Dealing with Advance Credit Services Phone Harassment: Know Your Rights
Dealing with debt collectors can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when those collectors resort to harassment. If Advance Credit Services debt harassment affects your peace of mind, you don’t have to endure it. You have legal rights protecting you from aggressive and unlawful collection practices. In this article, we’ll explain how to identify phone harassment, understand the nature of their tactics, and how you can stop it with the help of The Wood Law Firm.
Whether receiving constant calls from collectors, facing threats, or dealing with unwanted contact with friends and family, we are here to help you stop these potentially illegal actions and get the compensation you deserve. You may even be entitled to statutory damages of up to $1,000. Best of all, The Wood Law Firm handles your case without charging legal fees unless we win.
Understanding Advance Credit Services: Who Are They?
Advance Credit Services (ACS) is a Winston Salem, North Carolina debt collection agency located at Winston-Salem, NC 27106-3264. With over 29 years of experience in business, it is a third-party agency specializing in recovering other companies’ debts. However, ACS has faced multiple accusations of potentially violating consumer rights. Due to alleged aggressive tactics, which may include threats and harassment, Advance Credit Services lawsuits have surfaced in federal court.
Common ACS Contact Numbers
If you believe you’re receiving harassing calls, these are known Advance Credit Services phone numbers to watch for:
📱 336-397-0220 📱 336-397-0225 📱 (336) 397-0220 📱 (336) 397-0225
Keep in mind that ACS may use other numbers not listed here. If you think a debt collector is calling from an unknown number, it could potentially be them.
Is Advance Credit Services a Scam?
Despite the accusations, Advance Credit Services is not a scam. It has operated for several decades as a legitimate debt collection company. However, if you believe their debt collection tactics have crossed legal boundaries, you may have grounds for action. Alleged phone harassment and other aggressive practices have led many consumers to file complaints about this company with regulatory agencies.
ACS Legal History
Court records indicate that Advance Credit Services has been involved in several federal cases, including Reavis v. Advance Credit Services and Smith v. Advance Credit Services. These cases may demonstrate patterns of alleged violations that could include harassment tactics and potential failures to follow proper debt collection procedures.
Signs of Harassment by Advance Credit Services
If you’re encountering debt collection harassment, you must be aware of the specific signs that may indicate their behavior is crossing legal boundaries. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers from abusive, unfair, or deceptive debt collection practices. Debt collectors may face serious consequences when violating these rules. Below are common signs that may indicate harassment:
➤Calling Before 8:00 a.m. or After 9:00 p.m.: Debt collectors are only permitted to contact you during reasonable hours. If you believe they’re calling too early in the morning or too late at night, they may be violating your rights.
➤Repeatedly Calling You or Your Workplace: Persistent calls are annoying and may violate the FDCPA if they occur multiple times per day or week without reason.
➤Using Abusive Language or Threatening Behavior: No debt collector should ever use foul language, threaten violence, or employ any form of intimidation. If you think a collector is using offensive language, they may be violating the law.
➤Contacting Family, Friends, or Co-workers About Your Debt: Debt collectors cannot contact third parties about your debts or discuss your financial matters with anyone other than you. If you believe Advance Credit Services is contacting others about your debt, it may constitute harassment.
➤Threatening to Garnish Your Wages or Sue You Without Proof: Collectors cannot threaten legal actions, such as wage garnishment or lawsuits, unless they are legally authorized. If you think a creditor is making empty threats without legal backing, it may violate the FDCPA.
➤Failing to Provide Valid Proof of Debt: Upon request, debt collectors must provide valid documentation proving that you owe the debt. If you believe they’re failing to do so, they may be acting unethically and potentially illegally.
If you’re experiencing any of these behaviors, it may strongly indicate that this company is potentially violating the law. Thankfully, you have the right to take action to stop these potentially unlawful practices and hold them accountable. Contact The Wood Law Firm at📱 +1 844-638-1122 to discuss your options for fighting back.
Also read: Advanced Capital Solutions Phone Harassment
What to Do If You Receive Calls from Them
If you believe Advance Credit Services is harassing you, it’s crucial to understand your rights and know the steps to potentially stop the harassment. Ignoring these calls can only worsen the situation, so it’s essential to act swiftly. Here are vital steps you can take:
Document Everything
Maintaining a thorough record of each call is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from phone harassment. This documentation can be crucial if you decide to pursue legal action. Keep a detailed log, noting the date, time, phone number used, and any threats or demands made during each conversation.
You should also note the content of the conversations, such as whether you believe the collector used abusive language or made false claims. Remember that Advance Credit Services may change their phone number to evade detection, so be vigilant and document all numbers they use.
If you receive calls from unknown numbers, they could potentially be trying to contact you. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case may be when you seek legal assistance.
Request Proof of the Debt
Under the FDCPA, you have the right to request written verification of the debt from Advance Credit Services, which they must provide within five days of their first contact with you. If you believe they’re failing to provide this proof, they may be violating your rights, and you can take immediate action to potentially stop their calls.
If they cannot provide the requested documentation, they may not have the legal standing to collect the debt. It’s essential to insist on receiving this proof in writing.
How to Send a Cease and Desist Letter
If you want all communication from Advance Credit Services to stop entirely, you may send them a cease and desist letter. Under the FDCPA, once they receive this letter, they can only contact you to confirm they’re stopping communication or to notify you of specific legal actions they may take.
Your letter should be sent via certified mail to their Winston Salem, NC address and should clearly state that you’re requesting they cease all communication regarding the alleged debt. Keep copies of everything and the certified mail receipt as evidence.
Speak with an Attorney
Once you’ve documented the calls and requested proof of the debt, the next crucial step is to consult an attorney. At The Wood Law Firm, we offer free consultations and can guide you on how best to approach your situation. If you believe Advance Credit Services may have violated your rights, we can help you pursue a lawsuit to potentially stop their harassment and recover up to $1,000 in statutory damages. There’s no reason to face harassment alone—an experienced attorney can ensure you receive the compensation and justice you may deserve. Call +1 844-638-1122 today.
Also read: Credit Bureau Collection Services Harassment
How to Stop Advance Credit Services Harassment: Legal Actions
Once you identify the signs of phone harassment, taking swift legal action may be essential. If you believe they have harassed you, you may have grounds for a lawsuit under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Filing a Lawsuit Against Advance Credit Services
A lawsuit can potentially stop harassment and compel them to cease their allegedly illegal tactics. In many cases, debt collectors like ACS may have to pay you damages if they’re found to have violated the FDCPA. At The Wood Law Firm, we specialize in fighting debt collectors on behalf of our clients, helping them secure fair compensation and peace of mind.
What You Could Potentially Be Entitled To
If you believe Advance Credit Services may have violated your rights, you could potentially be entitled to:
Up to 💰$1,000 in Statutory Damages Coverage of Legal Fees 💸 Compensation for Emotional Distress (In some cases)
Our team at The Wood Law Firm will fight to ensure you receive everything you may be entitled to under the law. Call +1 844-638-1122 today.
Also read: Associated Collection Service Debt Collection Harassment
Where to Report Advance Credit Services Harassment
If you believe you’re experiencing harassment, you may want to report it to regulatory agencies. Filing complaints creates an official record that may strengthen your legal case. Consider reporting to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, and the North Carolina Attorney General, since ACS is based in North Carolina.
Advance Credit Services Complaints and Common Issues
Numerous consumers have shared their experiences with Advance Credit Services in reviews. Many have expressed frustration over allegedly aggressive collection tactics. Common complaints that may indicate potential violations include:
✔️Unwanted calls at all hours of the day
✔️Potential threats of legal action without proper documentation
✔️Alleged harassing phone calls to family and friends
✔️Potentially incorrect claims about the amount of debt owed
If you think you may be facing similar issues, you no longer have to endure this treatment. The Wood Law Firm can help you potentially stop harassment and hold them accountable for their actions.
Advance Credit Services Lawsuit: Why You Should Consider Legal Action
If you believe Advance Credit Services may have violated your rights, a lawsuit could potentially be the best way to stop the harassment. The FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from using deceptive, threatening, or abusive tactics to collect debt, and the company may be no exception. Here’s what to expect when you file a lawsuit against alleged debt harassment.
What Happens in an ACS Lawsuit?
If you decide to take legal action against Advance Credit Services, the process typically involves filing a complaint that outlines the potential violations and requests damages. You may settle the case out of court or go to trial. If you win, you could potentially be entitled to compensation for damages and attorney fees.
Legal action sends a strong message to Advance Credit Services and other debt collectors that harassment may be unacceptable. If you believe you have faced harassment through threats or potentially illegal collection practices, don’t wait any longer—contact The Wood Law Firm at📱 +1 844-638-1122 for a consultation today.
Also read: Account Services Phone Harassment
Protecting Yourself from Debt Collection Harassment in the Future
Once you’ve dealt with phone harassment, you must protect yourself from future issues. Here are a few tips that may help:
Know Your Rights
Educate yourself on the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which protects consumers from potentially abusive debt collection tactics.
Keep Detailed Records
Whenever you receive a call from a debt collector, document everything. Take notes on what was said, the time of day, and the phone number used. Keep all written communication in a safe place.
Contact a Consumer Rights Attorney
If you believe debt collectors may be continuing to harass you, reach out to an attorney specializing in debt harassment. The Wood Law Firm can provide guidance and legal support to protect your rights. Call 📱**+1 844-638-1122**.
Also read: Client Services Debt Collection Harassment
Frequently Asked Questions About Advance Credit Services
Can Advance Credit Services garnish my wages?
Advance Credit Services may be able to garnish your wages under specific circumstances. For federal student loans, they may not need a court order. For other debts, they would typically need to obtain a court judgment first. If you believe they’re threatening wage garnishment without proper legal authority, this could potentially violate the FDCPA.
Can ACS sue me for the debt?
Yes, Advance Credit Services may be able to file a lawsuit if the debt is within your state’s statute of limitations and they have proper documentation. However, if you believe they’re threatening to sue without legal backing or proper documentation, this could potentially be harassment.
Can Advance Credit Services have me arrested for debt?
No, debt collectors cannot have you arrested for unpaid consumer debt. If you believe ACS is threatening arrest for debt, this may be a serious FDCPA violation. You could potentially face arrest only for violating court orders or certain specific debts like child support.
What if I think Advance Credit Services can’t prove I owe the debt?
If you believe they cannot provide proper validation of the debt, they may be required to stop collection efforts and cannot report to credit bureaus. This could potentially give you grounds for an FDCPA lawsuit if they continue collection activities without validation.
How long does ACS have to collect a debt?
This depends on your state’s statute of limitations, which typically ranges from 3-6 years for most debts. If you think they’re trying to collect on a debt that may be beyond the statute of limitations, this could potentially be a violation.
What should I do if I think ACS is calling the wrong person?
If you believe Advance Credit Services is calling you about someone else’s debt, document these calls carefully. Continued calls for the wrong person after you’ve informed them of the error may violate the FDCPA.
Can I stop all communication from Advance Credit Services?
Yes, you may send them a cease and desist letter requesting that they stop all communication. After receiving this letter, they can only contact you to confirm they’re stopping communication or to notify you of specific legal actions.
What if I believe ACS violated my rights, but I actually owe the debt?
Even if you owe the debt, you still have rights under the FDCPA. If you think they’ve violated these rights through harassment or improper collection tactics, you may still have grounds for a lawsuit regardless of whether you owe the original debt.
How much can I potentially recover in an FDCPA lawsuit against ACS?
If you believe ACS violated the FDCPA, you could potentially be entitled to 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.
What evidence do I need if I think ACS harassed me?
Document everything: dates, times, phone numbers, what was said, and any witnesses. Keep records of all written communication. If you believe they called your workplace or contacted third parties, get documentation of those incidents as well.
Can Advance Credit Services contact my family or employer?
Generally, no. If you think ACS is contacting your family members, friends, or employer about your debt, this may violate the FDCPA. They can typically only contact third parties to locate you, not to discuss your debt.
What if I think the amount ACS claims I owe is wrong?
You have the right to dispute the debt and request validation. If you believe they’re trying to collect more than legally allowed or the wrong amount, this could potentially be an FDCPA violation.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit if I think ACS violated my rights?
The FDCPA typically gives you one year from the date of the violation to file a lawsuit. If you believe you’ve been harassed, it’s important to act quickly to preserve your rights.
Stop The Harassment Today
Don’t let debt collection harassment affect your life any longer. If you think you may be facing unwanted phone calls, threats, or other potentially illegal actions from this company, you can end it. The Wood Law Firm is here to help you fight back and secure the compensation you may deserve.
Contact The Wood Law Firm
If you’re ready to potentially stop Advance Credit Services phone harassment, call The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122. We offer a free consultation and won’t charge legal fees unless we win your case. Let us help you protect your rights and end the harassment you may be facing.
Some Useful Links: North Carolina Attorney General
