AFM ('we', 'our', or 'us') is a third-party collection agency that handles both consumer and commercial accounts. We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of the information we collect in the course of our operations. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information in compliance with applicable laws, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), and state-level privacy laws.
1. Information We Collect
Clients are responsible for providing accurate and complete information when submitting accounts for collection. This includes timely updates regarding payments, disputes, or changes to account status. We may collect the following types of information:
- Personal identifiers (e.g., name, address, phone number, email)
- Social Security number or other government-issued ID (for consumer accounts)
- Business contact details (for commercial accounts)
- Account numbers, balances, and payment history
- Employment and income details (if applicable)
2. How We Use Information
We use the collected information to:
- Communicate with consumers and businesses regarding outstanding debts
- Verify identities and account ownership
- Process payments and manage accounts
- Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
- Prevent fraud and unauthorized access
3. Information Sharing
We may share information with:
- Original creditors and their legal representatives
- Credit reporting agencies (for consumer accounts)
- Service providers (e.g., IT support, payment processors)
- Legal or regulatory authorities when required
We do not sell or rent personal or business information.
4. Compliance with FDCPA and GLBA
We emphasize that FDCPA protections apply exclusively to consumer accounts. Commercial accounts are not subject to FDCPA, but we maintain high standards of data protection for all account types. For consumer accounts, we comply with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which governs how we may contact consumers and what information we may disclose. We also comply with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), which requires us to protect nonpublic personal information and provide privacy notices to consumers.
5. Commercial Account Considerations
While commercial accounts are not subject to the FDCPA, we still apply rigorous data protection standards. We may collect personal information of business owners or guarantors and treat such data with the same level of confidentiality and security.
6. Multi-State Privacy Notice
We operate in all 50 U.S. states and recognize that certain states have enacted privacy laws that may apply to our data practices. These include, but are not limited to, California (CCPA/CPRA), Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Request correction or deletion of your data
- Opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below.
7. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal and business information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include encryption, access controls, and regular audits.
8. Data Retention
In alignment with our operational practices, accounts may remain open for up to seven (7) years for credit reporting purposes, even if active collection efforts have ceased. We retain information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law.
9. Changes to this Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any changes will be posted on our website with the updated effective date.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:
AFM
5500 Pearl Street, Ste 250, Rosemont, IL 60018
clientservices@afmcollects.com
847-259-7000