Penn Credit debt collection harassment involves persistent calls, threats, and abusive tactics that may violate your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). If you believe Penn Credit is harassing you, you can take legal action to stop the calls and potentially recover up to $1,000 in statutory damages.
The Wood Law Firm specializes in protecting consumers from unethical debt collection practices and can help you exercise your rights under federal law.
What You Should Know About Debt Collection Harassment
Debt collection harassment occurs when collectors use phone harassment tactics that violate the FDCPA. This federal law prohibits harassment, threats, and misleading information during debt collection.
Even if you owe a debt, collectors cannot use deceptive or abusive tactics. If you believe Penn Credit violated the FDCPA, you have the right to take legal action and receive compensation for the harassment you endured.
How to Respond When a Debt Collector Contacts You
When debt collectors contact you, follow these steps to protect yourself:
- Check Your Debt Status: Verify the debt is yours by reviewing your credit report for outstanding balances
- Verify the Debt Collector: Request written proof of the debt to confirm the collector’s authenticity and avoid scams
- Show Proof of Payment: If you’ve already paid, send evidence such as receipts or credit reports to stop the calls
- Exercise Your Legal Rights: Dispute false debt claims within 30 days of receiving initial notice through certified mail
If harassment continues despite providing proof or disputing the debt, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit. The Wood Law Firm can help you fight back against abusive debt collection practices.
Is Penn Credit a Legitimate Company?
Penn Credit is a third-party debt collection agency based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, operating since 1987. According to the Better Business Bureau, numerous consumers have filed complaints against the company, with some reporting suspicious activities.
Contact Information:
- Address: 2800 Commerce Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9307
- Phone: 717-238-7124
- Fax: 717-231-4849
If you’re receiving persistent calls from Penn Credit or similar numbers, verify their authenticity. Calls could be from legitimate collectors or scammers posing as Penn Credit.
Your Legal Rights Under the FDCPA
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices. Understanding your rights empowers you to defend yourself against unlawful tactics.
Protection from Harassment and Abuse
The FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from engaging in harassment or abusive practices:
- No threats or intimidation: Collectors cannot use violence, threats, or abusive language. If the agency threatens you with legal action or physical harm, they’re breaking the law
- Limited call frequency: Collectors cannot call repeatedly or excessively to disrupt your life
- Respect for privacy: Collectors cannot discuss your debt with anyone except you, your spouse, or your attorney
Right to Debt Validation
When Penn Credit contacts you, you have the right to verify the debt’s legitimacy:
- Request a debt validation letter outlining debt details, amount owed, and original creditor
- The company must provide this information within five days of contacting you
- Penn Credit must cease all collection attempts until the debt is validated
If they continue harassment without validating the debt, contact The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122 to stop the illegal activity.
Right to Dispute the Debt
The FDCPA gives you the right to dispute any debt you believe is inaccurate:
- Send a written dispute letter to the collection agency within 30 days of receiving their first communication
- Include evidence such as receipts, account statements, or proof of payment
If Penn Credit fails to respond appropriately or continues harassment during this period, The Wood Law Firm can help you file a lawsuit.
Right to Stop Collection Calls
Under the FDCPA, you can stop collection calls completely:
- Send a cease and desist letter requesting that all further communication be in writing
- Once the agency receives this letter, it must stop calling you
- They can only contact you afterward to confirm cessation or inform you of legal actions
If collectors ignore your cease and desist letter and continue harassment, you can sue them for violating your FDCPA rights.
Right to Seek Legal Compensation
If debt collectors violate the FDCPA, you can sue them for damages:
- Up to $1,000 in statutory damages for each violation
- Additional damages for emotional distress or financial loss
- Attorney fees and court costs
The Wood Law Firm specializes in representing clients who have faced harassment from debt collectors like Penn Credit. Contact us at +1 844-638-1122 to learn about filing a lawsuit.
No Threats of Arrest
Debt collectors cannot threaten to arrest you for unpaid debts. While they may file a lawsuit against you for legitimate debts, they cannot falsely claim that non-payment will result in jail time. Such threats are illegal under the FDCPA.
What to Do If You Experience Phone Harassment from Penn Agency
If you’re receiving unwanted calls from Penn Credit, take these steps to stop the harassment:
Identify the Caller: Penn Credit uses various phone numbers, including:
- 717-238-7124
- 800-900-1367
- 800-900-1300
- 800-900-1381
Contact The Wood Law Firm: We can help you end harassing calls legally. Our assistance comes without charging you any fees—you won’t pay a penny for our help. Call us at +1 844-638-1122 to start the process.
How to File a Complaint Against Penn Credit
If you’re facing harassment or believe Penn Credit violated your rights, follow these steps to file a formal complaint:
1. Collect Evidence of Harassment
Documentation is vital when proving your case:
- Keep a log of all phone calls, including dates, times, and phone numbers
- Record the nature of calls—whether you felt threatened, insulted, or pressured
- Save any voicemails, texts, or written correspondence
- Retain copies of your credit reports
- Document any threats the company made
2. File a Complaint with Your State Attorney General
Most states have laws governing debt collection practices in addition to federal laws:
- Visit your state’s Attorney General’s website
- Locate the section for filing consumer complaints or debt collection issues
- Submit the necessary information with all supporting documentation
3. Sue Penn Credit for Harassment
If filing complaints doesn’t stop the harassment, you can take legal action. The Wood Law Firm can help you pursue a lawsuit against Penn Credit under the FDCPA. Contact us at +1 844-638-1122 to explore your legal options.
Sample Lawsuits Against Penn Credit
Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Penn Credit due to its debt collection practices. These cases, available on Pacer.org, reflect serious legal actions taken by consumers who experienced harassment:
- 5:19-cv-00142-JFL – Coulter et al. v. Penn Credit Corporation
- 2:19-cv-00882-WHW-CLW – Markgraf v. Penn Credit Corporation et al.
- 2:18-cv-10516-DSF-ADS – Angeline Alexis v. Penn Credit Corporation
- 1:18-cv-05661-BMC – Alicea v. Penn Credit Corporation
These cases highlight that debt collectors have faced numerous legal challenges, often due to FDCPA violations.
Client Success Stories
“I was receiving constant calls from Penn Credit for someone I didn’t know. The Wood Law Firm stopped the calls within two weeks and helped me get $1,000 in compensation. I highly recommend them for anyone dealing with debt collector harassment.”
“Penn Credit called me 15 times a day for a debt I had already paid. The Wood Law Firm documented the violations, filed a lawsuit, and I received statutory damages plus they paid my attorney fees. Their team was professional and straightforward throughout the process.”
“This firm helped me understand my rights and stop the harassment quickly. They sent a cease and desist letter, and when Penn Credit ignored it, they filed a lawsuit. I couldn’t be happier with their service and the settlement I received.”
How The Wood Law Firm Can Help
The Wood Law Firm protects consumers from predatory practices and ensures fair treatment under federal law. We specialize in cases involving the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
For over a decade, we have fought tirelessly to hold companies accountable and secure justice for our clients. The Wood Law Firm specializes in protecting consumers from unethical debt collection practices.
With an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, our team is ready to fight for your rights. Our consultations are free, and you’ll never have to pay for our services out of pocket.
The Wood Law Firm has cultivated strong Of Counsel relationships with attorneys licensed in Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia.
About Jeff Wood
Jeff Wood is an accomplished attorney based in Arkansas, where he is fully licensed to practice law. With over 15 years of experience, Mr. Wood specializes in consumer protection, focusing on cases involving the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
Take Action Today
Don’t let Penn Credit harassment take over your life. Call The Wood Law Firm today at +1 844-638-1122 and let us help you end debt collection harassment for good. We’ll stop the calls and get you the justice you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does Penn Credit collect for?
Penn Credit collects debts for government agencies, healthcare providers, utilities, and other creditors nationwide. If you believe they’re collecting a debt you don’t owe, The Wood Law Firm can help you dispute it.
2. Why is Penn Credit calling me?
Penn Credit may be contacting you about an unpaid debt. Always verify if the debt is valid or sent in error by requesting written debt validation before making any payments.
3. Is Penn Credit a legitimate company?
Penn Credit is a licensed debt collection agency founded in 1987. However, the company has faced numerous consumer complaints over the years for potentially violating the FDCPA.
4. What rights do I have under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?
You can dispute debts, demand validation, stop collection calls, and sue collectors who harass you. The Wood Law Firm can help you exercise these rights and recover up to $1,000 in damages.
5. Can Penn Credit sue me for unpaid debt?
Penn Credit can sue you if the debt is valid and within the statute of limitations. If you receive a lawsuit notice, contact The Wood Law Firm immediately at +1 844-638-1122.
6. How can I stop Penn Credit from calling me?
Send them a written cease and desist letter. Once they receive it, they can only contact you to confirm cessation or inform you of legal action. The Wood Law Firm can help you draft this letter.
7. Could Penn Credit be a scam?
Penn Credit is a real company, but scammers may pretend to be them. Always request written proof of the debt before making any payments or providing personal information.
8. What compensation can I receive for debt harassment?
You may receive up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus emotional or financial damages if Penn Credit violated the FDCPA. Contact The Wood Law Firm to evaluate your case.
9. Can Penn Credit contact my employer or family?
Penn Credit cannot discuss your debt with anyone else except to get your contact information, and even that contact is limited by law. Violations can result in legal action.
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