Section 806 of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act states in part that a debt collector may not harass, oppress, or abuse any person in connection with the collection of a debt. One example of such activity involves using threats (including implied threats), violence, or other criminal means to harm anyone's reputation, property, or physical person.
Cook Illinois is a leading provider of school transportation services in Illinois. With a legacy dating back to 1919, Cook Illinois has earned a trusted reputation for safety, reliability, and exceptional service. As part of our commitment to maintaining a positive and respectful environment for our employees and customers, we want to address a serious issue: harassment or abuse in debt collection activities involving threats to use violence or other criminal means to harm the physical person, reputation, and/or property of the debtor. At Cook Illinois, we understand that debt collection can be a challenging process, but we firmly believe that it should always be conducted within legal and ethical boundaries. Unfortunately, there have been instances where debt collectors have resorted to abusive tactics, including making threats of violence or engaging in criminal behavior. If you, as a debtor, have been subjected to such harassment or abuse by a debt collector representing Cook Illinois, we deeply apologize for any distress caused. Please know that we do not condone or support such behavior in any way. To address this issue, we have implemented strict policies and procedures to ensure that our debt collection activities are conducted in a professional and lawful manner. We train our employees thoroughly on these guidelines and provide ongoing education to ensure compliance. If you have experienced threats of violence or other criminal means from a debt collector representing Cook Illinois, we urge you to take immediate action. Your safety and well-being are of utmost importance to us. Here are the steps you can take to address this issue: 1. Document the incidents: Keep a detailed record of each instance of harassment or abuse, including dates, times, locations, and a description of what occurred. This information will be essential if you decide to take further action. 2. Contact the debt collector: It is important to express your concerns directly to the debt collector involved. In your communication, clearly state that their behavior is unacceptable and demand that it cease immediately. 3. Send a written complaint: If verbal communication does not resolve the issue, consider sending a complaint letter to the debt collector. Include all the necessary details, including evidence of the threats or abusive behavior. Be sure to create a copy of the letter for your records. 4. Inform Cook Illinois: Please inform us about your experience by contacting our customer service department. We take any reports of harassment or abuse seriously and will thoroughly investigate the matter. 5. Report to regulatory authorities: If the debt collector's behavior persists or if you feel threatened, it is crucial to report the incidents to relevant regulatory authorities, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or the Illinois Attorney General's Office. They have the power to take action against violators and ensure your protection. Cook Illinois is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and respect in all aspects of our operations, including debt collection. We deeply regret any negative experiences you may have had, and we are dedicated to addressing and rectifying this issue swiftly. By informing us of any instances of harassment or abuse, you are helping us ensure that our debt collection activities align with our core values and meet the expectations of our customers. We value your trust in us and are grateful for the opportunity to serve you.Cook Illinois is a leading provider of school transportation services in Illinois. With a legacy dating back to 1919, Cook Illinois has earned a trusted reputation for safety, reliability, and exceptional service. As part of our commitment to maintaining a positive and respectful environment for our employees and customers, we want to address a serious issue: harassment or abuse in debt collection activities involving threats to use violence or other criminal means to harm the physical person, reputation, and/or property of the debtor. At Cook Illinois, we understand that debt collection can be a challenging process, but we firmly believe that it should always be conducted within legal and ethical boundaries. Unfortunately, there have been instances where debt collectors have resorted to abusive tactics, including making threats of violence or engaging in criminal behavior. If you, as a debtor, have been subjected to such harassment or abuse by a debt collector representing Cook Illinois, we deeply apologize for any distress caused. Please know that we do not condone or support such behavior in any way. To address this issue, we have implemented strict policies and procedures to ensure that our debt collection activities are conducted in a professional and lawful manner. We train our employees thoroughly on these guidelines and provide ongoing education to ensure compliance. If you have experienced threats of violence or other criminal means from a debt collector representing Cook Illinois, we urge you to take immediate action. Your safety and well-being are of utmost importance to us. Here are the steps you can take to address this issue: 1. Document the incidents: Keep a detailed record of each instance of harassment or abuse, including dates, times, locations, and a description of what occurred. This information will be essential if you decide to take further action. 2. Contact the debt collector: It is important to express your concerns directly to the debt collector involved. In your communication, clearly state that their behavior is unacceptable and demand that it cease immediately. 3. Send a written complaint: If verbal communication does not resolve the issue, consider sending a complaint letter to the debt collector. Include all the necessary details, including evidence of the threats or abusive behavior. Be sure to create a copy of the letter for your records. 4. Inform Cook Illinois: Please inform us about your experience by contacting our customer service department. We take any reports of harassment or abuse seriously and will thoroughly investigate the matter. 5. Report to regulatory authorities: If the debt collector's behavior persists or if you feel threatened, it is crucial to report the incidents to relevant regulatory authorities, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or the Illinois Attorney General's Office. They have the power to take action against violators and ensure your protection. Cook Illinois is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and respect in all aspects of our operations, including debt collection. We deeply regret any negative experiences you may have had, and we are dedicated to addressing and rectifying this issue swiftly. By informing us of any instances of harassment or abuse, you are helping us ensure that our debt collection activities align with our core values and meet the expectations of our customers. We value your trust in us and are grateful for the opportunity to serve you.
