Are you dealing with relentless phone calls from the Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc.? If you’re tired of their harassment and want to stop the ongoing demands for payment, you’re not alone. Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. of Maryland is notorious for its aggressive tactics, but you don’t have to endure this mistreatment. The Wood Law Firm can help you fight back, ensuring that your rights are protected and you receive any damages you’re entitled to without incurring any costs.
Understanding Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. of Maryland’s Debt Collection Harassment
If you constantly receive calls from the Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. of Maryland, you might be experiencing debt collection harassment. This agency’s calls might be frequent and intimidating, often occurring several times a day, and might include threats of legal action or abusive language. Such behavior is distressing and may violate your legal rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)?
The FDCPA is a federal law designed to shield consumers from unfair and abusive debt collection practices. It mandates that debt collectors must operate within guidelines when collecting debts. If a collector, like the Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc., violates these rules, you have the right to take legal action. The FDCPA allows victims of harassment to not only halt the offending behavior but also to seek statutory damages of up to $1,000, plus additional compensation for attorney fees and court costs.
Is the Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. of Maryland a Legitimate Business?
Yes, the Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. of Maryland, is a legitimate debt collection agency, operating since 2006. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the company has been involved in over 60 complaints in the past three years and 40 in the last year alone. These complaints reflect ongoing issues with its debt collection practices.
Who is the Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. of Maryland?
Based in Greenwood Village, Colorado, Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. is a third-party debt collector. They have been involved in numerous federal credit issuance and debt collection cases. Recent federal court cases allege that the agency has used illegal and harassing communication tactics in attempts to collect payments.
Contact Information
Address: 5295 DTC Parkway, Greenwood Village, CO 80111-2752
Phone: +1 844-638-1122
Commonly Searched Names and Terms for Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc.
Consumers often search for Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. under various names and terms. These include:
Professional Bureau of Collections
PBCM
PBC of Maryland
Bureau of Collections
PBC Collections
Maryland Collection Agencies
Federal Collection Bureau
Collection Agency in Maryland
Recognizing Harassment Tactics by Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc.
Harassment by the Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. may include a range of illegal practices. If you encounter any of the following behaviors, you could have grounds for a legal claim:
Calls Outside Legal Hours: Debt collectors cannot call before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. unless agreed otherwise (FDCPA 15 U.S.C. 1692c).
Discussing Your Debt with Others: Debt collectors must not disclose your debt to third parties without your consent (FDCPA 15 U.S.C. 1692b).
Calling Your Workplace: If you have informed them that calls at your place of employment are not permitted, they must respect that (FDCPA 15 U.S.C. 1692c).
Using Abusive Language: They cannot use profane or abusive language (FDCPA 15 U.S.C. 1692d).
Harassing Conduct: Any behavior intended to harass, abuse, or oppress you is prohibited (FDCPA 15 U.S.C. 1692d).
False Statements: Misrepresentations about the debt amount or threats of legal action that are not legally justified (FDCPA 15 U.S.C. 1692e).
Threats of Arrest: Debt collectors cannot threaten arrest or criminal prosecution for unpaid debts (FDCPA 15 U.S.C. 1692e).
False Credit Reporting: They must send correct information to credit bureaus (FDCPA 15 U.S.C. 1692e).
Excessive Phone Calls: They are prohibited from making an unreasonable number of calls (FDCPA 15 U.S.C. 1692d).
Phone Numbers Associated with Harassment
If you receive calls from these numbers, they may be from the Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc.:
720-200-0326
Note that they might use various phone numbers to contact you. If you suspect harassment or receive voicemails from unknown numbers, it’s essential to take action. Contact The Wood Law Firm immediately to stop the illegal practices and protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. of Maryland a scam?
Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. of Maryland is not a scam; it is a legitimate debt collection agency that has been in operation since 2006. Despite its legitimate status, the agency has been subject to scrutiny and numerous complaints. This scrutiny largely stems from its aggressive debt collection practices, which have led to concerns among consumers and regulatory bodies alike. While the company operates within legal bounds, its methods have raised red flags, making it crucial for consumers to be aware of their rights and seek legal advice if they experience harassment.
Can the Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. of Maryland seize my property?
The Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. of Maryland, cannot seize your property under ordinary circumstances. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If the debt is secured by the property itself—such as in the case of a car loan or a mortgage—the agency may have the right to repossess the property. Additionally, suppose the Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. has successfully sued you and obtained a court judgment against you. In that case, they may have the legal authority to seize specific assets as permitted by the court. This process usually involves additional legal steps, including obtaining a court order, and is subject to local laws and regulations.
Can the Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. of Maryland sue me?
Yes, the Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. of Maryland, can sue you, provided the debt is still within the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is a legal time frame for creditors to initiate a lawsuit to collect a debt. This period varies by state and by the type of debt. Once the statute of limitations expires, you may have legal grounds to contest the lawsuit. It’s essential to be aware of this time limit to effectively protect yourself from potential legal action and promptly address any debt-collection lawsuits.
Can the Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. of Maryland, report my debt to credit bureaus?
Yes, the Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. of Maryland, has the right to report unpaid debts to credit bureaus. This can significantly impact your credit score and remain on your credit report for up to seven years, depending on the nature of the debt and the laws in your state. If you notice inaccuracies or outdated information on your credit report, addressing these issues promptly is essential. You have the right to dispute any incorrect information with the credit bureaus and ensure that your credit report accurately reflects your financial situation.
Can the Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. of Maryland, have me arrested?
Debt collectors, including the Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. of Maryland, do not have the authority to arrest you solely for unpaid debts. The notion of arrest for debt is a misconception.
However, failing to comply with a court order—such as a summons to appear in court—can lead to legal consequences, including issuing a warrant for your arrest. Additionally, in some states, certain types of unpaid debts, such as child support or traffic fines, can result in arrest if they are associated with specific legal violations. Responding to court orders and legal proceedings is crucial to avoid potential legal repercussions.
Summary
While the Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. of Maryland is a legitimate debt collection agency, its aggressive practices have drawn criticism. Understanding your rights and the limits of what the agency can legally do is essential in navigating debt collection issues. If you face harassment or have concerns about your rights, consulting with a legal expert from The Wood Law Firm can provide the guidance needed to address and resolve these issues effectively.
The Wood Law Firm: Protecting Your Rights
The Wood Law Firm specializes in defending clients against harassment from debt collectors. If you are facing harassment from the Professional Bureau of Collections, Inc. or any other debt collector, contact us at +1 844-638-1122 for immediate assistance. We are committed to stopping illegal collection practices and upholding your rights.
Success Stories
At The Wood Law Firm, we take pride in our commitment to protecting clients’ rights and resolving debt collection issues. Here’s a glimpse into the positive experiences of some of our satisfied clients:
“Working with The Wood Law Firm was an exceptional experience. I was inundated with relentless calls from a debt collector seeking payment from someone I had no connection with. Despite my repeated attempts to explain the mistake, the calls kept coming, leading to significant frustration and stress. I decided to reach out to The Wood Law Firm for assistance. Their team acted swiftly to halt the incessant calls, and, to my surprise, they managed to secure compensation for me. The best part? I didn’t incur any legal fees. Their professionalism and dedication were outstanding. I highly recommend their services to anyone facing similar issues.”
“I highly recommend The Wood Law Firm for anyone struggling with harassment from debt collectors. From start to finish, they were professional, transparent, and dedicated to ensuring I understood my rights. Their approach to handling my case was straightforward and efficient, and they worked diligently to address the issues I was facing. Their assistance not only stopped the harassment but also provided me with peace of mind. The Wood Law Firm is an excellent choice for anyone seeking help dealing with debt collection problems.”
At The Wood Law Firm, we provide exceptional legal support to clients facing debt collection harassment. Our success stories reflect our commitment to achieving favorable outcomes and upholding our clients’ rights.
Whether you’re dealing with aggressive debt collectors or need legal advice on managing debt-related issues, our team is here to help you navigate the complexities of debt collection laws and protect your interests. If you’re experiencing similar challenges, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to fight for your rights and provide you with the support you need to resolve your debt collection issues effectively.
