Is Apelles, LLC Calling You?*

Is Apelles, LLC calling you?* Here’s what you need to know.

Are you being contacted every daily by a relentless debt collector? If the answer is yes, you are not the alone. Thousands of Americans have at least one debt out for collection. Debt collectors are legally allowed to contact you and discuss the delinquent account, but bullying and threats are illegal and penalized accordingly.

Your Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) restricts what third-party debt collectors may say or do when trying to collect a debt. Bullying activities like those below are illegal and any agency caught using them faces serious consequences.

• Using profane and obscene language
• Attempting to collect a debt that has already been discharged in a bankruptcy filing
• Calling you several times per day, either personally or using an auto dialer
• Threatening to have your wages garnished
• Demanding an amount that is not supported by law or the original debt agreement
• Talking to uninvolved third parties like your friends and co-workers that you owe money

Company Profile: Apelles, LLC

Apelles, LLC is a debt collection agency located in Columbus, Ohio. It was established in 2003, has approximately 30 employees, and is managed by its President, Michael Fitzmartin. Files viewable on the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) website suggest that Apelles, LLC has been accused of debt collection practices that violate the FDCPA.

Alleged Violations against Apelles, LLC

Yakov Shiminov vs. Apelles, LLC

According to PACER**, in mid-2012, Apelles, LLC commenced collection attempts against New York resident Yakov Shimonov. At one point a collector allegedly stated to him that the alleged debt was “lawsuit friendly.” On or about July 6, 2012, one Apelles, LLC collector allegedly contacted Mr. Shimonov by leaving a voicemail that did not identify the caller as a debt collector. Feeling pursued, he hired a consumer attorney and sued the agency for allegedly violating the FDCPA in the following ways:

• Using false, deceptive and misleading means to collect a debt
• Threatening legal action it did not intend to take
• Calling without disclosing the identity of the debt collection agency

The matter was later dismissed.

Hire an Attorney

The phone numbers for Apelles, LLC are:

• 1-614-899-7322
• 1-800-825-4425

If your phone rings and either one of these numbers show up on your caller ID, a debt collector is attempting to contact you. If they threaten legal action that never transpires or fail to meaningfully identify themselves in all communications, hire an attorney who can help you prepare a court action against Apelles, LLC. You could potentially be awarded $1,000 per FDCPA violation as well as attorney’s fees, court costs, and any actual damages. When a debt collector goes too far, the law helps you assert your rights and receive compensation in the process.

**Case taken from PACER (www.pacer.gov). File number is (Case 1:13-cv-00774-JG-JO from United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York)

*Disclaimer:

The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Apelles, LLC or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.