There is no shame in experiencing financial difficulty and falling behind on a payment. However, if you fall on hard times, debt collection agencies may harass you and use demeaning practices to make you feel guilty and anxious in their attempt to collect a debt. While you should make a concerted effort to pay off your debts, no entity has the right to use illegal methods for debt collection.
If Budget Control Services is using illegal practices against you, contacting a consumer protection lawyer can help. The debt collection lawyers at Mike Agruss Law understand the relevant legislation and can offer you the legal advice necessary to protect your rights.
What Is Budget Control Services?
Budget Control Services, Inc. (BCS) is an accounts receivable collection agency founded in 1991 and located in Aurora, Colorado. The collection service is a member of the Association of Credit and Collection Professionals. Budget Control Services collects consumer debts on behalf of clients in the healthcare and retail industries.
Are There Consumer Complaints Concerning Budget Control Services?
Budget Control Services has an accredited profile on the Better Business Bureau. Despite claiming superior customer service and strong results for clients, there are currently three complaints from consumers on the agency’s BBB profile. In the first complaint, a consumer disputes her debt and states that the debt collection representative was rude on the phone and used aggressive language.
Other complaints included being contacted about a debt the consumer had not been billed for and a credit report item not having been removed despite Budget Control Service’s assurance that the agency would address the account.
What Are the Signs of Harassment by Budget Control Services?
A few key signs may indicate a debt collection agency is harassing you. First, if you are receiving multiple calls from the same number or multiple numbers that all seem to be associated with the same company, this could be considered harassment. Additionally, if the calls are coming at odd hours or at times that are inconvenient for you, this may also be considered harassment.
Debt collectors can also use foul, abusive, or threatening language during calls, which is a blatant sign of harassment.
If you believe a debt collection agency is harassing you, contact a debt collection harassment attorney or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for assistance.
Does the Law Provide Consumers Protection From Debt Collection Harassment?
Debt collection harassment is a serious problem in the United States. Federal laws like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) have been enacted to protect debtors from oppressive debt collection practices. Unfortunately, many debt collectors ignore the FDCPA and continue to engage in harassing behavior.
If a debt collector is harassing you, you may be able to take legal action against them. A cease and desist letter can get the agency to stop contacting you. An experienced consumer protection attorney can file a lawsuit, resulting in the offending agency paying $1,000 per lawsuit plus your legal expenses and court costs.
What to Do if You Experience Harassment From Budget Control Services
If you experience harassment by a debt collector such as Budget Control Services, there are several steps you can take to stop the agency’s illegal conduct. First, keep track of all communications from the debt collector, including phone calls, emails, and letters. This documentation will help you prove the harassment and show that it is occurring.
Second, send a cease and desist letter to the debt collector, instructing them to stop contacting you. This letter should be sent via certified mail so that you have proof that the company received it.
Finally, if the harassment continues despite the cease and desist letter, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state’s consumer protection office.
While you are taking the proper steps to avert further harassment, contact a consumer protection attorney. An experienced attorney can help you avoid making costly mistakes early on, such as ignoring your debt altogether, resulting in legal action from the creditor, or failing to negotiate payments of a verifiable debt.
If a debt collector calls you, don’t give them personal information over the phone. If you do, they may use it to try and track you down or even threaten you with legal action. Also, avoid lashing out at the caller and don’t say too much over the phone. For example, stating that you’ll make a payment by a specific date can work against you and indicate that you agree with the collector’s information or actions.
Stop Harassment From Budget Control Services
Finding a knowledgeable consumer protection attorney is the first step to stopping harassment by Budget Control Services. At Mike Agruss Law, we help consumers who are being badgered by agencies illegally trying to collect on a debt regain peace of mind.
Our lawyers can hold the collections agency accountable for any illegal practices and intermediate with the debt collectors on your behalf. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the details of your case.
