Received a letter from CBCS asking that my company pay a debt owed to BellSouth. I checked to see whether CBCS was registered as a collection agency in my state (Florida). The record showed they were registered by only as a Consumer Collection Agency, not a Commercial Collection Agency. I contacted CBCS. They did not tell me the conversation was being recorded until I asked which is another violation of Florida law. Both parties have to agree BEFORE a conversation can be recorded. I told the lady at CBCS that her company cannot collect commerical debts in Florida because they are not registered. She hung up but only after telling me collect efforts will continue. I called again and the same thing happened with a different employee. Hopefully that's the end of the matter, we'll see. Two points worth noting. Always check with your state to see if the debt collector can legally collect in your area. Seond, check to see what rights you have under state law regarding the recording of phone converasations. Violations of the FDCPA and/or state law are grounds to sue or invalidate collection activities.
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