Are you tired of getting nonstop phone calls from the California Business Bureau (CBB)? Are the repeated calls causing stress, anxiety, or interfering with your life? You’re not alone. Thousands of consumers across the U.S. report experiencing California Business Bureau phone harassment in the form of repeated calls, voicemails, or even threats. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to understand your rights and take control.
In this detailed blog, we’ll explore who the California Business Bureau is, how they operate, what qualifies as harassment, your rights under federal law, and how you can stop the harassment—once and for all.
Who Is the California Business Bureau?
The California Business Bureau (CBB) is a third-party debt collection agency based in Monrovia, California. Founded in 1976, the agency primarily collects debts for healthcare providers, financial institutions, and other industries.
While CBB is a legitimate business, that doesn’t give them the right to harass or abuse you. Many consumers have reported aggressive and unlawful collection tactics used by this company, leading to legal complaints and lawsuits.
Common Complaints About California Business Bureau Phone Harassment
Consumers have reported a variety of abusive behaviors that constitute California Business Bureau phone harassment, including:
- Repeated daily calls, sometimes multiple times a day
- Calling at odd hours, including early mornings and late at night
- Leaving threatening voicemails
- Calling friends, family, or employers about your debt
- Using robocalls or prerecorded messages
- Refusing to verify the debt
- Trying to collect a debt that was already paid or discharged in bankruptcy
If you’ve experienced any of the above, it may be a violation of your rights under federal or state law.
What Counts as Phone Harassment?
Not every call from a debt collector is harassment. But when the calls become excessive, deceptive, or intimidating, they can cross the line.
Here are some examples of California Business Bureau phone harassment:
- Calling you more than 7 times in a 7-day period
- Continuing to call after you’ve requested in writing that they stop
- Using profane, abusive, or threatening language
- Pretending to be law enforcement or government officials
- Calling you at work after you’ve asked them not to
- Failing to identify themselves or the purpose of the call
These actions are prohibited under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
Your Rights Under the FDCPA
The FDCPA is a federal law that protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices. It applies to third-party collectors like the California Business Bureau and gives you the right to:
- Request written verification of the debt
- Dispute the debt within 30 days
- Demand that the collector stops contacting you
- Be free from harassment, threats, or misleading information
- Receive clear information about who is calling and why
If California Business Bureau phone harassment has violated any of these rights, you may be able to file a lawsuit and recover up to $1,000 in statutory damages—plus attorney fees and emotional distress compensation.
Your Rights Under the TCPA
If CBB uses robocalls or prerecorded messages to reach you without your consent, they may be violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
You may be entitled to:
- $500 per call that violates the TCPA
- $1,500 per call if the violation was willful or knowing
- An injunction to stop the calls
The TCPA applies even if the debt is legitimate—what matters is how they’re contacting you.
How to Stop California Business Bureau Phone Harassment
If the calls won’t stop, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Here’s what you can do to end California Business Bureau phone harassment:
1. Request Verification of the Debt
Send a written request asking for:
- The amount of the debt
- The name of the original creditor
- Documentation that proves you owe it
Under the FDCPA, they must stop contacting you until they send this information.
2. Send a Cease-and-Desist Letter
You can legally demand that they stop all communication. Here’s what to include:
- Your full name and account number (if available)
- A clear statement asking them to stop calling
- A request for written communication only
Once they receive your letter, they are only allowed to contact you to confirm that communication will cease or to inform you of legal action.
3. Document Every Call
Keep a record of:
- The date and time of each call
- What was said
- Who called you
- Voicemails or texts received
These records will be essential if you choose to file a lawsuit.
4. Report Them to Regulatory Agencies
If harassment continues, report California Business Bureau to:
- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Your state’s Attorney General’s Office
5. Hire a Consumer Protection Attorney
An experienced attorney can:
- Send legal notices on your behalf
- File a lawsuit for harassment or TCPA violations
- Help you recover damages and stop the calls for good
Many attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis—meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case.
Real-Life Example of a Harassment Case
Let’s say Jane Doe started getting calls from CBB three times a day. The calls continued even after she told them she wasn’t the person they were looking for. They left voicemails threatening “legal consequences” and contacted her employer.
Jane filed a complaint and contacted a consumer protection lawyer. The lawyer filed a lawsuit for violations of the FDCPA and TCPA. Jane won $3,000 in damages and the calls finally stopped.
This could be your story too.
Can You Sue California Business Bureau?
Yes. If you’ve experienced California Business Bureau phone harassment, you may have grounds to sue for:
- FDCPA violations
- TCPA violations
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages (if the calls impacted your work)
- Statutory damages
Most consumers who sue debt collectors don’t end up in court. Many cases settle, and you could receive compensation without ever appearing before a judge.
You Don’t Deserve to Be Harassed
Debt can be stressful, but no one deserves to be harassed, threatened, or treated unfairly. The law is on your side, and legal help is available. California Business Bureau phone harassment isn’t just annoying—it’s often illegal. Whether the debt is valid or not, you have the right to peace of mind and dignity.
FAQs About California Business Bureau Phone Harassment
1. Is California Business Bureau a scam?
No, they are a legitimate debt collection agency. However, some of their tactics may violate federal laws.
2. Can CBB call me at work?
Not if you’ve asked them not to. Under the FDCPA, they must honor your request.
3. What if I don’t owe the debt?
Request verification in writing. If they can’t prove you owe it, they must stop collecting.
4. Can I block their number?
Yes, but it’s better to send a cease-and-desist letter and document all communications.
5. How much can I win if I sue?
You may be eligible for $1,000 under the FDCPA, plus $500 to $1,500 per call under the TCPA.
Contact a Consumer Rights Lawyer Today
If you’re facing California Business Bureau phone harassment, don’t wait. Legal help is just a call or click away. Contact a consumer protection law firm that specializes in debt harassment cases. Many offer free consultations and will evaluate your case at no cost.
You Have the Power to Make the Calls Stop
California Business Bureau is not above the law. If they’re harassing you, you don’t have to tolerate it. Use your rights, document everything, and reach out for help.
You can stop the harassment, restore your peace of mind, and even get compensated for your trouble.
Need help? Contact Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC today for a free case review.
