Being contacted by a debt collection agency can be a harrowing event. Between the constant verbal abuse, as well as robocalls and excessive letters and emails, debt collection agencies will use every trick in the book to try to get you to cough up your money.

In the case of American Collection Systems, their debt collector harassment may not be as severe. However, they still use techniques and practices that are borderline, as well as deeply, illegal and harassing. Here are the things you need to know if you have been contacted by American Collection Systems, and how to defend yourself.

What is American Collection Systems?

American Collection Systems is listed as a multi-location debt collection agency. They primarily work within the Northern Colorado and Wyoming areas, and boast over 50 years of experience.

Is American Collection Systems a legit Debt Collection Agency?

American Collection Systems is seen as a legitimate debt collection agency. They were started in 1963 and are listed as a partnership with Bobby Garmon listed as COO, Annie Walker as Collections Manager, Steve Johnson as CEO/Owner, Kay Kennedy as Collections Manager, and Elizabeth Koski as CFO. They currently have 57 years of business experience and hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. However, they do have a 1 star review from a customer, putting them at a 1 out of 5 stars on the BBB website.

American Collection Systems Contact Information

Address: 800 Cross Pointe Rd Ste D Gahanna, OH 43230-6688

Website: http://acsiwest.com

Phone Number: 1-307-742-3711

Fax Number: 1-307-742-2167

Does American Collection Systems have Complaints against them?

American Collection Systems does have complaints against them. In the BBB database, they have one customer review against them from 2018 that has been left open.

They also have approximately 23 complaints logged through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Consumer Complaint Database. These include the open branch of American Collection Systems, as well as the Ohio based company. As such, these complaints may pertain to both groups.

What kind of Complaints have been made?

The complaints made vary depending on the database used. Through the BBB, the review states that the representatives are rude, disrespectful, and unwilling to work with consumers on getting their debts paid.

The CFPB’s CCD states that many of the debts were not debts that were owed by the consumer. Indeed, many state that the debts that were attempted to be collected on were due to identity theft, as well as debts that were paid off some time ago. There are also verification issues where American Collection Systems did not verify the debt, thereby creating an air of vileness and misinformation.

Are the Practices of American Collection Systems Legal?

These practices are not legal. The act of using misinformation, as well as threatening tactics, are unlawful under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (RFDCPA) standards and laws. These regulations state that the use of misinformation, or improper information, is punishable by law, and consumers are protected from such tactics.

Not only that, using abusive or aggressive language in an attempt to badger a consumer into paying a bill that is not verified is considered debt collection harassment, and is also punishable by law. 

How can I protect myself and fight back against American Collection Systems?

If you or a loved one have been contacted by American Collection Systems, know that there are ways you can protect yourself against their harassment attempts. The best way to start protecting yourself is to vet every debt that is sent to you from American Collection Systems. If you receive a bill from them stating you owe money on the debt, make sure to ask for verification and authorization for the debt. Ask where the debt came from, and if you can get in touch with the original debt holder. If they are not able to produce these items for you, then they will be on the cusp of breaking federal law.

You should also look to get a well-versed and experienced debt collection harassment attorney or consumer protection lawyer. We here at The Law Office of Paul Mankin, APC have many years of experience under our belts. Our team of attorneys will be able to help you identify debt collection harassment, as well as put a stop to the harassment once and for all. Not only that, we can help you report these offenses to the proper authorities, making sure these debt collectors aren’t able to do it to anyone else.

Not only can we help you to defend against harassment, we can also help to build a case, and assist you in understanding where the illegal collection patterns are for debt collectors. We are also able to help facilitate any communications or discussions between the parties, ensuring that nothing you say can be used against you.

The most important bit of information in your fight is to always remain vigilant. No matter who you have at your side, it can seem like a daunting battle against such a large company and agency. If you have ever been the subject of:

• Multiple calls per week from a third party collection agency
• Multiple calls in the early morning or late night from debt collectors.
• Violent and belligerent language and harassment from debt collectors.
• Threats of arrests or poor credit due to outstanding debts.
• Having your friends, family, and coworkers harassed from debt collectors.
• Automated robocalls from third party collection agencies.

Then you may have a case available. So do not wait, make sure to give us a call, and get started fighting back against the debt collection harassment.