Acima Threatening You? Here's What to Do
Acima is a lease-to-own financing company. When accounts fall behind, some consumers report that Acima's collections approach becomes aggressive — including threats of lawsuits, repossession of merchandise, and calls to employers or family members.
If you are experiencing this, you are not alone. The New York Attorney General specifically called out Acima's false threats to sue consumers and repossess merchandise as a deceptive practice that violated consumer protection law.
Here is what you need to understand about your rights and how to respond.
What Consumers Report About Acima's Collection Tactics
Based on consumer complaints submitted to the CFPB, the Better Business Bureau, and online review platforms, reported Acima collection behaviors include:
- Threatening lawsuits they have not filed or do not intend to file
- Threatening repossession of items in situations where repossession is not legally straightforward
- Calling consumers' employers repeatedly, even after being told to stop
- Contacting family members about the account
- Calling after a bankruptcy filing had been submitted
- Repeated calls at inconvenient times
- Aggressive or intimidating language during calls
Is Acima Subject to the FDCPA?
This is an important and nuanced question. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) applies to third-party debt collectors collecting consumer debts. Acima, as the original lessor on your agreement, may argue it is not a "debt collector" under the technical definition of the FDCPA.
However, consumers still have meaningful protections:
Consumer Financial Protection Act (CFPA)
The CFPA prohibits any "covered person" — which can include companies like Acima — from engaging in unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices. The CFPB's 2024 lawsuit against Acima was brought under this authority.
State Consumer Protection Laws
Every state has consumer protection statutes that go beyond the FDCPA. These often prohibit deceptive or threatening business practices by any company, regardless of whether it is technically a "debt collector."
New York Attorney General Action
The NY AG's 2024 lawsuit against Acima was brought under New York's consumer protection laws, which cover Acima's lease-to-own model and explicitly address the false threats the AG's office documented.
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
If Acima is reporting inaccurate information to credit bureaus — which the CFPB alleged they were doing at scale — you have rights under the FCRA to dispute and demand correction.
Specific Threats: What Is and Is Not Legal
"We will sue you"
Threatening legal action the company does not intend to take, or has no present ability to take, is generally a deceptive practice. The NY AG's complaint specifically cited Acima for making false threats to sue.
"We will repossess your item"
Repossession of lease-to-own merchandise is a more complex area than repossession of a financed vehicle. Depending on your state, there may be specific legal requirements before repossession can occur. Threatening repossession without following those procedures — or threatening repossession as a scare tactic when there is no immediate intent to act — may violate consumer protection laws.
Calling your employer
Contacting your employer about your account is a tactic that can cause real harm — including job loss. Even if Acima is not technically subject to the FDCPA, repeatedly contacting your employer after being told to stop is the kind of conduct state attorneys general have found problematic.
Calling family members
Contacting third parties about your account — particularly in a way that discloses that you have an account or owe money — may violate both state law and general consumer protection principles.
How to Respond to Acima Threats
1. Do not panic.
A threat is not the same as an action. Verify any claimed legal proceeding before responding to it. If Acima threatens a lawsuit, check your county court records to see if a case has actually been filed.
2. Write everything down.
Keep a log of every call: the date, time, the number that called you, the name of the person you spoke with, and exactly what was said. This documentation is essential if you later want to file a complaint or pursue legal remedies.
3. Send a written cease communication request.
Even though the FDCPA may not technically apply to Acima as a lessor, sending a written letter demanding they stop calling you creates a paper trail. Send it via certified mail with return receipt requested.
4. File complaints.
- CFPB: consumerfinance.gov/complaint — still accepts Acima complaints
- FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Your state attorney general — especially if you are in New York, where an active case is ongoing
- Better Business Bureau: bbb.org
5. Consult a consumer protection attorney.
If Acima's tactics have crossed a line — false threats, employer harassment, bankruptcy violations — a licensed attorney can evaluate whether you have a claim under state consumer protection law or other applicable statutes. Many consumer protection attorneys offer free initial consultations.
Acima Phone Numbers
If you receive calls from Acima, the primary contact numbers associated with the company include:
- (801) 297-1982 — main customer service
- (800) 742-1789 — alternate toll-free number