Absolute Collection Services Phone Harassment? Here’s How to Stop the Calls!
If you’ve been receiving repeated, aggressive, or suspicious phone calls from a debt collection agency, you’re not alone. Many consumers across the United States have reported unwanted calls from companies like Absolute Collection Services. These calls can disrupt your day, invade your privacy, and cause emotional distress. But did you know that you have rights that protect you from debt collection abuse?
This blog will explore everything you need to know about Absolute Collection Services phone harassment, including what it is, how it violates federal law, what steps you can take to stop it, and how to protect yourself legally.
Who Is Absolute Collection Services?
Absolute Collection Services is a debt collection agency that primarily operates in the property management and homeowner association (HOA) space. They typically attempt to collect overdue dues or fees on behalf of HOAs or property managers. While collecting legitimate debt is legal, the manner in which it is done must comply with strict federal and state laws.
Over the years, numerous complaints have surfaced online accusing the company of engaging in aggressive tactics such as excessive calling, misleading information, and harassing communication. These complaints are often filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and other consumer watchdog platforms.
What Is Phone Harassment?
Phone harassment by a debt collector is defined as any type of repeated or unwanted communication that causes emotional distress or invades your privacy. According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), debt collectors are not allowed to:
- Call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Call you at work after you’ve told them not to.
- Make repeated or continuous calls intended to annoy, abuse, or harass you.
- Use profane or threatening language.
- Misrepresent who they are or the amount you owe.
If you’re dealing with Absolute Collection Services phone harassment, it means the company may be violating one or more of these provisions.
Common Complaints About Absolute Collection Services
Many consumers have shared similar experiences when dealing with Absolute Collection Services. Here are some of the most common complaints:
1. Repeated Calls at Odd Hours
Several individuals report receiving multiple calls throughout the day, often early in the morning or late in the evening. These calls sometimes come from unfamiliar or blocked numbers, making it difficult to know who’s calling.
2. Calls to Family or Neighbors
Some people experiencing Absolute Collection Services phone harassment claim that the company has contacted family members or even neighbors to pressure payment. This is not only invasive but could be a serious violation of your rights.
3. Misleading or Threatening Language
Another common complaint is the use of intimidating language meant to scare the consumer into paying. This includes threats of legal action, garnishment, or foreclosure—sometimes even when the debt is disputed or already resolved.
4. Robocalls and Voicemails
Automated calls and pre-recorded messages are frequently reported. While robocalls are not illegal in every case, they are restricted under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), especially if they continue after you’ve asked them to stop.
How to Know If You’re a Victim of Absolute Collection Services Phone Harassment
Here are some warning signs that indicate you might be a victim of phone harassment by this agency:
- Receiving more than 3-4 calls per day from the same number
- Getting calls at work after asking the collector not to contact you there
- Feeling anxious, harassed, or intimidated after calls
- Being contacted about someone else’s debt
- Hearing threatening or abusive language from the caller
- Receiving robocalls or voicemails even after opting out
If any of these sound familiar, you’re likely dealing with Absolute Collection Services phone harassment, and it’s time to take action.
What Are Your Rights Under the FDCPA?
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was created to protect consumers from unethical practices. Here’s how it shields you:
1. Right to Request No Contact
You can send a written notice asking the collector to stop contacting you. After this, they are only allowed to contact you once more to confirm they won’t reach out again or to notify you of a specific legal action.
2. Right to Dispute the Debt
You can dispute all or part of the debt within 30 days of first being contacted. The collection agency must then stop all collection activity until they verify the debt.
3. Right to Sue for Damages
If you’re experiencing Absolute Collection Services phone harassment, you may have the legal right to sue them for actual damages (stress, lost wages, etc.), statutory damages (up to $1,000), and attorney’s fees.
Steps to Stop Absolute Collection Services Phone Harassment
1. Keep a Call Log
Document every call you receive—include the date, time, number, what was said, and the name of the caller if known. This log will be invaluable if you choose to pursue legal action.
2. Request Verification of the Debt
Send a debt validation letter within 30 days of being contacted. This forces the agency to prove you actually owe the debt and the amount is correct.
3. Send a Cease and Desist Letter
If the calls continue after verifying the debt—or if you never owed the debt—you can send a cease and desist letter instructing them to stop all contact. This puts the ball in their court and prevents further communication unless they’re suing you.
4. Report the Harassment
You can file a complaint with:
- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Your state’s Attorney General’s office
Make sure to attach all evidence, including your call logs and any correspondence with the collector.
5. Contact a Consumer Rights Attorney
If you’re suffering from Absolute Collection Services phone harassment, an experienced consumer protection lawyer can help you sue for damages and stop the harassment legally and permanently.
Can You Sue Absolute Collection Services?
Yes, if your rights have been violated under the FDCPA or TCPA, you can sue the company. Some common reasons for lawsuits include:
- Harassing phone calls
- Misrepresentation of debt
- Unlawful threats or intimidation
- Calling after receiving a cease and desist letter
A successful case may lead to compensation for:
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Attorney’s fees
- Up to $1,000 in statutory damages
In some instances, a court may even wipe out the debt entirely if the agency acted unlawfully.
How a Consumer Protection Law Firm Can Help
If you’re overwhelmed and unsure where to start, partnering with a consumer protection law firm is one of the best decisions you can make. These professionals specialize in cases involving FDCPA violations and can guide you through every step of the process.
They will:
- Review your documentation
- Determine if Absolute Collection Services phone harassment occurred
- Send legal notices on your behalf
- Negotiate settlements or take the case to court if needed
Many of these law firms operate on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case.
Preventing Future Harassment
Once you’ve taken action to stop the current harassment, it’s wise to prevent it from happening again in the future. Here’s how:
- Monitor your credit regularly to catch any fraudulent or misreported accounts.
- Never ignore mail or notices from debt collectors—respond promptly.
- Keep records of all communication in case of future legal needs.
- Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry.
- Educate yourself about your rights under the FDCPA and TCPA.
Final Thoughts
Being pursued by a debt collector is stressful enough. When the collection process turns into harassment, it’s time to take control of the situation. Absolute Collection Services phone harassment is not something you have to tolerate. You have legal rights, and there are tools and professionals available to help you enforce them.
Don’t suffer in silence. Document everything, assert your rights, and seek professional assistance if necessary. Whether it’s through formal complaints, cease and desist letters, or a lawsuit, you can stop the calls—and take back your peace of mind.
If you’re currently experiencing Absolute Collection Services phone harassment, now is the time to act. You deserve to be treated with respect, not harassed into silence.
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