Texas Debt Collection Firm Charged by Texas Attorney General
The Texas Attorney General’s office charged a Dallas-based debt collection firm with using deceptive practices to collect payments from Texas consumers. The attorney general’s enforcement action asked the court to permanently enjoin Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates, L.L.C. from harassing Texas debtors with deceptive letters and unlawful telephone calls.
Since 2006, the Office of the Attorney General has received more than 75 complaints alleging misconduct by Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates in Texas and around the country. The Better Business Bureau has received 72 complaints against the firm.
“This debt collection firm is charged with unlawfully harassing Texas debtors,” Attorney General Abbott said. “At a time when too many Texans are struggling to protect their homes, the defendant’s unlawful letters are threatening debtors with legal action, homestead liens and wage garnishment in violation of the law. The Office of the Attorney General will vigorously enforce laws that prevent debt collectors from harassing or threatening Texas consumers.”
According to court documents, the defendant 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.
The state’s enforcement action also accuses Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates of threatening to garnish consumers’ wages or file liens against homesteads in violation of the Texas Debt Collection Act. According to several complaints, the defendant’s representatives harassed, abused and threatened debtors during profanity-laden, repeated or continuous telephone calls.
The attorney general’s enforcement action seeks civil penalties of up to $20,000 for each violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Article from the Forney Post, Forney TX
Fornerpost.net
Texas Fair Debt Consumer Guide
Based on your comments about Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates, L.L.C., it is clear that you have concerns regarding your account. Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates welcomes the opportunity to address your concerns and issues and encourages you to call our Dispute Coordinator, Jared, at 214-368-2980 extension 2309. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you in the spirit of cooperation to resolve your account.
Nikki
August 20, 2008