Are You Being Called by ABC Credit & Recovery Services, Inc.*?

There are a lot of things debt collectors would rather you didn’t know. For example, they have the right to request payment from you, but they can’t threaten, bully, or deceive you into paying. They also can’t threaten to sue you if you don’t pay, although you are permitted to file a lawsuit against them when they violate your rights.

Your Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or FDCPA, is a consumer protection law that was originally passed in 1977 to protect indebted consumers from being harassed and bullied by collection agencies. It prohibits third-party debt collectors from using tactics like those below to collect a debt.

• Calling at inconvenient times, such as before 8:00 a.m. and after 9:00 p.m. in the consumer’s time zone
• Pretending to be police officers or government employees
• Calling someone at their place of employment after being told that personal calls of this type are prohibited
• Calling non-stop with the intention of annoying and harassing you
• Ignoring your request to cease communications
• Using obscene and / or abusive language

Company Profile: ABC Credit & Recovery Services, Inc.

If you are being called by ABC Credit & Recovery Services, Inc., information about the company is below.

ABC Credit & Recovery Services, Inc. is a debt collection office located in Lisle, Illinois. It was established in 2004, has less than 10 employees, and is managed by owner Joseph Speziale.

A review of litigation records on file with the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) website reveals that consumers who felt they were being harassed by ABC Credit & Recovery Services, Inc. responded by opening their wallets to hire attorneys instead of pay the debt.

Alleged Violations against ABC Credit & Recovery Services, Inc.

James Church vs. ABC Credit & Recovery Services, Inc. et al *

According to PACER, on or about August 13, 2009, a collector from ABC Credit & Recovery Services Inc. left a message on the voicemail of Illinois resident James Church. It stated:

Good Afternoon. This message is for James Church. James, its Laura from ABC Credit and Recovery Services and I am calling regarding your balance that is now in collections for Abbey Dental. Please be advised that this is an attempt to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

James, you are owing Abbey Dental $3,336, and it does go back from dates of services from 4/27 of 2000. You did have insurance at one time, however, it was not paid. Please get back to me the insurance payments were [unclear]. Our client does need their money…. Please return my call. If you are unable to pay this in full I’m also here to work out a payment arrangement with you. Thank you.

The message was heard by Mr. Church’s son, which caused him embarrassment. On December 16, 2009, Mr. Church also received a collection letter from ABC Credit & Recovery Services Inc., even though he had already retained counsel regarding the alleged debt.

Feeling harassed by ABC Credit & Recovery Services, Inc., he hired a consumer attorney and sued the company for allegedly violating the FDCPA in the following ways:

• Enabling details of his debt to be disclosed to third parties
• Contacting him directly even though he had retained an attorney regarding the debt

The matter was later settled.

Hire an Attorney

The phone number for this debt collection company is 1-630-969-2047. If it appears on your caller ID when the phone rings, it means that you are being called by ABC Credit & Recovery Services, Inc. If they take steps that disclose your debt to third parties and approach you directly even after you have retained counsel, hire a consumer attorney immediately.

If you file a claim against ABC Credit & Recovery Services, Inc and win., you could potentially receive $1,000 per FDCPA violation in addition to attorney fees and court costs. When debt collectors go too far, the law supports you when you fight back.

*Case taken from PACER (www.pacer.gov). File number is Case: 1:09-cv-05317 from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division.

Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be constructed as legal advice. If you file a claim against ABC Credit & Recovery Services, Inc., or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.