If you’re receiving constant calls from Credit Protection Association about debts or seeing “$5.25 convenience fees” added to online payments, you’re dealing with a Dallas-based collector claiming “relationship management” but facing federal lawsuits for unlawful fees, letters with “veiled threats,” and a $72,000 FTC settlement for FCRA violations. Searching “Credit Protection Association convenience fee scam” or “CPA harassment” often leads people here.
Who is the Credit Protection Association?
Credit Protection Association (CPA) is a third-party debt collection agency based in Dallas, Texas, operating since 1963 with a unique “no percentage on recovery” business model.
Contact Information:
- Address: Dallas, Texas
- Founded: 1963 (61 years operating)
- Business Model: No percentage fees, directs debtors to pay clients directly
Business Details:
- Unique Model: “No percentage on recovery” for services
- Direct Payment: Debtors pay original creditor, not CPA
- Focus: “Relationship management” between creditor and debtor
Unlike Nationwide Credit, LTD Financial Services, or United Credit Recovery Bureau, CPA claims to maintain relationships rather than aggressive collection.
Is Credit Protection Association Legitimate or Running a Scam?
Yes, CPA is legitimate, but it is facing multiple federal lawsuits and a $72,000 FTC settlement for FCRA violations.
Lawsuits Against Credit Protection Association
Credit Protection Association has faced several lawsuits. here are some of them:
Federal lawsuits:
- Moreno v. CPA (2017): Class action alleging FDCPA violation by charging $5.25 “convenience fee” for online credit card payments
- Phillips v. CPA (2018): Misleading, aggressive letters with “veiled threats.”
- Lanteri v. CPA (2020): TCPA and FDCPA class action for illegal calls
- Schumacher v. CPA (2015): S.D. Indiana (Case 4:13-cv-00164)
- Peters v. CPA (2015): S.D. Ohio (Case 2:13-CV-0767)
- Alvarado v. CPA (2015): M.D. Florida (Case 8:14-cv-447)
- Christina E. v. CPA (2015): FDCPA violations for failing to report disputes, using deceptive means
- Ehrich v. CPA (2010): E.D.N.Y (Case 1:2010cv05863)
FTC settlement:
- FCRA Settlement (2016): $72,000 for failing to handle consumer disputes, not notifying consumers of investigation outcomes, and not informing consumers whether information was corrected
Red flags:
- $5.25 “convenience fees” (Moreno)
- “Veiled threats” in letters (Phillips)
- Illegal calls (Lanteri)
- Improper dispute handling (FTC)
How to Stop Calls from Credit Protection Association
If CPA keeps calling or charging unexpected “convenience fees” for online payments, responding without protecting yourself makes things worse.
These steps force CPA to follow federal rules and document illegal fees. Here’s what stops harassment:
- Challenge “convenience fees” immediately: If CPA charges $5.25 or any fee for online payments (Moreno allegation), this may violate FDCPA. Document fee, dispute in writing, demand legal authority to charge it. See what to do if contacted.
- Request debt validation: Within 30 days, send certified mail demanding: (1) Original creditor, (2) Original debt amount WITHOUT convenience fees, (3) Payment history, (4) Proof you authorized fees, (5) Legal authority to charge fees, (6) Proof they’re authorized to collect.
Sample Letter:
[Your Name/Address/Date] Credit Protection Association, Dallas, TX
Re: Account #[if known]
I dispute this debt. Provide: (1) Original creditor, (2) Original amount WITHOUT convenience fees, (3) Complete payment history, (4) Agreement I signed authorizing convenience fees, (5) Legal authority to charge fees, (6) Proof you’re authorized.
I specifically dispute any “convenience fees” per Moreno v. CPA class action.
Cease contact until validation provided. All communications in writing.
Document “veiled threats”: If CPA sends threatening letters (Phillips 2018), save as evidence. May violate FDCPA.
Report illegal calls: If excessive calls (Lanteri TCPA), document dates/times. See call limits.
Challenge disputed debt reporting: If the CPA failed to report your dispute to credit bureaus (Christina E., FTC settlement), file a formal complaint. Violates FCRA.
Send a cease-and-desist: If harassment continues, send a written cease-and-desist via certified mail.
If CPA violated FDCPA, call The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122. Know the top violations.
How to Remove Credit Protection Association from Your Credit Report
If CPA appears on your credit report, challenging it may be effective given the $72,000 FTC settlement for FCRA violations. Here’s what works:
- Dispute if they ignored your dispute: Per the FTC settlement and the Christina E. case, CPA failed to properly report disputes. If you disputed, but they never notified credit bureaus, file an FCRA dispute.
- Challenge convenience fee inclusion: If CPA reported amounts including unlawful $5.25 fees (Moreno), dispute as inaccurate. Original debt shouldn’t include illegal fees.
- Demand investigation outcome: Per the FTC settlement, CPA failed to notify consumers whether information was corrected. Demand it and use failure as grounds for removal.
- Reference FTC settlement: Use the 2016 $72,000 settlement in disputes showing CPA’s violation history.
When Credit Protection Association Crosses Legal Lines
You may wonder if CPA’s tactics violate the law or are just aggressive. Here’s when “relationship management” becomes illegal:
- Charging “convenience fees”: a $5.25 fee for online payments (Moreno 2017) may violate the FDCPA prohibition on collecting amounts not permitted.
- “Veiled threats”: Misleading, aggressive letters (Phillips 2018) violate FDCPA harassment prohibitions.
- Illegal calls: Calls violating TCPA (Lanteri 2020) cross into illegal territory.
- Ignoring disputes: Failing to report disputes (Christina E., FTC settlement) violates FCRA.
- Not notifying outcomes: Per the FTC settlement, not notifying of investigation outcomes violates the FCRA.
Know FDCPA protections and top violations.
How The Wood Law Firm Helps Stop
Harassment From Credit Protection Association
Dealing with a collector claiming “relationship management” while charging unlawful $5.25 convenience fees, sending letters with “veiled threats,” and paying $72,000 to the FTC for failing to handle disputes properly feels frustrating. You tried paying online and got hit with illegal fees.
We specialize in holding collectors accountable when “relationship management” means illegal fees and FCRA violations. If CPA charged convenience fees, sent threatening letters, made illegal calls, failed to report disputes, or never notified you of investigation outcomes, they violated federal law.
We can help stop harassment and pursue compensation up to $1,000 plus attorney fees on contingency. Since 2010, an A+ BBB rating. Learn about Attorney Jeff Wood and contact us. Call The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122.
About Attorney Jeff Wood
Jeff Wood has over 15 years of experience protecting consumers from debt collection violations, specializing in FDCPA and FCRA cases against collectors who charge unlawful fees and fail to handle disputes properly. Leading a network of attorneys licensed in 14 states, Mr. Wood ensures comprehensive protection nationwide. A+ BBB rating.
Common Questions About CPA
Here are commonly asked questions about the Credit Protection Association:
1. Is Credit Protection Association legitimate?
Yes, Credit Protection Association is legitimate, but it is facing multiple federal lawsuits and a $72,000 FTC settlement. Operating since 1963, but legal issues include Moreno (convenience fees), Phillips (veiled threats), Lanteri (illegal calls), and the 2016 FTC settlement.
2. Are CPA’s “$5.25 convenience fees” legal?
No, these fees may violate FDCPA. Moreno class action (2017) alleged CPA violated FDCPA by charging $5.25 “convenience fee” for online payments. Collecting amounts not permitted by agreement or law violates FDCPA.
3. What if CPA sent threatening letters?
Phillips lawsuit (2018) alleged this violates FDCPA. If CPA sent letters with “veiled threats,” photograph as evidence. Threatening language may violate FDCPA harassment prohibitions.
4. Can CPA ignore my dispute?
No – this violates FCRA. Christina E. (2015) and FTC settlement (2016) involved CPA failing to report disputes to credit bureaus. They must notify bureaus and inform you of outcomes.
5. What was CPA’s $72,000 FTC settlement for?
FCRA violations for improper dispute handling. FTC alleged CPA failed to: (1) Handle disputes properly, (2) Notify consumers of outcomes, (3) Inform consumers whether information was corrected. Settled $72,000 in 2016.
6. How many times can CPA call per day?
No specific limit, but excessive calls may constitute harassment. Lanteri TCPA (2020) alleged illegal calls. See call limits and FTC FAQs.
Don’t let CPA’s “relationship management” convince you to pay unlawful convenience fees or tolerate improper dispute handling. Call The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122.
