FTC Halts Three Debt Collection Operations That Threatened, Deceived Consumers via Text, Email, Phone

Per the FTC’s request, federal courts in New York and Georgia temporarily halted three debt collection operations that allegedly violated federal law by threatening and deceiving consumers via text messages, emails and phone calls, a news release said Thursday. The defendants are known as Premier Debt Acquisitions, The Primary Group and Unified Global Group. The FTC said the defendants used text messages, emails and phone calls to falsely threaten to arrest or sue consumers, unlawfully contacted friends, family members and employers, withheld information consumers needed to confirm or dispute debts, and never identified themselves as debt collectors. The commission said it seeks to permanently end the unlawful practices and charged the defendants with violating the FTC Act and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. “Legitimate debt collectors know the rules,” said Consumer Protection Bureau Director Jessica Rich. “They can’t harass or lie to you, whether they send a text, email, or call you.” The commissioner vote approving the federal court complaints was unanimous. Unified Global Group had no immediate comment. Premier Debt Acquisitions and The Primary Group couldn't be reached for comment.