Who is 8444217502 (+ how are they hurting my credit score)
- Phone number 8444217502 is likely a debt collector called:' Wakefield & Associates'.
- Your credit score likely dropped because this is potentially a debt collection on your report.
- Chat with the Credit Pros and learn how we can help you potentially improve your score.
Pull your 3-bureau report and don't let this number cause bigger problems.
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Getting a call from 844-421-7502 feels frustrating and concerning. This number often belongs to debt collectors like Wakefield & Associates, and their frequent calls can harm your credit score. Address this directly rather than ignore it.
If the number is a debt collector, they’ve likely bought your outstanding debt and want to collect. They might also work on behalf of another debt collector. Ignoring or blocking these calls stops the harassment temporarily but doesn’t solve the underlying issue. Handle it directly.
Your next step: call The Credit Pros. We’ll have a simple, no-pressure chat to review your credit report from all three bureaus. We’ll clarify if this is a genuine debt collection issue and spot any other negative items hurting your score. We’ve helped countless people remove potentially inaccurate negative items, boosting their credit score and improving their financial situation overall. Don’t let these calls continue; take control of your credit today.
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Who Is 8444217502: Scam Or Legitimate
If you receive a call from 844-421-7502, it might be a legitimate debt collector. However, it could also be a scam. You should not engage directly or pay any debt without proper verification.
Here's what we advise you to do:
- Check Your Credit Report: Identify any inaccurate negative items that could be affecting your score.
- Verify the Caller: Ask for the company's name, address, and details about the debt.
- Consult The Credit Pros: We can help you verify the debt, dispute inaccuracies, and improve your financial standing.
To sum up, avoid engaging directly with the caller. Pull your credit report, verify the caller's identity, and consult The Credit Pros to protect your credit score.
How Do I Stop 8444217502 From Harassing Me (How To Report Them)
To stop 8444217502 from harassing you and report them, follow these steps:
First, document each unwanted interaction by keeping a detailed log of dates, times, and any abusive language used. Register your number at DoNotCall.gov and block the number via your phone’s blocking feature or with help from your service provider.
If calls persist, consider some escalating measures:
- You might need to file for a restraining order if threats escalate.
- Hiring a harassment lawyer can enforce anti-harassment laws.
- Sending a cease and desist letter can also halt the calls. Use a template from eforms.com.
Additionally, use apps designed for blocking calls:
- For Android, try 'Call Blocker - Stop spam calls'.
- For Apple, use 'Robokiller: Spam Call Blocker'.
Report the number to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at fcc.gov/complaints if you suspect it's an illegal robocall or spoofing. For telemarketing complaints or Do Not Call Registry violations, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
You can also reach out to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB):
- Online: consumerfinance.gov/complaint.
- Phone: Call (855) 411-2372.
- Mail: Write to CFPB at 1700 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20552.
Using Nomorobo, report unwanted robocalls through their platform. Check with your phone carrier for call-blocking tools and options. Your local or state consumer protection office may have additional resources or complaint mechanisms.
To wrap things up, you should document interactions, use call-blocking apps, and escalate measures if needed. Report the number to the FCC, FTC, and CFPB, and leverage any available tools from your phone carrier or local consumer protection office to stop 8444217502 from harassing you.
Stop the harassment today. Reach out to us for expert help. Chat with us now
Should I Block Or Ignore 8444217502
You should block 8444217502. Blocking this number can help you avoid potential harassment, and it has no negative consequences for you. If the calls are from a debt collector like Wakefield & Associates, blocking them will prevent unwanted calls. Ignoring the calls won’t harm your credit score directly, but handling any debt issues separately is vital.
Working with a reputable credit repair company to fix inaccuracies on your credit report is a smart move. Blocking their number won’t lower your score if the debt is already on your report. You should block the number and let a credit repair company help you manage any disputes.
- Block the number to avoid harassment and unwanted calls.
- Ignoring won’t negatively impact your credit score.
- Use a credit repair company to address any credit issues.
In the end, blocking 8444217502 helps you avoid harassment, won’t hurt your credit score, and allows you to manage disputes with the help of a credit repair company.
Can A Debt Collector Like 8444217502 Sue Me
Yes, a debt collector like 8444217502 can sue you, but it's not very common. Lawsuits are usually a last resort for debts over $5,000. Collectors must prove you owe the debt, the amount is accurate, and they have the legal right to collect it, which is difficult if the debt has changed hands multiple times. Suing is expensive and time-consuming, so they often prefer to settle out of court.
If the debt is old, it might be beyond the statute of limitations in your state. This reduces the chances of being sued. Debt collectors usually rely on calls and letters to collect debts. If you are sued, you will get a court summons and complaint. Make sure to respond to avoid a default judgment, which could lead to wage garnishment or bank account levies.
You have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to protect you from abusive or deceptive practices. If you face a lawsuit, consider consulting with an attorney to understand your options and defenses.
As a final point, remember that debt collectors like 8444217502 can sue you, but it's rare. Make sure to know your rights, respond to any court summons, and consider consulting an attorney for guidance.
Worried about legal action? Contact us to understand your rights. Chat with us now
8444217502 Might Have Your Personal Information
8444217502 might have your personal information because it's likely a call from a debt collector. Here's what we advise you to do:
Don't give them any information. It's important that you don't engage directly. If you can, don't even pick up their calls. Ignoring them can prevent you from sharing personal info by mistake.
Next, obtain your 3-bureau credit report. This helps you understand your financial status and spot any inaccuracies. Start building a comprehensive plan to improve your credit. Knowing your report in detail makes it easier to manage your finances.
Finally, work with a reputable credit repair company. They can help you address any issues and guide you through the process of repairing your credit effectively.
Bringing it all together - make sure you don't engage, get your full credit report, and work with a trusted credit repair company to protect your personal information and take control of your financial health.
Protect your personal information. Speak with our experts today. Chat with us now
Types Of Debt Collected By 8444217502
8444217502 is connected to a company that collects various types of debt. They typically handle delinquent debts from credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, utility bills, phone bills, auto loans, and back taxes. These debts are either collected on behalf of the original creditors or bought from them.
You can expect them to contact you through calls, letters, and even emails to recover the owed amounts. Their goal is to recoup as much of the debt as possible, whether they keep the entire amount collected or work on a commission basis for the creditors.
All things considered, 8444217502 collects many types of debt, including credit cards and medical bills, and they usually reach out through various channels to recover these amounts.
How Do I Check If I Owe Money To 8444217502
To check if you owe money to 8444217502, follow these clear steps:
1. Don't Contact Directly: It's important that you don't engage directly to prevent restarting the statute of limitations on old debts.
2. Check Your Records: You should review your financial records for final bills, account statements, or equipment return receipts related to any debt.
3. Credit Report: Make sure you check your credit report for any collection items. You can get your credit report from the major credit bureaus.
4. Debt Validation: If the debt appears on your credit report, you should request debt validation from the collections agency. They must provide proof of the debt, including the original creditor and the amount owed.
5. Compare Information: Compare the details provided by the collections agency with your own records to ensure they match and confirm the legitimacy of the debt.
6. Consumer Protection Lawyer: If you face harassment or have disputes, we advise you to consult a consumer protection lawyer.
Gathering detailed documentation from your records and credit reports is crucial.
Lastly, by following these steps, you can verify if you owe money, protect yourself from inaccurate collection efforts, and ensure your credit remains intact.
Need to verify your debts? Contact us for a thorough check. Chat with us now
Which Debt Collection Laws And Regulations Protect Me From 8444217502
To protect yourself from debt collection calls from 8444217502, you have several laws and regulations on your side, starting with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This federal law prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, deceptive, or unfair practices.
• Prohibited Practices: Collectors cannot contact you before 8 AM or after 9 PM, use abusive language, threaten you, or repeatedly call with intent to harass. They also cannot falsely represent themselves or disclose your debt to third parties.
• Required Disclosures: Collectors must send you a written validation notice within five days of first contacting you. This notice must include the amount owed, the creditor's name, and how to dispute the debt.
• Consumer Rights: You can demand in writing that a collector stops contacting you. If you dispute the debt within 30 days, the collector must verify the debt before continuing collection attempts.
You should also know that many states have their own laws offering even more protections. For instance, New York requires debt collectors to be licensed.
If you believe a debt collector is violating the FDCPA or state laws, you can report this to the FTC, CFPB, or your state's attorney general. You can also sue the collector for violations within a year and potentially recover damages and attorney fees.
Finally, remain informed and assert your rights to protect yourself from unfair debt collection practices.
Does 8444217502/Wakefield & Associates Have Any Lawsuits Against Them
Yes, Wakefield & Associates have several lawsuits against them. Here are some key cases:
• December 15, 2020: A class action alleges Wakefield & Associates unlawfully recorded debt collection calls in California, violating HIPAA regulations.
• July 23, 2018: A proposed class action accuses them of violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) in Arkansas federal court.
• June 4, 2018: Another proposed class action claims Wakefield & Associates used misleading and abusive tactics to collect debts.
• May 1, 2018: A class action lawsuit alleges they sent a letter without identifying the consumer’s creditor.
• February 9, 2018: They face a class action for mailing collection notices that did not specify the interest owed.
• Case No. 2116-CV24281: A Missouri class action settlement for improper debt collection lawsuits based on invalid affidavits of assignment of debt, affecting cases from November 5, 2016 to August 27, 2020.
You should also be aware that many consumers have filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) against Wakefield & Associates. There are over 900 complaints with the BBB and more than 2,500 complaints with the CFPB. These complaints cite issues such as attempting to collect incorrect amounts and making improper threats, indicating possible violations of the FDCPA.
In closing, it's evident that Wakefield & Associates have faced multiple lawsuits and numerous consumer complaints. These issues raise serious concerns about their debt collection practices and legal compliance.
What Do People Online Say About 8444217502
People online have mixed opinions about the number 844-421-7502.
User comments on Reddit reveal a pattern:
- johndoe123: 'I got a call from 844-421-7502. Turns out it's a debt collector. I ignored it.'
- sarahQ: '844-421-7502 keeps calling me multiple times a day. It's so annoying!'
- moneySaver: 'I answered a call from 844-421-7502, and they were asking about an old debt. Not sure if it's legit.'
- techguru77: 'I blocked 844-421-7502 after they called me three times in one hour. Definitely feels like spam.'
- stressed_out: '844-421-7502 called me about a debt I know nothing about. Very frustrating.'
You should consider blocking the number if you find it disrupts your day. Verify the legitimacy of any debt claims before taking further steps. Managing these persistent calls can help you avoid unnecessary stress.
Overall, most users identify 844-421-7502 as a debt collection number and recommend blocking it to reduce annoyance and ensure your peace of mind.
Do I Really Need To Remove 8444217502 From My Credit Report
If you find 8444217502 on your credit report and it's potentially inaccurate, you should remove it. Handling this yourself can be time-consuming. Instead, consider working with a reputable company like The Credit Pros. They can help you dispute errors more efficiently and effectively.
- Confirm that this collection is on your report and verify its accuracy.
- Avoid typical credit repair companies due to their poor reputations.
- Opt for reputable firms like The Credit Pros for assistance.
As a final point, make sure to identify and confirm inaccuracies on your report, avoid unreliable credit repair options, and consider seeking help from trusted professionals like The Credit Pros to ensure the best outcomes.
Wondering if you should remove this number from your report? Speak with us to find out. Chat with us now
List of every other phone number that Wakefield & Associates uses:
Every number you see below is separate number that ‘Collection’ uses to attempt to collect a potentially inaccurate debt on your credit report and/or spam you.