What's in a Name, Collectors?

In an interesting twist to a fairly straight-forward story, a collection agency in Jacksonville, Fla., lost a case against another debt collector. The reason? The Jacksonville agency was using the other company’s name.

Jacksonville-based Bass Prelitigation Services can’t use the name Bass & Associates anymore, according to a Florida Times-Union story. Turns out, Bass & Associates, P.C., a collection agency based in Tucson, Ariz., conducts no business in Florida and it was upset about another agency using its name, especially since the Florida firm is under investigation by the state’s attorney general (“State AG Suing Collection Agency for $1.3 million,” July 3).

The case brings up an interesting question for collectors: what’s in a name? We all know that collectors will often use fake personal names on calls – with good reason – but what about the practice of using alternative company names, such as d.b.a.’s or the vague “Law Office” designation? Or just using another company’s name altogether?

What experiences have you had using different names, and what are the pros and cons?