Are You Being Harassed by Coast Professional? What You Need to Know

Are you suddenly curious about the Coast Professional collection agency? Maybe you got a call from them, or they keep sending you spam calls every day. 

I’ve been writing about debt collection in our blog and I know how stressful and overwhelming it can be. Debt isn’t just numbers on a paper. It can feel like a heavy weight that follows you everywhere. It can hurt your peace of mind and even your relationships. 

No one should have to deal with being harassed or scared by debt collectors. But for many people, this happens every day. 

If Coast Professional or any other debt collector is calling you again and again, it’s time to take action. They may even contact your friends or family. One thing you should always remember is you have legal rights. 

I want to help you understand those liberties. I’ll show you how to protect yourself, take back control, and stop their aggressive tactics. Let’s go through the steps together. You can move forward feeling stronger and more at peace.

Dealing with Harassment from Coast Professional

If your debt has been sent to collections with Coast Professional, you might feel stressed or confused. Take a moment to breathe and figure out your next steps.

Coast Professional, Inc. started by working with colleges and universities to collect unpaid debts. This can include tuition, parking fines, or other campus-related fees.

If you want to stop collection calls or settle your debt for less, it’s important to talk with Coast Professional or any other debt collector you are dealing with. You can try to reach a settlement agreement with them.

Here’s everything you need to know about Coast Professional.

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What is Coast Professional?

Coast Professional, Inc., based in West Monroe, Louisiana, has been in business since 1976. They began by collecting federal student loans and have since grown into a full-service receivable management and contact center. Today, they work with over 200 clients, including universities, cities, states, and counties, specializing in government collections for colleges and universities.

While Coast Professional offers a range of services, they’ve faced legal scrutiny over the years, with 24 lawsuits filed against them in federal courts.

If you need to contact Coast Professional, here’s their information: 

• Phone: (318)-807-4500 
• Toll-free: (800)-231-0225 
• Email: info@coastprofessional.com 
• Linkedin: Coast Professional, Inc.  (their website is currently not loading)
• Headquarters Address: 4273 Volunteer Road, Geneseo, NY 14454, US 

If Coast Professional has been calling your home late at night, they might be breaking the law—even if the debt is valid.

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Who Does Coast Professional Collect For?

Coast Professional is a company that helps collect unpaid debts. They work with different organizations to recover money that is owed.

Here’s a breakdown of who they collect for and what kinds of debts they handle:

Government Debts

Coast Professional collects debts on behalf of federal, state, and local governments. This means they help government offices recover money people owe. Some examples of government-related debts they collect include:

• Overpayments: If someone was accidentally paid too much money, Coast Professional helps get that money back.
• Licensing Fees: These are fees people pay for licenses, like business or professional licenses.
• Taxes: Coast Professional helps collect unpaid taxes owed to the government.
• Court Fines and Fees: They recover fines or fees people owe after going to court.
• Toll-Related Fines and Balances: They help collect unpaid tolls from driving on toll roads.
• Other Government-Related Debts: This includes any other unpaid money owed to government offices.

Colleges and Universities

Coast Professional also works with colleges and universities to collect money owed by students or former students. This can be for loans, fees, or other payments related to their education. 

Here are some examples:

• Student Loan Programs: They collect unpaid loans like NDSL/Federal Perkins Loans, GSL/Stafford Loans, Health Professions Student Loans, and Primary Care Loans.
• Institutional Loan Portfolios: These are loans provided directly by the school.
• Tuition and Student Receivable Accounts: Coast Professional collects tuition or other unpaid balances owed to the school.
• Parking Fines: They help collect unpaid parking tickets issued on campus.
• Accounts Receivables: These are other types of payments students or others owe to the school.
• Other Campus-Based Debt: This includes any other type of debt related to the university.

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Why is Contact Coast Professional Calling Me?

If Coast Professional has contacted you, it means they are trying to collect a debt on behalf of an organization. It’s important to find out who they are working for and why they believe you owe money. You can contact Coast Professional directly to ask questions and get more details about the debt they are trying to collect.

If you’ve defaulted on a payment or missed a due date, they may be reaching out to resolve the matter. It’s important to answer their call or return their message to understand the reason behind their contact and explore your options for addressing the debt.

Understanding who Coast Professional collects for and the types of debts they handle can help you figure out what steps to take next. Always make sure to check the details of the debt and verify that it’s accurate.

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Know Your Rights Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act 

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects you from unfair or abusive actions by debt collectors. This law was created to stop harmful practices that can cause: 

• People to file for bankruptcy 
• Problems in relationships 
• Losing jobs 
• Invasion of privacy 

Privacy invasion is a common issue, especially in debt collection, where personal information or private space is accessed without consent. This can include sharing sensitive financial details, excessive calls, or contacting friends and family about a debt. These actions not only breach ethics but also violate privacy laws, causing stress and harm. As digital privacy becomes more important, addressing these violations is crucial to protecting rights and holding offenders accountable.

In November 2021, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) updated its Debt Collection Rule. This rule explains what debt collectors can and cannot do, including how they are allowed to contact you. To learn more, visit the CFPB website.

Now, let’s explore whether certain practices, such as those used by Coast Professional, may violate these laws.

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Could Coast Professional Be Breaking the Law?

Coast Professional might be violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) by robocalling your cell phone without your consent or continuing to call after you’ve told them to stop. Under the TCPA, you could be entitled to up to $1,500 per call for these violations.

Additionally, they could be breaking the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This can happen in several ways, such as:

• Repeatedly calling or harassing you 
• Threatening you with a lawsuit 
• Failing to tell you who they are or that they’re debt collectors 
• Calling you at work after you’ve told them not to 
• Discussing your debt with others 
• Misleading or lying to you in any way 

If your FDCPA rights have been violated, you may be entitled to up to $1,000 in damages.

What Should You Do?

There’s only one way to find out if Coast Professional has violated your rights—give us a call or contact a consumer debt attorney.  We’re here to discuss your situation, clarify your options, and provide guidance. Our credit repair specialists will thoroughly investigate your case and dispute the debt on your behalf, ensuring you won’t have to deal with them again.

Good Read: How to Get a Debt Lawsuit Dismissed

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How to Avoid Debt Collection Harassment

Getting calls about debt can be stressful, especially if they feel scary or unfair. But knowing your rights and how to handle these calls can help you stay in control. Here’s a simple guide to deal with debt calls and avoid being treated unfairly.

1. Know Your Rights

Debt collectors must follow the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which prohibits harassment, threats, or deceptive practices. 

Here are some key rights to keep in mind:

• Collectors cannot call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• They are not allowed to use abusive language or threats.
• Collectors must verify the debt and provide you with details in writing.
• You can request they stop calling through a written notice.

2. Stay Calm and Document Everything

When a debt collector calls:

• Stay calm and don’t feel pressured to respond immediately. You are not obligated to make payments or decisions on the spot.
• Write down the date, time, and content of every call. Record the collector’s name, company, and contact information.
• Save all letters, emails, or communications you receive.

3. Respond with Confidence: Sample Call Script

When answering a call from a collector, use a script like this to stay in control:

• You: “Hello, may I know who I’m speaking with?"
• Collector: “This is [Name] from Coast Professional. I’m calling regarding an unpaid debt."
• You: “Thank you for reaching out. Under the FDCPA, I’d like to verify the details of this debt in writing before proceeding. Please send me a written notice with all the information regarding this account. Also, I prefer to communicate in writing moving forward."
• Collector: “[Response]"
• You: “I’ll review the information once I receive your written notice. Thank you for understanding."

This approach ensures you’re not caught off guard and gives you time to review the debt thoroughly before taking action.

4. Request Verification in Writing

Always request written validation of the debt. Collectors must provide:

• The amount owed.
• The name of the original creditor.
• Proof that the debt belongs to you.

If they fail to provide this information, they cannot legally continue collection efforts.

5. Take Action If You’re Being Harassed

If a debt collector crosses the line into harassment, you can take steps to protect yourself:

• Send a Cease-and-Desist Letter: Notify them in writing to stop contacting you. Once received, they can only contact you to confirm the request or notify you of legal action.
• Report to Authorities: File a complaint with:
  • The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
  • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
  • Your state’s attorney general’s office
• Consult an Attorney: If harassment persists, seek legal aid. You may be entitled to damages if the collector violates your rights.

6. Explore Your Options

If the debt is legitimate, you can still settle your debt for less. Consider options like:

• Negotiating a payment plan.
• Seeking help from a credit counselor.
• Exploring debt consolidation or settlement.

You have the right to be treated with respect, no matter your money situation. By learning what to do, you can deal with debt collection calls calmly and protect yourself from unfair treatment. If you want to learn more, check our post about how to handle debt collector harassment!

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Stand Up Against Harassment from Coast Professional

Learn how to protect your rights and take action against unfair practices and don’t let harassment go unanswered.

If you’re dealing with persistent calls, aggressive communication, or unfair treatment from Coast Professional, it’s important to know you have rights. Debt collection agencies must follow strict guidelines under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which protects you from abusive or deceptive practices.

Start by documenting every interaction, including dates, times, and the nature of the calls. You can also request written verification of the debt to ensure the claims are accurate. If Coast Professional continues to act unlawfully, consider filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or seeking legal advice.

No one should ever have to endure harassment. You deserve better. Taking these steps can help you regain control and ensure your rights are respected. Remember, standing up for yourself is the first step toward resolving the issue.

If financial challenges are holding you back, our credit repair experts are here to help. Contact us today and take control of your financial future!