If Franklin Collection Services keeps calling you, you probably know how quickly lawful debt collection can slip into FCS debt collection harassment. Debt collection already brings stress, but when Franklin Collection Services crosses the line, it damages your peace of mind, strains your family, and puts your financial future at risk.
This article explains how Franklin Collection Services works, what legal protections safeguard you, and the steps you can take to fight back against FCS phone harassment.
Franklin Collection Services: Legitimate Collector or Problem Agency?
Franklin Collection Services is a third-party debt collector that has been around for years. While collection agencies are permitted to pursue debts, strict regulations limit the methods they can use. These regulations prevent FCS and others from resorting to unethical practices.
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), debt collectors like FCS are not allowed to engage in behavior that constitutes harassment. Unfortunately, too many consumers report experiencing harassing phone calls, threats, and other aggressive tactics aimed at pushing them to pay debts they may not even owe or may not be collectible.
While FCS is a legitimate debt collection agency, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) lists numerous complaints about it, including allegations of improper or unethical debt collection practices.
Related: Credit Bureau Collection Services Harassment
Recognizing Franklin Collection Services Phone Harassment
What counts as Franklin Collection Services phone harassment? If you receive calls from FCS that feel intimidating, unreasonably frequent, or threatening, you could be dealing with harassment. Common signs include:
- Excessive Call Frequency: FCS may call multiple times a day, even after you’ve expressed your desire for the calls to stop. Courts have found 7-10 calls per day potentially excessive.
- Threats and Intimidation: Threatening to have you arrested or send messages that make you afraid of immediate consequences if you don’t pay.
- Misleading Information: If FCS tells you that you must pay a debt that isn’t yours or that you’ve already paid, they may be violating the law.
- Failure to Validate Debt: You have the right to request validation of the debt they’re trying to collect. If they continue to contact you without providing evidence of the debt, it could be harassment.
Your Legal Protection Under the FDCPA
Fortunately, you don’t have to endure this harassment. The FDCPA protects you against unfair or illegal debt collection practices. Here are critical protections:
- Right to Request Verification of Debt: You can request that FCS provide documentation verifying the debt they claim you owe. If they fail to do so, they must stop contacting you.
- No Threats of Violence: Debt collectors are not allowed to threaten harm or claim they will take actions they cannot lawfully take, such as threatening arrest.
- No Excessive Contact: The law limits how often FCS can contact you. They cannot call you repeatedly or at unreasonable hours (before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.).
- No False Statements: Debt collectors cannot lie about how much you owe, the legal status of the debt, or the consequences of not paying.
Related: Account Services Phone Harassment
Compensation Available for Harassment
If Franklin Collection Services has harassed you, you may be entitled to compensation for the emotional distress and financial harm they have caused. Under the FDCPA, you can recover several types of damages:
- Actual Damages: Harassment causes direct damages: lost wages, emotional distress, and harm to your credit score. These damages compensate you for any losses due to FCS actions.
- Statutory Damages: You can receive statutory damages for violating the FDCPA, even if you don’t have specific financial losses. If you win your case against FCS, the court may award you up to $1,000 for the violations.
- Attorney Fees: If you win your case against FCS, the debt collector will pay your legal fees and court costs.
Related: American Collection Services Harassment
Filing a Lawsuit Against Franklin Collection Services
If you have experienced Franklin Collection Services phone harassment, you can file a lawsuit. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act allows you to pursue compensation for violations of your rights, and in some cases, you may also be able to seek punitive damages.
The first step in pursuing a lawsuit is contacting an experienced attorney specializing in consumer rights and debt collection harassment. At The Wood Law Firm, we have years of experience fighting for consumers harassed by debt collectors like FCS. We offer free consultations and do not charge you upfront: we only get paid if you win your case, and we’ll ensure the debt collector pays for your legal fees.
Common Complaints Against Franklin Collection Services
Many consumers have filed complaints about Franklin Collection Services. These complaints often involve allegations of abusive debt collection tactics:
- Threatening Legal Action: Some consumers have reported being threatened with lawsuits or other legal actions that may not apply to their situation.
- Failure to Provide Debt Validation: Others claim that FCS continued to contact them without adequately validating the debt within the required timeframe.
- Harassing Phone Calls: There have been reports of FCS calling at all hours, sometimes multiple times daily, causing significant distress.
Related: Recovery Solutions Group Debt Collection Harassment
Franklin Collection Services Phone Numbers
If you are dealing with FCS phone harassment, one of the first steps is identifying the phone numbers they are calling from. Common phone numbers used by FCS include:
- 662-844-7776
- 662-690-2284
- 844-717-5701
- 866-487-6482
If you receive calls from any of these numbers, you are likely dealing with a legitimate collection attempt. However, if the calls become abusive or excessively frequent, it may be time to take action.
How to Stop Franklin Collection Services Harassment
There are several ways you can stop Franklin Collection Services phone harassment:
Request Debt Validation
Contact FCS and request written proof of the debt. Under the FDCPA, they must provide this within five days of first contact. Send your request in writing via certified mail.
Send a Cease and Desist Letter
You can send a letter to FCS asking them to stop contacting you. While this won’t erase the debt, it will stop the calls. They may only contact you afterward to confirm receipt or notify you of specific legal actions.
File a Complaint
If the harassment continues, you can file a formal complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state’s attorney general.
Contact a Lawyer
If you have experienced harassment, contact The Wood Law Firm immediately at +1 844-638-1122. We can help you determine whether you have a valid case for debt collection harassment and take action on your behalf.
Related: BCA Financial Services Debt Collection Harassment
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. We specialize in cases involving the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Since 2010, we have fought to hold companies accountable and secure justice for our clients.
Choosing The Wood Law Firm means partnering with a team deeply committed to your cause. We understand the stress and frustration that comes with facing unfair consumer practices, and we 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.
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
Attorney Jeff Wood is an accomplished attorney based in Arkansas, where he is fully licensed to practice law. With over 18 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 experience and dedication to consumer rights make him a trusted advocate for those facing debt collection harassment.
Client Success Stories
Excessive Call Pattern Case
Jennifer from Mississippi received 8-12 calls daily from Franklin Collection Services over a two-week period despite requesting written communication only. After documenting the pattern with detailed call logs, The Wood Law Firm filed an FDCPA lawsuit. FCS settled for $2,400, including statutory damages and an agreement to cease all phone contact.
False Debt Claim
Robert in Tennessee was contacted by FCS about a debt he had already paid three years earlier. Despite providing proof of payment, FCS continued collection efforts for 30 days. The Wood Law Firm represented Robert, resulting in a $2,800 settlement and removal of any negative credit reporting.
Workplace Contact Violation
Maria from Alabama informed FCS that her employer prohibited personal calls, but FCS continued calling her workplace for two weeks. We documented each call with witness statements from coworkers. The case settled for $3,000, and FCS was prohibited from further workplace contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Franklin Collection Services?
Franklin Collection Services is a debt collection agency that contacts consumers to recover unpaid debts on behalf of creditors across various industries.
Is Franklin Collection Services legit?
Franklin Collection Services is a legitimate debt collection company, but they must follow laws like the FDCPA when contacting you. Legitimacy doesn’t excuse illegal harassment.
Why is Franklin Collection Services calling me?
They may be calling you about an unpaid account. Always ask for written debt validation within 30 days before making any payments.
Can Franklin Collection Services harass me?
Debt collection harassment—such as threats, profanity, or repeated calls—is illegal under the FDCPA. You have the right to take legal action if harassment occurs.
How do I stop Franklin Collection Services harassment?
You can send a written cease-and-desist letter via certified mail, file complaints with the CFPB or FTC, or work with a consumer protection attorney to stop the harassment.
Can I sue Franklin Collection Services for harassment?
If they violate your FDCPA rights, you may sue for up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus actual damages and attorney fees.
Does Franklin Collection Services affect my credit?
If reported, their account can appear on your credit report and negatively impact your score for up to seven years from the date of first delinquency.
How do I remove Franklin Collection Services from my credit report?
You can dispute inaccurate debts with credit bureaus, negotiate a pay-for-delete agreement in writing, or seek legal assistance to challenge the reporting.
Can Franklin Collection Services still contact me after I send a cease-and-desist letter?
After receiving your letter, they must stop contacting you except to confirm they are closing the account or to notify you of specific legal action.
How long can Franklin Collection Services try to collect a debt?
It depends on your state’s statute of limitations, usually 3-6 years. After that, they cannot sue you for repayment, though they may still attempt collection.
Related: Berman Rabin Debt Collection Harassment
Protect Your Rights and Fight Back
Dealing with debt can be stressful enough without the added burden of harassment. If you are experiencing Franklin Collection Services phone harassment, knowing your rights and taking action is essential.
The Wood Law Firm is here to help protect your rights. If you are facing harassment from FCS or another debt collector, don’t wait. Contact us today at +1 844-638-1122 for a free consultation. Let us help you stop the harassment and fight for the compensation you deserve.
By adhering to the FDCPA, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you don’t have to endure Franklin Collection Services’ debt collection harassment any longer. Take the steps necessary to protect yourself from abuse and reclaim your peace of mind.
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