Summary: Are you receiving persistent calls from 866-674-0156? This number belongs to Financial Management Systems Inc, a legitimate debt collection agency.
Here's everything you need to know about why they're calling and what steps you can take to protect yourself.
Who Calls From 866-674-0156? Is It Financial Management Systems Inc?
Yes, calls from 866-674-0156 are from Financial Management Systems Inc, a third-party debt collection agency. If you're seeing this number on your caller ID or receiving voicemails from this number, you're dealing with a legitimate debt collection company that's trying to collect on an outstanding debt.
What You'll Experience When They Call:
- The caller will typically identify themselves as calling from Financial Management Systems Inc
- They may also mention they're calling about a "financial matter" or "important business matter"
- You might hear background noise from a call center environment
- The representative will ask to verify your identity before discussing specifics
- They'll want to discuss an outstanding debt and payment arrangements
Common Scenarios for These Calls:
- Credit Card Debt: Your old credit card debt was sold to them for collection
- Medical Bills: Hospital or medical provider debt that went unpaid
- Personal Loans: Bank or finance company loans that defaulted
- Utility Bills: Old phone, cable, or utility bills that were charged off
- Retail Accounts: Store credit cards or financing agreements that went delinquent
The key thing to remember is that 866-674-0156 is specifically used by Financial Management Systems Inc for debt collection purposes. However, scammers sometimes "spoof" legitimate numbers, so it's important to verify that you're actually speaking with the real company before providing any personal information or making payments.
Who is Financial Management Systems Inc?
Financial Management Systems Inc is a legitimate debt collection agency that works on behalf of creditors to recover outstanding debts. They operate as a third-party debt collector, meaning they've purchased your debt from the original creditor (such as a credit card company), and they're now calling you to collect that debt.
Company Background and Information
Financial Management Systems Inc operates as a professional debt collection agency with established business practices. Like many collection agencies, they acquire debts from original creditors who have been unable to collect payments from consumers.
The agency employs trained collection specialists who contact consumers via phone, mail, and sometimes email to arrange payment on outstanding debts. They work within the framework of federal and state debt collection laws and maintain procedures for handling consumer disputes and payment arrangements.
Financial Management Systems Inc focuses primarily on consumer debt collection rather than commercial collections, meaning they deal with individual consumers rather than businesses.
Their portfolio typically includes credit card debts, personal loans, medical collections, and other unsecured consumer debts.
Is Financial Management Systems Inc Legitimate?
Yes, Financial Management Systems Inc is a legitimate debt collection agency. Here's what makes them legitimate:
Licensed and Regulated: The company operates under federal debt collection laws, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which governs how debt collectors can interact with consumers.
Established Business Practices: They follow standard industry practices for debt collection, including providing debt validation information when requested and maintaining proper documentation of debts.
Compliance with Consumer Protection Laws: Legitimate debt collectors like Financial Management Systems Inc must comply with various consumer protection regulations, including respecting consumer rights to dispute debts and request validation.
Professional Operations: They maintain business operations consistent with legitimate collection agencies, including proper record-keeping and established procedures for handling consumer inquiries.
How to Verify Their Legitimacy
If you want to confirm that calls from 866-674-0156 are truly from Financial Management Systems Inc:
- Ask for the company's full name, address, and license number
- Request written validation of the debt
- Check if they can provide details about the original creditor
- Verify they follow proper collection procedures (no calls before 8 AM or after 9 PM)
Why Financial Management Systems Inc is Calling You
If you're receiving calls from 866-674-0156, it's likely because:
You have an outstanding debt - They may contact you if you owe money to a creditor (like a credit card company or a medical provider) and the debt has been placed with them for collection.
Your debt was sold or assigned - Your original creditor may have sold your debt to Financial Management Systems Inc or assigned them to collect on their behalf.
Previous collection attempts failed - Other collection efforts by the original creditor were unsuccessful, so they turned to a professional debt collector.
What to Do When Financial Management Systems Inc Calls
1. Don't Panic, But Don't Ignore
While receiving calls from debt collectors can be stressful, ignoring them won't make the problem disappear. The key is to handle the situation strategically.
2. Request Debt Validation
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you have the right to request validation of the debt. This means Financial Management Systems Inc must provide:
- The amount of the debt
- The name of the original creditor
- Proof that they have the right to collect the debt
3. Know Your Rights
Debt collectors must follow strict federal and state laws. They cannot:
- Call before 8 AM or after 9 PM
- Use abusive or threatening language
- Contact you at work if you've told them not to
- Discuss your debt with third parties
4. Document Everything
Keep detailed records of all interactions, including:
- Date and time of calls
- What was discussed
- Any agreements made
- Names of representatives you spoke with
Red Flags: When 866-674-0156 Calls Might Be Suspicious
While Financial Management Systems Inc is legitimate, scammers sometimes spoof legitimate numbers. Be wary if the caller:
- Demands immediate payment via wire transfer or prepaid cards
- Threatens arrest or legal action without proper documentation
- Refuses to provide debt validation information
- Uses aggressive or inappropriate language
Your Options for Dealing with the Debt
Negotiate a Settlement
You may be able to settle the debt for less than the full amount owed. Many debt collectors, including Financial Management Systems Inc, would rather receive partial payment than nothing at all.
Set up a Payment Plan
If you can't pay the full amount immediately, ask about setting up a payment plan that fits your budget.
Important: Do not agree to or make any payment right away. First, request written validation of the debt and review it carefully to ensure it’s accurate and legitimately yours before committing to any arrangement.
Dispute the Debt
If you believe the debt isn't yours or the amount is incorrect, you have the right to dispute it. Send a written dispute letter within 30 days of their first contact.
Seek Professional Help
Consider working with a reputable credit repair company or debt attorney who can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.
How This Affects Your Credit Score
Having a debt in collections can significantly impact your credit score.
However, once you resolve the debt through payment or settlement, you may be able to negotiate a "pay for delete" agreement where the collection account is removed from your credit report.
Stopping the Calls from 866-674-0156
If you want the calls to stop, you can:
- Send a written cease and desist letter
- Request communication only in writing
- Work out a payment arrangement
- Settle or pay the debt in full
Remember, even if you stop the calls, the debt doesn't disappear and may still affect your credit score.
When to Consider Legal Action
If Financial Management Systems Inc is harassing you, they could be violating the FDCPA, potentially making you eligible for compensation. Contact a consumer law attorney if the company:
- Continues calling after you've requested they stop
- Uses abusive language or threats
- Calls at inappropriate times
- Violates any other FDCPA provisions
866-674-0156: The Bottom Line
Receiving calls from 866-674-0156 and Financial Management Systems Inc doesn't have to be overwhelming. By understanding your rights, documenting interactions, and taking appropriate action, you can resolve the situation while protecting yourself from harassment.
Remember, dealing with debt collectors is a common experience, and there are legal protections in place to ensure you're treated fairly. The key is to stay informed, act quickly, and don't let fear prevent you from addressing the situation head-on.
If you're struggling with multiple debts or collection accounts affecting your credit score, consider reaching out to a professional credit repair service that can help you develop a comprehensive strategy for improving your financial situation.