Are you being hounded by persistent calls from the California Business Bureau (CBB)? Whether they’re calling about an old debt or a case of mistaken identity, one thing is clear—California Business Bureau phone harassment can disrupt your peace of mind and even affect your daily life.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
- What the California Business Bureau is
- Why they may be contacting you
- The difference between legal collection and harassment
- Your rights as a consumer
- Real steps to stop the phone calls
- Legal action you can take if the harassment doesn’t stop
What Is the California Business Bureau?
The California Business Bureau is a third-party debt collection agency located in Monrovia, CA. They typically collect debts on behalf of:
- Hospitals and healthcare providers
- Credit unions and banks
- Utility companies
- Educational institutions
While collecting debt is within their legal right, California Business Bureau phone harassment is not. The law draws a hard line between responsible debt collection and illegal harassment.
Why Is the California Business Bureau Calling You?
If you’ve recently received calls from unknown or unfamiliar numbers—especially robocalls—it might be from CBB. Here are the most common reasons they might be reaching out:
- You have unpaid medical or utility bills
- A debt you forgot about went into collections
- Your information was mistakenly linked to someone else’s debt
- You cosigned a loan or credit application
In any case, you have the right to request proof of the debt before you’re legally obligated to pay anything.
When Collection Turns Into Harassment
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) allows debt collectors to contact you—but within reason. The moment their behavior crosses into threats, excessive calls, or deception, they’ve broken the law.
Signs of California Business Bureau phone harassment include:
- Calling your phone multiple times per day
- Contacting you at work despite being told not to
- Using threats of arrest, lawsuits, or wage garnishment
- Speaking disrespectfully, using profanity, or yelling
- Contacting third parties about your debt
- Failing to identify themselves on the phone
- Ignoring written requests to stop communication
Even if the debt is real, these practices are illegal.
Your Rights as a Consumer
You are protected by several powerful federal laws that prohibit harassing behavior by collection agencies like CBB.
1. Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
- Prohibits abusive, deceptive, or unfair collection practices
- Limits the times and frequency debt collectors can call
- Gives you the right to request written validation of the debt
- Allows you to request, in writing, that all communication stop
2. Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
- Protects against robocalls and prerecorded messages without your consent
- Allows consumers to sue for $500–$1,500 per unwanted call or text
- Covers calls to mobile phones and landlines
3. Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Lets you dispute inaccurate or outdated debt on your credit report
- Requires agencies to verify information before reporting it
If you’re facing California Business Bureau phone harassment, you are well within your rights to fight back.
Real Complaints from Real Consumers
Here are a few actual examples (based on public forums and complaint boards):
“They called me five times in one day and left threatening voicemails, even after I told them I don’t owe anything!”
“They contacted my employer and told them I’m being pursued for debt. Isn’t that illegal?”
“They keep robocalling me about a debt that was paid off years ago. I feel harassed and helpless.”
If any of this sounds familiar, you may have a valid claim for harassment.
How to Stop California Business Bureau Phone Harassment
Here are six actionable steps you can take right now to put an end to these unwanted calls:
1. Don’t Ignore the Calls—but Don’t Admit Anything Either
Always answer or check who’s calling, but never admit to owing the debt over the phone. Instead, request everything in writing.
2. Request Debt Validation
Under the FDCPA, CBB must provide:
- The amount of the debt
- The name of the original creditor
- Proof that you actually owe it
If they fail to provide this information or continue calling, they’re violating federal law.
3. Send a Cease-and-Desist Letter
Legally, once you send a written request to stop communication, CBB must comply. Send the letter via certified mail and keep a copy for your records.
Template:
Dear California Business Bureau,
I am requesting that you cease all communication with me regarding the alleged debt associated with [Your Name / Account Number].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
4. Block Their Number
You can block known numbers through your phone provider or use apps like TrueCaller or Hiya. However, note that collectors often use multiple phone numbers.
5. Document Everything
Create a call log with dates, times, and the content of every interaction. Keep voicemails, texts, and letters. This documentation will be useful if you decide to take legal action.
6. Consult a Consumer Rights Lawyer
If the harassment continues, reach out to an attorney who specializes in FDCPA and TCPA cases. You may be entitled to financial compensation for:
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Statutory damages up to $1,000 under FDCPA
- $500–$1,500 per call under TCPA
Should You Pay the Debt?
Before paying anything, be sure the debt is:
- Yours: Ask for written proof
- Accurate: Ensure the balance is correct
- Not time-barred: Many debts have a statute of limitations (often 3–7 years)
Paying a time-barred debt could restart the statute and cause more problems.
Can I Sue California Business Bureau?
Yes. If you’re experiencing California Business Bureau phone harassment, a lawsuit is not only possible—it may be your best option. Courts have awarded thousands of dollars to consumers harassed by collection agencies.
Your lawyer may sue CBB for:
- FDCPA violations
- TCPA violations (robocalls)
- Emotional distress damages
- Attorney fees and court costs
And best of all: Most lawyers take these cases on contingency, meaning you don’t pay unless you win.
How Much Can You Win?
Here’s what you may be entitled to:
| Law | Potential Compensation |
| FDCPA | Up to $1,000 + attorney fees |
| TCPA | $500–$1,500 per call or text |
| Emotional Distress | Depends on the case, may exceed $10,000 |
| Class Action | If CBB harassed hundreds of people similarly |
FAQs About California Business Bureau Phone Harassment
Q: Can CBB contact my employer?
A: Only to locate you—not to discuss the debt. Any more than that is illegal.
Q: What if I already paid the debt?
A: You should still request proof. If they’re trying to collect again, it may be a violation.
Q: Can I report them to a government agency?
A: Yes. File complaints with the CFPB, FTC, and your state Attorney General.
Q: How do I prove they violated the FDCPA?
A: Keep records of the calls, voicemails, texts, and any mail they send.
Take Action Today—Don’t Wait for the Next Call
No one deserves to live in fear of constant calls, threats, or harassment. If you’re being harassed by the California Business Bureau, you have legal rights—and legal support.
Document everything, send a cease-and-desist letter, and reach out for help. Whether the debt is legitimate or not, the harassment must stop.
Speak to a Legal Professional Today
Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC helps people just like you fight back against abusive collection tactics.