Constant phone calls from Advance Credit Services disrupting your workday? Receiving threats about wage garnishment or lawsuits without proper documentation? Finding out they’ve contacted your family members about your personal debt? These aren’t just annoying collection tactics—they’re potential violations of federal consumer protection law that could entitle you to compensation.
Advance Credit Services, based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has operated for over 29 years as a debt collection agency. Federal court records show multiple lawsuits alleging FDCPA violations, including cases like Reavis v. Advance Credit Services and Smith v. Advance Credit Services. When collectors cross legal boundaries with harassment, threats, or privacy violations, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) gives you the power to fight back.
Stop tolerating illegal debt collection tactics. Call +1 844-638-1122 now for a free consultation with The Wood Law Firm. We specialize in stopping harassment and recovering up to $1,000 in statutory damages per violation, with the collector paying your attorney fees. You pay nothing unless we win.
Who Is Advance Credit Services?
Advance Credit Services (ACS) is a debt collection agency located in Winston-Salem, NC 27106-3264. With over 29 years in business, ACS operates as a third-party agency specializing in recovering debts for other companies.
Known Phone Numbers:
- 336-397-0220
- 336-397-0225
- (336) 397-0220
- (336) 397-0225
Advance Credit Services may use additional numbers not listed here. If you receive calls from unknown numbers claiming to be debt collectors, document every interaction, including dates, times, and conversation content.
Federal Court Cases:
- Reavis v. Advance Credit Services: Alleged FDCPA violations and harassment tactics
- Smith v. Advance Credit Services: Consumer rights violation claims
These cases demonstrate patterns of alleged violations that may include harassment tactics and failures to follow proper debt collection procedures.
Signs of Harassment by Advance Credit Services
The FDCPA protects consumers from abusive, unfair, or deceptive debt collection practices. Recognizing harassment signs helps you identify when collectors cross legal boundaries.
Calling Outside Legal Hours: Debt collectors may only contact you between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM in your time zone. Even one call outside these hours violates the FDCPA.
Excessive Calling: Multiple calls per day or week without new information may constitute harassment. Courts have found 7-10 calls daily potentially excessive.
Abusive Language or Threats: Using profanity, threatening violence, or employing intimidation tactics violates federal law regardless of whether you owe the debt.
Third-Party Contact: Contacting family, friends, or coworkers about your debt violates FDCPA privacy protections. Collectors may only contact others to locate you and must not reveal they’re collecting a debt.
False Legal Threats: Threatening wage garnishment or lawsuits without proper authorization or intent violates federal law. Empty threats designed to intimidate constitute illegal harassment.
Failing to Provide Debt Proof: Upon request, collectors must provide valid documentation proving you owe the debt. Refusing to provide this verification may violate the FDCPA.
If you’re experiencing these behaviors, contact a consumer protection attorney at +1 844-638-1122 to evaluate potential violations.
Also read: Advanced Capital Solutions Phone Harassment
Your Rights Under the FDCPA
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act provides strong protections against abusive debt collection practices.
- Right to Debt Validation: Collectors must provide written verification within five days of first contact, including the debt amount, original creditor’s name, and your right to dispute within 30 days.
- The Right to Dispute: You can dispute the debt in writing, requiring Advance Credit Services to stop collection until providing proper verification.
- Right to Cease Communication: You can send a written cease-and-desist letter demanding that they stop all contact. Once received, they can only contact you to confirm cessation or notify you of specific legal actions.
- The Right to Sue for Violations: If Advance Credit Services violates your rights, you can file a lawsuit seeking up to $1,000 in statutory damages per violation, plus actual damages for emotional distress and attorney fees paid by the collector.
Four Steps to Stop Advance Credit Services Harassment
Step 1: Document Everything
Create detailed records of all communication:
- Log dates, times, phone numbers used, and conversation content
- Note any threats, abusive language, or false claims made
- Record calls to family, friends, or your workplace
- Document how the contact affected you emotionally and practically
This documentation provides critical evidence for FDCPA violation claims.
Step 2: Request Proof of the Debt
Send a written validation request via certified mail demanding:
- Written verification of the debt
- Original creditor’s name and account details
- Total amount owed with breakdown of fees
- Documentation showing their authority to collect
Under the FDCPA, Advance Credit Services must provide this proof within five days of first contact. If they cannot provide the requested documentation, they may not have legal standing to collect the debt.
Step 3: Send a Cease-and-Desist Letter
Send a cease-and-desist letter via certified mail to their Winston-Salem, NC address stating: “Under 15 U.S.C. § 1692c, I demand that Advance Credit Services cease all communication with me regarding this alleged debt.”
Keep copies of everything and the certified mail receipt as evidence. Once they receive this letter, they can only contact you to confirm cessation or notify you of specific legal actions.
Step 4: Consult a Consumer Protection Attorney
If harassment continues despite your efforts, professional legal intervention becomes necessary. The Wood Law Firm offers free consultations and can guide you on the best approach. If Advance Credit Services violated your rights, we can help you pursue a lawsuit to stop harassment and recover up to $1,000 in statutory damages.
Call +1 844-638-1122 today. We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
Also read: Credit Bureau Collection Services Harassment
Filing a Lawsuit Against Advance Credit Services
A lawsuit can stop harassment and compel Advance Credit Services to cease illegal tactics. The Wood Law Firm specializes in fighting debt collectors on behalf of clients, helping secure fair compensation and peace of mind.
Potential Compensation:
- Up to $1,000 in statutory damages per violation
- Coverage of legal fees and court costs
- Compensation for emotional distress (in some cases)
Our team will fight to ensure you receive everything you’re entitled to under federal law.
Also read: Associated Collection Service Debt Collection Harassment
Where to Report Harassment
Filing complaints creates official records that strengthen your legal case.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Federal agency handling financial consumer complaints
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Investigates consumer protection violations
North Carolina Attorney General: The NC Attorney General handles state-level consumer protection since ACS is based in North Carolina
These complaints put additional pressure on collectors and create documentation supporting your case.
About The Wood Law Firm
At The Wood Law Firm, our mission is to protect consumers from predatory practices and ensure they receive fair treatment under federal law. 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 worked to hold companies accountable and secure justice for our clients.
Choosing The Wood Law Firm means partnering with a team deeply committed to protecting your consumer rights. We understand the stress and frustration that come with facing potentially unfair collection practices, and we stand by your side throughout the process. Our personalized approach, combined with extensive experience and national reach, makes us equipped to handle your consumer protection needs.
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 commitment to defending consumer rights has helped countless clients find relief from potentially unlawful debt collection practices.
Real Client Outcomes
Case Study: Third-Party Disclosure Violations
Lisa received four calls from Advance Credit Services within one week. On the third call, they contacted her mother, revealing details about Lisa’s medical debt. These unauthorized third-party disclosures violated the FDCPA. The Wood Law Firm documented the violations and secured $2,100 in damages. Advance Credit Services was required to cease all collection activity.
Case Study: False Threat Resolution
Advance Credit Services threatened James with immediate wage garnishment without a court judgment, claiming they would “take legal action within 24 hours.” These false threats violated the FDCPA. The Wood Law Firm filed suit, and James received $1,800 in statutory damages plus removal of the disputed debt from his credit report.
Case Study: Excessive Calling Stopped
Karen received 8-12 calls daily from Advance Credit Services for two weeks. After contacting The Wood Law Firm, we documented the excessive calling pattern and sent a cease-and-desist letter. When calls continued, we filed an FDCPA complaint. Advance Credit Services settled for $1,900 in statutory damages plus our attorney fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Advance Credit Services garnish my wages?
Advance Credit Services can only garnish wages after filing a lawsuit, winning a court judgment, and obtaining a wage garnishment order. Exception: Federal student loans may allow administrative garnishment. Threats of immediate garnishment without proper legal authority violate the FDCPA.
Can Advance Credit Services sue me for the debt?
Yes, they can file a lawsuit if the debt is within your state’s statute of limitations (typically 3-6 years) and they have proper documentation. However, threatening to sue without legal backing or proper documentation may constitute harassment.
Can Advance Credit Services have me arrested for debt?
No. Debt collectors cannot have you arrested for unpaid consumer debt. Threats of arrest for debt constitute serious FDCPA violations. You could face arrest only for violating court orders or certain specific debts like child support.
What if Advance Credit Services can’t prove I owe the debt?
If they cannot provide proper validation, they must stop collection efforts and cannot report to credit bureaus. Continuing collection activities without validation gives you grounds for an FDCPA lawsuit.
How long does Advance Credit Services have to collect a debt?
This depends on your state’s statute of limitations, typically 3-6 years for most debts. Attempting to collect on time-barred debt may violate state law.
What should I do if Advance Credit Services is calling the wrong person?
Document these calls carefully. Continued calls for the wrong person after you’ve informed them of the error violates the FDCPA and may entitle you to statutory damages.
Can I stop all communication from Advance Credit Services?
Yes. Send a cease-and-desist letter via certified mail requesting they stop all communication. After receiving this letter, they can only contact you to confirm cessation or notify you of specific legal actions.
Can I sue if I actually owe the debt?
Yes. Even if you owe the debt, you have rights under the FDCPA. If they violated these rights through harassment or improper collection tactics, you may have grounds for a lawsuit regardless of owing the original debt.
How much can I recover in an FDCPA lawsuit?
You could potentially receive up to $1,000 in statutory damages per violation, plus attorney fees and costs. In some cases, you might also recover damages for emotional distress.
Take Action Today
Don’t let debt collection harassment control your life. If you’re facing unwanted phone calls, threats, or illegal actions from Advance Credit Services, you can end it now.
Call +1 844-638-1122 for a free consultation. We will review your situation, identify FDCPA violations, stop the harassment immediately upon retention, and pursue maximum compensation through settlement or litigation. We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
FDCPA claims must typically be filed within one year of violations. Don’t delay. Contact us today to protect your rights and hold Advance Credit Services accountable.
Also read: Client Services Debt Collection Harassment
