If you believe Professional Accounts Services (PAS) is harassing you with constant calls, threats, or intimidation tactics, you have legal rights under federal law to stop the harassment. Professional Accounts Services (PAS) is a debt collection agency that may violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) through aggressive tactics.
This article explains how to identify phone harassment, what actions you can take to stop it, and how The Wood Law Firm can help you protect your rights and pursue compensation.
Who Is Professional Accounts Services
Professional Accounts Services (PAS) is a debt collection agency based in Brentwood, Tennessee, that has operated since 1988 and has held Better Business Bureau accreditation since 2011. The company primarily serves consumers in Indiana and Illinois but extends services to other states. PAS uses advanced technology, including omni-channel communications and speech analytics, to contact consumers.
While PAS is a legitimate business, it has faced significant legal challenges. In 2022, PAS reached a $3.5 million class action settlement over alleged unlawful debt-collection calls. In Dana v. Professional Account Services, Inc. (2015), the company faced allegations including harassing phone calls, continuing to call after being notified of attorney representation, and unlawfully disclosing debt information to an employer.
If you believe PAS is using illegal debt collection practices, you can take legal action to stop the harassment.
Is Professional Accounts Services a Scam
Professional Accounts Services (PAS) is not a scam, but the company may engage in practices that violate federal law. Despite BBB accreditation, reports indicate potential compliance issues such as calling about debts not owed, calling workplaces after being told to stop, and failing to properly identify themselves during calls.
Debt collectors like PAS must follow strict regulations under the FDCPA. When they fail to do so, they may engage in phone harassment that is both frustrating and illegal. If you believe you’ve been receiving frequent calls, threats, or pressure to pay debts you don’t owe, you may be a victim of FDCPA violations.
Your Legal Rights Under the FDCPA
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act gives you specific rights to protect yourself from abusive debt collection practices. Under the FDCPA, you have the right to:
- Stop the Calls: You can request that a debt collector cease all communication with you. Once you make this formal request, the collector can only contact you to inform you of specific legal actions.
- Dispute the Debt: If you believe the debt is incorrect or you don’t owe it, you can dispute it in writing. The collector must provide validation that the debt is legitimate before continuing collection efforts.
- Seek Compensation: If a debt collector violates the FDCPA, you can sue for damages. You may be entitled to up to $1,000 in statutory damages, plus attorney fees and court costs.
The FTC provides additional guidance on consumer rights under federal debt collection laws.
How to Identify Professional Account Services Harassment
If you’re dealing with Professional Accounts Services (PAS), you should recognize when their actions cross the line into illegal harassment. Below are common signs of FDCPA violations:
- Abusive Language or Threats: If you’ve experienced rude, offensive, or threatening language during calls with PAS, this violates the FDCPA. Debt collectors cannot use abusive or obscene language to intimidate you.
- Excessive Phone Calls: Debt collectors cannot contact you repeatedly or excessively. If PAS calls you multiple times a day, at all hours, or on weekends, this constitutes harassment.
- Contacting You at Inappropriate Hours: Under the FDCPA, Professional Accounts Services (PAS) cannot call you before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. Receiving calls outside these hours is illegal.
- Discussing Your Debt with Third Parties: If PAS has contacted your family members, neighbors, or coworkers to discuss your debt, this violates the FDCPA. Debt collectors can only discuss your debt with you.
- Threatening Legal Action Without Grounds: If Professional Accounts Services (PAS) has threatened to sue you or garnish your wages without legal grounds, this may violate the FDCPA.
- Wrongfully Threatening Arrest: Debt collectors cannot threaten arrest for unpaid debts. If PAS makes these threats, they are violating federal law.
How to Stop Professional Account Services Harassment
If you’re dealing with harassment from Professional Accounts Services (PAS), you can take action to stop the calls and protect your rights. Below are practical steps:
- Send a Cease and Desist Letter: You can send a written cease and desist letter to Professional Accounts Services (PAS) demanding that they stop all communication. Once they receive this letter, they can only contact you to inform you of specific legal actions.
- Document All Communications: Keep detailed records of every call, message, and communication from PAS. Note the date, time, content of the conversation, and any threatening statements. This documentation will be vital if you decide to take legal action.
- Understand Your Rights: The more you understand your rights under the FDCPA, the better prepared you’ll be to challenge Professional Accounts Services (PAS). You have the right to dispute the debt, request proof of the debt, and demand that they stop contacting you.
- Consult with a Consumer Rights Attorney: If Professional Accounts Services (PAS) continues to harass you, contact a law firm that specializes in consumer rights. The Wood Law Firm can help you understand your options, draft cease and desist letters, and pursue legal action if necessary.
Known Professional Accounts Services Collection Numbers
If you’re receiving repeated calls from numbers associated with Professional Accounts Services (PAS), you may be a victim of phone harassment. One of the known phone numbers used by this agency is:
(812) 235-8648
However, debt collectors often use multiple numbers to contact you. If you’re unsure about the number or experiencing harassment, call The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122 for assistance.
Can Professional Accounts Services Sue Me
Professional Accounts Services (PAS) can sue you if they believe you owe a debt, but they can only do so within the statute of limitations for debt collection in your state. If they win the lawsuit, they may be able to garnish your wages or seize assets. However, if PAS uses harassment or illegal tactics, these actions can be legally contested.
If you are concerned about a potential lawsuit, consult with an attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
Can Professional Accounts Services Garnish My Wages
Professional Accounts Services (PAS) can garnish your wages if they win a court judgment against you. However, wage garnishment is a legal process and must follow specific rules. If you’re facing potential wage garnishment, an attorney from The Wood Law Firm can help protect your income and advise you on your next steps.
How The Wood Law Firm Protects Your Consumer Rights
The Wood Law Firm specializes in protecting consumers from debt collection harassment and FDCPA violations. Our experienced attorneys understand the tactics used by agencies like Professional Accounts Services (PAS) and know how to fight back effectively. We help clients stop harassment, dispute invalid debts, and pursue compensation for violations.
Our approach is straightforward: we listen to your story, evaluate your case, and take immediate action to protect your rights. Whether you need a cease and desist letter drafted or want to pursue legal action against PAS, we handle every aspect of your case. You don’t pay anything upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.
Meet Attorney Jeff Wood
Attorney Jeff Wood founded The Wood Law Firm with a mission to protect consumers from unfair and illegal debt collection practices. With years of experience in consumer rights law, Jeff has successfully represented hundreds of clients facing harassment from debt collectors. His expertise in FDCPA litigation has helped clients stop harassment, clear false debts, and recover damages for the stress and harm they’ve endured.
Client Success Stories
“A debt collector kept calling me at work even after I told them to stop. The calls were constant and my boss was getting frustrated. The Wood Law Firm stepped in and stopped the harassment within days. I didn’t pay anything upfront and they recovered compensation for me.”
“I was getting calls about a debt I didn’t even owe. The collector threatened to sue me and I was terrified. The Wood Law Firm reviewed my case and proved the debt wasn’t valid. They stopped the calls and I got my life back.”
“Collectors were calling my family members and telling them about my debt. I was humiliated and didn’t know what to do. The Wood Law Firm took action immediately and made the harassment stop. I’m so grateful for their help.”
FAQs About Professional Accounts Services
1. Who is Professional Accounts Services?
Professional Accounts Services (PAS) is a debt collection agency based in Brentwood, Tennessee, founded in 1988. They primarily work with consumers in Indiana and Illinois.
2. Is Professional Accounts Services a scam?
No, PAS is a legitimate company. However, their actions may violate the FDCPA if they use harassment or unfair tactics.
3. What are my rights under the FDCPA?
You can dispute the debt, demand validation, stop collection calls, and sue for up to $1,000 if PAS violates your rights.
4. How do I identify harassment from Professional Accounts Services?
Warning signs include constant calls, abusive language, threats, odd-hour calls, or contacting others about your debt.
5. What should I do if Professional Accounts Services keeps calling me?
Send a cease and desist letter, record all interactions, and contact The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122 for help.
6. Can Professional Accounts Services garnish my wages?
Yes, but only if they take you to court, win a judgment, and follow proper legal steps.
7. How can The Wood Law Firm help me?
We can stop harassment, defend your rights, and sue PAS to recover damages for FDCPA violations.
8. Can Professional Accounts Services report debts to credit bureaus?
Yes, but only if the debt is accurate and verified. If they report false or unverified debts, you can dispute them.
9. What phone numbers does Professional Accounts Services use?
One known number is (812) 235-8648, but they may use multiple numbers to contact you.
10. How do I file a complaint against Professional Accounts Services?
You can file complaints with your state attorney general or contact a consumer rights lawyer to take legal action.
Take Action Against Professional Accounts Services Harassment Today
If you’re dealing with harassment from Professional Accounts Services (PAS), you don’t have to suffer in silence. You have the legal right to stop the calls, protect your financial future, and take action against any violations of the FDCPA.
Contact The Wood Law Firm today at +1 844-638-1122 for a free consultation. Our team of experienced attorneys is here to help you fight back against debt collection harassment and make sure your rights are respected.
If you’re experiencing harassment from other debt collectors, we’ve helped clients stop similar tactics from agencies using comparable methods. We’ve successfully stopped harassment from Professional Service Bureau, Core Recoveries, and Account Services. Other debt collectors using similar illegal tactics include Capital Accounts, Professional Bureau of Collections, Advantage Collection Professionals, and Unique Management Services.
