If you’ve been receiving calls from Financial Business Consumer Solutions (FBCS) and feeling harassed, you do not have to feel distressed. FBCS is a third-party debt collection agency that may contact you on behalf of your creditor to collect outstanding debt. While debt collection itself is legal, FBCS—and other debt collectors—are prohibited by law from harassing you.
But what exactly constitutes harassment, and how can you protect yourself? This blog explores your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and what steps you can take if you feel FBCS is crossing the line. You don’t have to endure Financial Business Consumer Solutions harassment anymore, and The Wood Law Firm is here to help you stop it.
Who Is Financial Business Consumer Solutions?
Financial Business Consumer Solutions (FBCS) is a well-established third-party debt collection agency based in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. Its primary focus is recovering debts from unpaid medical bills, utility bills, credit card debt, and student loans. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), FBCS has been in business for 37 years and, as of this writing, has accumulated 56 complaints against it, mostly revolving around its debt collection tactics.
Here’s their contact information:
- Address: 330 S Warminster Rd, Ste 353, Hatboro, PA 19040
- Phone: (800) 220-2018
Understanding Debt Collection: A Glossary of Common Terms
Knowing the vocabulary often used in the debt collection world is helpful to understand your rights. Here are some essential terms:
- Debtor: The individual or business that owes money.
- Creditor: The party to whom you owe money.
- Debt Collector: The person or agency responsible for collecting a debt on behalf of the creditor.
- Third-Party Collection Agency: A company separate from the original creditor hired to collect overdue debts.
- FDCPA: The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a federal law designed to protect consumers from abusive collection practices.
- Harassment: Any abusive, intimidating, or illegal behavior by a debt collector.
- Delinquent Debt: A debt that isn’t paid by its due date.
- Scam Call: A fraudulent call, often aimed at tricking the recipient into paying a non-existent debt.
Understanding these terms is critical in ensuring you know your rights when dealing with debt collectors like FBCS.
Also read: Swift Funds Financial Debt Collection Harassment
What Is Phone Harassment by Debt Collectors?
Phone harassment occurs when a debt collector uses illegal tactics to pressure you into paying a debt. There are certain things you cannot do under the FDCPA. Here’s a list of what Financial Business Consumer Solutions—and any other debt collection agency—cannot do:
- Call at Inconvenient Times: Debt collectors are not allowed to contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Use Offensive Language: They cannot use profanity or make threats during phone calls.
- Repeatedly Call You: Frequent calls meant to annoy or harass you are against the law.
- Contact Third Parties About Your Debt: They cannot discuss your debt with family members, neighbors, or employers except to find out how to contact you.
- Threaten Legal Action They Can’t Take: They are not allowed to threaten to sue you, seize your assets, or garnish your wages unless they have the legal standing to do so.
- Fail to Inform You of Your Rights: By law, the collector must inform you of your right to dispute the debt within 30 days.
Is Financial Business Consumer Solutions a Scam?
No, Financial Business Consumer Solutions is not a scam. They have been in operation for over 37 years and are recognized by the BBB. However, just because they are a legitimate business doesn’t mean they can employ unfair practices to collect debt. If FBCS is engaging in illegal harassment, you have every right to take action.
Recognizing Financial Business Consumer Solutions Harassment
FBCS uses various phone numbers to contact debtors, including:
- (215) 320-5761
- (800) 220-2018
If you’re receiving persistent calls from these numbers—or others not listed here—you may be experiencing phone harassment. Even if the number differs, if the caller identifies as Financial Business Consumer Solutions, the harassment is the same.
The Wood Law Firm can assist you in stopping this harassment and asserting your rights under the FDCPA. Call us at +1 844-638-1122 for help.
Also read: Global Recovery Solutions Debt Collection Harassment
Frequently Asked Questions About Financial Business Consumer Solutions
Debt collection is stressful, and it’s natural to have questions about your rights and the actions a collection agency can take. Below are some common queries we receive from clients dealing with FBCS harassment.
Is FBCS a Scam?
No, FBCS is a legitimate company, but that doesn’t mean it is free to use illegal methods to collect debts. It must adhere to the FDCPA.
Can FBCS Garnish My Wages?
Yes, under certain conditions. If you have federal student loans in default or if FBCS secures a judgment from a court, they can garnish your wages.
Can FBCS Sue Me?
Yes, FBCS can file a lawsuit to collect unpaid debt, but they must do so within the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations varies by state and type of debt, so it’s essential to consult with an attorney if you receive notice of a lawsuit.
Can FBCS Report My Debt to Credit Bureaus?
Yes, debt collectors like FBCS are legally allowed to report your unpaid debts to credit reporting agencies, which could affect your credit score.
Can FBCS Have Me Arrested?
Debt collectors do not have the authority to arrest you. However, failing to comply with a court order, such as not appearing in court, can result in legal consequences, including possible arrest. It’s also important to know that some debts, like unpaid child support, may lead to legal actions that involve law enforcement.
What to Do If Financial Business Consumer Solutions harass you
If you believe FBCS is harassing you, taking action is crucial. Here are steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Keep Records: Document all communications from FBCS, including phone calls, letters, and emails. Note the dates, times, and content of the interactions.
- Request Verification of Debt: If you need clarification on the legitimacy of the debt, you have the right to request verification within 30 days of the initial contact. The debt collector is obligated to provide proof that the debt is valid.
- Send a Cease and Desist Letter: Under the FDCPA, you can ask a debt collector to stop contacting you. You can do this by sending a written cease and desist letter. Once they receive the letter, they can only contact you to confirm they will stop or to inform you of any legal action.
- Consult an Attorney: If FBCS continues to harass you or violates your rights under the FDCPA, contact The Wood Law Firm for legal assistance. You may be entitled to statutory damages up to $1,000 and have your attorney fees covered.
Complaints Filed Against Financial Business Consumer Solutions
Over the years, several legal complaints were filed against FBCS for alleged FDCPA violations. Some of the most notable cases include:
- Brown v. Financial Business and Consumer Solutions, Inc. (Case No. 3:17-cv-00733-FLW-TJB)
- Peterson v. FBCS Inc et al. (Case No. 3:18-cv-01242-B)
- Goldson v. FBCS Inc et al. (Case No. 8:18-cv-02128-TMC)
- Medellin v. Financial Business and Consumer Solutions, Inc. (Case No. 3:18-cv-00281-DB)
- Patton v. Financial Business and Consumer Solutions, Inc. (Case No. 2:16-cv-02738-JCM-CWH)
These cases reflect the significant number of complaints consumers have raised regarding FBCS’s collection practices.
About The Wood Law Firm
The Wood Law Firm is committed to helping consumers who debt collectors have harassed. Since 2010, we’ve specialized in protecting the rights of those facing unlawful debt collection tactics, including phone harassment. Our firm holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and we pride ourselves on providing top-notch service to our clients.
If you’re facing harassment from Financial Business Consumer Solutions or any other debt collection agency, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us today at +1 844-638-1122 or visit our website for immediate assistance.
Also read: Spire Recovery Solutions Debt Collection Harassment
Conclusion: Protect Yourself from Debt Harassment
Dealing with debt is difficult enough without being harassed by collection agencies like Financial Business Consumer Solutions. Understanding your rights under the FDCPA is the first step to regaining control. If you’re experiencing phone harassment or any other unlawful tactics from FBCS, contact The Wood Law Firm today. We’re here to fight for your rights and help you end the harassment.
Some Useful Links:
Pennsylvania Attorney General
Consumer Finance