Credit One Bank Fined $10.2M for Harassing Debt Collection Calls

Settlement resolves allegations of excessive and abusive phone calls to California consumers

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Credit One Bank has agreed to pay $10.2 million to settle a civil lawsuit alleging the bank made unreasonably frequent and harassing calls to telephone numbers across California in attempts to collect consumer debts. The case was investigated and prosecuted by the California Debt Collection Task Force, a statewide team comprised of district attorney's offices in several counties.

Why it matters

This settlement highlights the growing scrutiny on debt collection practices and the enforcement actions being taken against companies that engage in abusive or illegal tactics. It serves as a warning to other financial institutions that excessive and harassing phone calls to consumers will not be tolerated.

The details

The civil complaint alleged that Credit One had a policy allowing its vendors to make up to eight calls per day on overdue credit card accounts, plus an additional two calls per day under certain circumstances. Making repetitive and unreasonable numbers of phone calls to people who owe debts is against the law in California because it constitutes harassment. As part of the settlement, Credit One was ordered to implement new policies and procedures to prevent such unreasonable and harassing debt collection calls to California consumers.

  • The civil complaint was filed in Riverside County Superior Court.
  • The $10.2 million judgment was entered on February 19, 2026.

The players

Credit One Bank

A financial institution that was accused of making unreasonably frequent and harassing calls to California consumers in attempts to collect consumer debts.

California Debt Collection Task Force

A statewide team comprised of the district attorney's offices in Santa Clara, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Riverside counties that investigated and prosecuted the case against Credit One Bank.

Jeff Rosen

The Santa Clara County District Attorney who announced the settlement.

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What they’re saying

“Bombarding consumers with calls over debts is illegal. Folks may owe money, but companies owe their consumers reasonable civility and consideration.”

— Jeff Rosen, Santa Clara County District Attorney (sanjoseinside.com)

What’s next

The judgment requires Credit One Bank and its agents to implement new policies and procedures to prevent unreasonable and harassing debt collection calls to California consumers, including compliance with state and federal law.

The takeaway

This settlement serves as a strong warning to financial institutions that excessive and abusive debt collection tactics, such as making repeated harassing phone calls, will face significant penalties and enforcement action. It underscores the growing focus on protecting consumers from unfair and illegal debt collection practices.