Better Business Bureau has noticed a recent uptick in complaints filed by consumers who complain they were contacted by collection agencies after opting out of trial offers that were supposed to be free.
Many of the complaints involve health products the consumers ordered on line, such as acai berry supplements or teeth whitening products.
Some of the complainants paid disputed bills simply to avoid the possibility of having their credit rating hurt.
Connecticut BBB wants consumers to know that just because they receive a bill from a collection agency doesn’t mean the bill or even the collector itself is legitimate.
Consumers who feel they are being unfairly targeted by a debt collection company is advised to:
•Check the company’s Reliability Report with the Better Business Bureau
•Keep in mind that within five days after first contact, the collector must send a written notice stating the amount of money owed, the name of the creditor and what action to take if the claim is in dispute.
•If a consumer sends a letter within 30 days disputing the claim, the debt collector cannot make further collection efforts after receipt of proof of the debt. If a consumer is unable to obtain the collection agency’s address, it may indicate the collection effort is a scam.
Consumers are advised to file a complaint with Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org or their state's Attorney General’s office.
For more information on collection agencies and consumer rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, visit http://www.bbb.org/
