First Federal Credit Control (FFCC) on Your Credit Report? Fight Back and Win

Dealing with debt collectors can be an incredibly daunting task—especially when it comes to negotiating with an aggressive collector like First Federal Credit Control. Whether you’re in debt or trying to negotiate payment plans and settlements that suit your financial needs, understanding how this type of negotiation works is essential for financial success. 

In this article, we’ll provide tips on how to successfully handle negotiations with First Federal Credit Control while also explaining what the company is and what they do. Ready? Let's get started.

What Does First Federal Credit Control Do?

Debt collectors are responsible for collecting overdue payments from people and organizations who have defaulted on debts. Whether the debt is from an individual, small business loan, or commercial contract, debt collectors employ a variety of techniques to ensure that money owed is paid in full. 

To collect payments, creditors will outsource to companies like First Federal Credit Control - an Ohio-based business founded in 1970 - which provides collection services on their behalf for either a fee or purchase of the debt at a discounted price. The methods used by companies like First Federal Credit Control are often intrusive to consumers - and occasionally verge on illegal.

Is First Federal Credit Control a Legitimate Company?

Yes, First Federal Credit Control is a legitimate company. Don’t ignore them thinking they’re a scam in the hopes they’ll go away. To verify that it’s FFCC contacting you, reference the following information:

• Phone Number: (800) 486-5500
• Address: 24700 Chagrin Blvd Ste 205 Beachwood, OH 44122-5662
• Website: https://ffcc.com/
• BBB Rating: 2/5

As of 2023, FFCC has a 2-star on their Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. Surprisingly enough, this is actually an above average rating compared to many other debt collection agencies.

That said, they have still accrued hundreds of complaints, so it is definitely advisable to look into their methods of communication with you and make sure they are respecting your rights. It is always best to stay informed when dealing with debt collectors and to protect yourself against any possible violations that could occur.

Why Am I Getting Phone Calls from First Federal Credit Control? 

If you've been contacted by First Federal Credit Control regarding an outstanding debt, it is important that you consider all potential facts before making any commitment or payment plan. It's not unusual for people to miss payments or not receive statements because of address changes; in some instances, the debt might be completely erroneous or illegitimate.

In other cases, consumers have discovered their name on another person's loan without authorizing. Consider researching your credit history so as to gain clarity of your financial obligations if necessary. Here are a few circumstances where you could be contacted about a debt that you do not owe:

• Paid debts

These are debts that have already been paid in full, but are still showing up as outstanding on a credit report.

• Unauthorized debts

These are debts that have been taken out in another person's name or under false pretenses without the authorization of the person responsible for the debt.

• Falsely reported late/unpaid debts

These are debts which have been reported to a credit bureau as either late or unpaid when they were actually paid on time or not due at all.

• Accounts opened due to identity theft

These are accounts that have been opened without the authorization of a consumer, usually using stolen personal information such as a Social Security number or driver's license number.

If you believe that a collections agency is attempting to collect on a debt that doesn't belong to you, it is very important to be proactive. You are fully within your rights to stand up for yourself and demand evidence from the collector that verifies their claim. 

What Can I Do If I’m Being Harassed by First Federal Credit Control?

Companies like First Federal Credit Control are legally bound by the FDCPA and prohibited from using aggressive tactics such as harassment, the use of false or misleading information, or repeated phone calls to debtors who cannot pay their bills. Understanding your rights under this federal law helps you to counteract any attempts on their part to intimidate you into paying debts you cannot cover. 

An essential step in any debt collection situation is familiarizing yourself with these legal protections and knowing that debt collectors are accountable for respecting them. Here are some prohibited practices under federal law:

• Threatening legal action or criminal prosecution if debts are not paid
• Misrepresenting the character, amount, or legal status of a debt
• Using profane or obscene language
• Contacting consumers at an inconvenient time (before 8 AM, after 9 PM) or place.
• Contacting consumers who have told the debt collector to cease communication
• Failing to provide verification of the debt when requested by the consumer
• Falsely implying that the consumer committed a crime or misrepresenting the amount of money owed
• Claiming that non-payment will result in arrest, garnishment of wages, seizure of assets, etc., without following legal procedures for such actions

Navigating debt management is difficult, so understanding your consumer rights and protections under the law can provide much-needed relief. It pays to retain written proof of all communication with First Federal Credit Control, as doing so may help to strengthen any claims of unfair practices if legal action becomes necessary. 

Additionally, a qualified lawyer can guide you through any potential legal proceedings, making sure your rights are respected and that applicable laws are followed.

How Can I Get First Federal Credit Control Off My Credit Report? 

If you have collections from First Federal Credit Control listed on your credit report, there are measures you can take to improve your credit score. The first step is to contact the collections agency or the original creditor and try to negotiate an agreement where they will pay off your debt in return for having it removed from your report.

Once you’ve reached an agreement, notify all three major credit reporting bureaus in writing so that it can be removed from your report immediately. Following this process will help improve your credit score and ensure that First Federal Credit Control remains off of your credit report. For more complex cases, it's best to consult with an attorney who can guide you through the process.

Contact Us For Your Free Case Review

At Fair Credit, we are committed to protecting consumer rights and advocating for what's fair. We know that facing a collections agency on your own can be an intimidating undertaking, having a direct effect on your well-being in addition to your finances. That's why our team of dedicated legal experts are here to help. 

Reach out to us today for a free case review and get up-to-date information and guidance on how to keep your finances secure.