Allen Daniel Associates, Inc. has operated out of Waltham, Massachusetts collecting debts for commercial businesses, healthcare providers, municipal entities, and utility companies. A class action lawsuit was filed against them for printing consumers’ personal identifying information on the outside of collection envelopes, a specific FDCPA violation.
Massachusetts consumers dealing with Allen Daniel also have state-level protections that go beyond the federal FDCPA. This guide covers who ADA is, their documented case, and how to respond.
Who Is Allen Daniel Associates?
Allen Daniel Associates, Inc. is a third-party debt collection agency headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. They are officially registered as The Allen Daniel Associates, Inc. and collect for commercial businesses, healthcare providers, municipal entities including the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, and utility companies.
CFPB complaints against ADA include attempting to collect the wrong amount on a credit card debt and continuing contact after a consumer asked them to stop. A class action in federal court targeted their envelope practices specifically.
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The Envelope Class Action: Personal Information Printed on the Outside
A class action was filed against Allen Daniel Associates in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania alleging ADA improperly printed consumers’ personal identifying information on the face of collection notice envelopes.
The case relied on Douglass et al. v. Convergent Outsourcing, 765 F.3d 299 (3rd Cir. 2014), which established that printing account numbers or other personal identifying information visible on envelope exteriors violates FDCPA Section 1692f(8).
That section prohibits using any language or symbols on envelope exteriors that indicate the communication is from a debt collector or concerns a debt. An account number or other identifying code visible through or printed on an envelope accomplishes the same privacy violation.
If you received an ADA collection envelope with any information visible on the outside beyond the return address and your mailing address, that envelope may be evidence of an FDCPA violation. Preserve any such envelope before responding.
Continuing Contact After a Stop Request
A 2021 CFPB complaint documents a consumer who received a notice from ADA related to a Massachusetts Department of Revenue matter and told ADA to stop contacting them. ADA allegedly continued contact after receiving that instruction.
Under FDCPA Section 1692c(c), once a consumer sends a written cease communication request, the collector must stop all contact except to confirm receipt of the cease request or to notify the consumer of a specific legal action being taken. Continuing contact after a written stop request is a documented FDCPA violation.
Collecting the Wrong Amount
A second 2021 CFPB complaint describes ADA attempting to collect an incorrect amount on a credit card debt. Representing a debt amount that differs from what is actually owed is a false statement under FDCPA Section 1692e(2)(A). Before paying any ADA balance, compare their claimed amount against the original creditor’s records.
Massachusetts Debt Collection Law
Massachusetts regulations at 940 Code Mass. Regs. 7.03 apply to original creditors and third-party collectors alike, providing Massachusetts consumers broader protections than the federal FDCPA alone. Massachusetts residents can file complaints with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office in addition to the CFPB.
What ADA Cannot Do Under Federal and Massachusetts Law
Based on their documented case and complaint record:
- Print personal identifying information on collection envelope exteriors: The class action specifically targets this practice. Account numbers or other identifying codes visible on envelope exteriors violate FDCPA Section 1692f(8).
- Continue contact after a written cease request: The 2021 CFPB complaint documents this pattern. A written stop request triggers an obligation to cease all non-legal contact.
- Represent the wrong amount owed: A 2021 CFPB complaint documents ADA collecting an incorrect amount. Any amount beyond what the original creditor’s records show requires documented justification.
- Violate Massachusetts debt collection regulations: Massachusetts law applies independently of the FDCPA and covers ADA’s collection activity whether the underlying debt is consumer or commercial.
Verify the Debt Before Paying Anything
Send a written validation request by certified mail within 30 days of first contact. Request the original creditor’s name, account number, balance at referral, and a full itemized breakdown of any fees added since referral.
For municipal accounts such as Massachusetts Department of Revenue matters, request the specific agency, the nature of the obligation, and the statutory basis for the amount claimed.
Massachusetts has a 6-year statute of limitations on written contracts. Confirm the age of any ADA account before engaging, particularly for older commercial or government debts.
How to Check Your Credit Report for ADA Entries
Search all three credit reports for “Allen Daniel Associates” and “Allen Daniel Assoc.” Confirm the original creditor is identified and the balance matches what the original creditor reported. For any entry from a Massachusetts government agency, confirm the specific tax or fine basis before engaging.
Your Options for Resolving an ADA Account
- Preserve any ADA envelope with information visible on the exterior: The class action was filed specifically because of this practice. An envelope showing account information on the outside is potential FDCPA evidence.
- Send a written cease request by certified mail if you want contact to stop: The 2021 CFPB complaint shows ADA continued contact after a verbal or informal request. A certified letter creates a legal record.
- Compare the claimed balance against the original creditor’s records: The 2021 complaint documents ADA collecting the wrong amount on a credit card debt. Confirmation from the original creditor is essential before paying.
- Massachusetts residents can file with the state AG in addition to CFPB: State regulations apply independently and give Massachusetts consumers an additional enforcement avenue.
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How to Contact Allen Daniel Associates
- Office address: Allen Daniel Associates, Inc., 159 Overland Road, Suite 406, Waltham, MA 02451
- Mailing address: P.O. Box 541614, Waltham, MA 02454-1614
- Phone: (800) 882-2100
Bottom Line
Allen Daniel Associates has a class action on record for printing personal identifying information on collection envelope exteriors, a specific FDCPA Section 1692f(8) violation. Their 2021 CFPB complaints also document continuing contact after a stop request and collecting an incorrect amount.
Before paying anything ADA claims, compare their balance against the original creditor’s records. If you received an ADA envelope with any visible account information on the outside, preserve it before responding to anything.
Brooke Banks is a personal finance writer specializing in credit, debt, and smart money management. She helps readers understand their rights, build better credit, and make confident financial decisions with clear, practical advice.