collections Corporation phone harassment.
Know Your Rights: The FDCPA and TCPA
As a consumer, you’re protected by several laws:
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
The FDCPA governs how third-party debt collectors can contact you. It prohibits deceptive, unfair, and abusive practices.
Key Protections:
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No repeated phone calls
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No false statements
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No threats of violence or legal action without basis
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Right to request verification of the debt
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Right to request communication only in writing
Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
The TCPA restricts the use of robocalls and autodialers. If Absolute Collections Corporation is using automated dialing systems or prerecorded messages without your consent, it could be in violation of the TCPA.
Common Complaints About Absolute Collections Corporation Phone Harassment
Many consumers have voiced concerns regarding how they’re treated by Absolute Collections Corporation. Complaints typically include:
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Calls even after debt validation requests
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Harassment of friends and family
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Threats of lawsuits or wage garnishment
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Robocalls to mobile phones without permission
If you’ve experienced any of the above, it’s a good idea to document your interactions. Keeping track of calls, voicemails, and conversations can help build your case if you choose to take legal action.
How to Stop Absolute Collections Corporation Phone Harassment
Dealing with repeated calls can be frustrating, but you have options. Here are effective ways to stop the calls:
1. Request Debt Validation
You have the right to request that the debt be validated within 30 days of the first contact. Absolute Collections Corporation must then provide proof that you owe the debt before continuing collection efforts.
2. Send a Cease and Desist Letter
A cease and desist letter is a formal request that a debt collector stop all communication. Once they receive it, they are only allowed to contact you once more to let you know what action they plan to take (e.g., closing the account or filing a lawsuit).
3. Report to Authorities
If the harassment continues, report the behavior to:
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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
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Your state attorney general’s office
Make sure to include all documentation.
4. Contact a Consumer Rights Attorney
If you’re a victim of Absolute Collections Corporation phone harassment, you may be entitled to compensation. A consumer rights attorney can help you sue for damages under the FDCPA or TCPA.
Can You Sue for Absolute Collections Corporation Phone Harassment?
Yes. If Absolute Collections Corporation violates the FDCPA or TCPA, you have the legal right to take action. Victims of debt collection harassment can sue for:
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Statutory damages: Up to $1,000 under the FDCPA
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Actual damages: Compensation for emotional distress or lost wages
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Attorney’s fees and court costs
Under the TCPA, damages can range from $500 to $1,500 per violation, depending on whether the violation was willful.
Sample Cease and Desist Letter
Below is a basic template you can use to tell Absolute Collections Corporation to stop calling you:
Your Name
Your Address
City, State, ZIP Code
Date
Absolute Collections Corporation
[Company Address]
RE: Cease and Desist Communication Regarding Alleged Debt
To Whom It May Concern,
Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c)), I am formally requesting that you cease all communication with me concerning any alleged debt you claim I owe. Please communicate only in writing, and do not contact me via phone, text, or at my place of employment.
Failure to comply with this request may result in legal action.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
Tips for Handling Debt Collectors
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Don’t Ignore the Problem: Even if the debt is not yours, take action to dispute it.
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Don’t Admit Liability: Be careful with your words. Saying things like “I’ll pay soon” could be interpreted as an admission of debt.
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Record Conversations (Where Legal): In some states, you’re allowed to record phone calls. This can provide evidence of harassment.
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Keep All Communications: Save letters, emails, and voicemails from the collector.
When to Get Legal Help
If you feel overwhelmed or threatened by Absolute Collections Corporation phone harassment, it may be time to speak to an attorney. Legal professionals can:
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Evaluate if your rights have been violated
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File lawsuits on your behalf
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Help you win compensation for your distress
Often, attorneys in this field offer free consultations and only get paid if you win.
Conclusion: You Have the Power to End Absolute Collections Corporation Phone Harassment
Being harassed by debt collectors is not just annoying—it’s illegal. If you're dealing with Absolute Collections Corporation phone harassment, you have multiple options at your disposal. From sending cease and desist letters to filing a lawsuit, you can take control and protect your peace of mind.
No one should live in fear of answering their phone. With the right knowledge and action, you can make the calls stop—and potentially hold Absolute Collections Corporation accountable for crossing the line.
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