Debt collectors like Foster and Monroe LLC, also known as F&M Capital, cannot harass you over a debt. You have rights under the law, and we will stop the harassment once and for all.
THE BEST PART IS…
If Foster and Monroe LLC violated the law, you will get money damages and they will pay your attorney’s fees and costs. You won’t owe us a dime for our services. Plus, some of our clients also receive debt relief and cleaned-up credit reports. You have nothing to lose! Call us today at 888-572-0176 for a free consultation.
Who is Foster and Monroe LLC?
Foster and Monroe LLC is a third-party debt collection agency presumably based in West Seneca, New York. Founded in 2012, this agency is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has received numerous BBB complaints for making unlawful threats against consumers, such as threats of arrest and wage garnishment which cannot legally be taken. Foster and Monroe is a limited liability company that also uses F&M Capital as its business name. Foster and Monroe collects on all kinds of debt, including debt owed to Balance Credit- SunUp Financial, LLC.
Foster and Monroe LLC’s Address, Phone Number, and Contact Information
Foster and Monroe LLC’s P.O. Box is: P.O. Box 1031, West Seneca, NY 14224. The main telephone number is 866-307-4543 and the main website is https://fosterandmonroe.com/.
In e-mails to consumers, Foster and Monroe uses the following signature blocks:
F&M Capital
3221 Southwestern Blvd. #223
Orchard Park, NY 14127
P: 877-257-1434
F: 716-508-3002
Foster and Monroe LLC
P.O. Box 1031
West Seneca, NY 14224
P: 855-860-9533
F: 716-508-3002
Foster and Monroe will also e-mail consumers from: [email protected] and [email protected]
Foster and Monroe LLC Lawsuits
If you want to know just how unhappy consumers are with Foster and Monroe LLC, take a look at the lawsuits filed against the agency on the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (“PACER”). PACER is the U.S.’s federal docket which lists federal complaints filed against a wide range of companies. A search for the agency will display several lawsuits filed in the U.S., and these typically involve violations of consumer rights and/or the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Foster and Monroe LLC Complaints
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that applies to everyone in the United States. In other words, everyone is protected under the FDCPA, and this Act is a laundry list of what debt collectors can and cannot do while collecting a debt, as well as things they must do while collecting debt. If Foster and Monroe LLC is harassing you over a debt, you have rights under the FDCPA.
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) protects you from robocalls, which are those annoying, automated, recorded calls that computers make all day long. You can tell it’s a robocall because either no one responds on the other end of the line, or there is a delay when you pick up the phone before a live person responds. You can receive $500 per call if Foster and Monroe LLC violates the TCPA. Have you received a message from this agency that sounds pre-recorded or cut-off at the beginning or end? These are tell-tale signs that the message is pre-recorded, and if you have these messages on your cell phone, you may have a TCPA case against the agency.
The Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) protects electronic payments that are deducted from bank accounts. If Foster and Monroe LLC took unauthorized deductions from your bank account, you may have an EFTA claim against the agency. Foster and Monroe LLC, like most collection agencies, wants to set up recurring payments from consumers; imagine how much money it can earn if hundreds, even thousands, of consumers electronically pay them $50 – $100 or more per month. If you agreed to this type of reoccurring payment, the agency must follow certain steps to comply with the EFTA. Did Foster and Monroe LLC continue to take electronic payments after you told them to stop? Did they take more money from your checking account than you agreed to? If so, we can discuss your rights and a potential case under the EFTA.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) works to ensure that no information reported to your credit report is false. In essence, it gives you the right to dispute those inaccuracies that you find on your credit report. We’ve handled many cases in which a debt collection agency reported debt on a consumer’s credit report to obtain leverage over the consumer. If Foster and Monroe LLC is on your credit report, they may tell you that they’ll remove the debt from your credit report if you pay it; this is commonly known as “pay for delete.” If the original creditor is on your report rather than the debt collector, and you pay off the debt, both entities should accurately report this on your credit report.
Several states also have laws to provide their citizens an additional layer of protection. For example, if you live in California, Florida, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, or Wisconsin, you may be able to add a state-law claim to your federal law claim above. North Carolina, for example, has one of the most consumer-friendly statutes in the country: if you live in NC and are harassed over a debt, you may receive $500 – $4,000 in damages per violation. We work with a local counsel in NC and our NC clients have received some great results in debt collection harassment cases. If you live in North Carolina and are being harassed by a debt collector, you have the leverage to obtain a great settlement.
How do we Use the Law to Help You?
We will use state and federal laws to immediately stop Foster and Monroe LLC’s debt collection. We will send a cease-and-desist letter to stop the harassment today, and if Foster and Monroe LLC violates the FDCPA, EFTA, FCRA, or any state law, you may be entitled to money damages. For example, under the FDCPA, you may receive up to $1,000 in damages plus actual damages. The FDCPA also has a fee-shift provision, which means the debt collector will pay your attorney’s fees and costs. If you have a TCPA case against the agency, we will handle it based on a contingency fee and you won’t pay us a dime unless you win.
THAT’S NOT ALL…
We have helped thousands of consumers stop phone calls. We know how to stop the harassment and get you money damages. Once again: you will not pay us a dime for our services. We will help you based on a fee-shift provision and/or contingency fee, and the debt collector will pay your attorney’s fees and costs.
What if Foster and Monroe LLC is on my Credit Report?
Based on our experience, some debt collectors may credit-report, which means one may mark your credit report with the debt they are trying to collect. In addition to or instead of the debt collector, the original creditor may also be on your credit report in a separate entry, and it’s important to properly identify these entities because you will want both to update your credit report if or when you pay off the debt.
THE GOOD NEWS IS…
If Foster and Monroe LLC is on your credit report, we can help you dispute it. Mistakes on your credit report can be very costly: along with causing you to pay higher interest rates, you may be denied credit, insurance, a rental home, a loan, or even a job because of these mistakes. Some mistakes may include someone else’s information on your credit report, inaccurate public records, stale collection accounts, or even being a victim of identity theft. If you have a mistake on your credit report, there is a process to dispute it, and my office will help you obtain your credit report and dispute any inaccurate information.
REMEMBER…
If a credit reporting agency violates its obligations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you may be entitled to statutory damages up to $1,000, and the credit reporting agency will be required to fix the error. The FCRA also has a fee-shift provision, which means the credit reporting agency will pay your attorney’s fees and costs. You won’t owe us a dime for our services. We have helped hundreds of consumers fix inaccurate information on their credit reports, and we’re ready to help you, too.
Complaints against Foster and Monroe LLC
Here are some of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) reviews and complaints against Foster and Monroe LLC:
- “I received a call from this company stating they were representing me in regards to an old debt still outstanding and there is a pending legal suit against me. I was threatened that they were gonna file suit and they were going to garnish my income tax. I asked for proof and was not provided any but instead was talked to with disrespect.”
- “The collections agent called both myself and my family and threatened that they would not only garnish my wages but also garnish my current wife wages, even though she had nothing to do with this debt. They also threatened to come into my home and repossess everything that I own, even though none of it was purchased through this company or through the original creditor. The garnishment was also threatened to be 45% of total household income, even though, by law, they can only garnish a maximum of 25% according to FEDERAL LAW. It is also federal law that you can garnish one spouse or the other for a single debt, not both. The agent also told me that he didn’t care if I became homeless and lost everything that I had, as long as I paid my debt.”
- “This collection agency has been making threatening phone calls not only to me but to all my family. Leaving voicemails to my family members that I am involved in criminal activity which is a lie. The account went into collections when I was diagnosed with uterine cancer in April 2016, 6 months after my mother died from it. I’ve had 2 surgeries & am finally able to continue with my life. These tactics are causing unnecessary stress to me and my family right now.”
What Our Clients Say About Us
Mike Agruss Law has over 1,045 outstanding client reviews through Yotpo, an A+ BBB rating, and over 150 five-star reviews on Google. Here’s what some of our clients have to say about us:
“Michael Agruss handled two settlements for me with great results and he handled them quickly. He also settled my sister’s case quickly and now her debt is clear. I highly recommend Michael.”
“Mike Agruss Law was very helpful, they helped me solve my case regarding the unwanted calls. I would highly recommend them. Thank you very much Mike Agruss!”
“Mike Agruss Law was very helpful to me and my veteran father! We were harassed daily and even called names for a loan that was worthless! Agruss stepped in and not only did they stop harassing, they stopped calling all together!! Even settled it so I was paid back for the problems they caused!”
Can Foster and Monroe LLC Sue Me?
Although anyone can sue anyone for any reason, we have not seen Foster and Monroe LLC sue consumers, and it’s likely that the agency does not sue because they don’t always own the debt they are attempting to collect, and would also need to hire a lawyer, or use in-house counsel, to file a lawsuit. It’s also likely that the agency collects debt throughout the country, and it would be quite difficult to have lawyers, or a law firm, licensed in every state. However, there are collection agencies that do sue consumers; for example, Midland Credit Management is one of the largest junk-debt buyers, and it also collects and sues on debt. Still, it is less likely for a debt collector to sue you than for an original creditor to hire a lawyer or collection firm to sue you. If Foster and Monroe LLC has threatened to sue you, contact Mike Agruss Law as soon as possible.
Can Foster and Monroe LLC Garnish my Wages?
No, unless they have a judgment. If Foster and Monroe LLC has not sued you, then the agency cannot get a judgment. Barring limited situations (usually involving debts owed to the government for student loans, taxes, etc.), a company must have a judgment in order to garnish someone’s wages. In short, we have not seen this agency file a lawsuit against a consumer, so the agency cannot garnish your wages, minus the exceptions listed above. If Foster and Monroe LLC has threatened to garnish your wages, contact our office right away.
Foster and Monroe LLC Settlement
If you want to settle a debt with Foster and Monroe LLC, ask yourself these questions first:
- Do I really owe this debt?
- Is this debt within the statute of limitations?
- Is this debt on my credit report?
- If I pay this debt, will Foster and Monroe LLC remove it from my credit report?
- If I pay this debt, will the original creditor remove it from my credit report?
- If I pay this debt, will I receive confirmation in writing from Foster and Monroe LLC for the payment and settlement terms?
These are not the only things to consider when dealing with debt collectors. We are here to help you answer the questions above, and much more. Whether it’s harassment, settlement, pay-for-delete, or any other legal issue with Foster and Monroe LLC, we at Mike Agruss Law are here to help you.
Top Debt Collection Violations
Debt collection laws provide a laundry list of what collectors can and cannot do while collecting a debt. Based on our years of experience handling thousands of debt collection harassment cases, here’s what collection agencies most often do to violate the law:
- Called you about a debt you do not owe.
- Called you at work after you told them you cannot receive calls at work.
- Left you a message without identifying the company’s name.
- Left you a message without disclosing that the call is from a debt collector.
- Called third-parties (family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors) even though the collection agency knows your contact information.
- Disclosed to a third-party (family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors) that you owe a debt.
- Contacted you after you said to stop calling.
- Threatened you with legal action (such as a lawsuit or wage garnishment).
- Called you before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM.
- Continued to call you after you have told the collector you cannot pay the debt.
- Communicated (phone or letter) with you after you filed for bankruptcy.
- Failed to mark the debt on your credit report as disputed after you disputed the debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to pay your fees and costs for helping me with my consumer rights case? No. We handle consumer rights cases based on a fee-shift provision and/or a contingency fee. That means either the other side pays your fees and costs, or we take a percentage of your recovery. Whether it’s a fee-shift case or a contingency-fee case, we don’t get paid unless you get paid, and you’ll never owe us a penny for our time.
- What are the damages I can get under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act? If a collection agency violates any section of the FDCPA, you are entitled to damages up to $1,000.00. You may also be entitled to actual damages if the violation caused you out-of-pocket expenses. For example, if a collection agency threatens you with legal action to induce you to pay the debt, you may be able to get your payment back as actual damages.
- What are the damages under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act? You can get $500 per robocall, or $1,500 per robocall if the robocalls were willful. In any type of settlement, Defendants often pay much less than $500 per call. However, if there are 50 calls at issue, even at $250 per call, your case could settle for $12,500.00.
- What type of debt is covered under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act? Only consumer debt, such as personal, family, and household debts. For example, the money you owe on a personal credit card, an auto loan, a medical bill, or a utility bill. The FDCPA does not cover debts you incurred to run a business, or debts regarding unpaid taxes, or traffic tickets.
- Does the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act apply to banks or credit card companies? No. Only third-party debt collectors are bound by the FDCPA. Original creditors, such as banks and credit card companies, are not bound by the FDCPA.
- Are there state laws that protect me from original creditors? Yes! Several states also have laws that provide their citizens an additional layer of protection. If you live in California, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, or Wisconsin, you have additional state-law rights.
- Are mistakes on credit reports common? Yes! Are you one of the 40 million Americans who have a mistake on their credit report? Mistakes on your credit report can be very costly. Along with causing you to pay higher interest rates, you may be denied credit, insurance, a rental home, a loan, or even a job because of these mistakes. Some mistakes may include someone else’s information on your credit report, inaccurate public records, stale collection accounts, or maybe you were a victim of identity theft.
- What do I do if I have a mistake on my credit report? If you have a mistake on your credit report, there is a process to dispute them. My office will help you pull your credit report and dispute any inaccurate information. If a credit reporting agency violates its obligations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you may be entitled to statutory damages up to $1,000.00, plus the credit reporting agency will be required to fix the error. The FCRA also has a fee-shift provision, which means the credit reporting agency pays your attorney’s fees and costs. Therefore, you will not pay me a penny for my time. To speed up the process, please get a free copy of your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com. You can also learn more about the FCRA and your rights at
Did you get an e-mail from Foster and Monroe?
Several of our clients received e-mails from Foster and Monroe. Here’s an example of an e-mail one of our clients received:
This email is to serve as notice that our office has been retained for collection efforts and if necessary forceful recovery on the delinquent Balance Credit account taken out by this email address. The email this information is being sent to was used directly in the application process for the delinquent Balance Credit account we are referring too. The bank account Balance Credit deposited money into and application submitted to them was also provided via this email address. Mail has been sent to the address on the contract and collection efforts have been made, the account is still delinquent. We must receive immediate communication from you prior to the current delinquent balance with applicable interest and fees being reported to the Experian Credit Report and the account being deemed a refusal to pay voluntarily.
Our client is now willing to offer a new settlement on this account, saving a significant amount on the balance currently owed. Payment arrangement options can be made as well. Please call our office immediately and speak to one of our professional representatives at 877-257-1434.
Balance Credit deposited funds into a bank account provided by this email address and has a payment history proving this account did not complete the full loan repayment agreed upon. Due to the multiple bounced ACH payments and balanced owed, we have been asked to recover the full value the contract allows if voluntary arrangements are not set up immediately. This balance includes all interest, any bank ACH check fees, as well as; any future expenses, including cost to report the multiple bounced payments, legal expense, Experian credit reporting fees and the original unpaid balance owed. Without immediate correspondence to our office we will be forced to take the action agreed to in the contract signed with Balance Credit. This action is not limited to contacting the place of employment listed on the contract for verification of employment and income, adding all applicable fees and penalties, reporting the delinquent balance to Experian, and forceful recovery in the form of a judgment. Prior to this being done and any fees applying our client is willing to offer a settlement or a payment arrangement on this account. For the terms offered please contact us right away at 877-257-1434.
Please do not reply to this message as replies to this message are routed to an unmonitored mailbox. If you wish to contact us, please contact our office directly at 877-257-1434. This is an attempt to collect a debt, any and all information will be used for that purpose.
Here’s another e-mail one of our client’s received:
We are attempting to contact you from the credit reporting division of Foster and Monroe. If you are receiving this, the American Web Loan account that is linked to this email will be having a negative tradeline put onto the Experian credit report on 8/1/2020. This will be due to the delinquent balance owed on an American Web Loan account and lack of current payments. Our client has determined it is in their best interest to seek action on the balance owed and to update a fair; derogatory mark on the credit report due to lack of payment. To contact our office regarding this or to attempt to fic the credit report please call us at 855-860-9533.
If you received an e-mail from Foster and Monroe, call us first to learn about your rights under the law. Don’t be scare of these intimidating e-mails. We can help you at no cost to you.
Voicemail Messages From Foster and Monroe
Our clients have received the following voicemail messages from Foster and Monroe. If you have a message from Foster and Monroe, chances are we can help you under the FDCPA at not cost to you.
- From Don Marks: Yes, my name is Don Marks. I’m calling for Brandi. I am contacting you today regarding a formal complaint placed in the office that’s attached to the name and social security number of one, Brandi. My office has tried to reach Brandi or her attorney regarding this pending matter. We must address this formal complaint that’s been attached to the name it and social security number of Brandi. Please have her return this call immediately, 1 (855) 860-9576. Failure to return the call will result in loss involvement in this process. Again, 1 (855) 860-9576. We’ll be in the office this evening up until 9:00 Eastern time. It is imperative that one, Brandi or her attorney, returns this call to avoid further noncompliant.
- From Don Marks: Yes, good afternoon. My name is Don Marks. This call is intended for Linda and Scott. You were listed here as third-party contacts for one Brandi in North Carolina. We have a formal complaint that was placed here in the office for her name and Social Security number. We must speak with Brandi or her attorney immediately to discuss this pending matter. Our phone number is 1-855-860-9576, 1-855-860-9576. Failure to respond or address this matter will result in loss involvement in this process. Again, I must speak with Brandi or her attorney, 1-855-860-9576, immediately. Thank you and good day.
- This message is for Trisha. My name is Mark Roberts. We’ve been working together over the last few months regarding the checks that you had bounce, regarding the balance credit accounts. You’ve been making your payments really without any problems, however, the payment for today, August 30th has bounced across state lines. If it was accidental that that occurred, a late deposit or a new card, which I believe is what happened, please give me a call back let me know. I’ll happily waive your fees, your penalties, and keep you current. The number of the caller ID use my direct line. You can reach me at the main office 844-221-3596. Thank you very much, I look forward to speaking to you and getting this handled.
Share your Complaints against Foster and Monroe LLC Below
We encourage you to post your complaints about Foster and Monroe LLC. Sharing your complaints against this agency can help other consumers understand what to do when this company starts calling. Sharing your experience may help someone else!
HERE’S THE DEAL!
If you are being harassed by Foster and Monroe LLC over a debt, you may be entitled to money damages – up to $1,000 for harassment, and $500 – $1,500 for illegal robocalls. Under state and federal laws, we will help you based on a fee-shift provision and/or contingency fee, which means the debt collector pays your attorney’s fees and costs. You won’t owe us a dime for our services. We have settled thousands of debt collection harassment cases, and we’re prepared to help you, too. Contact Mike Agruss Law at 888-572-0176 to stop the harassment once and for all.
