Are the constant the United Collection Bureau (UCB) calls overwhelming your peace of mind? If they are threatening legal action, wage garnishment, or harassing your family and neighbors, it’s time to take action. These behaviors are not only frustrating but also illegal. Stop United Collection Bureau phone harassment under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Is United Collection Bureau a Scam?
Though the United Collection Bureau has operated for over 59 years, complaints continue to mount against it. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), 41 consumers have filed complaints regarding its practices, many of which accuse it of harassment.
Also read: United Credit Recovery Bureau Debt Collection Harassment
Who is the United Collection Bureau?
Founded in Ohio in 1959, United Collection Bureau (UCB) is a debt collection agency specializing in recovering debts. However, over the years, UCB has faced numerous complaints and lawsuits for its aggressive debt collection tactics.
United Collection Bureau
5620 Southwyck Blvd #206, Toledo, OH 43614-1501
Phone: (866) 209-0622
Common Tactics Used by United Collection Bureau Debt Collectors
If the United Collection Bureau (UCB) has contacted you before, you might have experienced some of the following tactics. These actions may violate your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA):
1. Abusive or Profane Language
Debt collectors may use harsh, threatening, or obscene language to intimidate you into paying. Such actions violate the FDCPA, which prohibits abusive communication.
2. Calling Before 8:00 a.m. or After 9:00 p.m.
Collectors can only call between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Under the FDCPA, Calls made at inconvenient times are illegal.
3. Excessive Calls
Repeated calls, especially multiple times a day or week, are designed to pressure you. This harassment violates your rights if the calls become persistent or abusive.
4. Sharing Your Debt with Others
Debt collectors may illegally disclose your debt to friends, neighbors, or co-workers, violating your privacy and leading to embarrassment, which is against the law.
5. Calling Your Workplace
Without permission, contacting your workplace about your debt is illegal. UCB may use this tactic to embarrass you or create job-related pressure.
6. Threatening Legal Action or Harm
Collectors may make false threats of lawsuits, wage garnishment, or criminal charges. These scare tactics are often illegal, especially if they have no intent to follow through.
7. Accusing You of Crimes
Some collectors may accuse you or others of committing crimes, hoping to frighten you into paying. Such action is unethical and illegal.
8. Contacting You Over Debts Not Owed
UCB may continue contacting you even if you don’t owe the debt or even when those involved have paid, violating the FDCPA regulations, especially when collectors fail to validate the debt.
9. Failing to Inform You of Your Rights
Debt collectors must inform you of your right to dispute a debt. If UCB fails to do so, they are not in compliance with the FDCPA.
10. Demanding More Than You Owe
UCB might try to collect more than is legally owed, including unauthorized fees. They may even attempt to collect on debts past the statute of limitations.
These tactics violate the FDCPA, and The Wood Law Firm can help you protect your rights. For support, call +1 844-638-1122.
Recognizing United Collection Bureau Phone Numbers
If you’re getting calls from any of these numbers, you may be a target of United Collection Bureau phone harassment:
- 800-761-5394
- 800-867-3104
- 877-570-0411
- 888-520-1845
This list isn’t exhaustive. United Collection Bureau uses many phone numbers to evade blocking attempts but rest assured, if you receive any unsolicited calls from these numbers, you’re likely being harassed.
Also read: Diversified Recovery Bureau Debt Collection Harassment
What Should You Do If You Experience United Collection Bureau Debt Collection Harassment?
Contact The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122. You have legal options available, and we’re here to ensure those harassing calls stop immediately. Living with debt collection harassment is not something you should endure. Let us help you put an end to it.
Frequently Asked Questions About United Collection Bureau Debt Collectors
Is United Collection Bureau a Scam?
No, the United Collection Bureau has been in business for over 59 years. However, its aggressive and usually unlawful practices often lead people to question its legitimacy.
Can United Collection Bureau Garnish Wages?
United Collection Bureau debt collectors can garnish wages if they’ve obtained a court judgment or the debt is related to a federal student loan.
Can United Collection Bureau Sue Me?
Yes, UCB can sue you if the debt falls within the statute of limitations. The Wood Law Firm can help you defend your rights in such cases.
Can the United Collection Bureau Arrest Me?
No, debt collectors like the United Collection Bureau lack the authority to arrest you. However, failure to comply with a court order, such as missing a court appearance, may result in legal action.
Sample Lawsuits Filed Against United Collection Bureau
Many consumers have successfully filed lawsuits against the United Collection Bureau. Some examples from Pacer.org include:
- Jacobson v. United Collection Bureau, Inc.
- Strain v. United Collection Bureau Inc.
- Meszaros v. United Collection Bureau, Inc.
These lawsuits reflect the persistence of United Collection Bureau threats, many violating consumer protection laws.
How The Wood Law Firm Can Help Stop United Collection Bureau Debt Collection Harassment
At The Wood Law Firm, we represent consumers facing harassment from the United Collection Bureau and other debt collectors. Our team is well-versed in the FDCPA, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), allowing us to handle your case effectively and secure the best possible outcome.
Also read: Professional Bureau of Collections Debt Collection Harassment
Know Your Rights Under the FDCPA
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law designed to protect consumers from unfair, abusive, or deceptive debt collection practices. If you are dealing with harassment from the United Collection Bureau (UCB), knowing your rights is essential. Here’s how the FDCPA ensures your protection:
1. Right to Debt Verification
You can request written verification of any debt a collector attempts to collect. Once requested, debt collectors must provide detailed information, including the amount owed, the original creditor, and your options for disputing the debt. If they fail, they cannot legally continue contacting you.
2. Time Restrictions on Communication
Debt collectors can only contact you between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., except if you have explicitly permitted them to do otherwise. The FDCPA sets these time limits to protect your privacy and peace of mind; any contact outside these hours is a violation.
3. Protection of Your Privacy
Debt collectors cannot discuss your debt with anyone except you, your spouse, or your attorney. Sharing your financial information with co-workers, neighbors, or family members (other than your spouse) is strictly prohibited. This provision protects your personal and financial privacy.
4. Prohibition of Harassment and Abuse
The FCDPA prohibits debt collectors from using threats, abusive language, or harassment in their communications. Verbal abuse, making false accusations, or using intimidation tactics to scare you into paying are also part of this. The FDCPA protects you from these unethical behaviors, and collectors who engage in such conduct are subject to legal penalties.
5. Right to Cease Communication
If you no longer wish to be contacted by the debt collector, you can send a written request asking them to stop all communications. Once this request is received, they are only allowed to contact you to inform you of legal actions or to confirm that communications will stop. This option gives you control over when and how your debt collectors can contact you.
Filing a Complaint
You can file a formal complaint if the United Collection Bureau violates your rights under the FDCPA. You can report illegal debt collection practices to various regulatory agencies, such as:
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): The CFPB investigates consumer complaints related to debt collection.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC oversees compliance with federal laws, such as the FDCPA, and takes action against violations.
- Your State’s Attorney General: Each state has an Attorney General’s office responsible for protecting consumers from abusive practices, including unlawful debt collection.
While filing a complaint is an option, taking direct legal action yields faster results. The most effective way to stop harassment and hold the United Collection Bureau accountable is by working with The Wood Law Firm. We can file a lawsuit, stop the harassment immediately, and potentially recover damages for any harm you’ve suffered.
Also read: Regional Adjustment Bureau Debt Collection Harassment
Success Stories
At The Wood Law Firm, we have a proven track record of helping consumers stop United Collection Bureau debt collection harassment. Here’s what some of our clients have said:
“I highly recommend The Wood Law Firm. They stopped the harassing calls and were very professional.”
“The Wood Law Firm team helped me with a debt collector who was lying about my debt. They handled my case swiftly. I recommend them anytime!”
Contact Us Today
Don’t wait for the harassment to escalate. Contact The Wood Law Firm now to end United Collection Bureau phone harassment. We will guide you every step of the way and ensure your rights are protected. Call us at +1 844-638-1122 for immediate assistance.
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By addressing United Collection Bureau complaints and taking legal action, you can protect yourself and stop the abuse. No one should have to deal with the stress and anxiety caused by relentless debt collectors. Let The Wood Law Firm put an end to the harassment today.
