Professional Bureau of Collections of Maryland, Inc. (PBCM) is a national accounts receivable firm that collects early-stage and late-stage consumer accounts. Despite the Maryland name, current public materials place the company in Parker, Colorado. Callers and letters from PBCM are subject to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act the same as any other third-party collector.
Key Takeaways
- PBCM is a real collector, not a scam. It is not BBB accredited.
- Public materials list a Parker, Colorado address and a main toll-free line of 800-270-9685.
- Complaint and litigation themes around this name include inconsistent balances, unclear creditor lines, and interest-disclosure language.
- A written validation demand and a call log are the first tools. Do not pay from the first letter alone.
- FDCPA statutory damages can reach $1,000 per action, plus actual damages if harm is proven, plus attorney fees if you prevail.
Free Case Review: +1-844-638-1122
Who Is Professional Bureau Of Collections Of Maryland
Professional Bureau of Collections of Maryland, Inc. is a full-service receivables firm that handles both first-party (pre-charge-off) and third-party collection work. The source file dates the business to the mid-1990s. BBB records list a later start date and show the company as not accredited.
Current contact details from the supplied BBB profile include:
- 14579 Haley Ave, Parker, CO 80134
- Main phone: 800-270-9685
- Additional phone: 720-200-0326
- Alternate name: PBCM
The firm works national portfolios. The Maryland name does not limit where it can call. BBB status and accreditation are separate from whether a specific letter or call complied with federal law. See the BBB profile for Professional Bureau of Collections of Maryland, Inc. for the accreditation note and address on file.
What Phone Numbers Does PBCM Use
PBCM’s primary line in the supplied materials is 800-270-9685. A second Colorado number also appears. Save the exact line that called you.
Primary Line
800-270-9685
☎8002709685
☎1-800-270-9685
☎800.270.9685
☎(800) 270-9685
☎800-270-9685
Additional Line
720-200-0326
☎7202000326
☎1-720-200-0326
☎720.200.0326
☎(720) 200-0326
☎720-200-0326
Is Professional Bureau Of Collections Of Maryland A Scam
No. PBCM is a legitimate debt collection company on the supplied record. A real collector can still violate the FDCPA on a given file. Lack of BBB accreditation is a consumer-facing data point. It is not proof that every account is fake.
Treat the contact as higher risk if the caller demands gift cards or crypto, refuses a mailing address, or threatens arrest on ordinary consumer debt. Verify the balance and the original creditor in writing before you pay. Similar legitimacy-versus-tactics issues appear in other collector guides such as Coast Professional debt collection harassment.
What Harassment Patterns Appear In PBCM Files
Harassment patterns tied to this name in the source file center on letter content and contact rules, not only call volume. Match each theme to the papers you actually received.
- Letters that list different balances for the same account
- Original-creditor lines that do not match your records
- Language that suggests a dispute must be in writing only
- Balance figures that never say whether interest or fees are still accruing
- Direct contact after the collector was told you have counsel
- Use of outside vendors that raises third-party disclosure questions
Federal law still allows verbal disputes. Written follow-up is smarter because it creates a record. Common FDCPA violation categories are summarized in the top FDCPA violations collectors trigger.
What Federal Rules Apply To PBCM
Federal rules under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act limit every PBCM call, letter, and text. The core limits are easy to check against a log.
- Calls only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. local time unless you agreed otherwise
- No repeated calls made to annoy
- No workplace calls after you say the employer bars them
- No discussing the debt with family, friends, or coworkers
- No false statements about the amount, the creditor, or legal consequences
- After a written cease request, contact is limited to a confirmation or a notice of specific legal action
Call-frequency questions are covered further in how many times a debt collection agency can call per day.
How Do You Stop PBCM Calls And Letters
You stop or limit PBCM contact with a written validation demand and, if needed, a cease-communication letter. Send both by certified mail and keep the receipts.
- Ask for the original creditor, the exact amount, and whether interest or fees are accruing
- Ask for proof of the right to collect the file
- State that future contact should be in writing if you want the phone to stop
- Log every later call, letter, and balance figure
- Compare every letter if the amounts do not match
A timely written dispute after the first notice can pause collection on the disputed portion until verification is mailed. Check your state’s limitations period before any payment or written acknowledgment. Time-barred debts can still draw calls. A lawsuit threat on an expired file can create a separate problem.
Where Can You File A Complaint
You can file the same dates and letters with federal and state agencies. A complaint creates a record. It does not replace validation or a private claim.
- CFPB complaint portal
- FTC debt collection FAQs and complaint path
- Colorado Attorney General consumer protection division, given the Parker address on file
Attach the letters that show conflicting balances and any cease or validation mailing receipts.
What Is The Difference Between First-Party And Third-Party Work
The difference between first-party and third-party work is the stage of the account and who owns it. First-party work is usually pre-charge-off collection for the original creditor. Third-party work is often post-charge-off collection, sometimes after a sale or placement.
Your rights to validation and accurate statements apply in both settings when a third-party collector is involved. Request writing so the letter states which role PBCM claims on your file.
How The Wood Firm PLLC Reviews PBCM Files
The Wood Firm PLLC reviews PBCM letters for balance consistency, creditor identification, interest language, and contact after an attorney notice. We represent consumers only. We do not represent creditors or collectors.
Most FDCPA matters are taken on contingency. Statutory damages in that kind of action can reach $1,000, plus actual damages if harm is proven, plus attorney fees if you prevail. Results still turn on the documents.
Call +1-844-638-1122 if you want the letters reviewed. Bring every mailer, the numbers that called, and any notice you already sent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Professional Bureau Of Collections Of Maryland A Scam?
No. PBCM is a legitimate collector on the supplied record. It is not BBB accredited. Legitimacy does not bar review of a specific letter or call.
What Phone Number Does PBCM Use?
The primary line in the supplied materials is 800-270-9685. A second number, 720-200-0326, also appears.
Why Do PBCM Letters Show Different Amounts?
Conflicting balances on the same account are a fact pattern raised in consumer complaints about this company. Document every letter and demand a single itemized amount in writing.
Do I Have To Dispute Only In Writing?
No. Federal law allows a verbal dispute. A written follow-up is still the better record.
Can PBCM Call Me After I Hire An Attorney?
No. Once the collector knows you are represented on that debt, contact should go through counsel.
What Is First-Party Versus Third-Party Collection?
First-party work is usually early collection for the original creditor. Third-party work is often charged-off or placed debt. Ask which role applies to your file.
How Long Can PBCM Try To Collect?
Lawsuit deadlines depend on your state and the account type, often three to six years. Calls may continue after that point. A payment can restart the clock in many states.
Should I Verify The Balance Before I Pay?
Yes. Ask whether interest or fees are accruing and demand an itemized breakdown before any payment.
What To Do After The Next PBCM Letter
Keep every mailer and compare the balances side by side. Mail validation before you pay, and write down whether the letter says interest is still running. If a summons arrives, answer it on time.
The Wood Firm PLLC can review a PBCM packet on contingency. Call +1-844-638-1122 if the amounts do not match across letters or if contact continued after a written dispute.
Jeff Wood represents consumers exclusively, never creditors or collectors. He holds federal court admissions across 9 districts, including all courts of AR, CO, NM, and TX. He practices from Little Rock, AR.
