Biehl & Biehl, Inc. has collected consumer and commercial debts from Carol Stream, Illinois since 1940, serving over 2,000 active clients. Despite their longevity, their BBB rating is F and documented CFPB complaints include a representative telling a consumer she was “beneath her,” “less than honest,” and should “just shut up and pay” after 20 minutes of the consumer asking to be treated respectfully.
The Giannetti v. Biehl & Biehl federal case and a documented pattern of abusive language, calling without caller ID, and contacting third parties about consumer debts reflect the complaint profile of a company whose own website says collectors are “highly motivated to move your debtor to do what needs to be done.”
Who Is Biehl & Biehl?
Biehl & Biehl, Inc. is a third-party debt collection agency founded in 1940 and headquartered in Carol Stream, Illinois. With an F BBB rating and 21 complaints recorded, they collect for healthcare providers, utilities, retailers, credit card issuers, and commercial businesses.
Illinois collectors are subject to both the federal FDCPA and the Illinois Collection Agency Act (ICAA). Illinois has a 5-year statute of limitations on written contracts.
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Abusive Language During Collection Calls
A documented CFPB complaint describes a Biehl & Biehl representative who called the consumer and, after 20 minutes of the consumer asking to be treated with basic respect, told the consumer she was “a terrible person,” “less than honest,” “not worthy of respect,” and should “just shut up and pay.” The representative stated she had “the right to treat me like I am beneath her.”
FDCPA Section 1692d(2) specifically prohibits obscene, profane, or abusive language during collection communications. The Illinois Collection Agency Act independently prohibits harassment and abuse. Language of this type, documented in detail, is a textbook FDCPA violation worth up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus attorney fees.
If a Biehl & Biehl representative uses abusive language, document the date, time, representative name if provided, and exact words used before filing a CFPB complaint.
Calling Without Caller ID and Disclosing Debt to Third Parties
A documented CFPB complaint describes Biehl & Biehl calling a consumer without their phone number appearing on caller ID. A separate consumer complaint describes a Biehl & Biehl representative calling staff members at the consumer’s business and telling them the consumer owed money, despite the consumer having already explained the debt did not belong to them.
FDCPA Section 1692c(b) prohibits disclosing a consumer’s debt to third parties. FDCPA Section 1692d(6) requires a collector to identify themselves when placing calls. Calling business staff to tell them a consumer owes money is a documented Biehl & Biehl complaint pattern.
The Giannetti Federal Case
In Giannetti v. Biehl & Biehl, Inc. (E.D.N.Y. 2018, Case No. 2:18-cv-5174), a New York consumer filed a federal FDCPA complaint against Biehl & Biehl based on a collection letter the firm sent on behalf of an unnamed creditor. The case centers on the language of Biehl & Biehl’s collection letter and whether it met FDCPA disclosure requirements under Section 1692g.
Collection letters from Biehl & Biehl must include a clear statement of the amount owed, the name of the creditor, and the consumer’s right to dispute the debt within 30 days. If any of those elements are missing or unclear in a letter you received, that letter may be independently actionable.
Continued Contact After Requests to Stop
A documented CFPB complaint describes Biehl & Biehl continuing to call a consumer after being told to stop. A separate documented complaint describes a consumer who had lost their job and contacted Biehl & Biehl to explain their situation; other collectors they dealt with made note of the hardship, but Biehl & Biehl demanded immediate payment in installments the consumer could not afford.
Under FDCPA Section 1692c(c), once a consumer sends a written cease communication request, Biehl & Biehl may only contact the consumer to confirm they will stop or to notify of specific legal action. Verbal requests are not legally binding under the FDCPA; a certified letter is the enforceable form.
What Biehl & Biehl Cannot Do Under Federal and Illinois Law
Based on their documented complaint record:
- Use abusive or degrading language: A documented CFPB complaint describing a representative explicitly telling a consumer she was “beneath her” and should “shut up and pay.” FDCPA Section 1692d(2) and the ICAA both prohibit this.
- Disclose a consumer’s debt to third parties: A documented complaint shows Biehl & Biehl calling a consumer’s business staff to tell them the consumer owed money. FDCPA Section 1692c(b) prohibits this.
- Call without identifying as a debt collector: A documented complaint. FDCPA Section 1692d(6) requires identification.
- Continue calling after a written cease request: A documented complaint pattern. Written cease requests trigger FDCPA Section 1692c(c) protections.
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, the account number, the balance at referral, and an itemized breakdown of any charges. If the debt does not belong to you, state that clearly in the same letter and document every subsequent contact.
Illinois has a 5-year statute of limitations on written contracts. Industry sources specifically note Biehl & Biehl does not typically honor goodwill letter requests for deletion.
How to Find Biehl & Biehl on Your Credit Report
Check your credit reports for “Biehl Biehl” and “Biehl & Biehl Inc.” Confirm the original creditor is identified and the account matches your history. If the entry involves a debt that belongs to a business rather than to you personally, note that commercial debts are not covered by the FDCPA.
Your Options Before Paying or Responding
- Document every abusive call immediately. The CFPB complaint record shows Biehl & Biehl representatives using language that is directly actionable under the FDCPA. Date, time, representative name, and exact words all matter.
- Send a written cease request by certified mail if calls continue after a verbal request. Verbal requests do not bind Biehl & Biehl under the FDCPA. A certified letter does.
- File with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the AG in addition to CFPB. The ICAA gives Illinois regulators independent enforcement authority. IDFPR accepts complaints at (888) 473-4858 and the Illinois AG Consumer Protection Division at (800) 243-0618.
- Do not expect goodwill letter success. Industry sources specifically note Biehl & Biehl does not typically accept goodwill deletion requests.
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How to Contact Biehl & Biehl
- Address: Biehl & Biehl, Inc., 325 E. Fullerton Avenue, Carol Stream, IL 60188
- Phone: (800) 621-5583 or (630) 653-5400
Bottom Line
Biehl & Biehl has operated since 1940 and carries an F BBB rating. A documented CFPB complaint describes a representative telling a consumer she was “beneath her,” “less than honest,” and should “just shut up and pay.” Additional complaints show Biehl & Biehl disclosing debt details to a consumer’s business staff and calling without displaying a caller ID number.
Document every abusive call immediately. Send a written cease request by certified mail. If a representative has disclosed your debt to coworkers or business contacts, that contact is a standalone FDCPA violation worth pursuing.
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.