Debt collection agencies are often viewed with skepticism, and MRS BPO LLC is no exception. With a long history of complaints and allegations of aggressive tactics, many consumers are left wondering if this company is a legitimate business or a scam.
In this blog, we’ll examine the controversy surrounding the MRS BPO scam and explore the truth behind its practices. We’ll also discuss the legal challenges the company has faced and share tips on how to protect yourself from potentially unlawful collection practices.
What Does MRS BPO Do?
MRS BPO is a debt collection agency based out of Cherry Hill, NJ. It has been in business for over three decades. The company operates under two additional names: MRS Associates of New Jersey and MRS Associates.
Just like any other debt collection company, MRS BPO’s primary focus is on collecting debts for various industries, including credit cards, telecommunications, healthcare, and financial services.
However, the business model is questionable. It involves acquiring old debts from original creditors at discounted rates and then attempting to collect the full amount from consumers. This practice has led to many complaints and allegations of harassment and intimidation.
Common Complaints Against MRS BPO
As of recent reports, MRS BPO has accumulated over 450 customer complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and over a thousand complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
If you check out the reviews online, you’ll see that most people feel intimidated and harassed by MRS BPO, leading to a general distrust of the company. Here’s why people are complaining:
- Aggressive Tactics: People often complain about getting tons of calls from MRS BPO every day, and it’s extremely overwhelming and stressful. Sometimes, they just call out of the blue and try to scare you into paying debts.
- Inaccurate Debt Claims: A bunch of complaints are about trying to collect debts that people don’t owe or have already settled. This includes situations where MRS BPO doesn’t update the records after consumers clear off their debts, leading to continued collection attempts.
- Failure to Provide Debt Validation: Many consumers claim MRS BPO doesn’t validate debts as it should. You may ask for proof of the debt under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), and it violates the law if the agency—MRS BPO—doesn’t provide it.
- Misleading Communication: There are claims that MRS BPO representatives have been coercing and persuading people to cough up cash for random debts. It even includes threats of legal action on debts that don’t even exist.
- Inaccurate Credit Reporting: Customers have expressed worries about MRS BPO providing incorrect information to credit agencies. They complain that the agency never takes off paid debts from credit reports, causing credit rating problems.
Thanks to its borderline illegal practices, MRS BPO has faced serious legal scrutiny in the past. The agency has been involved in multiple legal cases, primarily related to violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Most revolve around accusations of harassment, misleading debt collection practices, and failure to validate debts.
How to Protect Yourself From MRS BPO and Other Debt Collectors
Debt collectors like MRS BPO can be aggressive and pushy, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself from their tactics. Here’s what you can do if you’re facing a similar problem:
- Verify the Debt: Before paying any debt, make sure you verify the amount and the creditor. You can request a debt validation letter from the collector, which should include the original creditor’s name, the amount owed, and any other relevant information.
- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This will help you recognize when a collector is crossing the line and violating your rights.
- Validate the Phone Number: If you receive a call from a debt collector, use a reverse phone lookup service to check the caller’s info. This can help you avoid scams and protect your personal information.
Most importantly, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to handle a debt collector, consider seeking the help of a credit counselor or a debt management professional. They can provide you with guidance and support to help you navigate the situation.
Take Control; You’re in Charge of Your Finances
Don’t fall prey to debt collection agents and their shallow threats. Verify and validate the claims before you engage. And when you do, try maintaining written correspondence. It will save you from a lot of problems and help you make a strong case.