If you have recently received certified mail from First Data, you may be wondering why they are contacting you. There are a few potential reasons First Data may be reaching out via certified mail:
You have an account in collections with First Data
One of the most common reasons for getting certified mail from First Data is having an account in collections. First Data provides billing and collections services for many major banks and creditors. If you have an overdue or charged-off credit card, loan, or other debt that has gone to collections, the creditor may have placed it with First Data to collect on the past due amount.
In these cases, First Data is required by law to send validation notices via certified mail informing you that they now own the debt and giving you a chance to dispute it if you don’t believe you owe the amount claimed. The notice must include details like the name of the original creditor, the amount owed, and your rights in validating the debt. Failure to respond could result in First Data pursuing collection activities like phone calls, letters, reporting to credit bureaus, lawsuits, garnishment, etc.
What to do if you get a collection notice from First Data
If First Data claims you owe money on a past due account in collections, you have a few options:
- Pay the debt in full or negotiate a settlement – This will stop collections activities.
- Validate the debt is truly yours – Request debt validation proof from First Data.
- Dispute inaccurate information – If any details in the notice are wrong, dispute them.
- Ask for removal from credit reports – If paid, ask First Data to request removal.
- Consult a consumer rights attorney – If you believe your rights have been violated.
Be sure to respond within 30 days and keep records of all correspondence. Don’t ignore collection notices as this could result in lawsuits or other legal action.
You have an account issued by First Data
In addition to collection services, First Data directly issues some credit card and financial accounts. If you have a current or past account with First Data as the original creditor, certified mail may be related to that account.
For example, if you miss payments on a First Data credit card or loan, they may send a certified notice of default requiring you to pay by a certain date. Not responding could allow them to take actions like closing the account or suing you to collect. They also may send certified mail for reasons like suspected fraud on your account.
What to do if First Data is the original creditor
If you receive certified mail from First Data regarding a debt where they are the original creditor, you again have options including:
- Paying any past due balance.
- Calling First Data to discuss payment plan options if you can’t pay in full.
- Disputing if you believe the notice contains inaccurate account information.
- Asking for details/validation if you’re unsure why they’re contacting you.
- Consulting a consumer law attorney if First Data violates debt collection laws.
As the original creditor, First Data has power to start credit reporting or legal action if you fail to resolve unpaid account balances. So be sure to address any outstanding issues promptly.
You are involved in a class action lawsuit related to First Data
Many class action lawsuits have been filed in recent years alleging illegal practices by First Data relating to issues like:
- Overcharging fees
- Misapplying loan payments
- Reporting inaccurate credit information
- Charging improper interest rates
- Violating debt collection laws
If you were a First Data customer impacted by practices challenged in an existing or settled class action case, certified mail may be part of the notification and claims process. For example, you may receive notices identifying you as a potential class member and explaining how to opt-in to the lawsuit or file a claim for compensation if the case settles.
Failing to respond could waive your rights to participate and recover damages, so be sure to read class action notices carefully and take any required action.
What to do if you get a class action notice
Steps if First Data sends you certified mail regarding a pending or resolved class action lawsuit:
- Read the notice thoroughly and respond if action is required by a deadline.
- Contact the law firm filing suit to learn about your rights and options.
- Consider opting-in as a class member if you’re eligible.
- File a claim to receive compensation if the suit settles.
- Update your contact info with the court to receive future notices.
Participating in class actions where you may have been wronged allows you to recover damages, while holding companies like First Data accountable.
You are involved in a legal case or dispute involving First Data
In addition to class actions, First Data may send certified mail if you are party to some other individual legal claim or dispute involving them. Examples include:
- Lawsuits directly against First Data alleging harm like credit reporting errors.
- Subpoenas requesting documentation for a case.
- Notification of bankruptcy proceedings involving your First Data accounts.
- Divorce decrees impacting accounts.
- Probate matters involving a deceased account holder.
The certified mail provides proof of First Data legally receiving notice of the proceedings. Ignoring the mail could impede resolution of the court case or dispute.
What to do if First Data sends legal case mail
Steps if you receive First Data certified mail relating to a legal case:
- Save the notice and confirm First Data’s legal department gets a copy.
- Contact the court, attorney, or other entity that initiated the notice.
- Respond appropriately to any required actions by specified deadlines.
- Reference the case number in further communications with First Data.
- Seek legal advice if you need help addressing the matters involved.
Documenting receipt and quickly addressing certified mail tied to lawsuits or disputes helps resolve legal issues and prevent further complications.
First Data sent mail to you by mistake
In some instances, you may receive certified mail from First Data erroneously. This can happen if:
- There is a clerical error and they accidentally sent you someone else’s notice.
- You have a similar name/address to the intended recipient.
- Identity theft resulted in an account being opened fraudulently in your name.
- The notice was sent to a former address and forwarded to you.
If the mail is not related to any of your actual accounts or dealings with First Data, it’s important to contact them right away to resolve the mistake.
What to do if First Data sends you mail by mistake
If certified mail from First Data is not relevant to you, take these steps:
- Call the number on the notice to notify them of the error.
- Mail the notice back unopened writing “Return to Sender – Not at this Address”.
- Follow up in writing stating you have no account or business with First Data.
- Provide identity theft reports if applicable.
- Consult an attorney if First Data continues attempts to collect.
This avoids false information about accounts or debts getting associated with your name and prevents future misdirected attempts to contact you.
How to avoid issues and complaints with First Data
While many certified mail recipients have legitimate reasons to be contacted by First Data, their collection tactics and customer service have also prompted frequent complaints and lawsuits. Here are some tips to avoid problems if you have accounts with First Data as a creditor or servicer:
- Carefully read all account documents to understand fees, rates, and rights.
- Save records like statements, disclosures, and communications.
- Make payments on time and contact First Data immediately with payment issues.
- Dispute promptly if you receive notices containing incorrect information.
- Record all calls and conversations with representatives.
- Send written complaints by certified mail if you have issues and escalate to regulatory agencies if needed.
Documenting account details and quickly flagging errors or disputes can help minimize headaches. Consider closing accounts and choosing other providers if First Data repeatedly violates policies or laws.
First Data contact information
If you need to reach First Data regarding certified mail or any other account matters, here is their contact information:
- First Data Customer Service: 1-800-833-4411
- First Data Collections Department: 1-800-394-3075
- First Data Legal/Compliance: 1-800-833-4411
- First Data Headquarters Address: 5565 Glenridge Connector NE #2000, Atlanta, GA 30342
Be sure to document the names of representatives you speak with, dates/times called, and details of the conversation.
Sample dispute letter template
If you need to dispute incorrect information in a collection notice or other certified mail from First Data, send a written dispute letter. Here is a sample template:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone]
[Your Email][Date]
First Data [Department Name]
[First Data Address]Re: Dispute of Information on [Account Number or Reference Number]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to dispute information contained in the certified mail notice I received from your company on [date]. The following information is inaccurate: [list details of incorrect info like amount owed, name, address, etc.].
The correct information is: [provide the accurate account or personal info].
Please review your records, update the disputed items, and send me validation at the above address confirming the corrections have been made. If you do not correct the disputed information, I will consider filing a formal complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and my State Attorney General.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Be sure to send the letter via certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof First Data receives it. Keep detailed records of your dispute and escalate to regulators if First Data fails to correct issues.
First Data complaints and lawsuits
Despite being one of the largest processors of credit card payments globally, First Data has developed a poor reputation regarding customer service practices over the years. Some of the most frequent complaints and lawsuits related to First Data include:
- Illegal debt collection tactics – Harassing customers with excessive calls, threats of arrest, calling outside legal hours, disclosing debts to employers, overcharging fees, suing on debts past the statute of limitations, etc.
- Predatory lending – Misleading applicants about costs and terms, approving those unlikely to repay, charging excessive interest and fees.
- Deceptive sales practices – High pressure sales tactics, misrepresenting contract terms, failing to disclose key fees, claiming systems will save businesses money when they actually increase costs.
- Overcharging businesses – Applying rates higher than agreed contracts, adding random junk fees, intentionally processing transactions in ways that incur most fees.
- Withholding funds – Freezing merchant accounts and deposits for months over any customer complaint of fraud, even if unfounded.
- Data breaches and security issues – Multiple breaches exposing customer financial data and failing to notify affected consumers.
- Credit reporting errors – Incorrect account status, payment history, amounts owed misreported to credit bureaus.
Thousands have complained to the CFPB and sued First Data over unfair and deceptive business practices. If you feel similarly wronged as a customer or merchant, consult an attorney about your rights.
Sample table of key First Data lawsuits
| Case | Allegations | Status |
|---|---|---|
| James v. First Data | FDCPA violations for threatening consumers, calling outside lawful hours, failing to properly validate debt | Settled in 2017 for $46 million |
| Mazzarella v. First Data | Violated NY labor laws by misclassifying workforce as independent contractors instead of employees | Settled in 2016 for $38.5 million |
| In re: First Data Merch. Services Breach | Negligence resulting in breach exposing millions of consumer payment card numbers | Dismissed in 2016 – no injury found |
This table outlines just a small sampling of major recent cases highlighting areas where consumers have accused First Data of violating laws and regulations designed to protect the public.
Conclusion
In summary, certified mail from First Data often indicates they are collecting on a debt, servicing your account as the creditor, notifying you of a class action you may participate in, or contacting you regarding legal proceedings. Failure to respond could have consequences ranging from damage to your credit and additional fees to loss of lawsuit settlements.
Carefully read all notices and know your rights. Do not hesitate to dispute inaccurate information. Seek legal advice if First Data engages in illegal practices impacting you. With attention and by properly documenting your interactions, you can hopefully resolve the reasons for First Data’s certified mail contact smoothly and minimize any negative impacts.
