What Is RFGI? How to Respond to Rozlin Financial Group

Getting repeat phone calls from debt collectors is stressful. If RFGI has been calling you, don’t panic. You have options to stop the calls and protect your rights.

RFGI might seem unfamiliar, but ignoring their communications could lead to legal trouble. Here’s exactly how to respond when RFGI contacts you about a debt.

What Is RFGI?

RFGI stands for Rozlin Financial Group, Inc. The company is a debt collection agency based in Illinois. You can find them at 1628 Dekalb Ave, Sycamore, IL 60178-2706.

RFGI was founded in 2008. Their main phone number is 866-217-9080. You may receive calls from this number when they attempt to collect.

Who Does RFGI Collect For?

RFGI collects debts across many industries. The company specializes in these sectors:

• Healthcare and dental practices
• Utilities
• Colleges, universities, and schools
• Landlords and property managers
• Retail and financial services
• Homeowners associations
• HVAC companies
• Solar energy providers
• Landscaping and lawncare businesses

RFGI’s Reputation and Reviews

RFGI is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with a B rating. That’s better than many debt collectors you’ll encounter.

The company has 42 customer reviews averaging 4.05 stars with the BBB. Google reviews show an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Many reviewers mention polite, professional representatives who make payment arrangements easy.

However, complaints exist too. The BBB reports dozens of complaints against RFGI in recent years. Many complaints allege that Rozlin Financial Group failed to validate debts when requested. Some consumers claim RFGI attempted to collect debts never owed.

You can check the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau complaint database for additional information.

Where Does RFGI Collect Debts?

RFGI collects nationwide except for a few states. The company doesn’t specify which states are excluded from their collection efforts.

What to Do When RFGI Contacts You

Getting a call from an unknown number can catch you off guard. Discovering it’s a debt collector makes it worse. But you can protect yourself with the right approach.

Never admit you owe the debt during a phone call. Debt collectors may record conversations. They can use your words as evidence if you contest the debt later.

It’s easy to accidentally say something that implies you owe money. That’s why you should only communicate with RFGI in writing. Written communication protects your rights and creates a paper trail.

Request Debt Validation in Writing

Your first step is requesting that RFGI validate the debt. You’re asking them to prove you actually owe the money.

You must make this request in writing using a Debt Validation Letter. Your letter should request the following information:

• The original creditor’s name
• The exact amount you allegedly owe
• The date of the last transaction or payment
• A copy of the original signed contract
• Proof that RFGI is authorized to collect
• RFGI’s license number for your state

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, collection agencies must validate debts when requested. Original creditors don’t have the same legal obligation. Only third-party collectors like RFGI must comply.

For example, if your doctor’s office sends you a bill, they don’t have to validate it. You agreed to pay when you received services. But once that bill goes to RFGI, they must validate the debt if you request it.

When dealing with debt collectors, our partner Solo can help you send a proper Debt Validation Letter.

What Happens After You Send the Letter

Once RFGI receives your Debt Validation Letter, they must stop all contact. They cannot call, email, or write until they validate the debt. That’s federal law.

If you never hear back, they couldn’t or wouldn’t validate the debt. In that case, you don’t have to pay. The debt collector must remove the debt from their records.

If RFGI does validate the debt, you need to address it. Review their documentation carefully to confirm accuracy. Check that the amount matches what you actually owe.

Can’t pay the full amount at once? Reach out to RFGI about a payment plan. Many collectors will work with you on reasonable monthly payments.

Ignoring a validated debt is risky. RFGI might file a lawsuit against you. A court judgment can lead to wage garnishment or bank account levies.

Your Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from abusive collection practices. Debt collectors cannot harass, threaten, or deceive you.

RFGI cannot call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. They cannot contact you at work if you’ve told them not to. They cannot discuss your debt with family, friends, or neighbors.

If RFGI violates your rights, document everything. Save voicemails, record call times, and keep all written communications. You may be able to sue the collector for FDCPA violations.

If RFGI Files a Lawsuit Against You

Debt collectors file lawsuits when debts remain unpaid. If you receive a court summons from RFGI, don’t ignore it.

You typically have 20-30 days to respond to a lawsuit. Your response is called an Answer. In your Answer, you address each claim the collector makes.

You can raise defenses in your Answer. Common defenses include statute of limitations, incorrect amount, or lack of proof. Our partner Solo can help you draft and file a proper Answer to protect yourself in court.

Failing to respond results in a default judgment. The court automatically sides with RFGI. Default judgments allow collectors to garnish wages or freeze bank accounts.

Negotiating a Settlement With RFGI

You can often settle debts for less than the full amount. Debt collectors buy old debts for pennies on the dollar. They’re motivated to accept reduced payments.

Start by offering 30-50% of the total debt. Explain your financial hardship. Many collectors will negotiate rather than risk getting nothing.

Get any settlement agreement in writing before you pay. The agreement should state the payment amount and confirm the debt will be marked as settled. Never send money without written confirmation.

You can also request a “pay for delete” arrangement. RFGI removes the debt from your credit report in exchange for payment. Not all collectors agree to this, but it’s worth asking.

How RFGI Affects Your Credit Score

Collection accounts damage your credit score significantly. RFGI reports to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

A collection account can drop your score by 100 points or more. The impact lessens over time, but the account stays on your report for seven years.

Paying the debt doesn’t immediately remove it from your credit report. However, it changes the status from unpaid to paid. Paid collections look better to future lenders than unpaid ones.

After resolving your debt with RFGI, focus on rebuilding your credit. Our partner Kikoff helps you build credit with small, manageable payments that strengthen your credit profile.

Steps to Take Right Now

Stop ignoring those calls and letters from RFGI. Take action to protect your rights and resolve the situation.

First, request validation of the debt in writing. Don’t make any payments until RFGI proves you owe the money. Keep copies of all correspondence for your records.

Second, review your credit reports from all three bureaus. Look for inaccuracies or debts you don’t recognize. Dispute any errors you find.

Third, create a plan to address the debt. Calculate what you can afford to pay. Decide whether to negotiate a settlement or set up a payment plan.

Finally, document everything. Save voicemails, take notes during phone calls, and keep all letters. Documentation protects you if RFGI violates your rights.