Afni Collections Harassment

How To Put An End to Unwanted Calls and Debt Collector Abuse and Threats.

Updated on Author: Sergei Lemberg

Updated on Author: Sergei Lemberg

Are you being harassed by Afni Collections?

Afni
Afni Inc is a debt collection agency, which receives a lot of consumer complaints to our law firm for debt harassment. Find out who they are, why they might be calling, and how you can stop them.



What is AFNI Collections?

AFNI, Inc. is a third-party collection agency based in Illinois. AFNI has received consumer complaints alleging violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), such as using false or misleading information in an effort to collect a debt and threatening to take actions that cannot legally be taken. If AFNI has contacted you about past due collection items,make sure you know your rights before responding.

Have questions? Call us now at 475-277-1600 for a Free Case Evaluation.

Our services are absolutely FREE to you.

The harassing company pays our fees.

Is AFNI a scam?

They’re legit. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Afni, Inc. was founded in 1936 and incorporated in 1965.The BBB established a profile page for AFNI in 1993.The BBB lists AFNI as a collection agency that uses the alternate business names, Afni/Bloom and AFNI. Buzzfile estimates AFNI’s annual revenue at $401.8 million and the size of its headquarters staff at 200 employees, with an estimated total of 3,400 employees across all locations.

According to its website, AFNI “is a global team of people passionate about helping brands develop meaningful and profitable relationships with their customers.” AFNI’s “channel strategies and customer life cycle solutions give …clients different ways to connect with their customers for many reasons.” In addition, AFNI’s “contact center teams know what it takes to get the results …businesses need.”

Who does AFNI collect for?

AFNI’s focus is on collecting debt for three main industries. First, AFNI specializes in collecting delinquent debts for “telecommunications, wireless, internet, and cable/satellite companies.” Second, AFNI’s insurance division focuses on services ranging from “care and billing support to full subrogation management and premium collections to help insurance companies get more from policyholder relationships and their own operational processes.” Finally, AFNI’s clinical healthcare and insurance division utilizes a “contact center and back office operation to help healthcare companies manage patient relationships from start to finish.”

AFNI’s consumer collections division uses their CARE first philosophy to “blend traditional customer care strategies with…collections expertise” to protect their clients’ brands, “even when collecting on a past due account.” Their “data scientists collaborate with experts in academia and business…to create industry-leading models that bring …customer profiles and behavior into focus.” AFNI also offers first-party billing services in the clients’ name for pre-charge-off delinquent accounts. Finally, AFNI offers many business process outsourcing services, including customer growth and acquisition; customer care and loyalty; insurance subrogation; call center solutions; digital engagement; and back office processing.

AFNI has locations throughout the United States, as well as in The Philippines. They cite affiliation with several professional associations, including the Telecommunications Risk Management Association, Inc. (TRMA); the National Association of Subrogation Professionals(NASP); and the International Association of Credit and Collection Professionals (ACA International). However, their website does not provide any information about their regulatory compliance polices, and there are no links or references to consumer protection resources, laws, or enforcement agencies.

Who are we? We are Lemberg Law, a Consumer Law Firm

Lemberg Law is a consumer law firm helping victims of collection harassment and abuse. We are ranked A+ by the BBB. We’ve helped more than 15,000 consumers stop harassment and recover money from debt collectors. Harassed? Abused? Misled by a collector? Call our Helpline today!  There is no charge unless we win.

How many complaints are there against AFNI Inc?

As of October 2021, the BBB has closed 527 complaints against AFNI in the preceding 3 years, with 186 complaints closed in the previous 12 months. Most of those complaints alleged problems with billing and collections, although 39 complaints cited problems with customer service and 14 complaints cited problems with advertising and sales. As of April 2015, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has closed 161 complaints involving AFNI. Justia lists at least 25 cases of civil litigation involving AFNI.

Contact Information

Afni Inc
1310 Martin Luther King Drive
Bloomington, IL 61701
Website: http://afni.com/

Can AFNI Collections Sue Me or Garnish My Wages?

It is illegal for a debt collector to make empty threats to sue you or garnish your wages. It is also unlikely Afni would sue you for a debt you may not owe or they cannot validate. However, debt collection agencies are known to have summoned debtors to court and garnish wages after a default judgement. Contacting an attorney BEFORE this could possibly happen would be a smart move. We’ve helped thousands of consumers fight back against unscrupulous debt collection harassers. Find out if we can help you too today!

Get Free BBB A+ Attorney. Call 475-277-1600 NOW

Unlawful Debt Harassment? Learn the Law & Sue the Collector.

Can you help me file a No Fee Lawsuit against AFNI Inc?

Absolutely.  You can sue a debt collector. Here are some Sample Cases Filed in Federal Court

In 2018, a proposed class action lawsuit was filed against Afni, Inc. which claims the it violated federal debt collection law by hindering a consumer from disputing a debt and failing to clearly identify her creditor.

In January 2016, in United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division, a judge issued a decision in a case alleging AFNI had violated several provisions of  the FDCPA. In this case, the plaintiff in 2012 had hired an attorney, who sent a letter to AFNI explaining that the plaintiff was now represented by an attorney regarding“‘all debts that she may have’ and that AFNI should ‘immediately terminate any further direct or indirect contacts with’” the plaintiff. The letter included contact information for the plaintiff, the last four digits of her social security number, and a statement indicating that “any further direct or indirect contacts with the plaintiff will result in the… filing of a claim against” them. One year later, the plaintiff filed for bankruptcy, and AFNI was listed as on the plaintiff’s “bankruptcy schedule as the creditor for three of the plaintiff’s debts, namely collection accounts from” 3 telecommunications providers. AFNI received the bankruptcy notice shortly thereafter, and it contained information about the plaintiff’s attorney, including his contact information. The plaintiff’s debts were discharged under bankruptcy a few months later, and AFNI was notified the same day. AFNI failed to update the account information for one of the discharged accounts.

Subsequently, about 5 months after the debts were discharged under bankruptcy, AFNI obtained a credit report on the plaintiff and sent her a collection letter with a settlement offer for the account they had failed to update. Instead of responding to the letter, the plaintiff took it to her attorney, who filed a complaint against AFNI, citing violations of FDCPA Sections 1692c, 1692d, 1692e, and 1692f, as well as the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Section 1681b(f). Section 1692c of the FDCPA prohibits a debt collector from “communicating with a consumer in connection with the collection of any debt if the debt collector knows the consumer is represented by an attorney.” The court upheld the plaintiff’s right to sue AFNI on this count. Section 1692d prohibits debt collection agencies from engaging “in any conduct the natural consequence of which is to harass, oppress, or abuse any person in connection with the collection of a debt.” The court upheld AFNI’s objection to this charge because the letter did not use language that was threatening or abusive. Section 1692e prohibits “the false representation of the character, amount, or legal status of any debt.” The court upheld the plaintiff’s right to sue AFNI on this count. Section 1692f prohibits a “debt collector from… using unfair or unconscionable means to collect or attempt to collect any debt.” The court upheld AFNI’s objection that the letter itself did not violate this section of the FDCPA. As for the FCRA violation, the plaintiff argued that AFNI had “obtained her credit report after her debt was discharged in bankruptcy,” and that because they “no longer had a permissible purpose” for obtaining the report, their conduct violated the FCRA. The court upheld her complaint. The case was set for trial to determine the amount of damages to be awarded to the plaintiff.

Press Releases of Lawsuits Brought On By Lemberg Law

November 13, 2015. On behalf of our client, Lemberg Law recently filed a complaint in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. The case, against AFNI, charges the debt collection agency with violating federal law and asks for $1,000 in statutory FDCPA damages, $500 to $1,500 per call in statutory TCPA damages, plus other relief.

Robocalls are getting more sophisticated, but hearing a prerecorded voice when you answer the phone is a definite giveaway. Our client said that AFNI robocalled his cell phone, and that when he answered, a recorded voice asked him to hold for the next available representative.

At one point, our client mailed a cease and desist letter to AFNI, telling them not to contact him. Even so, he says that they continued to robocall his cell phone.

This lawsuit charges that AFNI violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) by engaging in harassing behavior; and by using unfair and unconscionable means to collect a debt. It also charges that AFNI violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) by placing automated calls to our client’s cell phone without his consent.

AFNI Collections Calling You?

Federal laws protect you. The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) regulates the behavior of collection agencies by prohibiting actions such as the use of abusive or threatening language; harassment; or the use of false or misleading information to collect a debt. The FCRA regulates how collection agencies and creditors report delinquent debts to credit reporting agencies. Additional consumer protection laws include the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Consumer Financial Protection Act (CFPA).

Can I sue AFNI for harassment?

Yes. If you want to enforce your rights, or recover money for violations — you need to sue. Federal laws provide individuals like you with a means to seek monetary damages in court. For example, the FDCPA allows consumers who have been violated to recover damages of up to $1,000, plus attorney fees and court costs.

Consumers have reported this agency harassing them from the following numbers:

  • 800-947-5096
  • 866-265-6032
  • 877-403-0657
  • 800-225-5050
  • 866-352-0458
  • 866-800-1472
  • 866-647-0881
  • 855-351-2526
  • 800-542-9121
  • 877-545-2474
  • 256-417-6176

Want to Stop Debt Collection Harassment Now?

You may have a case, if…

  • You are receiving multiple calls per week from third party collection agencies.
  • You are receiving early morning or late night calls from debt collectors
  • You are receiving calls at work from a debt collection agency
  • Debt collectors are calling your family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers
  • Collectors are threatening you with violence, lawsuit, or arrest
  • A debt collector attempts to collect more than you owe
  • You are being threatened with negative credit reporting
  • A debt collector attempts to intimidate you
  • Criminal accusations are being made towards you
  • Use of obscene language during an attempt to collect
  • Automated robocalls are being made to your phone in an attempt to collect

What Our Clients are Saying

“As we discussed on the phone earlier today, this settlement is perfectly okay to me. I need to thank you and all of your cohorts at Lemberg Law to get a project handled so professionally. Please allow Amy, the first person who contacted me from Lemberg, know how much I appreciate her efforts, kindness, and professionalism.”

“My mom and I want to say thanks to the team of Lemberg Law for all the hard work and effort that was taken to take care of the debt collector and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Because of this, the phones do not ring off the hook .”

“We realize that ours is only one little case among many — and a lot more serious — but are heartened by the fact that you accepted it represented us with a professionalism that belied the dollar amount.”

“I just wanted to let you know we received the check from your office on now and I wanted to take some time to inform you that we really appreciate all of your efforts in this matter.”

Can You Help Me Delete AFNI Inc from My Credit Report?

The brief answer is yes. We can help. Call us today.

Share your story

Have you had a bad experience with this agency’s debt collectors? Sound off and share your experience with other visitors in the comment box below.

Sergei Lemberg

About the Author:

Sergei Lemberg is an attorney focusing on consumer law, class actions related to automotive issues, and personal injury litigation. With nearly two decades of experience, his areas of practice include Lemon Law (vehicle defects), Debt Collection Harassment, TCPA (illegal robocalls and texts), Fair Credit Reporting Act, Overtime claims, Personal Injury cases, and Class Actions. He has consistently been recognized as the nation's "most active consumer attorney." In 2020, Mr. Lemberg represented Noah Duguid before the United States Supreme Court in the landmark case Duguid v. Facebook. He is also the author of "Defanging Debt Collectors," a guide that empowers consumers to fight back against debt collectors and prevail, as well as "Lemon Law 101: The Laws That Lemon Dealers Don't Want You to Know."

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6 COMMENTS
  • Gabriel P

    I was used as a referral for someone and now I don’t even know where that person is and have no more contact with her. Afni has called me 3 times already asking me if she’s available. I’ve told them all 3 times that sorry but unfortunately I don’t know where she is.

  • Steve

    Afni Collections is a third part debt collector based out of Bloomington, IL. They have a subrogation claim against me from Allstate Insurance for $10,700. Another collection agency previously has this claim previously CCS collections out of Massachucetts for the same anount. I know the amount is ivalid. This supposed claim was probably was sold from CCS collections after I sent the dispute letter 6 months ago to this agency. AFNI has now has it. I have disputed this claim as well as told what to do and how to solve it and sent a cease and desist letter by certified mail. They are complying as for right now. My best guess this same file will continue to bounce around from agency to agency until statue of limitations run out or until some type of litigation I think is highly unlikely because the claim is ivalid. I have all the paperwork. Best advice to consumers is that even if you think the debt is yours is to dispute and ask for verification nonetheless and don’t admit to the debt and seek legal council if you are unsure about your rights.

  • Amanda D

    I’ve been contacted by Afni on a Subrogation case w/Progressive Ins. They claim that facts indicate that I MAY be liable for all or part of a $2600 payout. Basically my plate number was reported by a witness & would be in an 8 month old police report. Nothing has ever been taken to court. I’m concerned that they are baiting me & want to proceed carefully. I feel confident nobody is going to try to sue & mostly I don’t want to talk to anybody or give out any information. I’m not sure how to deal w a flimsy Subrogation Claim without giving any info & with a company with such a horrible reputation. Just not wanting to make any mistakes. I sent a certified stating I am unaware of this claim & please send proof that I owe it and that they are authorized to collect. I know they don’t have proof that I owe it – they have evidence that I MAY owe all or part. And it’s not worth anybody’s time to take it to court and prove anything one way or the other

  • Deborah H

    Afni has continually called me dispute me blocking them…..they solved tht… they switched up and used another number driving me crazy

  • Jessi B

    This company is calling my family to get my number. I’m sure it’s on a mortgage problem I’m having. My loan was bought by Caliber, we’ve been to court, we wine now there trying to foreclose on my home. Can’t get another mortgage, they have doubled what I owe and put it on my credit report. I’ve emailed the federal trade commission, waiting for an answer. I hope I get help. I’ve paid my mortgage, the amount chase told me to when I purchased. Never missed one pmts
    They won’t acept them, send all back. I have the documents from court. I don’t know what else to do. Can you help me?

  • William M

    In Nov. 2009 I had open heart surgery and post op I had pulmonary problems which put me in rehab for 3 1/2 months. I had a very difficult recovery but eventually I came home. I discovered a notice that my cell phone at AT&T mobile had gone unpaid and was four months past due. I went to an AT&T outlet store and paid the past due billing and explained what had happened. Several weeks went by and AT&T did not re-activate my cell service and I returned to the AT&T outlet and made an inquiry, Their representative called the home office and after a few minutes she told us the company was not interested because we had gone four months delinquent. In April of 2010 we opened an account with Consumer Cellular. In Dec. 2010 we received a billing from AT&T for $199 and I called them and explained what had taken place. They took the position that my explanation was a total fabrication and continued to send notices. In 2011 we started getting billing from AFNI for $198 and they posted the delinquency to my credit reports. For some reason they never closed the account and the notice has remained on my credit reports since 2010 until now. Somehow they have re-aged this matter and are showing the opening date of this delinquent billing as occurring in Dec. 2014. I have submitted several challenges through Credit Karma and each time all I get in return is the billing is accurate and meets regulations. This issue has gone on longer than the 7 1/2 years limitation. Can anything be done to dismiss this bogus claim? My current credit score is between 736 and 743 and this $198 dollar claim is the only detrimental information on my credit reports. Can you help resolve this issue?

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