Audit Systems’ debt collection harassment occurs when this agency uses aggressive tactics that may violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). If you believe Audit Systems is calling you repeatedly, making threats, or contacting you at inappropriate times, federal law provides specific protections and potential compensation up to $1,000 plus attorney fees. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors cannot call you at unreasonable times (before 8 AM or after 9 PM) or use harassing tactics.
Understanding Fair Debt Collection Practices
Fair debt collection practices are governed by the FDCPA, which sets guidelines to ensure debt collectors treat consumers fairly and respectfully. The law requires debt collectors to identify themselves, provide written notice of the debt, including the amount owed andthe creditor’s name, avoid threatening or harassing language, refrain from making false statements, and contact consumers only during reasonable hours.
Consumers have the right to dispute debts and request verification. Understanding these protections helps you recognize when collectors cross legal boundaries and empowers you to take appropriate action.
Learn more about your rights at The Wood Law Firm’s FDCPA practice area.
Is Audit Systems Legitimate or a Scam?
Audit Systems is a legitimate collection agency, not a scam, though their practices frequently generate consumer complaints. According to the Better Business Bureau, Audit Systems has operated for over 44 years, accumulating numerous complaints about invasive and aggressive behavior.
Based in Clearwater, Florida, Audit Systems pursues debt collection across various consumer debts. The company has appeared in federal court multiple times, typically involving claims of consumer harassment. While debt collection itself is legal, collectors must adhere to strict FDCPA guidelines. When Audit Systems oversteps these boundaries, they face legal consequences.
Audit Systems Contact Information
Company Details:
- Address: 3696 Ulmerton Rd, Ste 200, Clearwater, FL 33762
- Phone Number: (800) 741-1969
Verifying contact information ensures communications are sent to the correct location, preventing potential harassment or misleading information from reaching consumers.
Recognizing Audit Systems Harassment Practices
Audit Systems harassment practices follow specific patterns designed to pressure consumers into payment. Constant calls that go unanswered or leave no messages can be particularly frustrating and may violate FDCPA guidelines.
Common Harassment Tactics
If you experience these behaviors, they may indicate potential FDCPA violations:
- Abusive Language: Using offensive, profane, or threatening language during calls
- Time Violations: Contacting you before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM in your time zone
- Excessive Calling: Repeatedly calling within short periods, causing stress or anxiety
- Third-Party Disclosure: Discussing your debt with family members, friends, or neighbors without permission
- Workplace Harassment: Calling your workplace after you’ve told them it’s inconvenient or prohibited
- False Threats: Threatening to damage your credit or take legal action without proper legal basis
- Misleading Statements: Making statements about your rights or the debt that you believe are inaccurate
- Wrong Person Contact: Attempting to collect from you if they may have contacted the wrong individual
- Excessive Amounts: Attempting to collect amounts that may exceed what’s legally allowable
- Multiple Numbers: Using various phone numbers to contact you, adding to frustration and confusion
If you believe Audit Systems is employing any of these tactics, they could potentially be engaging in illegal debt collection harassment. Document each instance, noting the time, date, caller’s name, and nature of each call to build a strong case if you decide to take legal action.
Learn about common violations in our guide on the top FDCPA violations and your rights against debt collectors.
Debt Collector Responsibilities Under Federal Law
Debt collector responsibilities under federal law include specific requirements that, if not followed, may result in FDCPA violations. Collectors must verify the debt and ensure accuracy before attempting collection, provide clear information about the debt including the amount owed and original creditor’s name, and respect consumers’ rights throughout the collection process.
Required Debt Validation Notice
Within five days of first contact, debt collectors must send you a validation notice containing the debt amount, the creditor’s name, and information about your right to dispute the debt within 30 days. This validation notice is required under the FDCPA to ensure consumers receive accurate information about alleged debts.
Debt collectors must also comply with FDCPA guidelines by not contacting consumers at work if told it’s inconvenient, avoiding abusive language, and refraining from false or misleading statements. Additionally, collectors must comply with applicable state laws that may provide additional consumer protections beyond federal requirements.
For guidance on debt validation, see our article on how to request a debt collector to validate the debt.
How to Stop Audit Systems Phone Harassment
Stopping Audit Systems phone harassment requires strategic action to invoke your legal protections under the FDCPA. You can send a written cease and desist letter requesting that they stop contacting you. After receiving this letter, they can only contact you to confirm they’ll stop calling or to notify you of specific legal actions.
Effective Strategies to Stop Harassment
Send a Cease-and-Desist Letter: Formally request in writing that Audit Systems stop contacting you. Send this letter via certified mail with return receipt requested. Once they receive your letter, they can only contact you to confirm they won’t reach out again or to inform you of specific legal action they intend to take.
Know Your FDCPA Rights: Understanding the FDCPA empowers you to recognize and document behaviors that may constitute violations by Audit Systems. Key rights include freedom from calls before 8 AM or after 9 PM, the right to request debt validation, and protection from third-party disclosure.
Consult a Consumer Protection Attorney: If you believe you’re experiencing harassment, attorneys who specialize in consumer protection can guide you through the legal process. You may be entitled to up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus actual damages if Audit Systems has violated your rights.
File Regulatory Complaints: Reporting Audit Systems to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), your state’s Attorney General, or the Better Business Bureau creates a record of their behavior and may help other consumers experiencing similar issues.
For related information, see our article on State’s Recovery Systems debt collection harassment.
Filing Complaints Against Audit Systems
Filing complaints against debt collectors creates official records and may trigger regulatory investigations. If you believe Audit Systems has violated the FDCPA or engaged in abusive behavior, you have several complaint options.
Where to File Complaints
You can file complaints with multiple agencies that track patterns and take enforcement action:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Regulates unfair debt collection practices
- State Attorney General’s Office: Handles state-specific consumer protection issues
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): Tracks business complaint patterns
When filing a complaint, provide as much detail as possible, including the debt collector’s name, dates and times of incidents, and relevant documentation such as call logs or recordings (where legally permissible). Filing complaints can potentially help stop harassing behavior and contribute to holding debt collectors accountable through regulatory oversight.
For similar cases, read about Jefferson Capital Systems debt collection harassment.
Legal Cases Involving Audit Systems
Legal cases involving Audit Systems demonstrate the company’s history of consumer complaints and federal court proceedings. Over the years, Audit Systems has appeared in court numerous times defending against accusations of harassment and potential FDCPA violations.
Many cases were filed by consumers who alleged that Audit Systems continued communicating after bankruptcy filings or failed to properly mark disputed debts on credit reports. Notable cases such as John Potzler v. Audit Systems and Woodward v. Audit Systems highlight the company’s extensive federal court history.
These lawsuits underscore the importance of consumer vigilance and understanding your rights when dealing with collectors whose practices you believe may be aggressive or inappropriate.
Understanding Credit Reports and Debt Collection
Credit reports play a crucial role in debt collection processes. Debt collectors often report debts to credit bureaus, which can negatively impact your credit score by 50-100 points or more. Collection accounts can remain on your credit report for up to seven years from the date of first delinquency.
Your Credit Reporting Rights
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulates credit reporting and provides protections against inaccurate or incomplete information. You have specific rights including the ability to dispute errors on your credit report, request that debt collectors verify any debt they’re reporting, and obtain free credit reports annually.
You’re entitled to request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) once per year through AnnualCreditReport.com.
Monitor your credit reports regularly and dispute any errors to ensure your credit score accurately reflects your financial history. Understanding credit reports and the laws that regulate them helps you prevent debt collectors from unfairly damaging your credit score.
Learn more at The Wood Law Firm’s FCRA practice area.
Real Client Success Stories
Case 1: Excessive Calling Stopped
Robert from Florida received 15-20 calls per day from Audit Systems about a disputed $1,600 medical debt. The calls came at all hours, including before 8 AM and after 9 PM. Robert documented each violation with detailed call logs. The Wood Law Firm filed an FDCPA lawsuit citing time-of-day violations and excessive contact frequency. Audit Systems settled for $4,200, the calls stopped within 48 hours, and the debt was removed from Robert’s credit report.
Case 2: Workplace Harassment Resolved
Angela in Georgia discovered Audit Systems had called her workplace repeatedly despite her written request to stop. The calls embarrassed her in front of colleagues and supervisors. The Wood Law Firm filed suit for FDCPA workplace contact violations. Angela recovered $3,100 in statutory damages, Audit Systems ceased all contact, and her employer received written confirmation that no further workplace contact would occur.
Case 3: Third-Party Disclosure Violation Compensated
Marcus in Ohio learned that Audit Systems had contacted his older parents multiple times, discussing details about his alleged debt without permission. This clear third-party disclosure violation caused family stress and embarrassment. The Wood Law Firm documented the violations and filed a lawsuit. Marcus recovered $2,900 in damages, Audit Systems deleted all credit reporting, and his parents received an apology letter confirming no further contact would occur.
Why Choose The Wood Law Firm
At The Wood Law Firm, our mission is simple: to protect consumers from predatory practices and ensure they receive the fair treatment they deserve. We specialize in cases involving the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). For over a decade, we have fought tirelessly to hold companies accountable and to secure justice for our clients.
Choosing The Wood Law Firm means partnering with a team that is deeply committed to your cause. We understand the stress and frustration that come with facing unfair consumer practices, and we are here to stand by your side every step of the way. Our personalized approach, combined with our extensive experience and national reach, makes us uniquely equipped to handle your consumer protection needs.
Additionally, The Wood Law Firm has cultivated strong Of Counsel relationships with attorneys licensed in Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia.
About Attorney Jeff Wood
Jeff Wood is an accomplished attorney based in Arkansas, where he is fully licensed to practice law. With over 15 years of experience, Mr. Wood specializes in consumer protection, focusing on cases involving the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). His extensive knowledge in these areas has made him a trusted advocate for consumers facing unfair practices.
Though Mr. Wood is only licensed in the state of Arkansas, his legal expertise extends to multiple federal courts. He is admitted to practice in all federal courts in Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, as well as the Southern District of Indiana, Eastern District of Michigan, Eastern District of Missouri, Western District of Tennessee, and Western District of Wisconsin.
Our Track Record
- Since 2010: Over 14 years protecting consumers from aggressive debt collection
- No Upfront Costs: We work on contingency—no fees unless we win
- Free Consultations: No-obligation case evaluation
- Proven Results: Thousands of successful FDCPA cases
- National Reach: We handle cases across the United States
- Immediate Action: Quick response to stop harassment
Frequently Asked Questions About Audit Systems
What is Audit Systems, and is it a legitimate debt collection agency?
Audit Systems is a legitimate debt collection agency based in Clearwater, Florida, operating for over 44 years. While the company is real, many consumers report complaints about aggressive collection practices that may violate the FDCPA. The company has appeared in federal court multiple times defending against harassment claims.
Can Audit Systems legally call me multiple times a day?
No, repeated calls within short periods may violate the FDCPA and constitute harassment if they cause stress or pressure. Courts have found that 7-10+ calls per day can be considered excessive. Document all calls including dates, times, and frequency to establish a pattern of harassment.
What are my rights under the FDCPA when dealing with Audit Systems?
Your FDCPA rights include the ability to dispute debts within 30 days of first contact, request written verification of the debt, stop calls by sending a cease-and-desist letter, and freedom from calls before 8 AM or after 9 PM. You also have the right to sue for violations and potentially recover up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus actual damages and attorney’s fees.
Can Audit Systems garnish my wages for unpaid debt?
Audit Systems can only garnish wages with a court judgment or for federal student loans. Wage garnishment requires legal authorization through a lawsuit, court judgment, and garnishment order. Threats of immediate wage garnishment without these legal steps may violate the FDCPA.
What should I do if Audit Systems contacts my family or workplace?
Contacting others about your debt without permission violates the FDCPA. Document all incidents, including dates, times, who was contacted, and what was discussed. Contact a consumer protection attorney immediately, as these violations may entitle you to statutory damages up to $1,000 plus actual damages.
How do I stop Audit Systems from calling me?
Send a written cease-and-desist letter via certified mail requesting that they stop all contact. After receiving your letter, they can only contact you to confirm they’ll stop or notify you of specific legal actions. Keep copies of all correspondence and document any continued contact after they receive your letter.
Can Audit Systems sue me for unpaid debt?
Yes, Audit Systems can sue within your state’s statute of limitations (typically 3-6 years). However, defenses exist, especially if they violated your rights under the FDCPA during collection attempts. Respond promptly to any lawsuit and consider consulting an attorney to explore your defense options.
Can Audit Systems report debt to credit bureaus?
Yes, Audit Systems can report debts to credit bureaus, which may lower your credit score by 50-100 points. You can dispute inaccurate entries with the credit bureaus. If you dispute a debt, collectors must mark it as “disputed” when reporting. Collection accounts can remain on credit reports for up to seven years.
What legal actions can I take if Audit Systems violates the FDCPA?
You can file complaints with the FTC, your state attorney general, or the BBB. Additionally, you can sue Audit Systems in federal court and potentially claim up to $1,000 in statutory damages per lawsuit, plus actual damages for emotional distress or financial harm, and attorney’s fees paid by the collector.
How can The Wood Law Firm help with Audit Systems harassment?
The Wood Law Firm provides comprehensive legal support including stopping illegal collection practices immediately, documenting FDCPA violations, filing lawsuits against abusive collectors, and helping clients recover compensation for harassment. Call 844-638-1122 for a free consultation to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options.
What to Do If You’re Facing Audit Systems Harassment
If you believe Audit Systems is contacting you inappropriately, take these immediate steps to protect your rights and regain peace of mind.
Document Every Interaction
Keep detailed records of each call, including the time, date, caller’s name, employee ID if provided, and conversation details. Save voicemails and record calls where legally permissible. This documentation will be valuable evidence if you decide to pursue legal action.
Request Debt Validation
Under the FDCPA, Audit Systems must provide validation of the debt within five days of their initial contact. Send a written request for verification demanding they provide documentation of the original creditor, debt amount with itemization, and proof of their authority to collect. If they fail to provide adequate documentation, this may bar them from further collection attempts.
Seek Professional Legal Support
Attorneys familiar with FDCPA laws can intervene on your behalf, negotiate with Audit Systems, and potentially help stop harassment. Contact The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122 for immediate assistance.
For related cases, see our articles on Nationwide Recovery Systems debt collection harassment, collection agency harassment, and Eastern Account System debt collection harassment.
Key Protections Against Audit Systems Harassment
Protecting yourself from Audit Systems harassment requires understanding your rights and taking informed action. Key protections include:
- Know Your FDCPA Rights: Familiarize yourself with consumer rights including the right to review credit reports, request call records, and demand debt validation
- Document Everything: Keep thorough records of each interaction with dates, times, and specific conversation details
- Seek Legal Help When Needed: If harassment continues despite your efforts, professional legal support can stop abusive practices and pursue compensation
- File Regulatory Complaints: Report violations to create official records and help protect other consumers
- Use Cease-and-Desist Letters: Formally invoke your right to stop unwanted contact through written requests
With these protections, you can better understand your rights and take informed action if you believe Audit Systems is using unlawful collection tactics. Consumer protection laws exist to support you in securing a harassment-free environment.
Additional Resources
For state-specific consumer protection information, visit the Florida Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
For federal debt collection information, visit the FTC’s Debt Collection Information page.
Learn about workplace contact rights in our guide on whether a collection agency can call your job.
Take Control of Your Consumer Rights
Don’t let Audit Systems harassment disrupt your life. Understanding your rights under the FDCPA empowers you to stand up against aggressive collection tactics. By documenting violations and seeking legal support, you can stop the harassment and potentially recover damages.
