As it turns out, there’s an okay way to collect debt and there’s a not okay way. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has charged Dallas-based debt collectors Anderson, Crenshaw, & Associates with doing the latter:
According to court documents, the firm mailed deceptive letters to debtors that unlawfully engaged in debt collection efforts during the same 30-day period debtors were given to validate their debts. Federal courts have maintained that debt collection firms may not undermine debtors’ right to dispute the debt during this time period.
The company’s letters also misrepresent that the firm has filed lawsuits against debtors who fail to make timely payments. In many cases, the debts did not meet the defendant’s internal criteria to initiate legal action.
This Consumer Affairs article has more. Not mentioned: If the debtors get a do over. That’d be cool (for them).
