#1 Way to Remove 'Buckles and Buckles' (Hurting Your Score)

They're calling because a consumer-credit account tied to you was likely assigned to Buckles & Buckles, P.L.C. after the original creditor marked it in default. Buckles & Buckles is a debt-collection law firm that specializes in consumer debts, primarily credit-card obligations from major banks. Common triggers are missed payments, a charge-off by your card issuer, or the sale/placement of the account to a collector. A call usually means they're trying to validate the debt, open negotiations, or prepare for further steps like reporting or legal action.

Ask for written debt validation immediately and do not admit responsibility on the phone. Compare the validation documents to your records and note dates, balances, and chain of ownership. If you can't confirm the debt, send a written dispute and demand verification. If the call overwhelms you, consult a consumer-credit specialist or attorney early to explore options beyond direct negotiation - settlement, payment plans, or legal defenses - and to limit credit reporting or escalation.

They mainly collect unsecured consumer debt – especially charged‑off credit‑card balances from major card issuers.

Think of them as the company that chases unpaid card accounts first; that's their bread and butter.

They also buy or are assigned other unsecured accounts. Common examples are personal installment loans, retail/store credit accounts and sometimes medical or telecom balances. Their LinkedIn notes representation of credit‑card lenders, so pull your credit report and match creditor names, account dates and balances to see if an entry fits. If anything looks wrong, a paid credit review or consumer‑lawyer check can expose misreporting or identity errors.

• Charged‑off credit‑card balances (banks and major issuers)
• Retail/store credit‑card accounts (department or specialty stores)
• Unsecured personal loans and installment accounts
• Medical bills sent to collections
• Unpaid telecom/utility balances sent to collections

Yes - Buckles & Buckles, P.L.C. is a legitimate, Michigan-based debt-collection law firm (est. 1976) with an AV rating, but scammers sometimes imitate the name.

Watch for these red flags that signal an impostor:

• Demands immediate payment by wire, gift cards, or crypto.
• Refuses to send a written validation letter or gives vague account details.
• Uses high-pressure threats (arrest, immediate wage seizure) without court papers.
• Caller ID/name mismatches or only uses free email (Gmail/Hotmail).
• Requests full SSN, bank login, or remote access to your device.
• Asks you to pay a different company or individual than the letter shows.

Verify before you pay. Check the firm's contact info on Buckles & Buckles official website.
Look for an FDCPA validation notice and a physical address. Cross‑check Michigan (or your state) attorney general and BBB records. Never pay by wire/gift cards; always request written validation first and keep copies of every communication.

Use the verified Buckles & Buckles channels below when you need to send official, written debt‑validation requests or other formal correspondence.

Address: 17845 W 14 Mile Rd, Beverly Hills, MI 48025. Send disputes and validation requests by certified or tracked mail and include account details, dates, and a clear statement of what you want.

Phone: (248) 647-5050. Toll‑free: (866) 729‑6411. Use calls for quick questions only; rely on written proof for disputes. For credit‑impact strategy or complex fixes, consider outside credit experts who can advise without you directly engaging the collector.

Email: [email protected]. Website: visit Buckles & Buckles official website for basic company info; use the email or postal address for any formal requests.

You're protected - federal law limits how Buckles and Buckles may contact you and what they may say when collecting a debt.

Key FDCPA rights include a 30‑day window to demand debt validation after their first contact; if you dispute the debt in writing within that period they must pause most collection attempts until they provide verification. Collectors must honestly identify themselves, state the creditor and amount, avoid false or misleading statements, stop using threats or abusive language, and may only call between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM (your local time). They also cannot discuss your debt with third parties except to locate you.

To use these rights, send a written validation or dispute letter promptly - certified mail with return receipt is best - and explicitly request verification or ask them to stop contacting you. Keep dated records of every communication: names, times, what was said, screenshots, and copies of letters and receipts. For full federal guidance see the FTC debt collection FAQs.

If Buckles and Buckles violates these rules, preserve your evidence and file complaints with the CFPB, FTC, and your state attorney general; you can also consult a consumer‑rights attorney about suing under the FDCPA for statutory and actual damages plus fees. If you plan to record calls, check your state's consent laws before doing so.

Demand written debt validation by certified mail within 30 days of Buckles and Buckles' first contact - without it they have no lawful proof to collect.

Validation proves who owns the account, the original creditor agreement, an itemized balance, and the chain of assignment. Send the request certified with return receipt and keep copies and notes of every call. Use the CFPB debt collection template for exact wording.

• Gather: date of first contact, any letters/calls, account numbers.
• Draft: demand original creditor contract, itemized ledger, assignment/ownership docs, and collector's authority to collect.
• Send: certified mail, return receipt - and do this within 30 days of their first contact.
• Record: keep the receipt, a copy of the letter, and a log of communications.
• Follow-up: if they respond, compare docs to your records; if they don't, move to the next steps below.

If Buckles and Buckles fails to validate, they must stop collection efforts until they do; you can dispute related credit reporting, file a complaint with the CFPB and your state attorney general, and pursue FDCPA remedies (including damages) for unlawful collection.

Act now: send the certified validation letter, track the return receipt, file a CFPB complaint if ignored, dispute any bureau entries tied to the account, and consider a consumer attorney or credit-repair pro if validation shows errors - you've got leverage; use it.

Start by disputing the account in writing everywhere it appears and demanding verification and removal right away.

Send a written dispute to the collector (Buckles and Buckles) and to the credit bureaus at the same time, attach copies of proof (ID, bank records, police report or an FTC Identity Theft Report if someone used your identity), and file disputes online or by mail via file disputes at AnnualCreditReport.com so each bureau gets your claim and documents. ([annualcreditreport.com](https://www.annualcreditreport.com/filingADispute.action?utm_source=cha…), [ftc.gov](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/identity-theft/report-identity-t…))

Insist the collector provide validation in writing - if you dispute within 30 days of their written notice they must stop collection until they mail verification - and the bureaus must investigate and respond (typically within 30–45 days); send your letters by certified mail and keep receipts and copies. ([uscode.house.gov](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=%28title%3A15+section%3A1692g+e…), [consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-dispute-an-error-on-m…))

If the collector or bureaus won't remove the false tradeline, escalate: file complaints and your identity-theft report at IdentityTheft.gov, submit complaints to the CFPB or your state attorney general, and consider using a reputable credit‑repair specialist who knows how to pull matching documentation and force removals without you negotiating directly. ([consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-do-i-do-if-i-think-i-have…))

Short answer: federal law restricts where and when Buckles and Buckles may reach you and lets you stop most intrusive outreach.

They must stop contacting you at work after you say it's inconvenient, may not call outside 8 AM–9 PM, and cannot harass you on social media or use public posts to shame you; they also may not discuss your debt with friends or family except to get your location information. See FDCPA section on contacting consumers for the statutory language.

If they violate these rules, document violations with call logs and screenshots and keep copies of messages. Violations can lead to statutory damages (commonly up to $1,000 per case) and stronger remedies. To stop most contacts immediately, send a written "cease communication" letter (certified mail, return receipt) and save proof - think of it as a legal "Do Not Disturb" sign that you can enforce.

You can stop harassing collectors by issuing a legally valid stop-demand, documenting everything, and reporting violations immediately.

• Repeated calls (especially 7+ a week).
• Calls to work, family, or friends.
• Threats, profanity, or physical intimidation.
• False claims (you'll be arrested, lawsuit pending).
• Contact after you've asked them to stop.

Send a certified cease-and-desist letter that explicitly says you want no further contact except to notify you of specific legal actions; mail it certified with return receipt and keep copies of the letter and receipt. Include your name, account number (if any), the demand 'do not contact me again,' and the date. A labeled, mailed demand often forces collectors to switch to written-only communication or stop.

If contact continues, track dates/times and type of contact and report violations - file complaints and preserve evidence. Use submit a CFPB complaint and file with the FTC. Repeated calls (7+/week) can trigger TCPA issues; threats, lies, or deceptive tactics can breach the FDCPA - consult a consumer attorney about possible statutory damages and a suit. Many collectors back off after a certified letter, but watch your credit for retaliation and be ready to dispute improper reporting.

• Immediate steps: send certified cease-and-desist (include exact wording and return receipt).
• Document every call/message (date, time, number, summary).
• File CFPB and FTC complaints and keep complaint IDs.
• Dispute any inaccurate tradelines with each credit bureau.
• Consult a consumer-law attorney or legal aid if threats, unlawful calls, or credit retaliation continue.

<answer>Sometimes - yes, but only when the original contract or state law lets them; otherwise a collector

<answer>No - a collector like Buckles and Buckles can't legally take your pay, benefits, or freeze your bank account out of the blue;</answer>

Short answer: Buckles & Buckles is a Michigan collection-law firm that holds an A+ BBB rating but is not BBB‑accredited, and its public BBB record is small though it includes consumer complaints tied to debt‑collection practices. (bbb.org)

The BBB profile shows the firm is not accredited, carries an A+ rating, and its BBB file (opened 11/21/2003) lists 1 complaint in the last three years and 0 complaints closed in the last 12 months - see Buckles & Buckles BBB profile for the full record. (bbb.org)

Public consumer filings and court records show scattered FDCPA‑style claims (attempts to collect debts not owed, validation failures, aggressive contact) and at least one successful class action addressing improper garnishment/fee practices; overall complaint volume is low relative to the firm's footprint, but recurring harassment/validation themes mean you should be careful and document everything. (fairshake.com, law.justia.com)

• Improper or harassing contact (frequency, after‑hours, workplace).
• Failure to provide proper debt validation after dispute.
• Attempts to collect debts not owed (identity‑theft or wrong‑account claims).
• Adding or seeking unlawful fees and repeated garnishment requests.
• Threats of legal action or misleading statements about consequences.

Public dockets show no major, public class-action verdicts against Buckles and Buckles - mostly individual FDCPA suits and fee/cost disputes have produced the published rulings that exist.

• Van Hoven v. Buckles (6th Cir., 2020): appellate panel reversed the plaintiff on collection-of-costs issues; see Sixth Circuit opinion on costs.
• Jagos (2024): recent complaint alleges FDCPA violations and improper charges; outcome and disposition should be verified on court dockets.
• No widely publicized nationwide class settlements located; many consumer suits settle confidentially, so observable patterns center on cost/fee disputes.
• For the latest filings and outcomes, search PACER for party names and docket updates.

If you're impacted, act like a careful gardener: collect every letter, call log, and payment record, and don't toss anything that shows dates or amounts. Contact a consumer/FDCPA attorney or firms that handle class actions - joining counsel or a class (if certified) is often the fastest route to recovery when settlements are confidential.

• Check PACER by party name for docket status and notices.
• Preserve documentation (letters, statements, recordings where legal).
• Consult a consumer-class or FDCPA attorney about joining suits or filing your own claim.
• Don't sign away rights or accept a settlement without counsel reviewing it.

Act fast: verify the letter's details, demand proof, and don't admit or discuss the account by phone. Check the notice for an account number, original creditor name, date of last activity, and the FDCPA 'mini‑Miranda' statement (the collector must say the debt is assumed valid unless you dispute it within 30 days); compare those items to your records and watch for scamming signs or mismatched amounts.

Within 30 days send a written validation request by certified mail with return receipt and keep copies; request the original contract, chain of assignment, itemized payment history, and any signature or judgment that ties the debt to you, and explicitly state you dispute the debt until they provide verification - see your debt validation rights at CFPB.

Check time limits before responding: in Michigan most written-contract claims have a six‑year statute of limitations (count from last payment or default), so don't make a payment or admit liability - those actions can revive a time‑barred claim; ask the collector in writing whether they consider the debt time‑barred and for proof of the date of default.

If you find errors, send a written dispute with copies of supporting documents by certified mail and demand deletion or correction to both the collector and the three credit bureaus; keep a clear paper trail, date‑stamped receipts, and scanned backups. A focused professional credit analysis or consumer‑law attorney can spot reporting violations and word the dispute to accelerate removal.

If the collector fails to validate, continues unlawful contact, or sues, document every interaction, file complaints with the CFPB, FTC, and Michigan Attorney General, and consult a consumer‑debt attorney or consider small‑claims defense; preserve evidence, set calendar reminders for deadlines, and only negotiate or settle in writing if you've verified the debt and understand the legal risk.

Ignoring Buckles and Buckles won't make the problem vanish - it raises the odds of a lawsuit, a judgment, wage garnishment or bank levies, and a collection entry that can damage your credit for up to 7 years.

A prompt, documented response preserves legal defenses (missing a response can lead to a default judgment). In some states, ignoring can even restart the statute of limitations, so don't assume silence buys time; for a plain-English legal write-up see what happens if you ignore a collector.

If you can't pay, call them to ask for hardship programs, a lower lump-sum, or a written payment plan; always get offers in writing and request debt validation before paying. If negotiations fail, consult a consumer attorney or consider bankruptcy as a last resort, and remember that targeted credit repair steps can sometimes lessen score harm without paying the full balance.

Not automatically - accepting a reduced payoff can save money now but brings real trade-offs you must weigh.

Pro: you can cut your balance, stop active collections, and often close the account faster.

Con: the forgiven portion can be taxable (IRS may issue a 1099‑C - see IRS guidance on canceled-debt income), the account will often show as 'settled' (worse for score than 'paid in full'), and negotiating or making a payment can restart the statute of limitations or re‑age the debt.

Practical negotiation checklist:

• Start offers at 30–50% for a lump‑sum payoff; smaller monthly plans usually get lower concessions.
• Don't pay until you have a signed settlement letter that states exact terms, total paid, reporting language, and 'no further collection.'
• Insist on language that the account will be reported as 'paid in full' or deleted; get the promise in writing.
• Demand debt validation and proof the collector owns the account before negotiating.
• Confirm who will issue any 1099‑C and keep all records for taxes.
• Beware: any partial payment or written acknowledgment can revive an otherwise time‑barred debt - consult a consumer attorney if that's possible.
• Use certified funds or an escrow and avoid giving open-ended electronic access.

If your priority is repairing credit, disputing inaccurate listings or full payoff may beat a settlement that leaves a 'settled' mark.

If you're unsure about statute issues, tax exposure, or a pending lawsuit, get brief legal advice before cutting a deal - that small cost can save far more.

Yes - they can sue you in civil court and win a judgment if you ignore a valid claim; a judgment can lead to wage garnishment, bank levies, or property liens. In Michigan Buckles and Buckles frequently files cases as a law firm, so if you're served don't sleep on it: file an answer within 21 days to avoid a default judgment. Check how active they are and whether a case exists by using the Michigan court case search, since many of these suits are dropped or resolved once defendants respond or contest them.

No - owing money alone won't get you arrested; debt collection is civil, not criminal (arrest only follows crimes like fraud or contempt). Still, treat notices seriously: respond, demand debt validation, appear in court or hire counsel, and consider negotiating or asking the court for relief; an early, timely defense often prevents a judgment and the collection actions that follow.

You can report Buckles and Buckles and sue under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to recover any actual damages, statutory damages up to $1,000, and court costs plus a reasonable attorney's fee. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1692k?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Start by filing administrative complaints with federal and state enforcers - the CFPB, FTC and your state attorney general - and attach every document, screenshot and message; the CFPB will forward complaints to the company and typically requests a response. submit a complaint to CFPB. ([consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [ftc.gov](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/consumer-finance/debt-collection…))

If you pursue litigation, remember the FDCPA's one‑year filing clock runs from the date the violation occurred, so preserve evidence now: letters, timestamps, call logs, voicemails and recordings (but check your state's consent rules before recording).

You can also raise FDCPA and state-law counterclaims if they sue you; class suits are possible under the statute but individual claims are far more common. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1692k?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [nolo.com](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/what-is-the-statute-of-limitati…), [justia.com](https://www.justia.com/50-state-surveys/recording-phone-calls-and-conve…))

Practically: send a written validation/dispute by certified mail, keep copies, document every contact, and consult a consumer‑protection attorney or legal aid about suing in federal court or small claims. Enforcement under Regulation F and agency actions help, and individual FDCPA wins (statutory damages plus fees) happen frequently when evidence is solid. ([consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/regulations/1006/?utm_sour…))

Yes - in many cases you can force removal without paying, but only if the account is inaccurate, unverified, time‑barred, or legally dischargeable; you can't win by simply ignoring collectors.

Start with a written Dispute Validation: within 30 days demand verification and the original creditor's name, then file an FCRA Dispute with each credit bureau if the collector or furnisher can't prove the debt. If the furnisher cannot verify the item the bureaus must stop reporting it. Keep copies and send by certified mail. (consumerfinance.gov)

Old (time‑barred) debts can't generally be forcibly collected through new lawsuits in many states, though collectors may still call - and a payment or written acknowledgment can restart the statute of limitations, so don't pay or promise unless you intend to negotiate. Paying to get a creditor to delete an entry ('pay‑for‑delete') is possible but purely discretionary and not guaranteed; filing bankruptcy can discharge eligible debts but will hurt your credit and won't clear nondischargeable obligations. (consumerfinance.gov, investopedia.com, uscourts.gov)

Practical next steps: don't ignore notices; document everything; send disputes/validation requests by certified mail; if sued, respond and raise defenses (statute of limitations, lack of validation). Consider a consumer‑law attorney or reputable credit‑repair help for complex cases and file complaints with CFPB/FTC if collectors violate law. (consumerfinance.gov, ftc.gov)

If the Buckles and Buckles entry on your file is wrong or unverified, start with credit repair; if the debt is clearly yours and there's imminent legal risk, consider paying or negotiating.
Credit repair fights inaccuracies by disputing the item with Equifax/TransUnion and forcing the collector to validate the debt; successful disputes can remove the record without you paying and often restore score faster.

Paying, by contrast, confirms the obligation, can restart the clock on time-barred debts, and may show as 'paid' or 'settled' on your report — helpful for some lenders but not as strong for score recovery as removal. Check your actual reports, request debt validation from the collector, and confirm the statute of limitations before you hand over money.
When repair is viable you save cash and preserve leverage; when the account is valid and a lawsuit or garnishment is likely, negotiate a written settlement or payment plan and get terms in writing. Use disputes and validation first if errors look likely; if you choose to pay, get a written agreement that the account will be reported as paid or removed. Our approach combines bureau disputes, collector validation, and targeted fixes so errors can be removed while you avoid unnecessary payment.