United Collection Bureau Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged FDCPA Violations

Natalie Rivero, a resident of Florida, found herself the victim of alleged unfair and deceptive debt collection practices. The alleged culprit? United Collection Bureau, Inc., a debt collection agency. Rivero, representing herself and others who may have faced similar circumstances, has taken the matter to court.

The lawsuit, filed on August 8, 2023, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, alleges Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) violations. The FDCPA, enacted in 1977, is a federal law that aims to eliminate abusive debt collection practices. It also seeks to ensure fair treatment of consumers and to promote consistent state action to protect consumers against debt collection abuses.

One of the key provisions of the FDCPA, C.F.R. § 1006.34(b)(3), requires debt collectors to provide one of five permitted itemization dates when communicating with a debtor. The lawsuit alleges that United Collection Bureau, Inc. failed to meet this requirement.

"United Collection Bureau, Inc. did not provide one of the five permitted Itemization Dates as required by C.F.R. § 1006.34(b)(3)," the complaint reads. Rivero alleges this is a clear violation of the FDCPA and forms the crux of her legal argument.

The narrative that unfolds from the complaint is one of alleged deception and non-compliance. According to Rivero, the debt collection agency engaged in practices that were unfair, deceptive, and likely to cause confusion to debtors in violation of the FDCPA.

Rivero's lawsuit is not just about her own experiences. She also represents a class of individuals who may have been subjected to similar alleged unfair and deceptive practices by United Collection Bureau, Inc. The class, as defined in the lawsuit, includes all individuals who have faced similar treatment from the debt collection agency.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for damages suffered due to the alleged actions of United Collection Bureau, Inc. Rivero and the class she represents are seeking statutory damages, attorneys' fees, and any other relief appropriate under the circumstances.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of consumer protection laws like the FDCPA. These laws are designed to protect individuals from unfair and deceptive practices. As Rivero claims in her lawsuit, the effects on debtors can be damaging and far-reaching when these laws are allegedly violated.

As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the court interprets the provisions of the FDCPA in relation to the allegations made by Rivero. The outcome could have significant implications for both debt collectors and consumers alike.