How to Settle Debt With FBCS Collection Agency

Getting harassing phone calls and letters from FBCS Collection Agency is stressful. FBCS uses questionable methods to coerce you into repaying debt. They call you multiple times daily. They track you down on Facebook and Instagram. They send threatening letters to your home.

You don’t have to endure this behavior. You have legal rights and protections under federal and state laws.

Who Does FBCS Collect For?

Federal Bond Collection Service (FBCS) operates out of Pennsylvania. The company collects on these types of debt:

• Auto loans
• Commercial debt
• Consumer credit
• Educational debt
• Medical debt
• Utilities

FBCS has numerous complaints filed against them. Consumers report issues to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Better Business Bureau. Common complaints include inaccurate debt reporting, harassing phone calls, and failure to verify debts.

FBCS Has Received Many Consumer Complaints

You’re not alone if you’re frustrated with FBCS. The Better Business Bureau has received more than 100 complaints against FBCS. Most complaints mention these violations:

• Using the wrong number to collect on debt
• Trying to collect on time-barred debt past the statute of limitations
• Failing to validate a debt
• Calling repeatedly after requests to stop
• Calling consumers liars when they dispute debt
• Calling consumers at their workplace
• Refusing to give information about FBCS or the original creditor

FBCS Inc reviews on Google give it an average rating of 1.4 out of 5 stars. Many reviews mention actions that violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Understand Your Legal Rights When FBCS Contacts You

FBCS takes advantage of people who don’t know their rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The FDCPA sets clear rules for debt collectors. Here are the limits:

• A debt collector cannot call you at work
• A debt collector cannot use vulgar or abusive language
• A debt collector cannot threaten to sue you
• A debt collector may not call before 8 AM or after 9 PM

If you experience any of these practices, report them immediately. File complaints with the FTC, CFPB, and your state’s attorney general.

You Can Fight a Debt Collection Lawsuit From FBCS

If FBCS sues you, respond aggressively to the lawsuit. Never ignore the lawsuit and hope it goes away. It won’t disappear. Ignoring a lawsuit means FBCS wins by default. You can fight them and win.

Our partner Solo can help you respond to FBCS and negotiate a settlement. Follow these four steps to respond:

1. Respond to each allegation in the Complaint
2. State your affirmative defenses
3. File your Answer in court and send a copy to FBCS
4. Settle your debt before your court date

Keep reading to learn more about each step.

Step 1: Respond to Each Allegation in the Complaint

The first step to beating FBCS in court is filing a written Answer. In your Answer, respond to each claim listed in the Complaint document. You can admit, deny, or deny due to lack of knowledge.

Deny as many claims as possible. You force FBCS to prove their case. If they don’t have proper documentation, they might drop the case.

Don’t ignore the lawsuit. When you fail to respond, you lose by default. With a default judgment, FBCS can garnish your wages and seize your property.

Step 2: State Your Affirmative Defenses

When you answer the debt collection lawsuit from FBCS, you can state that the lawsuit is deficient. Debt collection agencies must prove that you owe the alleged debt. FBCS must prove these points:

1. The company has the right to sue you in court
2. You are the person who owes the debt
3. You are responsible for the specific sum stated by FBCS

If FBCS fails to meet these requirements, you may win in court. You could even get the suit dismissed.

You can also say the company did not file within the required statute of limitations. The statute of limitations sets a strict time limit for filing lawsuits. If the debt collector files past this deadline, you can file a motion to dismiss.

You may want to file a countersuit. If FBCS violated the FDCPA, you can obtain compensatory damages. FBCS may also have to pay your legal fees.

Step 3: File the Answer in Court and Send a Copy to FBCS

File your Answer with the court before the deadline. The deadline to respond is generally between 14-35 days, depending on your state.

Make a copy of the Answer and send it to the attorneys representing FBCS. Their address should be on the Complaint document. Send the copy via USPS certified mail with a return receipt requested.

Request Debt Validation From FBCS

If FBCS called you about a debt, ask them to validate the debt. Requesting validation forces FBCS collectors to stop communications until they verify the debt. If they cannot verify you owe the debt, they must stop calling.

According to § 809 of the FDCPA, a debt collector like FBCS must validate your debt by providing:

• Proof you owe the debt
• The exact amount of the debt
• The age of the debt
• The debt collector’s documented ownership of debt account
• The debt collector’s license to collect in your state
• A calculation of whether the statute of limitations has expired
• The last action taken on the account

Send a Debt Validation Letter to stop FBCS calls today.

Step 4: Settle Your Debt With FBCS

Once you’ve filed an Answer, you have time to work out a debt settlement plan. You can resolve the debt for good if you know you owe it.

Debt settlement typically involves paying off a portion of your debt in one lump sum. Many debt collection agencies purchase old debt portfolios at a fraction of the original amount. Collectors are often willing to negotiate a lower settlement.

If you can show financial hardship, they might be more willing to work with you. Debt lawsuits settle at a wide range. A 60%-80% debt settlement is typical. The more you can offer, the more likely FBCS will agree to settle.

Our partner Solo uses a tech-based approach to debt settlement. The software helps you send and receive settlement offers until you reach an agreement. Once you agree, Solo helps you manage the settlement documentation and payment.

FBCS Is Being Sued Over a Massive Data Breach

On February 26, 2024, FBCS noticed unauthorized users had access to confidential consumer information. The breach lasted almost two weeks before discovery. Unauthorized users accessed consumers’ names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and account information.

Florida resident Marc Reichbart initiated a class action lawsuit in May 2024. Reichbart v. Financial Business and Consumer Solutions Inc. alleges FBCS was aware of the vulnerability. The lawsuit claims FBCS ignored Federal Trade Commission guidelines for information protection standards.

Summary of How to Deal With FBCS

Here’s a summary of actions you can take if FBCS harasses you or sues you:

• Know your rights under the FDCPA
• Respond to each allegation in the Complaint
• State your affirmative defenses
• File the Answer with the court before the deadline
• Send a copy of the Answer to FBCS
• Request debt validation
• Negotiate a settlement before court

You can represent yourself and save the time and money of finding a lawyer. Our partner Solo makes it easy to respond to FBCS and settle your debt.