Altus GTS Inc., headquartered in Kenner, Louisiana, is North America’s largest commercial debt collection agency according to their website. With over 250 employees, Altus boasts decades of experience and a wide reach across the country. However, some consumers allege Altus engages in harassment and overly aggressive tactics to collect debts. Let’s break down the facts.

What Services Does Altus Provide?

Altus offers a full spectrum of commercial debt recovery services to over 100,000 business clients. This includes:

• Domestic and international debt collection
• Audit collection
• Business receivable management training
• Receivable management outsourcing

In addition to their headquarters in Louisiana, Altus maintains branch offices in Colorado, Washington, and New Jersey. They also work with affiliate offices in Delaware, Washington, Arizona, and Iowa to extend their coverage nationwide.

How Does Altus Collect Debts?

As a debt collector, Altus contacts consumers by phone and mail demanding payment for outstanding debts on behalf of their business clients. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) regulates the practices of third-party debt collectors like Altus. This federal law prohibits false statements or harassment, limits communication attempts, and requires debt validation notices.If Altus violates these FDCPA regulations when pursuing payment, consumers can sue them for damages. So does Altus cross the line and engage in harassment? Let’s look at some concerning complaints.

Altus Complaints Allege Harassment

While Altus enjoys accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), they still face consumer grievances. As of December 2023, the BBB lists 27 complaints against Altus in the past 3 years. And 6 of the most recent complaints allege harassment or overly aggressive collection tactics.For example, one consumer complained Altus called their cell phone 4-5 times per day, qualifying as harassment under the FDCPA guidelines. Another reported Altus threatening to garnish their wages if immediate payment wasn’t made, which violates regulations.So while not all complaints against Altus involve harassment, several consumers feel subject to intimidation or aggression from Altus collectors.person covering ears from phone harassment

What Recourse Do Consumers Have Against Harassment?

If Altus utilizes overly aggressive or abusive tactics to collect, consumers have legal rights to stop the harassment under the FDCPA. Specific recourses include:

• Demanding verification of the debt: Consumers can require Altus verify in writing critical details about the debt like the amount owed and creditor name. This can delay collection efforts.
• Filing complaints with regulators: Complaints to consumer protection groups like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or state attorney general may trigger investigations against Altus.
• Suing for damages: Consumers can file lawsuits against Altus for FDCPA violations. If successful, they may recover up to $1,000 plus legal fees.
• Recording calls for evidence: Recording calls with Altus collectors provides proof of harassment for regulators or lawsuits. But consumers should first check if their state requires notification of recordings.

So while some Altus techniques tread close to the harassment line, consumers maintain rights to stop abusive collection practices under federal and state regulations.

Is Altus Necessarily Breaking the Law?

With Altus fielding over 100,000 business clients, occasional consumer complaints seem inevitable regardless of collection practices. And so far, no regulatory agency has formally sanctioned Altus for systemic abuse or harassment.But even lawful collection practices can feel invasive or harassing to struggling consumers facing financial duress. Altus leadership emphasizes continuing to adapt methods to improve customer service in the face of complaints. However, the nature of their work inevitably leads to some consumer dissatisfaction.

Key Takeaways: Is Altus Harassing Consumers With Debt Collection?

• Altus GTS Inc operates as the largest commercial debt collection agency in North America. Their services include phone calls, letters, legal filings, and other techniques to secure unpaid business debts.
• While accredited by the BBB, Altus faces occasional complaints of harassment and aggressive tactics violating consumer protection laws.
• If Altus utilizes abusive practices, consumers can record calls, verify debts, file regulatory complaints, or sue for damages under the FDCPA.
• With over 100,000 clients, some grievances seem inevitable for Altus. And so far, regulators haven’t sanctioned Altus for systemic harassment or abuse.

So in summary – Altus utilizes assertive techniques given the nature of their work as debt collectors. But they don’t necessarily appear to be breaking the law, even if some consumers feel harassed by their collection efforts. However, regulators and consumer advocates continue monitoring the situation to protect consumer rights against potential overreach.