Coast Professional, Inc. or CPI is a third-party collection agency based in New York state. CPI has received consumer complaints alleging violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), including improper contact or sharing of information and attempting to collect debts not owed. If you have been contacted by this debt collector , make sure you understand your rights before taking action.
The harassing company pays our fees.
They’re legit. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Coast Professional Inc. is a collection agency. The BBB established a profile page for CPI in 2013. Buzzfile estimates Coast Professional’s annual revenue at $83.5 million and the size of its headquarters staff at 80 employees, with an estimated 300 employees across all locations.
According to its website, Coast Professional was founded in 1976 and“is a top performing collection agency…founded on treating consumers with respect and professionalism, and partnering with consumers to address their obligations while protecting the relationship they have with our clients.” CPI’s mission “is to preserve the integrity and reputation of the institutions…they serve throughout the collection process.”
Coast Professional specializes in collecting delinquent accounts for “government institutions, colleges, and universities and the Department of Education.” CPI’s education division “collects for over 200 colleges and universities, and the United States Department of Education.” They focus on the following areas of specialization: NSDL and federal Perkins loan programs; GSL and Stafford loan programs; health professions and primary care student loans; institutional loan portfolios; tuition and student receivable accounts; parking fines; auxiliary accounts; and other campus-based debt.
CPI government division collects for over 200 clients and government agencies with the following areas of specialization: all debts owed to federal, state, and local governments; employee overpayments; licensing fees; taxes; unemployment overpayments; and other government-related debt.
Coast Professional collection services include administration of the cohort account collection process, including fields of deferment and forbearance. Their skip tracing division has “an exceptional track record in finding consumers who have been ‘lost’ for many years, and in collecting government debts, student accounts, and loans that might otherwise be written off.”
CPI’s regulatory compliance includes compliance with all higher education acts, rules, regulations, and due diligence protocols; the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA); the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA); the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA); the Red Flag Rules (FTC); the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA); and the Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices Act (UDAAP). Their compliance page also indicates compliance with financial and security regulations. Their Resources page provides extensive links to regulatory laws, enforcement agencies, and resources.
Who are we? We are Lemberg Law, a Consumer Law Firm
Lemberg Law is a consumer law firm helping victims of collection harassment and abuse. We are ranked A+ by the BBB. We’ve helped more than 15,000 consumers stop harassment and recover money from debt collectors. Harassed? Abused? Misled by a collector? Call our Helpline today! There is no charge unless we win.
The BBB has closed 7 complaints against Coast Professional in the preceding 3 years, with 3 complaints closed in the past 12 months. All of those complaints allege problems with billing and collections.Since December 2016, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has closed 57 complaints against CPI. Justia lists at least 8 cases of civil litigation involving Coast Professional Inc.
Coast Professional, Inc.
4273 Volunteer Rd.
Geneseo, NY 14454
Telephone:(800) 231-0225
Website: https://www.coastprofessional.com/
It is illegal for a debt collector to make empty threats to sue you or garnish your wages. It is also unlikely Coast Professional would sue you for a debt you may not owe or they cannot validate. However, debt collection agencies are known to have summoned debtors to court and garnish wages after a default judgement. Contacting an attorney BEFORE this could possibly happen would be a smart move. We’ve helped thousands of consumers fight back against unscrupulous debt collection harassers. Find out if we can help you too today!
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Unlawful Debt Harassment? Learn the Law & Sue the Collector.
Absolutely. You can sue a debt collector. Here is a Sample Case Filed in Federal Court:
In 2018, Coast Professional Inc was the defendant in a proposed class action lawsuit filed by a consumer who claimed the company sent him a “misleading and deceptive” debt collection letter. The lawsuit argues that the defendant violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act by using language that failed to provide the plaintiff with a clear understanding of her debt and interest fees.
Lawsuits against Coast Professional commonly cite problems resulting from disputes about complicated accounting and billing procedures.
In December 2016, a complainant indicated he had been contacted by CPI regarding a defaulted student loan. He was informed that to “rehabilitate” his loan and pull it out of default status, he “must make 9 monthly payments within a 10-month span.” To determine the amount of the monthly payments, Coast Professional requested the complainant’s financial information. The complainant had discussed the matter with CPI the previous January, so he did not have all the financial information from his employers for the 2015 tax year. He asked whether CPI would accept his 2014 financial information, and they told him that they would. After he submitted financial data from 2014, CPI told him they would accept $5.00 per month qualifying payments to rehabilitate the loan, and confirmed the agreement by sending him a contract, which he signed and returned. After they received the signed contract, CPI called him back and said they needed his 2015 financial data. Once they received the data, they told him he no longer qualified for the terms they had outlined in the contract. After a brief dispute, a supervisor allegedly told him they would accept the $5.00 per month payments, which they began automatically deducting from his account. After making the 9 monthly payments, CPI continued to debit his account in violation of the terms of the contract. The complainant called CPI to discuss the discrepancy and was allegedly “hung up on multiple times and a manager told…him that, based on…his 2015 financial data, the $5.00 payments were not ‘qualifying payments,’” despite language in the contract that specifically stated the $5.00 payments were qualifying payments. The complainant objected to CPI’s conduct from both a legal and pragmatic viewpoint, calling their misadministration breach of contract and questioning why they would deduct 11 months of payments if they had no intention of honoring the terms of the agreement.
In response, Coast Professional claimed that the complainant was “pre-approved for monthly qualifying payments of $10.56, pending Proof of Income (POI) required for approval.” CPI also acknowledged that “the consumer provided his 2014 1040 form and his payments were qualified at $5 per month, and that subsequently, a CPI representative contacted the consumer… and explained due to program requirements…they would not be able to use the 2014 1040.” CPI indicated that during their attempt to explain to the complainant that the contract he signed would not be honored, the “call was disconnected.” Then CPI indicated first that “the payment arrangement was cancelled” at the complainant’s request; that a Coast Professional representative subsequently spoke with the complainant and “advised him that his payments would be $5”; and that upon successful completion, his loan would be rehabilitated and the “credit bureaus…notified to delete the derogatory credit tradeline.” The complainant rejected the attempted resolution.
Federal laws protect you. The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) regulates the behavior of collection agencies by prohibiting actions such as the use of abusive or threatening language; harassment; or the use of false or misleading information to collect a debt. The FCRA regulates how collection agencies and creditors report delinquent debts to credit reporting agencies. Additional consumer protection laws include the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Consumer Financial Protection Act (CFPA).
Yes. If you want to enforce your rights, or recover money for violations — you need to sue. Federal laws provide individuals like you with a means to seek monetary damages in court. For example, the FDCPA allows consumers who have been violated to recover damages of up to $1,000, plus attorney fees and court costs.
You may have a case, if…
“We realize that ours is just one small case among many – and many more serious – but are heartened by the fact that you accepted it and represented us with a professionalism that belied the small dollar amount.”
“If you are unsure about this company…DONT BE!!! They are for real when they say they are here to help you. It only takes a few short minutes of your time to talk to a rep. I was a skeptic, but you did everything you said you would! I can’t say thank you enough!”
”Lemberg Law has saved me from the endless calls, and harassing voicemails. They really do go to bat for you. I didn’t know that debt collection agencies can end up paying your legal bill. What a surprise, to receive free legal help. I’m very grateful for all the hard work they did to finally give me my life back.”
“I would recommend your company to anyone. You have the debt collectors off my back, and I will finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Throughout the entire procedure your employees were courteous and professional. I was blown away by their efficacy also.
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Sergei Lemberg is an attorney focusing on consumer law, class actions related to automotive issues, and personal injury litigation. With nearly two decades of experience, his areas of practice include Lemon Law (vehicle defects), Debt Collection Harassment, TCPA (illegal robocalls and texts), Fair Credit Reporting Act, Overtime claims, Personal Injury cases, and Class Actions. He has consistently been recognized as the nation's "most active consumer attorney." In 2020, Mr. Lemberg represented Noah Duguid before the United States Supreme Court in the landmark case Duguid v. Facebook. He is also the author of "Defanging Debt Collectors," a guide that empowers consumers to fight back against debt collectors and prevail, as well as "Lemon Law 101: The Laws That Lemon Dealers Don't Want You to Know."
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I am in the process of trying to bring my loans out of default with Coast Professional, Inc. I had no idea nor had heard from anyone since 2019 on what was happening with my loan. As I had lost my job in the fall or 2019 and was caring for my dying mom. Prior to that they had been garnishing my wages every 2 weeks causing me to fall greater into debt and I was unaware of this happening until I received a notice from my employer. So today I went to fed gov student loans and they had no record of me. I tried making a account to figure out what was going on and could not access due to previous account. So I finally when to the default site and found who the 3rd party collector was and was Coast Professionals Inc. So after 2 hours of trying to get back into plan i was informed of the CARES ACT but could still rehab my loan into good standing. After giving her my information for income, expenses, ect and was on the default website, I saw was my principle balance was which was far more than my original consolidation and the interest that had accrued….She informed me that the balance was about 20k more and the interest ect would be added to the principle balance after the payments have been made… I guess I am clueless to the principle and how interest can be added to a principle loan and accrue more interest while in a payment plan. I cant understand why my default status with FSA can state one balance and they state another? I ask for them to show me where that is as I did not see it projected in the Federal student aid of default principle and interest. There is no way I can get out from under this debt it seems. I am a nurse and a educator and have asked if I would be able to find some forgiveness of the loan being it is 2/3 larger than original debt, due to interest and late fees, and expenses entailed. They stated no because I was in debt. Also I had to download and sign a blank contract on amount to be paid monthly for nine months and thereafter. I have never done this as I thought legally they have to send me the agreement as before per overnight mail or secure email. Please help.
My wages are being garnished by Coast Professional. The company I work for does not believe this is a scam and I am losing 15% of my pay every two weeks since August 26 of 2020
Coat Professional has been harassing my husband and I for a parking ticket that we already paid them for. They have called more than four times this week, the latest was around seven pm, and they’ve called my husband while he was at school. We are both certain that we paid them the last time they contacted us (about six months ago), I honestly can’t believe that they’re bothering us about it again.
CPI sent a letter to my employer to garnish my wages. So far my employer has honored their request twice. I’ve never received any info from this company. I had an awful time even getting this info from my employer as to who and why they were taking my money every two weeks. I’m unable to pay 228 every two weeks. I’m so distraught because now I cant pay my rent and car note without begging for help from family members.
They called my company today and had no idea they were talking to me,the one they said that they called to verify a few things.First they asked for me and “I thougt they sounded like bill collectors so not lying” I said I was the “owner” Then they asked if Melissa Hinson …”still” work here? again ,they asked FOR me first and I said she isn’t here today.Then ,something about verifying her b-day or last 4 of social sec # to make sure we are talking same person.I went silent and asked exactly what this was about and I was not legally allowed to give ANY info about my employees schedule so I know that I will need to talk to her about this.well we are verifying info she gave us.does she still make 220$ week? This is info I used when I worked for my son.I said yes on avg.then they countered with How is she paid? Thats when I said look,I’m not answering anything else about specific employees.you are who again ? I said.they said coast prof.,still no bells going off.The supervisor then spoke up she hadn’t spoke again since she said hello when the caller said …recorded line etc.supervisor listening in while I verify info Melissa has given us is still the same.are u in HR?I laughed out-loud a full belly laugh ,we have total 2 full time and 3 independent contractors which she is one of. no w-2s she makes own hrs just like other 2 pt timers.they are paid based on what they do and good bye, this conversation is over with me.You need to speak with Melissa from here on.u will have to call back.Looked on caller ID for name of company then went to google search.glad I did.They won’t be a ble to fake their way through with me now and they misrepresented themselves but I am sure the wording was such as to keep them legal.If they become a problem and I think its unavoidable I will be contacting u again if I don’t hear from u first.
This to, Kevin Dorman above with the combat deployment to Afghanistan. I would suggest you send a letter by U.S. Mail , CERTIFIED with return receipt. Send that letter to your congressman from your district.
Explaining your concerns about how you were not treated in a fair manner. Combat and an Honorable Discharge and the reserves other than Honorable is just not right. ” YOUR CONGRESSMAN ” is a good start at making things right. Bye Good Luck from a fellow veteran.
My paychecks are garnished by Coast Professional. It has been impossible to obtain any loan information from them. It has made it impossible to even know what my outstanding balances are or to make any additional payments or negotiate a repayment option. It has been almost three years of my paycheck being garnished with no real correspondence. I would like to know what my balances are and to rectify the garnishment. Since it has been almost 3 years, I am pushing harder for a loan breakdown.
I am going through the same thing many people have mentioned below. Coast Professional started garnishing my check 4/12/19. I had to stay on hold practically for hours before I reached anyone. Both reps I spoke with were rude. They told me I was preapproved for a rehabilitation plan at $5 additional a month to the garnishment. They stated i would have to make the 9 monthly payments and then I’d be out of default. I can’t survive with the $500 coming out of my check every month, and I honestly did not think a debt collector could do such. I don’t remember seeing anything in the mail… i need help also.
Coast Professional is extremely difficult to contact, Im on the wait line for a long time then it goes to “we are unable to take your call, please leave your name/number and we will contact you within 1 business day”. They recently garnished my pay check April, 5. I have not seen anything in the mail showing attempts of contacting me. If they were calling my phone I may have thought it to be a scam or hack due to I get a lot of fake calls and texts saying I have packages or work from home and other calls fake calls. I really want to settle a payment plan and I would like to know what my interest rate is and how they came to almost double what I owe. I have a 2 month old daughter and my fiance recently resigned from her job to stay home with our daughter while I work to support my family. $520 a month is entirely too much for me to pay right now.
I have been trying to contact Coast Professional but i have been unable to reach them by phone. No matter what time I try to call them at all I get is waiting music and an eventual voicemail. I have left messages including a callback number, but I have never received a callback from them. Is there a way I can get in contact with these people regarding my garnishment balance so I can plan for my future? I fear that they have blocked my number so I will never be able to stop the garnishment. I really dont want to have to pay this garnishment for the rest of my life as i will not be able to get another job because of the garnishment.
I went into a monthly payment plan of $20.00 a month. I then get a letter stating that they may take my tax return, I then called and informed them that I was in a payment plan, and can not pay more than what I was paying.
CPI then explained that they can mail me forms for Income Driven Payment. When I got the forms, I filled them out, tried to fax them to them and when that did not work, I emailed them.
Well I got my federal tax refund, but when I called my state tax department they stated that my tax refund was being sent to federal student loan company. Then today 2/26/19 I received a letter stating that they are taking a $20.00 today. Is this legal?
Good afternoon,
I was contacted by Coast Professional regarding a debt to the US Government for $2,151.34 with a reason code of both RSH & RSK. One is for SGLI (Service-member’s Group Life Insurance) and the other is for my bonus recoupment. When I asked why the same amount was listed with two different reason codes I was transferred to a manager who said he doesn’t know and it was between me and the DOD. That they were just a third party collection agency on behalf of the US Treasury. He was unable to provide any DOD contact and said he will give me 24 to 48 hours before making a recommendation for voluntary or involuntary recoupment.
I served four years on active duty with the United States Marine Corps, performed two combat deployments to Marjah, Afghanistan as an infantryman, and held an Honorable Discharge until joining the Reserves where mismanaged paperwork lead to an administrative separation and a downgrade of my discharge to “Other than Honorable”. This initiated the process for the recoupment of my bonus, loss of my GI Bill, and loss of eligibility to receive VA benefits. Any information you can provide to combat Coast Professional or at least delay their attempts for 2 months would be greatly appreciated.
My name is Terry Johnson, about two months ago my employer got a letter from them CPI, and started garish my wages at 15% , I told them that they could not garish them, but at my surprise they started deducting. now i’m barely making my bills; I could use that 140:00 a week they are taking. If any way to stop this please help.
Got a letter stating my husband owes money still and 3 yrs ago they garnished his check and they said he was all paid up and all of sudden they sent a letter stating he owes more please help