The CBE Group, Inc. contact Information: 

• Website: https://cbegroup.com
• Phone Number: (319) 234-6686
• Headquarters Address: 1309 Technology Pkwy., Cedar Falls, IA 50613
• Mailing Address: PO Box 900, Waterloo, IA 50704-0900I

Why Is CBE Group Collecting a Debt from You?

If CBE Group has reached out to you, it's likely because they believe you have an outstanding debt. They collect debts on behalf of various creditors, including those in healthcare, telecommunications, and government sectors. In some cases, they may have purchased the debt from the original creditor, making them the new owner of the debt.

It's important to verify the legitimacy of the debt before making any payments. You have the right to request a debt validation letter from CBE Group, which should provide details about the debt, including the original creditor and the amount owed.

Is CBE Group Legitimate or a Scam?

CBE Group is a legal company.To the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). several consumers have filed objections against them, according CBE Group currently has a 1-star rating (out of 5) on its BBB page.

As of early 2024, the Better Business Bureau reported over 435 objections filed against CBE Group in the past three years. Multiple complaints claim CBE Group has attempted to collect on debts the consumer doesn’t owe. Trying to collect on a debt a person doesn’t owe is a common Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) violation.

Note to reader: These reviews and complaints highlight relevant issues but may not be entitled all consumers’ experiences.
 
The FDCPA is a federal law that protects you from unlawful behaviorfrom harassment and from third-party debt collectors and collection agencies. If you accept the truth that a debt collector has committed contravention, you can report them to the CFPB and even sue for financial compensation.

How Do They Collect Debt?

How totally does a debt go from an original creditor to a debt collector? Your original creditor (credit card company, utility provider, etc.) will send you written notices and call you if you fall too far behind on your payments. If you idisregard their collection efforts, they will charge off your debt to a debt collector, like CBE Group. The collector then creates a collection account for your debt and extending directly.

What to Do When Contacted by CBE Group

Receiving a call or letter from a debt collection agency like CBE Group can be stressful, especially if you're unsure of the legitimacy of the debt. While CBE Group is a valid and established debt collector, it's still important to proceed with caution. Avoid sharing any personal or financial details over the phone, especially if you didn’t initiate the contact. A legitimate collector should already have the relevant information.

Instead of engaging immediately, end the call and reach out to CBE Group directly using their verified contact information:

Mailing Address:

CBE Group
1309 Technology Parkway
 Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Phone: (800) 925-6686

If it’s your first time hearing from them or you’re unsure about the debt, consider sending a Debt Validation Letter. This formal request compels the collector to provide proof that the debt is yours and accurate. Platforms like SoloSuit can help automate this process. Requesting validation is your legal right under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
If you identify errors in the debt or believe it falls outside the statute of limitations (which varies by state), you can formally dispute it. Sending a dispute letter to the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—will trigger an investigation. If the debt can’t be verified, it must be removed from your credit report. This is part of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), specifically under Section 609—hence the common reference to these as "609 dispute letters."
 

Know Your Rights When Dealing With CBE Group

Under the FDCPA, debt collectors are prohibited from engaging in the following actions:

• Using obscene or abusive language
• Threatening arrest or legal action they don’t intend to pursue
• Making repeated calls with the intent to harass
• Providing false or misleading information
• Failing to disclose the name of the original creditor
• Contacting you before 8 AM or after 9 PM
• Discussing your debt with anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney
• Calling your workplace if your employer prohibits such communication

If CBE Group violates any of these rules—through harassment, abuse, or threats—you can report them to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).Additionally, as of November 2021, new rules under the CFPB’s Debt Collection Rule limit how often collectors may contact you. If a collector reaches out more than seven times in seven days, or calls again within seven days of a prior conversation about the debt, they may be in violation of federal regulations.

Do You Really Have to Pay CBE Group?

It's essential to verify the legitimacy and correctness of the debt they declare you owe,before making any payments to CBE Group. you have the right to request a debt validation letter from the collector under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

What happens if you ignore CBE Group?

If you ignore CBE Group’s communications, the situation won’t just disappear, you might receive phone calls, letters, or even emails demanding payment. But continued inaction can lead to escalating consequences:

• Credit Reporting: CBE Group can report owed debts to credit bureaus, damaging your credit score for up to seven years.

 

• Prospective Legal Action: Especially CBE Group may select to file a debt collection lawsuit against you. If they win, they can seek to garnish wages or freeze bank accounts (depending on your state’s laws).

Can CBE Group Garnish Your Wages or Take Legal Action?

CBE Group can’t garnish your wages or bank account without first winning a court judgment against you. This means:

• They must file a lawsuit.
• You must be properly served court papers.
• A judge must rule in their favor, typically through a judgment.
• Only then can they pursue wage garnishment or levies, if permitted in your state.

If you ignore the lawsuit (by not responding), you’ll likely lose by default. At that point, wage garnishment becomes a real risk. The good news? You can fight back by filing an Answer with the court. Many consumers win debt cases because collectors lack sufficient documentation or violate procedure.

How To Negotiate a Debt Settlement With CBE Group

 Negotiating a debt settlement can be a viable option to resolve your obligations with CBE Group. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Verify That the Debt Is Valid

 Begin by requesting a debt validation letter to ensure the debt's legitimacy. This step is crucial to confirm that you are addressing a valid obligation .

Assess Your Financial Situation

 First, review your current financial obligations. Write down your monthly take-home pay and your monthly expenses , Evaluate your income, expenses, and overall financial health to determine what you can realistically afford to pay. This assessment will help you propose a settlement that aligns with your financial capabilities.Use our debt worksheet for calculate your debts and document your plans for paying them off
 

Make a Reasonable Settlement Offer

 Contact CBE Group to propose a settlement. It's usual to start talks by offering a percentage of the total debt, often between 30% to 60%. Communicate your offer and be prepared for possible counteroffers. Ensure that any agreement is documented in writing before making payments.

How to Defend Yourself Against a Lawsuit Filed by CBE Group

If you receive a Summons or Complaint notifying you of a lawsuit by CBE Group, do not ignore it and hope the situation will resolve itself. Ignoring these documents can lead to the debt collectors winning the case by default, which may result in garnished wages or liens placed against your property.

Review the Summons and Complaint Carefully

Upon serving with a lawsuit, it's essential to thoroughly examine the Summons and protestation documents. The Summons tell you of the legal action, while the objections outline the specified claims and details of the debt in question. Pay close attention to:

• Deadlines: recognize thetimeline within which you must respond to avoid a default judgment.
• Allegations: Understand each claim made against you, noting any discrepancies or inaccuracies.

A meticulous review ensures you're fully aware of the claims and can prepare an appropriate defense.

Fill Out and File Your Answer

Responding to the Complaint involves drafting an "Answer," a formal document addressing each allegation. Here's how to proceed:

• Address Each Allegation: For every numbered paragraph in the Complaint, indicate whether you "Admit," "Deny," or "Lack sufficient knowledge to admit or deny" the claim. Many legal advisors recommend issuing a general denial to compel the plaintiff to prove their case.

• Assert Affirmative Defenses: These are legal reasons that, if valid, negate or mitigate the plaintiff's claims. Common defenses include:
• Statute of Limitations: The debt is too old to be legally enforceable.
• Lack of Standing: The plaintiff doesn't have the legal right to sue.
• Payment or Settlement: The debt was previously paid or settled.

Submit Your Answer to the Court and Serve CBE Group

After prepare your Answer:
File with the Court: Submit the original Answer to the court clerk within the specific deadline. Some authority allow electronic filing, while others may require in-person or mailcomplience.

Serve the Plaintiff: Send a copy of your Answer to CBE Group's attorney, deeply via certified mail with a return receipt to confirm delivery.

How Debt Settlements Impact Your Credit

Settling a debt involves negotiating with the creditor or collection agency to pay a portion of the outstanding amount, typically less than what is owed, to consider the debt resolved. While this can provide immediate financial relief, it's important to recognize the potential effects on your credit score:

• Negative Impact on Credit Score: Debt settlements can lead to a decline in your credit score. The extent of the impact varies based on factors such as your current credit standing and the specifics of the settlement.
• Credit Report Notation: Settled accounts are often marked as "settled" or "paid settled" on credit reports, indicating that the debt was not paid in full as originally agreed. This notation can be a red flag to future lenders.
• Duration on Credit Report: A settled debt can remain on your credit report for up to seven years from the date of delinquency, potentially affecting your ability to secure new credit during that period.

It's advisable to weigh these considerations carefully and explore alternatives, such as negotiating a payment plan or seeking credit counseling, before opting for debt settlement.

Can You Remove a Collection Account?

 Removing a collection account from your credit report can be challenging but is possible under certain circumstances:

• Dispute Inaccurate Information: If the collection account contains errors—such as incorrect amounts, dates, or accounts that don't belong to you—you have the right to dispute these inaccuracies with the credit bureaus. Providing supporting documentation can aid in the removal of erroneous entries.
• Negotiate a Pay-for-Delete Agreement: In some cases, you can negotiate with the collection agency to remove the account from your credit report in exchange for payment. This arrangement, known as "pay-for-delete," is not guaranteed and may not be honored by all agencies. It's essential to obtain any such agreement in writing before making a payment.
• Request a Goodwill Deletion: If you've already paid the debt, you can write a goodwill letter to the collection agency or original creditor, politely requesting the removal of the negative entry. While there's no obligation for them to comply, some creditors may agree, especially if you have a history of timely payments.

Engaging in these strategies requires patience and persistence. Document all communications and keep copies of any agreements for your records.

When to Dispute with Credit Bureaus

Disputing a collection account with credit bureaus is appropriate in the following situations:

• Inaccurate or Incomplete Information: If the collection entry contains errors, such as incorrect balances, dates, or personal information, you should file a dispute. The credit bureau is required to investigate and correct any inaccuracies.
• Unverified Debts: If the collection agency cannot provide adequate documentation proving that the debt is yours and the amount is accurate, you can dispute the entry. Without proper verification, the credit bureau may remove the account from your report.
• Expired Statute of Limitations: Debts that are too old to be legally pursued (time-barred debts) may still appear on your credit report. If a collection account remains after the reporting period has expired, you can dispute its presence.

To initiate a dispute, contact the credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—directly, providing a clear explanation of the issue and any supporting evidence. They typically have 30 days to investigate and respond to your dispute.

How To Report CBE Group for Violations

If you believe that CBE Group has violated your rights under federal debt collection laws, you have the option to file a complaint with the appropriate regulatory agencies. Here's a guide on how to proceed:

How to File a Complaint with the CFPB or FTC

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): 

• Online Submission: Visit the CFPB's complaint portal at consumerfinance.gov. Click on "Start a new complaint" and follow the prompts to describe your issue. 
• Phone Submission: Call the CFPB at (855) 411-2372 to file a complaint over the phone.
• Mail Submission: You can also mail a written complaint to: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

P.O. Box 2900
Clinton, IA 52733-2900

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): 

• Online Submission: Go to ftc.gov/complaint and click on "File a Consumer Complaint." Follow the instructions to provide details about your experience.Federal Trade Commission
• Phone Submission: Call the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) to report your complaint.

What Information to Include in Your Complaint

When filing a complaint, ensure you provide comprehensive and accurate information:

• Personal Details: Your full name, address, phone number, and email address.
• Debt Collector Information: The name of the collection agency (CBE Group), their contact information, and the name of the representative you interacted with, if available.
• Account Details: Information about the debt in question, including the original creditor's name, account number, and the amount allegedly owed.
• Description of the Issue: A detailed account of the alleged violation(s), including dates, times, and the nature of the interactions. Specify which rights you believe were violated under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) or other relevant laws.
• Supporting Documentation: Attach copies of any relevant documents, such as letters, emails, or call logs, that support your complaint.

What Outcomes to Expect

After submitting your complaint:
 

• Acknowledgment: The agency will confirm receipt of your complaint, typically via email or mail.
• Investigation: The CFPB or FTC will review your complaint and may contact CBE Group for a response. They may also request additional information from you during this process.
• Resolution: While these agencies do not resolve individual disputes, they use complaint data to identify patterns of misconduct and may take enforcement actions against companies that violate the law. You may be informed of any actions taken as a result of your complaint.
• Alternative Actions: If the agency determines that another organization is better suited to address your complaint, they may refer it accordingly and notify you of this referral.

By filing a detailed and accurate complaint, you contribute to regulatory oversight and help protect consumer rights in debt collection practices.

Conclusion

Understanding your rights and the legal processes surrounding debt collection is key when dealing with CBE Group. Whether you choose to dispute, negotiate, or take legal action, staying informed protects your financial health. Always verify debts, know your federal protections, and respond proactively to avoid negative consequences.