Another Collection Company under fire!

Debt collection agency Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates, LLC has responded to charges issued by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.

Abbott????????s office accuses Dallas-based Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates of violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by failing to follow certain mandates related to the debt collections process.

The debt collection company says it learned of the lawsuit through third parties and has yet to be served with the lawsuit, making it impossible for the company to respond to the specific allegations.

The company said, ???????However, in the past and at all times, Crenshaw has fully cooperated with the Attorney General regarding any questions or requests for information they had regarding Crenshaw????????s business operations. At no time did the Attorney General indicate that it was in any way unsatisfied with Crenshaw????????s response and cooperation.???????

The debt collection agency also said it maintains a training program and a professional environment that is unrivaled in the industry.

The company added that it looks forward to working with the Attorney General to obtain a fair resolution.

In a statement Wednesday, Abbott????????s office said the Dallas-based collection company harassed debtors by mailing deceptive letters and participating in unlawful phone calls during the collections process.

The attorney general also accused the company of mailing letters with false claims to debtors during a 30-day hold period that is allotted to all debtors. Abbott????????s office says prior federal court rulings mandate that debt collectors cannot undermine a debtor????????s objection to a charge during the 30-day period.

Abbott????????s office added, ???????The state????????s enforcement action also accuses Anderson, Crenshaw & Associates of threatening to garnish consumers???????? wages or file liens against homesteads in violation of the Texas Debt Collection Act. According to several complaints, the defendant????????s representatives harassed, abused and threatened debtors during profanity-laden, repeated or continuous telephone calls.???????

Attorney General Abbott is seeking up to $20,000 in civil penalties for each violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.