Is ABC Collectors, Inc. Calling You?*

Is ABC Collectors, Inc. calling you?* Here’s what you need to know.

Many Americans are being pursued by collection agencies regarding defaulted accounts they have purchased or been assigned to collect. Many of them seem to forget that even though you may owe a debt, you still have rights as a consumer.

Your Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or FDCPA, was established in 1977 in response to widespread complaints about aggressive and abusive collection agencies. The FDCPA makes it illegal for third-party debt collectors to use tactics like those below to pressure you into paying the debt it is attempting to collect.

• Swearing and using profane language
• Calling you at work after you’ve told them that your employer doesn’t allow such calls
• Discussing the debt with anyone except you, your spouse, and your attorney
• Making threats they cannot legally carry out or have no intention of carrying out
• Telling you that you have committed a crime and will be arrested if you don’t pay them right now
• Calling you outside of the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. your time

Company Profile: ABC Collectors, Inc.

ABC Collectors, Inc. is a debt collection agency located in Kalispell, Montana. It was founded in 1961, has less than 10 employees, and is managed by its owner, Noha Bodman. Litigation files archived at the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) website indicate that ABC Collectors, Inc. has been accused of violating the FDCPA during certain debt collection attempts.
Alleged Violations against ABC Collectors, Inc.

Vincent Marzano vs. ABC Collectors, Inc. et al:

According to PACER**, in or about June of 2011, ABC Collectors, Inc. allegedly attempted to collect a debt from California resident Vincent Marzano by leaving a voicemail on his cell phone. A collector allegedly identified himself only as ‘John’ and left a message for Mr. Marzano to call him at his office, which was not identified as a collection agency. When he realized the actual reason for the call, Mr. Marzano hired an attorney and sued ABC Collectors, Inc. for the following alleged FDCPA violations:

• Engaging in harassing and abusive conduct
• Using false and deceptive means to collect or attempt to collect a debt
• Failing to identify itself as a debt collector in the voicemail

The matter was later dismissed.

Hire an Attorney

The phone numbers for ABC Collectors, Inc. are:

• 1-406-752-8001
• 1-888-418-8001

If either of these numbers appear on your caller ID when the phone rings, it means that a debt collector is trying to reach you. If ABC Collectors, Inc. representatives leave you voice messages that do not identify the company or the reason for the call, hire an attorney. If you decide to sue the agency, you could potentially win $1,000 per FDCPA violation as well as attorney’s fees, court costs, and any actual damages. Acting on your rights can protect you and even get you the compensation you deserve.

**Case taken from PACER (www.pacer.gov). File number is Case 2:12-cv-00518-SH from United States District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division

*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 ABC Collectors, Inc. or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.