Receiving constant calls from Wakefield & Associates about medical bills can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with health concerns or financial stress. You may be confused about whether you owe the debt, worried about your credit, or unsure what to do next. These feelings are normal, and you’re not alone.
If Wakefield & Associates is calling repeatedly, threatening legal action, or contacting family members about medical debt, these actions may violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Speaking with an attorney does not restart your debt, and you do not need to owe the debt to have legal protections.
Who Is Wakefield & Associates?
Wakefield & Associates is a third-party debt collector based in Aurora, Colorado, founded in 1933, specializing in healthcare and medical debt recovery. Unlike general collection agencies, Wakefield & Associates (WA) focuses heavily on hospitals, clinics, and emergency medical services, handling both early-stage (“early-out”) and late-stage collection.
Address: 10800 E Bethany Dr, Ste 450, Aurora, CO 80014-2697
Phone: (866) 623-2069
Federal Lawsuits: 190+ cases
Founded: 1933
Specialization: Healthcare revenue cycle management, medical debt
Regional Offices: Tennessee, Colorado, Missouri, New Jersey
Wakefield & Associates (WA) operates under multiple names including Wakefield Collections, Wakeassoc, Wakefield RRC, and Wakefield Payment Solutions, which can confuse consumers checking their credit reports.
They purchase medical debt and also work directly with healthcare providers before debts are charged off, giving them access to complex insurance billing information.
Wakefield & Associates Phone Numbers
| Phone Number | Format Variations |
|---|---|
| 866-623-2069 | (866) 623-2069, 8666232069 |
| 303-872-8492 | (303) 872-8492, 3038728492 |
| 800-864-3870 | (800) 864-3870, 8008643870 |
| 303-652-5869 | (303) 652-5869, 3036525869 |
| 844-544-0408 | (844) 544-0408, 8445440408 |
| 844-554-0399 | (844) 554-0399, 8445540399 |
| 800-264-9399 | (800) 264-9399, 8002649399 |
Is Wakefield & Associates a Scam?
Wakefield & Associates (WA) is a legitimate debt collector operating since 1933, not a scam. However, with 190+ federal lawsuits and numerous BBB complaints, many consumers report experiences suggesting their medical debt collection practices may cross legal boundaries. Consumer complaints frequently mention attempts to collect already-paid debts and unauthorized “service fees” added to payments.
When Medical Debt Collection Crosses the Legal Line
Medical debt collection creates unique stress because you’re often dealing with health issues while facing financial pressure. Here are clear signs Wakefield & Associates (WA) may be violating federal law:
- Multiple Daily Calls: Frequent calls about medical debt, especially during recovery from illness or injury, may constitute harassment
- Calls Before 8 AM or After 9 PM: Specifically prohibited by FDCPA
- Threatening Legal Action Without Authority: Cannot threaten lawsuits or wage garnishment without legal grounds
- Using Abusive Language: Any profanity or offensive language violates FDCPA
- Discussing Medical Debt with Others: Cannot tell family, neighbors, or coworkers about your medical debt
- Collecting Already-Paid Debts: Consumer complaints suggest Wakefield & Associates (WA) sometimes pursues debts already settled with hospitals or insurance
- Adding Unauthorized Fees: Class action lawsuits allege they added “service fees” without authorization
If you’ve experienced these behaviors, speaking with a consumer protection attorney may help. Requesting validation does not admit liability or restart time limits on old debts.
Wakefield & Associates Lawsuits
Wakefield & Associates (WA) has faced 190+ federal lawsuits and multiple class actions alleging violations:
- Illegal Call Recording (California, 2020): Class action alleged Wakefield & Associates (WA) covertly recorded debt collection calls involving HIPAA-protected medical information without consent, violating California Invasion of Privacy Act.
- FDCPA Violations (Arkansas, 2018): Proposed class action accused them of using misleading and abusive means to collect debts.
- Failure to Identify Creditor (2018): Lawsuit claimed they failed to properly identify the creditor in collection letters, making it difficult for consumers to verify medical debts.
- Missing Interest Information (2018): Class action alleged collection notices failed to specify if interest was accruing on medical debts.
- Improper Documentation (Florida, 2018): Alleged FDCPA violations concerning initial communications.
Recent cases on Pacer.org include:
- Milner v. Wakefield and Associates, Inc. (2:18-cv-00551-WKW-TFM)
- Lakins v. Wakefield & Associates, Inc. (3:18-cv-00514-TRM-HBG)
- Breeden v. Wakefield & Associates, Inc. (2:18-cv-00210-CLC-MCLC)
- Schultz v. Wakefield & Associates, Inc. (3:18-cv-00480-TAV-HBG)
- Purkey v. Wakefield & Associates, Inc. (3:18-cv-00445-TAV-HBG)
How to Stop Wakefield & Associates Harassment
Request Debt Validation for Medical Debt
Medical billing is notoriously complex. Send written validation request via certified mail within 30 days asking for:
- Name of original healthcare provider
- Date(s) of service
- Itemized billing showing procedures/services
- Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from insurance if applicable
- Proof Wakefield & Associates (WA) owns or is authorized to collect this debt
- Documentation showing debt hasn’t been paid by you or insurance
Wakefield & Associates (WA) must stop collection until providing validation. Consumer complaints suggest they sometimes pursue debts already paid, making validation critical.
Verify Insurance Payments
Before paying Wakefield & Associates (WA), verify with your insurance company and healthcare provider that they haven’t already paid the bill. Their specialization in “out-of-network” insurance reimbursements means billing errors are common.
Send Cease Communication Letter
Written notice via certified mail stops most contact. Wakefield & Associates (WA) can only contact you to confirm they’ll stop or notify you of specific legal action. This stops calls but doesn’t eliminate valid medical debts.
Check Statute of Limitations
Most states set 3-6 years for medical debt lawsuits. If your debt is beyond this timeframe, it’s time-barred. Wakefield & Associates (WA) cannot legally sue you, though they may still attempt collection. Paying even a small amount might restart the clock in some states.
Document Everything
Keep records of dates, times, what was said, and any letters. For medical debt, also keep:
- Hospital bills and EOBs
- Insurance payment records
- Any settlement agreements with healthcare providers
- Evidence of payments made
File Complaints
- CFPB: Search Wakefield complaints
- Colorado Attorney General: Consumer Protection
- Better Business Bureau: Document patterns with other consumers
Contact The Wood Law Firm
If Wakefield & Associates (WA) continues harassing you after validation requests, is attempting to collect already-paid medical debt, or violated the FDCPA, contact us at +1 844-638-1122. We understand medical debt collection creates unique stress, especially when dealing with health issues, and we’re here to help without judgment.
You may be entitled to up to $1,000 per violation, plus compensation for emotional distress and attorney fees Wakefield & Associates (WA) must pay. We work on pure contingency.
Medical Debt and Your Credit Report
Wakefield & Associates (WA) can report unpaid medical debt to credit bureaus, where it remains for up to seven years. Consumer complaints suggest they often maintain negative marks even after debts are paid, making “pay-for-delete” negotiations common.
Disputing Medical Debt on Credit Reports: If Wakefield & Associates (WA) reports inaccurate information, dispute it with credit bureaus. Given complaints about collecting already-paid debts, verify all medical debt reporting carefully.
Pay-for-Delete Strategy: Wakefield & Associates (WA) reportedly settles for 40-80% of debt amounts. Get any settlement agreement and credit report removal promise in writing before paying.
Your Rights Under the FDCPA
- Right to Dispute: Challenge any medical debt within 30 days
- Right to Validation: Wakefield & Associates (WA) must prove the debt, including showing insurance hasn’t paid
- Right to Stop Contact: After a written request, they must stop most communication
- Right to Freedom from Harassment: No abusive language, excessive calls, or illegal threats
- Right to Privacy: Cannot discuss your medical debt with unauthorized third parties
- Right to Sue: If they violate these rights, you can pursue damages
How The Wood Law Firm Protects You
The Wood Law Firm has helped hundreds stop Wakefield & Associates (WA) and other medical debt collectors. We understand the unique stress of medical debt collection and provide clarity when healthcare billing seems impossible to navigate. We’ve successfully stopped harassment from Nelson Cruz & Associates, Williams Rush & Associates, and Prince Parker & Associates.
We work on pure contingency, holding Wakefield & Associates (WA) accountable for illegal practices while protecting your rights.
Attorney Jeff Wood Fights Medical Debt Harassment
Attorney Jeff Wood founded The Wood Law Firm after witnessing how medical debt collectors exploit consumers during vulnerable health situations. With an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and extensive experience in medical debt FDCPA cases, Jeff understands that Wakefield & Associates (WA)’s 190+ lawsuits demonstrate systematic issues requiring aggressive legal response.
What Our Clients Say About Us
- “Wakefield & Associates was calling me about a hospital bill my insurance had already paid. I was overwhelmed dealing with my health issues. The Wood Law Firm verified the insurance payment, stopped the calls, and recovered compensation.”
- “They were calling my family about my medical debt, which was humiliating while I was recovering from surgery. The Wood Law Firm stopped it immediately and got me $1,000.”
- “I almost paid a debt I didn’t owe because their calls were so stressful. The Wood Law Firm requested validation, and Wakefield couldn’t prove anything. The harassment stopped completely.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Wakefield & Associates (WA) a scam?
No, Wakefield & Associates (WA) is legitimate with operations since 1933, but 190+ federal lawsuits suggest their medical debt collection practices may violate consumer protection laws.
2. Can Wakefield & Associates (WA) sue me for medical debt?
Only if debt is within your state’s statute of limitations (typically 3-6 years). If time-barred, they cannot legally sue.
3. Will requesting debt validation restart the statute of limitations?
No. Requesting validation is your legal right and doesn’t restart the clock. Only making a payment or written acknowledgment might restart it.
4. Can Wakefield & Associates (WA) garnish my wages for medical debt?
Only with a court judgment. They must sue you, win in court, and obtain a garnishment order before touching your wages.
5. What if my insurance already paid this medical bill?
Request validation and contact your insurance company. Consumer complaints suggest Wakefield & Associates (WA) sometimes pursues already-paid debts. Documentation of insurance payment is critical.
6. Can Wakefield & Associates (WA) have me arrested for unpaid medical bills?
No. Debt collectors cannot arrest you for unpaid consumer debts. An arrest only occurs for contempt of court if you ignore a court order.
7. Should I accept their settlement offer?
Get everything in writing, including credit report removal. Wakefield & Associates (WA) reportedly settles for 40-80% of amounts. Verify the debt is valid before paying anything.
8. What damages can I recover if Wakefield & Associates (WA) violated the FDCPA?
Up to $1,000 in statutory damages per violation, plus actual damages for emotional distress, and they must pay your attorney fees.
We’ve also helped clients stop Simms Associates, Lewis, McDonnell & Associates, and Associated Recovery Systems.
Contact The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122 for a free consultation. You deserve peace of mind, especially while dealing with health concerns.
