CAVEAT EMPTOR

ARE YOU ARE DEALING WITH A CLLA CERTIFIED AGENCY?

It is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

That said, the CERTIFIED agency members of the Commercial Collection Agency Association of the Commercial Law League of America (CCAA) should be elated that many agencies imply or state that they are a CERTIFIED agency, even though they are not. CCAA members are not happy. These agencies are lying to credit grantors and not providing them with the same level of protection as certification by the Commercial Law League of America (CLLA). They are hitchhiking on the over quarter-of-a-century’s efforts by CCAA who developed a certification program to provide protection for credit grantors.

This problem exists in part because credit grantors are asking the wrong question. Instead of asking if an agency is a member of the CLLA, the question to ask is "Are you a CERTIFIED CLLA AGENCY?"

Membership in the CLLA is individual, in that individual attorneys, not their firms are members and individual officers and managers of collection agencies and law lists are members, not their companies.

A CERTIFIED agency is a company that has undergone a rigorous and on-going certification process. The Code of Ethics on this Website provides information on the criteria agency members of the CLLA must meet in order to be CERTIFIED and to maintain that certification.

Some individuals associated with collection agencies that are members of the CLLA may in response to the question, "Are you a member of the CLLA?" may answer affirmatively. We hope that in the future you will be asking, "Are you a "CERTIFIED CLLA AGENCY?"

Unfortunately, we have experienced agencies that will lie to credit grantors that they are a CERTIFIED CLLA agency. In a recent bid by a large telecommunication company, an agency actually forged a Certificate of Compliance and presented it to the credit grantor as proof of membership. In another situation, an agency actually used the CCAA logo on their stationery, advertising and promotional material.

How can you be sure that an agency who tells you it is a CERTIFIED CLLA agency truly is? The best way is to either go to the membership directory on this Website, or call the CCAA Executive Director at (973) 239-0721.

It is becoming an increasing problem and CCAA has increased its policing efforts. However, we could use your help. If you find an agency that states it is a CERTIFIED CLLA agency and it is not, please let the Executive Director know so that he can follow up with them. We appreciate any help you can provide.

Thank you.

Emil Hartleb