Debt Collector Fined $2.25 Million for Harassing Consumers

With your help debt collectors will not get away with threatening and harassing consumers. In the largest civil penalty to date against a debt collector, the FTC will receive $2.25 in fines from Academy Collection Services, Inc and its owner. After receiving more than 1,000 complaints against the agency, a complaint was filed against Academy Collection Services. According to an FTC press release, the agency has a slew of FDCPA violations including making unauthorized withdrawals from consumers' bank accounts, making threatening and abusive calls, communicating with third-parties about the debt, and calling consumers' workplace knowing employers didn't approve.

If a debt collector violates your rights, you can complain to the FTC and your state's Attorney General. See How to Report FDCPA Violations for information on submitting your complaint. 15 Things Debt Collectors Can't Do will help you figure out whether your rights have been violated.