Who is 8663212197 and why are they calling me?
- Phone number 8663212197 is likely a debt collector called:' Phillips & Cohen Associates'.
- Your credit score likely dropped because this is potentially a debt collection on your report.
- Chat with us now and learn how we can help you potentially improve your score.
If 866-321-2197 keeps calling, it’s probably Phillips & Cohen Associates, a debt collection agency. This means they bought an outstanding debt of yours or they’re spamming you. Ignoring or blocking the call might give you temporary relief, but it doesn’t solve the issue and could hurt your credit score.
When a debt collector like this calls, you need to verify the debt. This agency might be trying to recover money you owe or might be acting as an intermediary. You can’t ignore this forever; the calls will keep coming. Even a potential debt collection can negatively affect your credit report and financial well-being. You need a proactive approach.
Call The Credit Pros at the number listed above. We’ll have a simple, no-pressure chat to review your complete three-bureau credit report. We can confirm if this is indeed a debt collector and identify other potential negative items dragging your score down. We've helped countless individuals remove potentially inaccurate negatives like this, boosting their credit scores and improving their financial security. Plus, you’ll finally get a break from those harassing calls!
Who Is 8663212197: Scam Or Legitimate?
If you get a call from 866-321-2197, it's likely from a debt collection agency called Phillips & Cohen Associates. However, it could also be a scam. To protect yourself, do not engage with the caller directly. You are not obligated to pay any debt immediately if you have doubts about its validity. Instead, follow these steps:
- Pull Your Credit Report: Check your credit report for any negative items or collections linked to this number.
- Verify the Debt: If the debt appears legitimate, request written validation. This should include the original creditor and the amount owed.
- Analyze for Errors: Look for potentially inaccurate or negative items on your report that could harm your credit score.
- Seek Professional Help: The Credit Pros can help verify the debt, dispute any inaccuracies, and improve your financial standing. Call us for a free 3-bureau credit report evaluation.
Remember, even if the call is legitimate, it's crucial that you handle it correctly. To sum up, pull your credit report, verify any debts, and seek professional help if needed. Don’t let panic lead you to a hasty decision.
How Do I Stop 8663212197 From Harassing Me (How To Report Them)?
If you're being harassed by the number 866-321-2197, here's how you can stop it and report them.
1. Document Everything: Keep a record of every call you receive. Note down dates, times, and what was said. This documentation can be crucial if you need to take legal action.
2. Do Not Call Registry: Register your number at DoNotCall.gov. It takes about 2 minutes. After that, block the number through your phone’s call-blocking feature or contact your service provider for assistance.
3. Cease and Desist Letter: Send a cease and desist letter to the caller. You can use a template from eforms.com/cease-and-desist. This should stop further communication.
4. Report to FCC: File a complaint at the FCC website if the call was an illegal robocall or your number is being spoofed. Select the phone form, specify "unwanted calls," and provide details of the call.
5. Report to FTC: Report telemarketing calls or any breach of the Do Not Call Registry at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or use the reporting form at DoNotCall.gov.
6. Use Call-Blocking Apps:
- For Android, try 'Call Blocker - Stop spam calls.'
- For Apple, try 'Robokiller: Spam Call Blocker.'
7. Legal Measures:
- Restraining Order: If calls continue, consider seeking a restraining order.
- Hire a Lawyer: A harassment lawyer can help you navigate this situation. Harassment is illegal under Federal and State laws. Weigh the pros and cons of legal action.
8. Contact Your Phone Carrier: Your carrier may offer additional call-blocking tools and options. Some may require you to file a formal complaint with local law enforcement if the harassment is severe.
To wrap things up, document every call, register with the Do Not Call Registry, send a cease and desist letter, and report to the FCC and FTC. Using call-blocking apps and considering legal measures can further help you stop the harassment from 866-321-2197.
Stop the harassment today. Reach out to us for expert help. Chat with us now
Should I Block Or Ignore 8663212197?
You should block 8663212197. Blocking this number, especially if it belongs to a debt collector, is smart if you're experiencing harassment.
1. No Impact on Credit Score: Blocking won’t affect your credit score. Any existing debt on your report won’t cause further harm.
2. Reduce Harassment: Blocking gives you peace and stops annoying calls.
3. Credit Repair Assistance: Work with a reputable credit repair company to handle inaccuracies or disputes on your credit report. They can help resolve issues without you dealing directly with the debt collector.
Ignore the number if you’re uncertain, but blocking is generally safer and more effective. If you think the debt is incorrect or unfair, professional help is available to handle it properly.
In the end, blocking 8663212197 will reduce harassment, keep your credit score safe, and give you peace, especially with professional help to handle any disputes.
Can A Debt Collector Like 8663212197 Sue Me?
Yes, a debt collector like 866-321-2197 can technically sue you. However, it's very unlikely. Suing you costs them time and money, so it's usually their last resort. They have to prove that you owe the debt, the amount is correct, and they have the legal right to sue. This can be tough for them, especially if the debt has changed hands many times.
Debt collectors generally prefer other methods, like calling and sending letters, to collect the debt. If they do decide to sue, you will get a court summons and complaint. It's crucial you respond to this to avoid a default judgment, which could lead to wage garnishment or bank account levies.
Each state has a statute of limitations for debt collection. If your debt is old, it might be beyond this period, making a lawsuit less likely.
You have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). If you get sued, consider consulting with an attorney to understand your options and defenses. Don't ignore any communication from the court, and keep records of all interactions with the debt collector.
As a final point, remember that responding to court documents, knowing your rights, and consulting an attorney are key steps you should take if a debt collector threatens to sue you.
Worried about legal action? Contact us to understand your rights. Chat with us now
8663212197 Might Have Your Personal Information
If 8663212197 is calling you, it’s crucial that you don't provide any personal information. Avoid picking up the call to prevent potential data misuse. This number is linked to Phillips & Cohen Associates, a debt collection agency.
Instead, you should get your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Reviewing your reports helps you identify the debt they might be referencing. Working with a reputable credit repair company is a smart move. Here’s what you can do:
- Block the number from calling you.
- Obtain and review your credit reports.
- Consider professional help from a reputable credit repair service like The Credit Pros.
These companies have experience dealing with debt collectors and can help you navigate disputes and inaccuracies on your credit report. If the debt is verified, they can assist you in formulating a repayment plan, and if it's incorrect, they help you dispute it.
Bringing it all together - block 8663212197, check your credit reports, and seek help from a credit repair service to manage your credit health securely and efficiently.
Protect your personal information. Speak with our experts today. Chat with us now
Types Of Debt Collected By 8663212197
If you're getting calls from 866-321-2197, you are likely being contacted by a debt collection agency. They handle several types of debt, including credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, auto loans, and mortgages. This debt collector usually works on behalf of creditors who have sold them unpaid accounts.
You should always verify any debt before you make a payment. If you ignore them, you might receive continuous calls that disrupt your day. Handling these calls can be stressful, but you should address the debt responsibly by:
- Requesting verification of the debt
- Reviewing your records to confirm the debt
- Considering contacting a credit counselor for advice
All things considered, if 866-321-2197 contacts you, it's crucial to verify the debt and handle it diligently to avoid further issues.
How Do I Check If I Owe Money To 8663212197?
To check if you owe money to 866-321-2197, you should start by looking through your bills, account statements, or any receipts to see if Phillips & Cohen Associates is listed.
Next, get a copy of your credit report and check for any collection accounts from Phillips & Cohen Associates. You can request your credit report for free from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year.
If you find a debt from Phillips & Cohen Associates on your credit report, you should request debt validation from them in writing. This will give you details about the original creditor and the amount owed.
If the debt seems incorrect, you should dispute it. Keep in mind, this process might take several months to resolve.
Lastly, if you feel harassed or threatened by the collection agency, you should consult a consumer protection lawyer. Remember to avoid direct contact with the agency to prevent restarting the statute of limitations on old debts. Gather all necessary documentation before taking further steps.
Need to verify your debts? Contact us for a thorough check. Chat with us now
Which Debt Collection Laws And Regulations Protect Me From 8663212197
If you’re getting calls or texts from 866-321-2197, debt collection laws and regulations are here to protect you. Here’s what you need to know:
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
- Main Protection: This federal law regulates how third-party debt collectors, like Phillips & Cohen Associates, can operate.
- Prohibited Actions: Collectors can't contact you before 8 AM or after 9 PM, use abusive language, make threats, or harass you. They also can’t lie about who they are or the amount you owe.
- Required Disclosures: Collectors must send you a written notice within five days of first contact, detailing the amount owed and the creditor's name. If you dispute the debt within 30 days, collection activity must stop until they provide verification.
- Your Rights: You can request in writing that the collector stops contacting you. If a collector violates the FDCPA, you can sue them within a year and potentially recover damages and attorney fees.
State Debt Collection Laws
- Additional Protections: Many states have laws that offer extra protections beyond the FDCPA. Some require debt collectors to be licensed.
Regulation F
- New Guidelines: Issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Regulation F clarifies and imposes additional restrictions on how debt collectors can communicate with you. This includes limiting call frequency and specifying other communication methods.
Taking Action
- You can report violations to the FTC, CFPB, or your state attorney general. Legal steps must be taken within one year of the violation.
Finally, knowing which debt collection laws and regulations protect you from 866-321-2197 can help you stand your ground and ensure fair treatment. If needed, consult a legal professional for personalized advice.
Does 8663212197/Phillips & Cohen Associates Have Any Lawsuits Against Them?
Yes, Phillips & Cohen Associates have faced several lawsuits. Here are the details:
- Israel P. v. Phillips & Cohen Associates: Filed on Dec. 12, 2017, in New York federal court. This lawsuit alleges that the company used unfair means to collect a debt and violated the FDCPA by inaccurately stating the amount of debt owed.
- RUMPLER v. PHILLIPS & COHEN ASSOCIATES, LTD.: Filed on June 17, 2002, in the United States District Court, E.D. New York. The FTC investigated Phillips & Cohen for attempting to collect debts from deceased debtors' relatives.
Additionally, there are numerous complaints:
- BBB Complaints: 36 complaints in a three-year period related to their practices.
- CFPB Complaints: 181 complaints, often involving FDCPA violations.
Phillips & Cohen Associates has been criticized for their tactics, including harassing relatives of deceased individuals to pay debts. If you are dealing with them, it's important that you know your rights and dispute any claims that seem unfair or inaccurate.
In closing, Phillips & Cohen Associates have a history of lawsuits and numerous complaints against them, mainly for unfair debt collection practices. Make sure you know your rights and challenge any dubious claims.
What Do People Online Say About 8663212197?
People online have varying experiences and opinions about the phone number 866-321-2197, which is associated with Phillips & Cohen Associates.
- MannyLNJ on a credit forum shared, "I do know that they are all over the internet as being known for violating the FDCPA. Apparently, their particular claim to fame is trying to collect on debts of deceased people by harassing their relatives."
- Another user mentioned, "I caregive for a man on Hospice, and some lady from this number keeps calling... the representative just gave her name and was purposely vague... I hung up the phone and blocked the number."
- A Reddit user said, "Debt collector business is super weird... A stranger calls you and asks you for your sensitive identity information before they'll tell you what this call is for, and the call is recorded."
- One more comment stated, "This healthcare debt collector calls me with a bill that was paid, so I disputed the debt to which they sent me a HIPAA consent form allowing them full access to my medical records."
From these quotes, it's evident that you might encounter negative experiences with this number, describing the calls as intrusive, vague, and possibly in violation of privacy.
Overall, what people online say about 866-321-2197 highlights a mix of intrusive calls, privacy concerns, and potential legal violations. You should be cautious and consider blocking the number to protect your privacy.
Do I Really Need To Remove 8663212197 From My Credit Report?
Yes, you need to remove 866-321-2197 from your credit report if it’s potentially inaccurate. First, confirm that this collection appears on your report and check for any inaccuracies. Addressing this issue on your own can be complex and time-consuming.
You might want to consider reaching out to a reputable credit repair company like The Credit Pros. This can save you time and ensure accuracy. Beware of poorly rated and deceptive companies. If this collection is from Phillips & Cohen Associates, a credible service can verify the debt and create a removal plan if needed.
As a final point, you should confirm the accuracy of the collection, consider professional help for dispute handling, and choose a reputable credit repair company to save time and ensure proper resolution.
Wondering if you should remove this number from your report? Speak with us to find out. Chat with us now
Here are other formats 8663212197 can be written
- +1 866-321-2197
- +1 (866) 321-2197
- +1 866 321 2197
- (866) 321-2197
- 866-321-2197
- 866.321.2197
- 866 321 2197
- +18663212197
- (866) 321-2197
- 866.321.2197
- 8663212197
List of every other phone number that Phillips & Cohen 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.