Does Valentine & Kebartas constantly harass you, ringing your phone multiple times a day, demanding payment, or threatening legal action? Are you on the receiving end of abusive language during their calls? If these scenarios sound familiar, they may violate your legal rights. If you are a victim of Valentine & Kerbartas’ debt collection harassment, you’re likely searching for a way to make the constant collection calls stop. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to stop the harassment.
Your Rights Under the FDCPA
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that protects consumers from abusive debt collector practices, ensuring fair debt collection practices. The law outlines specific guidelines that debt collectors must follow when pursuing debts. Generally, if your collector fails to follow these guidelines, you have the right to take legal action against the offending debt collector. The FDCPA allows harassed individuals to seek damages of up to $1,000 in addition to attorney’s fees and court costs.
If you believe they violated your FDCPA rights, The Wood Law Firm is here to assist you. We have years of experience helping clients stand up against unlawful debt collection practices.
Is Valentine & Kebartas a Scam?
Valentine & Kebartas has been a legitimate company in business since 1994. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), 11 complaints have been closed within the last three years, with six closed in the past 12 months. While not a scam, it has numerous complaints and lawsuits related to its debt collection practices. Many individuals have reported experiencing harassment from them in the form of relentless calls and threats.
If you need clarification on whether the debt collection agency or another agency is contacting you, take note of the numbers they’re calling from and compare them to the numbers listed below. The Wood Law Firm can help you determine your rights and what steps to take next. Also read:
Also read: Global Recovery Solutions Debt Collection Harassment
Who are Valentine & Kebartas?
Valentine & Kebartas is a third-party debt collector headquartered in Lawrence, Massachusetts. They specialize in collecting debts on behalf of creditors but have been involved in more than 230 federal lawsuits for allegedly violating consumer rights while collecting on alleged debts. In one recent case, they allegedly attempted to collect debts in states where they were not licensed to operate, violating federal law. In some cases, the Supreme Court has reversed lower court rulings due to insufficient evidence of intent to violate consumer protection laws.
If you experienced any of their aggressive collection tactics, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Contact The Wood Law Firm at 📱+1 844-638-1122 to discuss your situation.
Understanding Valentine & Kebartas
Valentine & Kebartas is a third-party collection agency based in Massachusetts, with a history of complaints alleging serious violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The company has been accused of using aggressive methods to collect debts, including making excessive phone calls and engaging in harassing behavior. Despite questionable practices, the agency is a legitimate collection agency, founded in 1994 and incorporated locally in Lawrence, MA, in 2015.
Collection Calls Harassment Tactics
Valentine & Kerbartas’ debt collection harassment may employ various tactics that may violate the FDCPA, including:
- ➡️Harassment: Repeated ☎️telephone calls intended to annoy or harass.
- ➡️Threats: Threatening legal action that is not actually permitted or intended.
- ➡️False Claims: Misrepresenting the amount owed or the debt’s legal status.
- ➡️Unfair Practices: Adding unauthorized fees or charges, contacting you outside of legally allowed hours, or continuing to call after being told to stop.
These practices are not only frustrating but also illegal under the FDCPA. Understanding these tactics can help you identify when your rights are not respected and what steps you can take to stop the harassment.
Legal Protections Against Valentine & Kebartas’ Harassment
The FDCPA provides explicit consumer protections, preventing debt collectors like these agencies from engaging in certain behaviors. Here’s a breakdown of the most common FDCPA violations:
- Harassment: This includes frequent calls intended to annoy, verbal abuse, threats, or obscene language.
- False Representation: Debt collectors cannot lie about the debt you owe, their legal authority, or what will happen if you don’t pay.
- Unfair Practices: Collecting more than you owe legally, contacting you at unreasonable hours, or sharing your debt details with third parties.
- Failure to Validate the Debt: At your request, debt collectors must provide accurate details about the debt. Failure to do so is a violation.
If any of these violations sound familiar, contact The Wood Law Firm to explore your legal options.
Also read: Nationwide Recovery Systems Debt Collection Harassment
If you’re being harassed by Valentine & Kebartas, it’s essential to understand your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The FDCPA regulates the behavior of collection agencies, including debt collectors, and prohibits them from engaging in abusive, harassing, or deceptive practices. If you’re receiving excessive phone calls or experiencing other forms of harassment, you can take action to stop it.
One way to stop debt collection harassment is to send a cease and desist letter. This letter informs the debt collector that you no longer wish to be contacted and requests that they stop all communication. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state’s Attorney General’s office.
Another option is to seek the help of a law firm specializing in debt collection harassment. These firms can help you understand your rights and take action to stop the harassment. They may also be able to help you recover damages if the debt collector has violated the FDCPA.
Stop Valentine & Kerbartas Debt Collection Harassment
If you’re receiving repeated calls from Valentine & Kebartas, you may recognize the following phone numbers:
- 📱800-731-7766
- 📱978-975-0799
- 📱978-686-1150
- 📱239-347-6518
- 📱314-932-0978
- 📱314-912-0396
- 📱314-500-0177
In some cases, the company has been reported to make multiple calls with intervals of less than an hour between them, contributing to claims of harassment.
While these are some of the phone numbers the company uses, they may also contact you from other numbers. If you’re unsure whether the company is harassing you or if you’re receiving persistent calls from unfamiliar numbers, it’s time to act. The Wood Law Firm can help put an end to the company phone harassment and ensure that you get the justice you deserve.
Common Questions About Debt Collection Harassment
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding this agency and its debt collection practices:
What is Valentine & Kebartas?
Valentine & Kebartas is a third-party debt collection agency that collects debts on behalf of original creditors and lenders.
Why is Valentine & Kebartas contacting me?
They’re contacting you to collect a debt they claim you owe, either from an original creditor or another collector.
Is Valentine & Kebartas a legitimate company?
Yes, Valentine & Kebartas is a legitimate debt collection agency, but they must follow fair debt collection laws.
Can Valentine & Kebartas harass me with calls or letters?
No, they cannot legally harass, threaten, or use abusive language while contacting you to collect a debt.
What are my rights against debt harassment?
Under the FDCPA, you have rights to dispute the debt, request validation, and stop harassment from debt collectors.
How can I stop Valentine & Kebartas from calling me?
Send a written cease-and-desist letter requesting they stop all communication except for legal notices or debt validation.
Can I sue Valentine & Kebartas for harassment?
Yes, if they violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you may sue them and recover statutory damages.
What should I do if I don’t owe the debt?
Immediately send a written dispute and request debt validation to ensure the claim is accurate and verifiable.
Will stopping Valentine & Kebartas affect my credit?
Stopping communication doesn’t erase the debt, but disputing inaccuracies can help you avoid wrongful credit reporting.
Should I hire a consumer protection attorney?
Yes, an attorney can help enforce your rights, dispute wrongful debts, and hold Valentine & Kebartas accountable.
Can Valentine & Kebartas sue me for debt?
Yes, if the debt is valid and within the statute of limitations, Valentine & Kebartas may sue you in court to collect payment.
Can Valentine & Kebartas garnish my wages?
They can only garnish wages if they win a judgment in court. Without a court order, wage garnishment is not legal.
How do I verify a debt with Valentine & Kebartas?
You can request a debt validation letter. By law, Valentine & Kebartas must provide proof of the debt before continuing collection.
Does Valentine & Kebartas report to credit bureaus?
Yes, Valentine & Kebartas may report unpaid debts to credit bureaus, which can negatively impact your credit score.
How much compensation can I get if Valentine & Kebartas breaks the law?
If they violate the FDCPA, you may recover up to $1,000 in statutory damages, plus actual damages and attorney fees.
Resolving Debt with Valentine & Kebartas
If you owe a debt to Valentine & Kebartas, it’s essential to resolve it as quickly as possible. One way to do this is to negotiate a settlement with the debt collector. This involves offering to pay a lump sum or making monthly payments in exchange for the debt collector agreeing to stop collection efforts.
Another option is to dispute the debt. If you believe the debt is not valid or is incorrect, you can send a dispute letter to the collection agency. This letter should include your name, address, and account number, as well as a clear explanation of why you’re disputing the debt.
It’s also essential to check your credit report to ensure that this company is not reporting incorrect information. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) once a year. If you find any errors, you can dispute them with the credit reporting agency.
Valentine & Kebartas Debt Collection Lawsuits
Debt collection harassment lawsuits for violations of the FDCPA include:
📍 Toepper v. Valentine & Kebartas, LLC (1:19-cv-00398)
📍 Shauberger v. Valentine & Kebartas LLC (2:18-cv-01569-EAS-CMV)
📍 Grace v. Valentine & Kebartas, Inc. (3:18-cv-01063-TJC-MCR)
📍 Hernandez v. Valentine & Kebartas, LLC (1:18-cv-02256-MSK-KLM)
📍 Vintila v. Valentine & Kebartas, LLC (1:18-cv-02650-JPH-TAB)
These cases are just a few examples of violating consumer rights. Correspondingly, If you believe you have a case against them, don’t hesitate to contact The Wood Law Firm.
How The Wood Law Firm Can Help
The Wood Law Firm specializes in helping individuals harassed by debt collectors, including phone harassment by Valentine & Kebartas. Since 2010, our team has provided effective legal solutions for clients facing debt collection abuse. We pride ourselves on our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and our dedication to consumer protection. Our firm specializes in cases involving violations of fair debt collection practices, ensuring that your rights are protected.
If you’re ready to take action and stop the harassment, contact us today at📱 +1 844-638-1122. Our experienced attorneys are prepared to help you stop debt collection harassment and secure the compensation you deserve.
Also read: APD Debt Collection Harassment
🏆Success Stories
“I contacted The Wood Law Firm after months of harassment from a debt collection agency. The calls stopped, and I have my compensation. Highly recommend! The Wood Law Firm successfully stopped the harassing ☎️ telephone calls from them, providing much-needed relief to our clients.”
“The Wood Law Firm made the process smooth and stress-free. They handled my case professionally, and I’m grateful for their help in stopping the harassment.”
Contact The Wood Law Firm today for more information on your rights under the FDCPA or to speak with one of our legal professionals.
🌟Additional Resources
If you’re dealing with debt collection harassment or need help resolving a debt, there are several resources available to you. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides information on debt collection and the FDCPA, including how to file a complaint.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) also provides information on Valentine & Kebartas, including complaints filed against the company. You can also check your state’s Attorney General’s office for information on debt collection laws and regulations.
Additionally, there are several law firms specializing in debt collection harassment that can provide you with guidance and representation. These firms can help you understand your rights and take action to stop the harassment.
It’s also essential to stay informed about your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA regulates how credit reporting agencies collect and report information, and provides you with the right to dispute errors on your credit report.
By understanding your rights and taking action to stop debt collection harassment, you can protect yourself from abusive practices and resolve your debt with Valentine & Kebartas.
Some Useful Links:
🔗FTC Website
🔗FTC FAQs
