Quick Answer: The CBE Group, Inc. is a third-party debt collection agency based in Cedar Falls, Iowa, founded in 1933. They collect for healthcare providers, government agencies, the IRS, utilities, and telecoms. They are one of only four IRS-authorized private debt collectors in the United States. Their most commonly reported phone numbers are 866-912-1312 (customer service) and 800-910-5837 (IRS debt). The BBB has received 212+ complaints, and CFPB data shows 900+ complaints in a single year, with repeated phone calls as the top issue.
If CBE Group is in your call log: A call from a debt collector is a business communication, not a crisis. CBE Group is one of the largest and oldest collection agencies in the country, and they collect for a wide range of creditors including the IRS. You have specific federal rights under the FDCPA that govern every interaction. This page gives you the information to respond from a position of knowledge, not panic.
| Company Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | The CBE Group, Inc. |
| Type | Third-party debt collector |
| Headquartered | Cedar Falls, Iowa |
| Founded | 1933 (93 years in business) |
| Primary Creditors | IRS, healthcare providers, government agencies, utilities, telecoms |
| Primary Phone | 866-912-1312 |
| BBB Rating | A+ (BBB accredited since 1992) |
| Consumer Complaints | 900+ CFPB complaints per year; 212+ BBB complaints |
| Federal Court Cases | Multiple FDCPA lawsuits including Hendricks v. CBE Group (N.D. Ill. 2012) |
| Governed By | Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) |
The CBE Group is a debt collection agency — if they’re in your call log, they believe you owe money on an account, which could be anything from a medical bill to an IRS tax debt.
What makes CBE Group notable is their sheer scale and the breadth of creditors they serve. Founded in 1933, they employ over 1,300 people and are one of only four companies authorized by the IRS to collect federal tax debt. Their top consumer complaint, by a wide margin, is repeated phone calls — consumers report receiving 5-6 calls daily from CBE Group numbers.
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Who Is The CBE Group?
The CBE Group, Inc. is a third-party debt collector headquartered in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with additional operations in Waterloo, Iowa. Originally founded as the Credit Bureau of Black Hawk County in 1933, the company rebranded to The CBE Group in 1998. They don’t buy your debt — they’re hired by the original creditor to collect on their behalf. Their client list includes healthcare organizations, colleges and universities, government agencies at every level, financial institutions, utility companies, satellite and telecom providers, and the IRS. Because they collect for someone else, the original creditor still owns the debt — which affects who you’d ultimately negotiate with.
CBE Group Phone Numbers
CBE Group uses multiple phone numbers when contacting consumers. Consumers frequently report receiving calls from unfamiliar numbers that turn out to be CBE Group. If you received a call from any of the numbers below, it was CBE Group — and the same legal rights apply regardless of which number appeared on your caller ID.
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| Phone Number | Reported Use | Consumer Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 866-912-1312 | Customer service / general inquiries (toll-free) | Source: paycbegroup.com official site, WalletHub |
| 800-910-5837 | IRS debt collection / payment options | Source: cbegroup.com/irs official IRS portal |
| 513-914-4240 | Outbound collections calls | Source: 800notes — multiple consumer reports |
| 877-224-6529 | Debt collection (toll-free) | Source: multiple consumer report sites |
| 800-925-6686 | Waterloo, IA office | Source: Yelp business listing |
| 319-833-1095 | Local Waterloo, IA office | Source: business directory listings |
Why Is CBE Group Calling You?
- An IRS tax debt — CBE Group is one of only four companies authorized by the IRS to collect federal tax debts. If you have an unpaid federal tax balance, the IRS may have assigned your account to CBE Group. The IRS will send you a letter (CP40) before any private collector contacts you.
- A medical bill — CBE Group is a major healthcare debt collector. Even bills you thought insurance covered can end up in collections if there’s a balance dispute between your provider and insurer.
- A government debt — they collect for local, state, and federal government agencies. This could be unpaid fines, fees, or overpayments.
- A utility, telecom, or student loan bill — CBE Group collects for utility companies, satellite and telecom providers, and student loan guaranty agencies.
- A debt that isn’t yours — CFPB complaints show a significant number of consumers reporting that CBE Group is collecting debts they don’t recognize or that were already paid. Verify before you pay anything.
A call from a debt collector is not proof you owe anything. It’s an opening position. Treat it like one.
What Consumer Complaints Reveal About CBE Group
The CFPB receives over 900 complaints per year about CBE Group, ranking them #26 among 2,458 debt collection companies. The BBB has received 212+ complaints. Despite their A+ BBB rating, consumer complaint volume is high relative to their size. The most common issues:
Search CBE Group complaints in the CFPB database →
Read Consumer Complaint Themes (from CFPB and BBB filings)
“CBE Group calls me 5-6 times a day from different numbers. When I answer, there’s often no one on the line — just an automated system. I’ve asked them to stop calling but they continue every single day.”
“CBE Group sent me a collection notice but would not provide any documentation proving I owe this debt. When I requested debt validation in writing, they continued calling instead of sending written verification.”
“I keep getting calls from CBE Group about a medical bill that my insurance company already paid. I’ve given them the insurance information multiple times but they keep calling about the same balance.”
“A CBE representative threatened me over the phone and became aggressive when I asked for written proof of the debt. They implied there would be legal consequences if I didn’t pay immediately.”
“CBE Group continues to contact me about a utility bill I paid directly to the utility company months ago. I sent them proof of payment but they still have the account listed as open and continue calling.”
Sources: CFPB Consumer Complaint Database and Better Business Bureau. Complaint themes are representative of filed reports. Personal information redacted.
CBE Group in Federal Court
CBE Group has been named in multiple federal lawsuits alleging violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Hendricks v. CBE Group, Inc. (N.D. Illinois, 2012): A consumer sued CBE Group alleging that a CBE representative threatened him over the phone and that CBE made repeated harassing calls. The case proceeded on FDCPA claims under 15 U.S.C. § 1692, establishing that CBE Group’s phone tactics were subject to federal court scrutiny.
- Strauss v. CBE Group, Inc. (S.D. Florida, 2016) — FDCPA case involving CBE Group and Verizon New England. Both sides moved for summary judgment on claims about CBE Group’s collection practices on behalf of Verizon.
- Multiple additional FDCPA lawsuits — Consumer attorneys have documented 47+ lawsuits against CBE Group over a three-year period, primarily involving call frequency, threats, and debt validation failures.
Court records are sourced from CourtListener, maintained by the Free Law Project.
What this means for you: CBE Group’s lawsuit history shows a pattern of challenged phone practices. The 2021 CFPB Debt Collection Rule now limits collectors to 7 calls per 7 days per debt. If CBE Group is calling you more frequently than that, each excess call may be an FDCPA violation.
Important: CBE Group and IRS Debt
If CBE Group says they’re collecting an IRS debt: This may be legitimate. CBE Group is one of only four companies the IRS authorizes to collect federal tax debts. However, the IRS will always send you a letter (Notice CP40) before any private collector contacts you. If you didn’t receive that letter, the call may not be legitimate. You can verify by calling the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. Never give payment information to a caller claiming to be from the IRS without verifying through official channels first.
What To Do If CBE Group Is Calling You
- Check whether this is an IRS debt first. If CBE Group mentions federal taxes, verify through the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. The IRS will have sent you a CP40 notice before assigning your account to a private collector. If you didn’t get that letter, be cautious.
- Confirm what type of debt this is and who owns it. CBE Group collects for dozens of different creditors — medical providers, utilities, telecoms, government agencies, and the IRS. Ask them: “Who is the original creditor, and what is the original account number?” The answer determines your options.
- Request a debt validation notice in writing. CBE Group is legally required to send you a written notice within 5 days of first contact. If they haven’t, demand one. You then have 30 days to dispute the debt in writing.
- Check your state’s statute of limitations. If the debt is old enough, they can no longer sue you to collect — though they can still ask you to pay. Check your state here.
- Send a cease-and-desist if you want calls to stop. A written request by certified mail legally requires them to stop contacting you (except to confirm receipt or advise of legal action). Given CBE Group’s high complaint volume for repeated calls, documenting your cease request is especially important.
- Document everything. Date, time, what they said, which number called. If they violate the FDCPA, each violation can be worth up to $1,000 plus attorney fees in federal court. The 2021 CFPB rule limits them to 7 calls per 7 days per debt.
For the complete guide: Your Rights When a Debt Collector Calls.
Your FDCPA rights in brief: CBE Group must stop collection calls if you send a written cease request by certified mail. You can demand written debt verification within 30 days of first contact. They cannot call more than 7 times in 7 days per debt. FDCPA violations can be sued in federal court for up to $1,000 plus attorney fees. Full rights breakdown here.
Key Takeaways
- The CBE Group is a third-party debt collector based in Cedar Falls, Iowa (founded 1933, 1,300+ employees)
- They are one of only four IRS-authorized private tax debt collectors
- Key phone numbers: 866-912-1312 (customer service), 800-910-5837 (IRS debt), 513-914-4240 (collections)
- They collect for healthcare providers, government agencies, utilities, telecoms, and the IRS
- 900+ CFPB complaints per year; top issue is repeated phone calls (5-6 daily reported)
- 47+ lawsuits over three years, primarily for call frequency and debt validation failures
- Verify IRS debts through 1-800-829-1040 before paying; check your statute of limitations for all other debts
Free Tool — Debt Collector Rights Lookup: Being contacted by a debt collector? The free Debt Collector Rights Lookup shows your state-specific protections — statute of limitations, garnishment limits, and what collectors are legally prohibited from doing. Look Up Your Rights →
Frequently Asked Questions About CBE Group
Who is The CBE Group?
The CBE Group, Inc. is a third-party debt collection agency headquartered in Cedar Falls, Iowa, founded in 1933. They employ over 1,300 people and collect on behalf of healthcare providers, government agencies, utilities, telecoms, colleges, and the IRS. They are one of only four companies authorized by the IRS to collect federal tax debts. The CFPB receives over 900 complaints about CBE Group per year.
Is CBE Group a scam?
CBE Group is a licensed, BBB-accredited debt collection agency with an A+ rating, not a scam. They have been in business since 1933 and are authorized by the IRS to collect federal tax debts. However, having 900+ CFPB complaints per year indicates significant consumer issues, particularly around repeated phone calls and debt validation. If CBE Group contacts you about an IRS debt, verify by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 before paying anything.
Why is CBE Group calling me if I don’t recognize the debt?
CBE Group collects for a wide range of creditors, so the debt may appear under CBE Group’s name rather than the original company you did business with. It could be a medical bill your provider sent to collections, a utility balance, a government debt, or even an IRS tax liability. A significant portion of CFPB complaints involve consumers who say the debt is not theirs. Ask CBE Group to identify the original creditor and account number, and request written validation before assuming you owe anything.
Is this really about an IRS debt?
It may be. CBE Group is one of four companies the IRS authorizes to collect federal tax debts. However, the IRS always sends a written notice (CP40) before assigning your account to a private collector. If you did not receive that letter, the call may not be about an actual IRS debt. Verify by calling the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. Never give payment or bank information to someone claiming to collect for the IRS without confirming through official channels first.
How do I stop CBE Group from calling?
Send a written cease-and-desist letter by certified mail to The CBE Group, Inc., 1309 Technology Parkway, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. Under the FDCPA, they must stop calling after receiving your request, except to confirm receipt or notify you of legal action. Given that repeated calls are CBE Group’s number one complaint category, document every call with date, time, and number before sending your cease letter. The 2021 CFPB rule also limits them to seven calls per seven-day period per debt.
Can CBE Group sue me?
CBE Group is a third-party collector, not a debt buyer, so they typically do not file lawsuits themselves. However, the creditor who hired CBE Group could pursue legal action if the debt is within your state’s statute of limitations. For IRS debts, the government has broader collection powers including wage garnishment and tax refund offset without a court order. Check your state’s statute of limitations for non-IRS debts before assuming you are at risk.
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Should I pay CBE Group or negotiate?
Do not pay anything until you have verified the debt in writing and confirmed it is within the statute of limitations. For IRS debts, you may have options including installment agreements, offers in compromise, or currently-not-collectible status through the IRS directly rather than through CBE Group. For other debts, because CBE Group collects on behalf of the original creditor, any settlement must be approved by that creditor. Get any agreement in writing before making a payment.
Know Your Rights: If a debt collector is contacting you, you have legal protections. See the complete list of FDCPA violations collectors commit most often. Use the free Debt Validation Letter Generator to demand proof of the debt, or check this collector’s complaint history with the Scam-O-Meter.
Dealing With Debt? Before you pay a collector, understand all your debt relief options — including ones the collector won’t tell you about. If the debt feels unmanageable, take the 2-minute bankruptcy quiz to see if the math favors a fresh start. Federal Reserve research shows filers recover faster than those who don’t file.
