Getting a call from an unknown number is stressful enough. Getting a call and being informed that you have an outstanding debt that you must pay is even worse. There are instances of this happening across the country, with debt collectors harassing and forcing some to pay on debts that may or may not be their own.
There are also instances of companies and debt collection agencies claiming that they are from a legitimate company, while ending up being a shell company, or a scam. AFNI, Inc is no exception. Here are some things to know if you have been called or contacted by AFNI, Inc, and how to combat them if they are harassing you.
What is AFNI, Inc?
AFNI, Inc is a longstanding company with multiple locations across the states. They’ve been in business since 1936, making them one of the oldest recorded debt collection agencies in the current market. Their Better Business Bureau file was opened in 1993. They also go by the names Afni/Bloom, and AFNI.
Is AFNI, Inc a legit Debt Collection Agency?
Yes, AFNI, Inc is a legitimate debt collection agency. Having been in operation for quite some time, they are an accredited BBB business since 2007. THey also have quite a few different offices, including in areas of Illinois and Alabama. They currently hold an A+ rating with the BBB. HOwever, their customer reviews net them a 1 out of 5 stars with 12 customer reviews.
AFNI, Inc Contact Information
Address: 1310 Martin Luther King Dr Bloomington, IL 61701-1465
Other Address: 404 Brock Dr Bloomington, IL 61701-2654
Other Address: PO Box 3097 Bloomington, IL 61702-3097
Other Address: PO Box 3427 Bloomington, IL 61702-3427
Other Address: 1000 Jeter Ave Opelika, AL 36801-3701
Other Address: 7810 E Escalante Rd Tucson, AZ 85730-3402
Other Address: 5320 N La Cholla Blvd Tucson, AZ 85741-3815
Other Address: 2625 Scottsville Rd Bowling Green, KY 42104-4477
Other Address: 1000 Jeter Ave Opelika, AL 36803
Other Address: 333 E Wetmore Rd STE 500 FL 5 Tucson, AZ 85705-1090
Other Address: 7810 E Escalante Rd Tucson, AZ 85730-3402
Phone Number: 1-800-767-2364
Other PHone: 1-866-425-1601
Other Phone: 1-866-307-9197
Other Phone: 1-866-352-0479
Other Phone: 1-877-403-0670
Website: http://www.afnicollections.com
Does AFNI, Inc have Complaints against them?
AFNI, Inc have quite a few complaints against them. On the BBB website, they have a registered 456 customer complaints against them. 80 were within the year 2019. Of those complaints, 1 was due to a delivery issue, 38 were a problem with a product or service, and 417 were due to billing and collections.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Consumer Complaint Database currently has over 2,800 complaints registered against AFNI Inc. Many are due to debt collections, as well as reporting credit, and credit services.
What kind of Complaints have been made?
More than half of the complaints made against AFNI Inc. are due to an issue with billing, and credit repair services. The complaints lodge that AFNI Inc. attempted to contact them about a bill that either they did not owe to the company, or that they were contacted with improper and misinformation.
Oher complaints state that they did not give verification for the debt in question, or that they were not told of their right to dispute a claim on the debt. This type of harassment seems rampant with AFNI Inc, and cannot be ignored.
Are the Practices of AFNI, Inc Legal?
From the complaints lodged against AFNI, Inc, it is safe to assume that the tactics used are not legal in the slightest. The handling and usage of information that is improper or not complete is deemed illegal by the FDCPA laws. These laws also state that abusive and negative language is not to be used when attempting to talk with debtors about the debts. The harassment issues, as well as debt collection fraud, is completely illegal, and as such, AFNI Inc. should be looking to regulate such completely illegal practices and tactics.
How can I protect myself and fight back against AFNI, Inc?
If you are looking to start protecting yourself against such credit card harassment, we can help. Tee most important thing to do is to document all forms of harassment made against you, or someone you know. This can be improper contact with your boss, continuous phone calls even though you told them to stop, and robocalls and negative or threatening legal repercussions if the bills were not paid off.
Another way you can protect yourself is to hire yourself an experienced and knowledgeable debt collection harassment lawyer or attorney. We here at the Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC have a strong set of collection harassment attorneys that are able to not only help you stop the debt collector harassment, but also report the harassment to the proper authorities. They can help you build a solid case against the harassment as well, and ensure that you are properly compensated for the emotional and possible physical damage that you have sustained.
If you or someone you love has been a target of harassment, debt collector wrong number and robo calls, or have been threatened with legal abuse, then contact us at 1-800-219-3577. Let us help you against the harassment of debt collectors.