The pressure of student loan debt is difficult enough without the added burden of collection calls. For thousands of borrowers across the United States, Performant Financial Corp has become a name they associate with anxiety, stress, and unrelenting phone calls. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a long-time borrower, it’s essential to understand your rights and the legal protections available to you.
This guide offers a comprehensive look at the company, how it operates, what students should know about its collection practices, and the legal steps you can take to stop harassment once and for all.
Understanding Performant Financial Corp
Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Livermore, California, Performant Financial Corp is a large third-party debt collection company specializing in recovery services for government agencies, healthcare providers, and student loan lenders.
For decades, Performant Corp has served as a contractor for the U.S. Department of Education, collecting defaulted federal student loans. The company also manages accounts for private lenders and other financial institutions, often pursuing debts long after students have left school or entered repayment.
According to public reports and consumer complaints, many borrowers have accused the company of overly aggressive collection tactics, including frequent phone calls, failure to verify debts, and misleading communication practices.
Why Are You Getting Calls from Performant Financial Corp?
If you’ve recently begun receiving calls or letters from the company, it typically means that your student loan has entered default. When a borrower fails to make payments for a prolonged period—usually 270 days for federal loans—the Department of Education or a private lender can transfer the account to a debt collection agency.
That’s where Performant Corp comes in. The company’s job is to recover the outstanding amount, often through constant phone contact, wage garnishment notices, or settlement offers. Unfortunately, many students report that these calls quickly escalate into harassment.
Even if you owe the debt, you still have legal rights. Debt collectors are required to follow the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), a federal law that prohibits harassment, false statements, and intimidation.
Common Student Complaints Against Performant Financial Corp
Borrowers have filed hundreds of complaints about Performant Financial Corp with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The most frequent issues include:
- 👉 Excessive calls: Multiple calls per day, sometimes to workplaces or family members.
- 👉 Failure to validate debt: Borrowers report not receiving written proof of what they owe.
- 👉 Threats of legal action: Collectors allegedly warn of lawsuits or wage garnishment without proper notice.
- 👉 Improper communication: Students claim representatives are rude, unprofessional, or misleading.
- 👉 Errors in student loan reporting: Inaccurate credit reporting or collection attempts on paid or forgiven loans.
These practices can cause serious emotional distress and financial harm, especially for young borrowers already struggling to regain stability after school.
Your Rights Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
The FDCPA offers strong protections to consumers, including students dealing with agencies like Performant Financial Corp. Under this law, debt collectors cannot:
- ➡️ Call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- ➡️ Use abusive, obscene, or threatening language.
- ➡️ Make false claims about legal action or wage garnishment.
- ➡️ Contact your friends, family, or employer about your debt.
- ➡️ Continue contacting you after you’ve sent a written cease-and-desist request.
- ➡️ Fail to send a written notice verifying the debt within five days of initial contact.
If Performant Corp violates any of these provisions, you may be entitled to compensation—up to $1,000 in statutory damages, plus coverage for your attorney’s fees.
The Student Loan Angle: Why Performant Financial Corp Targets Borrowers
The student loan industry is one of the largest sources of debt in the United States. With over $1.6 trillion in collective debt, many borrowers default each year, creating opportunities for large recovery companies like Performant Financial Corp.
The company contracts directly with the federal government to manage defaulted student loans, often working with programs such as the Federal Perkins Loan Program, the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP), and Direct Loans.
Unfortunately, when a student defaults, Performant Corp can use aggressive tactics—such as calling repeatedly, threatening wage garnishment, or offsetting tax refunds—to push repayment. While some of these actions are permitted by law, harassment is not.
Students often find themselves trapped between trying to get back on track financially and avoiding collectors who overstep their bounds.
How to Tell If You’re Experiencing Harassment
You might be dealing with illegal behavior from the company if you notice any of the following:
- ➤ Repeated or excessive phone calls daily
- ➤ Calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- ➤ Collectors are contacting your workplace despite your requests
- ➤ Threats of lawsuits, arrest, or wage garnishment
- ➤ Failure to provide debt verification letters
- ➤ Discussing your debt with anyone other than you
- ➤ Use of profanity, intimidation, or coercion
Each of these actions violates federal law. Students who experience these behaviors can take legal action to stop them immediately.
What to Do When You Receive a Call
If you get a call from Performant Corp, remain calm and take the following steps:
- ➜ Get the caller’s information. Write down their name, agency, and callback number.
- ➜ Ask for a validation notice. They must send you written verification of the debt within five days.
- ➜ Avoid giving personal details. Don’t share your bank or Social Security information until you verify legitimacy.
- ➜ Keep a call log. Note dates, times, and conversation summaries.
- ➜ Send a written cease-and-desist letter if they continue contacting you.
- ➜ Seek legal advice. If calls persist, contact a consumer protection lawyer.
Having clear records will help your attorney prove harassment and pursue compensation.
The Role of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
Many students report receiving robocalls or automated voicemails from Performant Financial Corp, even after requesting no further contact. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) protects you from such unauthorized communications.
Under the TCPA, you can receive💸 $500 to 💸 $1,500 per illegal call. If Performant Corp has contacted you using pre-recorded messages, texts, or automated dialers without consent, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
Can Performant Financial Corp Sue You?
Yes, Performant Financial Corp can sue borrowers over legitimate unpaid debts, particularly federal student loans. However, they must follow proper legal procedure and cannot threaten lawsuits they don’t intend to file.
If you receive a court summons, don’t ignore it. Failing to respond can lead to a default judgment, allowing the collector to garnish wages or seize funds.
Before it gets that far, speak with a lawyer experienced in student loan debt collection cases. In many situations, attorneys can negotiate repayment terms, dispute invalid debts, or even get the case dismissed.
How Performant Financial Corp Impacts Your Credit
A collection entry from Performant Corp can appear on your credit report and stay there for seven years, damaging your score. This can affect your ability to:
- ✔️ Qualify for new loans or refinancing
- ✔️ Rent an apartment
- ✔️ Get approved for credit cards
- ✔️ Even pass some employment screenings
If the debt is incorrect or already paid, you can dispute it with the credit bureaus. A lawyer can also help remove false entries that stem from illegal or mistaken reporting.
Real Examples of Performant Financial Corp Lawsuits
Federal court records show numerous cases filed against Performant Financial Corp for alleged harassment and FDCPA violations.
Some examples include:
- 👉 Weintraub v. Performant Recovery, Inc. (1:18-cv-03301-FB-LB)
- 👉 Anatra v. Performant Recovery, Inc. (4:18-cv-00018-CAS)
- 👉Burroughs v. Performant Recovery Inc. (7:17-cv-01379-LSC)
These cases often involve claims of excessive calling, misrepresentation, and failure to validate debts. They show a consistent pattern of complaints from consumers, especially students struggling with loan defaults.
Emotional and Financial Consequences of Harassment
For many borrowers, Performant Financial Corp calls are more than just an inconvenience. The harassment can cause:
- ✅ Sleepless nights and anxiety
- ✅ Embarrassment at work or school
- ✅ Strained family relationships
- ✅ Mental health challenges
The FDCPA recognizes these emotional harms and allows you to pursue damages for stress and distress caused by illegal collection practices.
Remember: you don’t have to face this alone. Legal help is available — and it won’t cost you out of pocket.
How Consumer Protection Lawyers Can Help
If you’re being harassed by Performant Financial Corp, contacting a consumer protection lawyer can make all the difference. Attorneys who specialize in debt collection harassment understand both federal and state laws that protect you.
Here’s how they can assist:
- 📢 Stop the Calls Immediately: Once a lawyer takes your case, all collection contact must go through them, not you.
- 📢 File a Claim: They can sue Performant Corp if they’ve violated FDCPA or TCPA laws.
- 📢 Recover Damages: You may receive up to 💸 $1,000 in statutory damages plus compensation for emotional distress.
- 📢 Fix Credit Reports: Lawyers can help remove false or outdated entries caused by improper reporting.
- 📢 No Fees: Under the law, the debt collector—not you—pays your attorney fees if you win.
Contact Information:
📞 (877) 700-5790
🌐 www.consumerlawfirmcenter.com
Their team has been helping consumers stop harassment since 2010 and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Tips for Students Dealing With Collection Calls
If you’re a student or recent graduate facing harassment from Performant Financial Corp, follow these key steps to regain control:
- ✅ Know your rights. Familiarize yourself with FDCPA and TCPA protections.
- ✅ Request everything in writing. Never rely solely on verbal promises.
- ✅ Track your communications. Keep records of all calls and letters.
- ✅ Avoid emotional reactions. Debt collectors rely on fear; stay calm and factual.
- ✅ Seek legal help early. Lawyers can intervene before things escalate.
By being proactive, you can stop harassment, protect your credit, and focus on rebuilding your financial future.
Official Contact Details for Performant Financial Corp
If you need to verify communication or confirm the legitimacy of a debt, here are the company’s publicly listed details:
📌 333 North Canyons Parkway, Suite 100
Livermore, CA 94551-9480
📞 Phone: (888) 335-6267
🌐 Website: www.performantcorp.com
If calls come from other numbers, cross-check them before sharing any information. Scammers often spoof real numbers to appear legitimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Performant Financial Corp legitimate❓
Yes, it’s a licensed debt collection agency, though many consumers have filed complaints about its methods.
2. Can they contact my family or employer❓
No. Discussing your debt with third parties is illegal.
3. What happens if I ignore their calls❓
Ignoring them won’t make the debt disappear and could lead to legal action. Instead, contact an attorney.
4. Can I stop the calls permanently❓
Yes. A cease-and-desist letter or legal representation will force Performant Corp to halt direct communication.
5. Do I have to pay if I dispute the debt❓
No. Collectors must verify the debt before demanding payment.
Final Thoughts: Taking Back Control
Dealing with Performant Financial Corp can feel overwhelming, especially for students trying to rebuild after graduation. But remember: you have rights, and you have power.
The law prohibits harassment, threats, and deception. You can make the calls stop, clear your record, and even recover money for the stress you’ve endured.
If Performant Corp has been contacting you, don’t wait. Reach out to a consumer protection attorney and start the process of reclaiming your peace of mind today.
You are not alone—and you don’t have to face this harassment anymore.
