What is a CACI Debt Collector?

The truth is, no one wants to be a debtor. It’s too much hassle, it can put a dent in one’s reputation, and it can be mentally draining. Coincidentally, even the people charged with chasing down debtors don’t find it fun either. And so, when push comes to shove, some of them tend to bend the rules to get the job done.

Incidents of rule-bending in the debt collection industry are not completely strange. You’ve probably heard infuriating stories of some debt collection agencies using aggressive tactics, stalking debtors, or debt collectors calling at ungodly hours. Heck, there have even been cases of mistaken identities. These unpalatable experiences are sufficient to put anyone in panic mode at the mention of “debt collector.”

Well, not necessarily. I’ll be putting one specific debt collector company under the microscope today. I’m talking about the CACI. Who are they? What’s their deal? And most importantly, what do you need to know if they come knocking on your door (figuratively speaking, of course)?

Come along as I provide answers to all these questions and more!

What is a CACI Debt Collector?

CACI stands for Consumer Adjustment Company, Inc. It’s a third-party debt collection agency situated in St. Louis, Missouri. CACI is no novice in the debt collection business either. CACI has been fighting the good fight on behalf of creditors since its founding in 1967. That’s more than 50 years of keeping the wheel of the financial industry moving. 

Although camped in the state often regarded as the “Mother of the West,” CACI’s reach and operations extend nationwide and even internationally. They’re the big guns creditors run to when other collection methods fail. CACI helps original creditors recover all kinds of consumer debts. These may include credit card debts, medical bills, utility payments, credit reports, and other forms of consumer credit.

Is CACI Debt Collector Legit?

Yes–CACI is absolutely a legitimate company. But being legit doesn’t mean they’re perfect, though. Of course, no one is! Nevertheless, like any big company, CACI has had its fair share of bumps along the road. So, don’t be surprised if, after doing some digging, you find some complaints about them online.

But let’s face it, always keeping debtors happy at the end of every deal is no mean feat in this industry. After all, how many debtors are actually happy to part ways with their money in payment for debts owed? Probably none. Everyone wants to have their cake and eat it too. So, it should come as no surprise that some debtors will do anything to avoid paying. Filing unsubstantiated complaints is one of the routes they take.

However, like they say, there’s no smoke without fire. Not all complaints are completely baseless. Some complaints filed against collection agencies like the CACI have genuine substance because of certain unlawful practices. And that’s why, shortly, I’ll be showing you the exact ways you can protect your interests, reputation, and resources against any unscrupulous debt collector or CACI agent.

How To Stop Harassing Collection Calls

Okay, it’s time to discuss the subject matter for today. The fact is, nobody wakes up in the morning and wishes to be a debtor. But then, life happens! The aftermath is even worse, with all the annoying debt collection calls. It’s stressful, annoying, and can make you feel like you’re being hounded.

Well, I’ve come bearing good news: you’ve got rights. That CACI agent or any other debt collector is definitely not above the law. By taking the following steps, you can finally regain some peace and quiet:

Know Your Rights

Let’s begin with the basics. Knowledge, they say, is power. Your friend in this regard is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, sometimes referred to as FDCPA. It’s a federal law that describes the legal dos and don’ts of collecting debt. For instance, do you know that they are prohibited from calling you before 8 in the morning or after 9 at night unless you allow it? Do you also know they have no right to use abusive language or threaten you? Calling them out whenever they break the rules is how you can make them back off. And this is only possible if you know about these rules in the first place!

Request Written Validation

According to the law, debt collectors are required to provide written validation notice of the debt they’re trying to collect. This implies they give you details about who you owe, how much you owe, and when the debt was incurred. Therefore, you’re free to request this validation. This should be done within 30 days of a collector contacting you. 

Requesting this document is another means to get some breathing space, causing collection agencies to have to halt any debt collection efforts until after they provide this information. This request, along with any others you reach out to, is best done by putting things in writing. Creating a paper trail will serve as evidence whenever you need to dispute the debt later.

Tell Them to Stop Calling

In case you don’t know, it’s within your right to tell them to stop collection calls. Yes, you can. According to the FDCPA, you can put an end to all on-phone harassment by sending a written request for a debt collector to stop contacting you. See how even the FDCPA recommends putting things in writing? They sure are looking out for you. This request handicaps agencies, as they can no longer call you!

So, send the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act after them so you and your phone number can rest. Just bear in mind that this doesn’t mean you’ve won. Your debt is still there. And in situations like this, collectors are only left with the option of the option of taking legal action. Mind you, legal collection means like this can be tasking!

Check the Statute of Limitations

The truth is, old debts also have an expiration date when it comes to lawsuits. It’s called the statute of limitations, and it’s usually between 3-6 years. However, the duration may vary depending on the state and type of debt in question. That means if your debt is past this date, collectors can still try to collect but cannot charge you in court. You can only play this card if you do prior research about your state’s law and it’s in your favor.

File a Complaint

You can file a complaint if the collector flouts any rules while discharging his duties. When you do this, address the complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state’s attorney general. Provide as much information as you can: what was said, when, where, and who said it. These agencies take these complaints seriously and even have the provisions to open an investigation against the collector. Not only does it benefit you, but it might save some people from receiving similar harassment.

While dealing with debt collectors can be stressful, you’re not powerless.

Knowing and exercising your rights will help you stay sane and protect your reputation in tricky times.

For more tips like this, join Connection2Collections today! It doesn’t matter whether you’re a collection agency owner, an agent, or a complete newbie to the debt collection world–there is something for everyone!

And that’s not all–by becoming a member, you’ll unlock a treasure trove of resources: top strategies, current tendencies, and the newest ideas to improve your performance. We also have a gracious community of professionals who understand any challenges you might face and will help you reach your career goals. See you there!