Debt collectors threatening to have you arrested? Collection Attorneys USA might be using one of the most illegal tactics in debt collection – false arrest threats. Here’s what most consumers don’t know: threatening arrest for unpaid consumer debt violates federal law, and collectors who use this tactic face serious legal consequences.
If Collection Attorneys USA is threatening you with arrest, wage garnishment, or legal action, they’re likely breaking the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). You could be entitled to up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus attorney fees. This guide shows you how to fight back. Need help now? Call The Wood Law Firm at +1-844-638-1122.
Who Is Collection Attorneys USA
Collection Attorneys USA LLC is a third-party debt collector located in Ohio at PO Box 427, 68 Ravenna Street, Hudson, OH 44236. They collect debts on behalf of other companies, and their phone number is +1 877-439-1110.
Operating as a law firm gives them an advantage over typical collection agencies – people take threats more seriously when they come from attorneys. This creates a dangerous situation where consumers believe false arrest threats because they think lawyers have special powers.
They don’t. Attorneys collecting debts must follow the same FDCPA rules as any other collector, and threatening arrest for civil debt remains illegal regardless of who makes the threat.
The Arrest Threat Scam Explained
Here’s the scam: Collection Attorneys USA tells you they’ll have you arrested if you don’t pay immediately. They might say there’s a warrant for your arrest, claim you committed fraud, or threaten to send police to your home. All of this is completely illegal.
Why are arrest threats always illegal?
Consumer debt is civil, not criminal. You cannot be arrested for owing money on credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, or similar debts. The only debt-related situations that could lead to arrest involve contempt of court for ignoring valid court orders – and even then, the debt itself isn’t criminal.
The psychology behind the scam: Arrest threats work because they trigger fear and panic. When someone threatens your freedom, rational thinking shuts down. You might agree to payment plans you can’t afford or pay debts you don’t actually owe just to avoid the threatened consequences.
This is exactly what Collection Attorneys USA wants – panicked consumers making hasty financial decisions.
What Makes Collection Attorneys USA Harassment Illegal
Collection Attorneys USA harassment is illegal when they threaten arrest for debt non-payment, falsely imply you’ve committed a crime, misrepresent their legal authority to have you arrested, threaten legal actions they won’t actually take, or use these threats to pressure immediate payment.
The FDCPA specifically prohibits:
- False threats of arrest or criminal prosecution
- Implying non-payment is a criminal offense
- Threatening to garnish wages without legal authority
- Creating false urgency through illegal threats
- Exploiting vulnerable consumers with limited legal knowledge
Why they target certain people: Collection Attorneys USA often targets consumers, people with language barriers, or those unfamiliar with their legal rights. These groups are more likely to believe false arrest threats and comply immediately.
How to Respond to Arrest Threats
To respond to arrest threats from Collection Attorneys USA, stay calm and remember that debt collectors cannot arrest you for failing to pay civil debt, document the threat with date, time, collector name, and exact words used, and understand that debt collection is civil, not criminal.
Immediate actions to take:
Record the conversation if legal in your state. Some states require two-party consent, others only one-party consent. Check your state’s recording laws before doing this.
Write down everything: What they said word-for-word, what time they called, the collector’s name, any case numbers or reference numbers they mentioned. This documentation becomes evidence when you sue them.
What NOT to do:
- Don’t agree to pay immediately out of fear.
- Do not provide bank account information.
- Don’t admit the debt is yours.
- Do not discuss your financial situation. Any information you give can be used against you.
Instead, end the call and contact The Wood Law Firm immediately at +1-844-638-1122.
How to Verify Collection Attorneys USA Debts
To verify a debt from Collection Attorneys USA, send a written validation request within 30 days of first contact demanding the debt amount, original creditor’s name, and proof they’re authorized to collect. They must cease collection activities until providing validation.
Your validation letter should request:
- Exact amount claimed with itemization
- Name and address of original creditor
- Date the debt was incurred
- Proof of their authority to collect
- Copy of the original contract or agreement
- Chain of custody if the debt was sold
What happens after you request validation: Collection Attorneys USA must stop all collection activities until they provide complete documentation. If they continue calling or threatening you without validation, that’s another FDCPA violation worth documenting.
Many consumers discover through validation requests that the debt doesn’t belong to them, the amount is wrong, or the collector has no legal authority to collect. Similar tactics have been used by other aggressive collectors we’ve successfully fought.
How to Stop Collection Attorneys USA Calls
To stop Collection Attorneys USA calls, send a cease and desist letter via certified mail, including your full name, explicit request to cease communication, and address for future correspondence. Once they receive it, they can only contact you to confirm they’re stopping or notify you of specific legal action.
Critical components of your letter:
State clearly: “I am requesting that you cease all communication with me regarding this alleged debt.” Use those exact words. Vague language gives them wiggle room.
Send via certified mail with a return receipt. Keep copies of everything. The return receipt proves they received your demand, making continued calls a clear violation.
After they receive your letter, they can contact you exactly twice more – once to confirm they’re stopping contact, and once to inform you if they plan to take specific legal action like filing a lawsuit. Any other contact violates federal law.
Call The Wood Law Firm at +1-844-638-1122 before sending your letter. We can ensure it’s worded correctly to maximize your legal protection.
Can Collection Attorneys USA Sue Me or Garnish Wages
Yes, Collection Attorneys USA may sue if the debt is valid and within your state’s statute of limitations (typically 3-6 years), but they can only garnish wages after winning a court judgment. Without a court order, wage garnishment threats are illegal.
- What makes their threats especially deceptive: Being attorneys, they have easier access to filing lawsuits than typical collection agencies. This doesn’t mean every threat is real – many are still empty threats designed to scare you into paying.
- If they actually sue you: Respond to the lawsuit within the deadline (usually 20-28 days). Ignoring it guarantees they win by default. Many Collection Attorneys USA lawsuits can be defended successfully, especially if they can’t prove the debt or validate their authority to collect.
The Wood Law Firm can defend you against lawsuits while simultaneously pursuing your own claims for FDCPA violations. We’ve seen similar aggressive tactics from other law firm collectors and know exactly how to counter them.
Your Legal Rights Against Arrest Threats
Your rights under the FDCPA include protection from false arrest threats, freedom from criminal accusations related to civil debt, demanding written validation before paying, sending cease and desist letters to stop contact, and suing for violations worth up to $1,000 plus actual damages and attorney fees.
- Why arrest threats are particularly actionable: Unlike vague harassment claims, arrest threats are clear-cut FDCPA violations. Courts take these seriously because they represent deliberate attempts to terrify consumers into paying through illegal means.
- Regulatory consequences they face: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Federal Trade Commission can take enforcement action against Collection Attorneys USA for false arrest threats. Serious infractions can lead to license suspension or revocation, impacting their ability to collect debts.
- Your leverage: Every false arrest threat they make strengthens your case. Each threat is a separate violation. Multiple violations mean higher settlements or judgments in your favor.
Reporting Collection Attorneys USA
To report Collection Attorneys USA, file complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau through their online portal, the Federal Trade Commission, and your state Attorney General’s office, providing detailed documentation of threats and harassment.
The Wood Law Firm has helped some individuals fight Collection Attorneys USA’s debt collection harassment.
Why reporting matters even if you sue: Your complaint creates an official record. When multiple consumers report similar tactics, regulatory agencies can launch investigations and enforcement actions. Your report might be the one that triggers a broader crackdown.
What to include in your complaint:
- Specific arrest threats were made
- Date and time of each violation
- Collector’s name and any reference numbers
- Your documentation and recordings
- Any written communications
Regulatory agencies track patterns: If Collection Attorneys USA threatens arrest in multiple cases, agencies can pursue systemic violations rather than individual complaints. This amplifies the consequences they face.
How We Fight Collection Attorney Harassment
The Wood Law Firm has specialized in consumer protection since 2010, focusing on cases where attorneys abuse their positions to illegally intimidate consumers. We hold an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and have successfully stopped arrest threat schemes from multiple collectors.
Our approach differs because we understand that law firm collectors like Collection Attorneys USA use their professional credentials as weapons. We counter this by aggressively documenting every violation and pursuing maximum damages.
What we do immediately: Once you hire us, we notify Collection Attorneys USA that you’re represented. By law, they must contact us instead of you. The threats stop while we build your case.
Our track record: We’ve recovered significant compensation for clients who received false arrest threats. These cases often settle quickly because the violations are so clear-cut and the potential damages so substantial.
Call +1-844-638-1122 now for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
Jeff Wood Defends Against Collection Attorney Abuse
Jeff Wood founded The Wood Law Firm after over 18 years of practicing consumer protection law. He’s built a reputation fighting law firm collectors who abuse their attorney credentials to terrorize consumers with illegal threats.
Success Stories From Our Clients
“Collection Attorneys USA threatened to have police arrest me at work. The Wood Law Firm documented everything and got them to stop immediately. I received $2,400 in settlement.”
“I had the pleasure of working with The Wood Law Firm twice. Both times, they stopped harassment from law firm collectors and got me compensation. Highly recommend.”
“Due to a false arrest threat, I almost paid money I couldn’t afford. The Wood Law Firm was friendly, knowledgeable, and swiftly resolved my case. Thank you!”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can debt collectors legally threaten arrest
No, threatening arrest for civil debt violates the FDCPA. Debt collection is civil, not criminal. Arrest threats are always illegal.
2. What makes Collection Attorneys USA different from other collectors
They’re attorneys, which makes their threats seem more credible. However, attorney collectors must follow the same FDCPA rules as any other collector.
3. Should I pay if threatened with arrest
No. The threat itself is illegal. Don’t pay out of fear. Contact The Wood Law Firm at +1-844-638-1122 immediately.
4. How do I stop Collection Attorneys USA from calling
Send a cease and desist letter via certified mail. Once received, they can only contact you to confirm they’re stopping or notify you of legal action.
5. Can I sue for false arrest threats
Yes. False arrest threats are clear FDCPA violations. You may recover up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus actual damages and attorney fees.
6. What if they actually file a lawsuit
Respond immediately within the deadline. Don’t ignore it. The Wood Law Firm can defend you while pursuing your own claims for their illegal threats.
7. Can they garnish wages without suing
No. They need a court judgment first. Wage garnishment threats without a judgment are illegal.
8. How do I validate a debt from them
Send a written validation request within 30 days demanding proof of the debt, original creditor information, and their authority to collect.
9. What agencies investigate arrest threat complaints
The CFPB, FTC, and state Attorney General offices all investigate illegal debt collection practices, including false arrest threats.
10. How can The Wood Law Firm help
We document violations, stop harassment, defend against lawsuits, and pursue maximum compensation for FDCPA violations. Call +1-844-638-1122 for a free consultation.
Fight Back Against Illegal Threats
Collection Attorneys USA’s arrest threats aren’t just harassment – they’re federal crimes against consumers. The FDCPA exists specifically to stop this kind of abuse, and The Wood Law Firm knows exactly how to enforce it.
Don’t let their attorney credentials intimidate you. The law protects you regardless of whether threats come from a collection agency or a law firm. We’ve successfully fought similar tactics from other aggressive collectors and will do the same for you.
Call The Wood Law Firm now at +1-844-638-1122 for a free consultation. We’ll review the threats you’ve received, explain your legal options clearly, and help you fight back. The call costs nothing, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Don’t let Collection Attorneys USA terrorize you with illegal threats. Fight back with experienced attorneys who know how to win.
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