800-654-8818

What Company Is Calling Me From 800-654-8818? Are They A Scam And Why Are They Calling Me?

The company calling from 800-654-8818 is Portfolio Recovery Associates, a debt collection company. This number has been associated with phishing and debt collection calls that may appear as scams. While Portfolio Recovery Associates is a real company, they have faced lawsuits and complaints regarding their debt collection practices, including accusations of harassment and deceptive methods. To determine if the call is a scam, research the company and the debt they claim you owe. If you suspect you’ve been a victim of harassment, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state Attorney General’s office.

How Can I Block Or Stop Calls From 800-654-8818?

To block or stop calls from 800-654-8818, first identify if the call is from a debt collector. If it is, contact your phone carrier to permanently block the number, or use call blocking apps like Nomorobo or Hiya. You can also set contacts not in your address book to go straight to voicemail or be blocked on your smartphone.

Next, send a cease and desist letter via certified mail demanding no further calls. Check if your state has laws beyond the FDCPA that prohibit collection calls without written notice, and send a cease and desist letter invoking those rights. Keep detailed records of all calls to demonstrate a pattern of harassment if considering legal action.

Get help addressing the underlying debt by consulting a non-profit credit counselor to negotiate resolution of the debt, or consider speaking to a consumer protection attorney regarding your rights and potential lawsuits if the collector violates regulations. Blocking calls does not eliminate any legitimate debts owed, but taking proactive steps can stop harassment while addressing any outstanding debts.

Is 800-654-8818 Violating Fair Debt Collection Practices Act? What Are My Rights As A Consumer?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that protects consumers from unfair, abusive, or deceptive debt collection practices. If you receive a call from the number 800-654-8818, which is associated with Portfolio Recovery Associates, a debt collection company, it’s crucial to be aware of your rights under the FDCPA.

To determine if the call is violating the FDCPA, keep track of the date, time, frequency, phone number, and details of all calls. Make sure the calls are made within the allowed hours of 8am – 9pm in your time zone, and that they do not call excessively or use abusive language.

If you believe your rights are being violated, you can take several steps to protect yourself. First, revoke any prior consent given to call outside normal hours. Then, formally request that the collector cease contact at your workplace if it is prohibited by your employer. Next, send a cease and desist letter via certified mail demanding no further contact. Additionally, you can verbally request that they stop calling during any conversation.

If you continue to experience harassment, report the violations to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, consult a consumer protection attorney, or contact your state Attorney General’s office for guidance. Alternatively, you can ask an experienced credit counselor for assistance in addressing the debt without incurring further collection calls.

It is essential to adhere to the FDCPA, and keeping detailed records and asserting your rights can prevent further harassment from debt collectors.

If 800-654-8818 Is A Debt Collector, How Do I Validate This Debt And What Are My Options?

To determine if 800-654-8818 is a debt collector, you should first confirm the number. If it is, you need to request written validation of the debt from the collector. They are legally obligated to provide this information under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

Once you receive the validation, carefully review the details to ensure accuracy. If there are any discrepancies or unrecognized information, dispute these and request their removal from your credit report.

Consider the following options once the debt is validated:

1. Negotiate a reasonable lump-sum settlement or payment installment plan in writing before sending any payment.
2. Offer partial payment of 30-50% of the balance if affordable, and request deletion from your credit report in exchange.
3. Formally assert your rights under the FDCPA if the collector violates regulations during collection.
4. Consult a non-profit credit counseling agency for guidance on debt resolution.
5. Contact an attorney to understand if bankruptcy or legal action against the collector are viable options.
6. Keep detailed records of all correspondence and calls for potential complaints.
7. Revoke any prior verbal or written permission given to contact you outside FDCPA guidelines.

Always remember, never ignore a potential debt collector. Confirm if the debt is valid and exercise your consumer rights under federal and state law before deciding on the best path to resolution. Seek help from professionals to ensure a fair outcome.

Can 800-654-8818 Sue Me Or Garnish My Wages If They'Re A Debt Collector? Should I Just Settle?

If 800-654-8818 is a debt collector, they could potentially sue you for the debt and garnish your wages if they obtain a court judgment. To avoid legal action, try negotiating a payment plan, asserting your inability to pay, seeking credit counseling, or hiring a consumer law attorney. If bankruptcy is necessary, consider it as an option. Always document your efforts and communications with the collector. Before settling, ensure the payment plan is affordable, get agreements in writing, and understand the potential consequences of defaulting on a settlement. Seek assistance to understand your options and rights before agreeing to any settlement terms.

If 800-654-8818 Is A Collection Company, How Can I Remove It From My Credit Report?

If 800-654-8818 is a collection company, you can remove it from your credit report by first validating the debt to ensure it’s legitimate. Request written confirmation of the debt and review it carefully for accuracy. If any information is incorrect, dispute the debt in writing and demand its removal as per the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

If the debt is valid, consider negotiating a pay-for-delete agreement to settle the debt in exchange for removal. Offer a good faith partial settlement payment and request deletion as a gesture of goodwill. Alternatively, hire a credit repair service to dispute the debt on your behalf and provide legal resources to assist in getting it removed.

Waiting for the 7-year credit reporting time limit for the collection to fall off your report is another option. If the collector violates laws and refuses to remove inaccurate information, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Consult a consumer law attorney to review if the collector broke laws enabling you to sue for removal and damages.

Proactively validating debts, negotiating with collectors, and asserting your rights can ultimately help remove collections from your credit report through persistence and proper documentation. But focus first on determining if the debt is legitimate before taking action.

What Feedback And Comments Do People Leave About 800-654-8818?

People have left various comments about 800-654-8818, with some accusing the number of being a phishing caller and Portfolio Recovery Associates of illegally harassing and scamming innocent people through debt collection practices. The comments suggest that some individuals have received harassing calls from this number, and Portfolio Recovery Associates is a legitimate debt collection agency that may have violated debt collection laws in some instances. If you believe you have been harassed or unfairly treated by a debt collector, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or seek legal advice.

Ultimately, it’s crucial to research the company and the debt owed to confirm the legitimacy of the call. If you’re being harassed, file a complaint with the appropriate authorities and consider blocking the number. Additionally, sending a cease and desist letter and keeping records of calls can help protect your rights. Consulting a non-profit credit counselor or attorney to address the underlying debt is also a viable option. Ensure you understand the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protections for consumers in debt collection calls and document any potential violations. If necessary, request written validation of the debt, negotiate a settlement or payment plan, or consider legal action if the collector violates FDCPA regulations.