Repeated calls from PRA Group can leave anyone anxious and frustrated. You may be wondering why they keep calling or how to make it stop.
Federal law limits what a debt buyer can do. The Wood Firm PLLC can help you understand those limits.
Key Takeaways
- PRA Group is a large debt buyer with a long record of CFPB penalties and lost court cases.
- Courts have repeatedly found PRA short on proof of debt ownership, including at the Virginia and Alaska supreme court levels.
- Federal law limits when and how PRA Group can contact you.
- You can demand written debt validation before paying anything.
Free Case Review: +1-844-638-1122
Understanding Who PRA Group Is
PRA Group, Inc. is one of the largest debt buyers in the world. Founded in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1996 as Portfolio Recovery Associates, the company buys charged-off accounts cheaply. It changed its name to PRA Group in October 2014, after acquiring debt portfolios across Europe.
Today the company operates in 18 countries and manages billions of dollars in consumer debt. Once PRA Group buys an account, its business is collecting the full balance directly from the consumer.
Debt buyers must still follow strict federal rules when contacting you. If they call too often, use harsh language, or ignore a written stop request, you may have grounds to act.
What Counts as Harassment from PRA Group?
Debt collectors can contact you about a legitimate debt, but they must do it respectfully. You may be facing harassment if PRA Group does any of the following:
- Calls multiple times in a single day or at odd hours
- Contacts your workplace after you’ve asked them not to
- Discusses your debt with family members or neighbors
- Uses threatening or demeaning language
- Refuses to provide written proof of the debt
- Sues you without adequate documentation of ownership
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects consumers from harassment and unfair practices. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act separately regulates unwanted robocalls and automated messages.
Has PRA Group Been Sued Before?
Yes, repeatedly. PRA Group has drawn major regulatory penalties and lost significant court battles over its collection practices.
In September 2015, the CFPB found PRA threatened consumers, made deceptive statements, and filed suits without proper documentation. PRA was ordered to pay an $8 million penalty and issue $19 million in consumer refunds.
In March 2023, the CFPB found that PRA had violated the terms of that 2015 order. The bureau said PRA kept suing on unsubstantiated and time-barred debts. It ordered PRA to pay more than $24 million.
Notable Court Rulings Against PRA Group
A Missouri jury awarded consumer Maria Guadalupe Mejia $83 million. PRA had pursued her for 15 months over a debt belonging to someone else. Most of the award was punitive damages for malicious prosecution, per Consumer Legal Services.
In July 2024, a North Carolina court approved a $5.75 million class-action settlement. The suit alleged PRA won default judgments against more than 18,000 residents without adequate proof. Details appear via NC Newsline.
- Virginia: PRA lost its case after failing to prove chain of title
- Alaska: three consumers prevailed over insufficient ownership evidence
- Colorado: a similar ownership-evidence question is still pending review
In Green v. Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC, the court reversed a consumer judgment in February 2024. It found PRA never proved an unbroken chain of title connecting the debt to her.
In Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC v. Duvall, the state’s high court sided with three separate consumers in May 2025. The courts found PRA lacked admissible evidence proving it owned the debts or the amounts claimed.
A related case, Wright v. Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC, is still pending before the Colorado Supreme Court. It centers on whether collectors must produce specific ownership evidence before a court can enter judgment.
What Are Your Consumer Rights?
Federal law gives you tools to protect yourself from harassment. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the TCPA were both created to curb aggressive collection tactics.
- Call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Continue calling after you’ve asked in writing to stop
- Use profanity or threats
- Call repeatedly in an attempt to annoy or pressure you
- Contact third parties about your debt beyond limited exceptions
- Sue you without proof it owns and can validate the debt
If PRA Group has done any of these things, you may have grounds for a complaint. Speaking with an attorney first helps you weigh your options clearly.
How The Wood Firm PLLC Helps Clients Facing PRA Group
Our attorneys listen carefully and identify whether PRA Group’s conduct may violate federal or state law. From there, we guide you through gathering evidence and filing complaints or claims if warranted.
In our practice, PRA’s own litigation history often works in a client’s favor. Courts have repeatedly found the company short on documentation, which strengthens a validation dispute.
Learn more about our practice areas, including FDCPA protection, FCRA rights, and TCPA claims.
What You Can Do If PRA Group Keeps Calling
Write down every call, including the date, time, and what was said. Keep any letters or voicemails PRA sends, since this record may help your attorney later.
You can also send PRA Group a written request to stop contacting you. Once they receive it, they may only confirm compliance or notify you of specific legal action.
If PRA still won’t stop, call The Wood Firm PLLC at +1-844-638-1122.
Reporting PRA Group to the Authorities
You can report PRA Group’s conduct to government agencies that track collector behavior. The Federal Trade Commission accepts consumer complaints, and so does the CFPB.
These agencies review reports to identify companies mistreating consumers. It’s often best to consult an attorney first. An attorney can advise which path offers the best chance of success.
Common Questions About PRA Group Debt Collection
What is PRA Group?
PRA Group is a debt buyer that purchases old, charged-off debts from banks and lenders. It then tries to collect the full balance from consumers.
Is PRA Group allowed to call me every day?
Yes, they can contact you, but constant or repeated calls may be considered harassment under the FDCPA. Document the pattern if it continues.
Can I stop PRA Group from calling me?
Yes, you can request in writing that they stop contacting you. After that, they’re limited to confirming compliance or notifying you of legal action.
What if I don’t owe the debt PRA Group is calling about?
You can ask for written verification. If PRA fails to provide it, courts have repeatedly sided with consumers on exactly this issue.
Can PRA Group sue me?
Yes, they may file a lawsuit, but you’ll receive notice first. Never ignore court papers, and contact us immediately if you receive one.
Does PRA Group delete accounts from my credit report after payment?
PRA Group states it will request deletion of a trade line 30 days after a final payment posts. Get any such agreement in writing before you pay.
Should I pay PRA Group if I’m unsure about the debt?
No, don’t pay until you receive written proof. Paying on an old debt can sometimes restart the statute of limitations.
Can PRA Group contact my employer or family?
Generally, no. They may contact others only to locate you, not to discuss your debt with them.
How can I file a complaint against PRA Group?
You can report them to the FTC, the CFPB, or your state attorney general. Keep a copy of whatever you submit.
Take Back Control and Call The Wood Firm PLLC Today
If PRA Group has been harassing you with calls, letters, or messages, don’t wait any longer. You have rights under the FDCPA and TCPA. PRA’s own track record in court often works in your favor.
We’ve also handled cases involving other collectors, including Bayview Solutions LLC, Northpointe Debt Management, and Stealth Agents.
Call +1-844-638-1122 today, or visit ProtectionForConsumers.com to learn more.
Jeff Wood represents consumers exclusively, never creditors or collectors. He holds federal court admissions across 9 districts, including all courts of AR, CO, NM, and TX. He practices from Little Rock, AR.
