Is CBE Group Legit? How to Resolve Debt with This Collector
CBE Group is a legitimate debt collector, but that doesn't mean you're powerless. You can demand debt validation, assert your FDCPA rights, and fight back against lawsuits with a proper Answer. If CBE Group sues you, responding quickly prevents default judgments and wage garnishment.
Answer CBE's LawsuitWhen debt collectors like CBE Group start calling, ignoring them is tempting. But if you’ve been sued for debt, hiding is your worst move. Ignoring a lawsuit leads to judgments that allow wage garnishment and property seizure.
You need to face CBE Group head-on. The good news is you have powerful options to fight back.
CBE Group Filed a Lawsuit Against You?
Don't let CBE Group win by default. File your Answer now and force them to prove their case in court. Most collectors drop cases when consumers fight back.
Respond to CBE NowWhat Is CBE Group?
CBE Group is a debt collection agency operating since 1933. The company serves hundreds of creditors, from cell phone companies to federal agencies.
CBE has a lucrative contract collecting U.S. Department of Education student loans. Based in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the company employs over 1,300 people.
CBE Group conducts first-party and third-party collections. But longevity doesn’t guarantee ethical practices.
CBE Group Reviews Paint a Troubling Picture
More than 400 complaints appear under CBE Group’s Better Business Bureau profile. CBE responds to most BBB complaints, resolving many in consumers’ favor. However, numerous complaints involve false debts damaging credit reports.
Google reviews tell a harsher story. CBE Group averages just 1.2 out of 5 stars from over 600 reviews. Most reviewers mention harassment and scammy behavior.
Here’s one actual review: “CBE Group will harass people even if they have the wrong number. No one should ever give information to an 800 number that just says this is a recorded line.”
Is CBE Group a Scam?
CBE Group, Inc. is legitimate. You should still verify you’re dealing with the real company, not impersonators.
With over $93 million in annual revenue, CBE Group ranks among America’s largest debt collectors. The BBB accredited CBE in 1992.
Being legitimate doesn’t mean they always follow the rules, though.
What to Do When CBE Group Contacts You
Getting contacted by a debt collector feels unsettling. Determining legitimacy can be tricky.
Never provide detailed personal information during the first contact. CBE should already have your information.
End the call and contact the company directly:
Address:
CBE Group
1309 Technology Parkway
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Phone:
(800) 925-6686
After verifying you’re speaking with real CBE representatives, you have several options.
Request a Goodwill Deletion
If you’ve paid the debt or make timely payments, request goodwill deletion. CBE might remove the item from your credit report voluntarily.
Write a clear, concise letter explaining your request. Describe how the debt reached collections and your corrective steps.
Send a Debt Validation Letter
If you’re uncertain about the debt, send a Debt Validation Letter. Our partner Solo simplifies this process and protects your FDCPA rights.
Debt validation forces CBE to prove the debt is accurate and yours.
Dispute Errors
If the debt contains errors or exceeds your state’s statute of limitations, dispute it. Send a credit dispute letter to all three credit bureaus.
The bureaus must investigate. If the debt can’t be verified, they’ll delete it from your file. Section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act protects this right.
Know Your Rights with CBE Group
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act gives you legal protections. Understanding these rights prevents abuse and harassment.
Under the FDCPA, debt collectors cannot:
- Use profanity or abusive language
- Threaten you with arrest
- Harass you with repetitive calls
- Lie about any debt information
- Withhold the original creditor’s information
- Call before 8am or after 9pm
- Discuss your debts with third parties
- Call you at work if your employer prohibits it
If CBE Group behaves threateningly or harasses you, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau immediately.
The CFPB’s 2021 Debt Collection Rule limits contact frequency. Collectors violate this rule if they contact you more than 7 times in 7 days. They also can’t call within 7 days after speaking with you about the debt.
How to Get CBE Group to Stop Contacting You
Start by sending a Debt Validation Letter. Demand proof that the debt and information are accurate and yours.
When CBE receives your letter, they must provide specific information or stop contacting you:
- The exact amount of the debt
- The creditor’s name
- Confirmation they’ll assume the debt is valid unless you dispute within 30 days
- Validation of the debt if you request it
- The original creditor’s name and address
If CBE fails to respond or provides inaccurate information, request removal from your credit report. Inaccuracies are common once debts change hands multiple times.
Keep detailed notes of all CBE interactions. Document dates, times, and conversation content. File complaints if they violate your rights.
Can CBE Group Garnish Your Wages?
Yes, CBE Group can garnish wages after obtaining a court judgment. Judgments grant collectors aggressive collection rights like wage garnishment, bank account freezes, and property liens.
You can prevent judgments by filing an Answer and defending yourself in court.
How to Beat CBE Group in a Lawsuit
Never ignore a lawsuit Summons or Complaint from CBE Group. Ignoring it hands them a default judgment on a silver platter.
Your first defense step is drafting and filing a written Answer. Here are six tips for a winning Answer:
1. Keep Your Answer Concise
Don’t elaborate your entire story in the Answer. The burden of proof sits with CBE Group, not you.
Simply respond to each Complaint claim. Make CBE Group prove their case.
2. Deny Claims Liberally
Deny as many claims as possible. Each denial forces CBE Group to provide documentation and evidence.
If they lack sufficient proof, they’ll likely dismiss the case entirely.
3. Include Affirmative Defenses
State your affirmative defenses clearly. These explain why CBE lacks a valid case.
Common defenses include expired statute of limitations, wrong jurisdiction, or improper service. These strengthen your position significantly.
4. Use Professional Formatting
Your Answer needs clean, professional presentation. Use standard fonts and sizes.
Include a caption with court information, parties, and case number. Courts expect proper legal document formatting.
5. Add a Certificate of Service
Certify you sent the Answer to CBE Group’s attorney. Include the address and delivery method.
Without this certificate, courts may reject your document.
6. Sign Your Answer
Almost all courts require signatures. Check whether your court accepts electronic signatures.
An unsigned Answer will be rejected.
Fighting Back Against CBE Group
Getting sued for debt is frightening. Hiring an attorney can be expensive.
Our partner Solo helps you fight debt collectors effectively. Their software guides you through the process with targeted questions.
Debt collectors expect consumers to roll over without fighting. You can prove them wrong.
You have the power to tackle unfair collection practices. You can win against unjust debts from CBE Group and other collectors.
Contact Information for CBE Group
If you need to reach CBE Group directly:
Mailing Address:
CBE Group, Inc.
1309 Technology Parkway
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Phone Number:
(800) 925-6686
Always verify you’re speaking with legitimate CBE representatives before sharing information.