Is Fox Collection Center calling you? Here’s what you need to know.
Are debt collectors calling you all the time? If the answer is yes, you’re probably tired of jumping every time the phone rings and ready to do whatever it takes to make the harassment stop, even file for bankruptcy.
Before opting for such an extreme measure, be aware that if the collectors are being rude, abusive, and deliberately trying to stress you into paying, they’re breaking the law.
In September 1977 Congress passed the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or FDCPA, because of concerns that debt collectors were causing personal bankruptcies to go up. It also placed restrictions on these collectors by making it illegal to do any of the following while collecting or attempting to collect a debt.
![Fox Collection Center FDCPA]()
- Call someone at work after they’ve been advised that such calls are not allowed
- Fail or refuse to identify themselves as debt collectors in every communication
- Use the phone to harass someone: for example, calling and hanging up or using an autodialer
- Keep contacting someone even after the debt has been disputed
- Call at inconvenient times, usually before 8:00 a.m. and after 9:00 p.m.
Alleged Violations against Fox Collection Center*
Not all debt collectors operate with FDCPA restrictions in mind. Fox Collection Center is a collection agency located in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. It was established in 1950, employs a staff of 20 to 49, and is a member of both ACA International and the Tennessee Collectors Association. A search of the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) website and consumer complaint boards suggest that Fox Collection Center has frequently been accused of breaching the FDCPA.
In March 2013, a Texas resident observed a credit report notation from Fox Collection Center. All agencies that want to collect debts in the state of Texas have to file a $10,000 bond with the Texas Secretary of State, but Fox Collection Center did not file a bond until September 2013, but the March credit notation gave the impression to the plaintiff that the agency was authorized to collect her debt in Texas at that time.
She hired a consumer attorney and filed a lawsuit accusing Fox Collection Center of the following FDCPA violations:
- Using false and deceptive means to collect a debt
- Using unfair and unconscionable means to collect a debt
The matter was later settled.
The phone numbers associated with Fox Collection Center are 1-800-422-2793 and 1-615-859-2891. If either number shows up on your caller ID, a debt collector is trying to collect money from you. If they are not authorized to collect a debt in your state and persist in harassing you, see a consumer attorney.
If the matter proceeds to court, you could win statutory damages of $1,000 per FDCPA violation as well as actual damages, court fees, and attorney costs. When a debt collector tries to take advantage of you, the law will help you right things.
*Case taken from PACER (www.pacer.gov). File number is 4:14-cv-00054-RC-AM, from United States District Court, Eastern District of Texas.
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 Fox Collection Center or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.