Can Paying Off Collections Raise Your Credit Score?
A reader wants to boost his credit by paying off some third-party collection accounts.
Ashley Davison
6 minute read
Solve Your Problems with Debt Collection
Find solutions to settle your debts and fight back against collector harassment
CALL US NOW(800)-810-0989Stop the Constant Stress of Debt Collections
If you’re getting calls from debt collectors, your financial stress is probably running high. Not only do you have the burden of finding a way to get out of debt, you may be dealing with debt collectors that cross the line and violate your rights. The good news is that there are solutions that can help you solve your debt problems but fight back against abusive and harassing tactics by collectors.
[On-screen text] Debt Collector Harassment Response Center
Welcome to Debt.com’s Collector Harassment Response Center. If you’re facing collection actions because of unpaid debt, it doesn’t give a collector the right to abuse, harass or threaten you.
Your rights are protected under federal law by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. And if a collector violates that law, you can fight back and even sue them for harassment in civil court.
This section tells you everything you need to know when dealing with a collector whose crossed the line. You can find sample cease and desist letters, learn how to file collection complaints with the FTC and CFPB, and how to begin pursuing a court case.
To get started, simply complete our form to tell us about your situation. Debt.com will match you with the right service so you can get the help you need. We are A-plus rated by the Better Business Bureau and have helped thousands of people become financially stable and find solutions tailored to their unique situations.
So, don’t struggle any longer. Give us a call. When life happens, we’re here for you.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE STRESS OF COLLECTIONS!
Talk to resolution specialist now that can match you with the exact solution (or solutions) that you need to end the stress of debt collection, so you can get back to financial stability.
Can a Debt Collector Have Me Arrested?
In 19th Century England, more than half of all prisoners were there for unpaid bills. But in the United States, there’s no such thing as debtor’s prison. Not since the 1830s anyway.
Here’s how it works in this century; if you don’t pay your bills, you don’t go to prison. But you could still go to court. You can be sued for what you owe. And while you won’t be sent up the river, your credit score can sink to the bottom of the ocean.
If a debt collector threatens you with jail time, it’s a big, fat, lie. It’s also a warning sign. Don’t be bullied. Call Debt.com if debt collectors are harassing you, and we can make them stop. Because this is the 21st century and there are laws against collector harassment. We can tell you all about them, just call us.
Don’t Believe a Debt Collector’s Threats!
Debt collectors will make all kinds of threats to try and scare you into repaying. But these types of statements aren’t just untrue – they’re against the law. So, for instance, if a debt collector threatens to send you to jail, it’s not you that needs to worry about the lawman. It’s them. You can’t be sent to jail because you don’t pay a debt collection bill. And if a collector tells you that you will, it’s harassment. You may be able to sue them civil court and get damages for their lies and abuse.
Learn MoreMapping America’s Delinquencies and Defaults
Roughly one in four Americans have some type of debt or account that's in collections. Whether it's a delinquent credit card account, a defaulted student loan, or an unpaid medical debt, it all means the same thing for the consumer – harassing phone calls, demands for payments, and constant financial stress. We've gathered up the latest debt collection statistics so you can see just how many Americans face challenges with collections and why collection issues consistently top the CFPB's list of top consumer complaints every year.
More Statistics
DEBT.COM CAN HELP YOU DEAL WITH DEBT COLLECTION
Whether you need to file complaints against collector harassment or settle your debt to get the collectors off your back, we can help. Get a free evaluation today.
Debt Collection How-To Guides
Setting up settlement offers and suing collectors usually requires professional help. But there are other steps you can take yourself if you’re facing challenges from a harassing debt collector. These how-to guides are designed to walk you step-by-step through some key processes you need to know if you're dealing with a collector. This will help you get some traction on ending your problems with debt collections.
UNDERSTANDING DEBT COLLECTION
Once a creditor or lender sells your debt to a third-party, there are a specific set of rules that dictate what the collector can and can’t do to collect their money. Knowing how the process works and what the restrictions are can help you understand when a collector crosses the line.
FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES
When a debt gets charged off and goes to collections, the actions of the collector are controlled by the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. Understanding this key consumer rights protection is crucial when you’re dealing with collectors, so you know what they can and can’t do.
TAKE ACTION TO STOP HARASSING COLLECTION ACTIONS TODAY!
Don’t spend another day stressed and dodging collectors. Debt.com can help you find solutions to get out of debt and stop abuse by debt collectors now.
Have Questions about Debt Collection?
If you have questions about how to deal with debt collectors, what counts as collector harassment or what your rights are under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, we can help. Ask Debt.com’s panel of certified debt experts to get the answers you need so you can stop the phone calls and end your problems with collectors quickly with the least hassle possible.
What happens if you don’t pay court-ordered restitution?
A reader is making his court ordered restitution payments, but he’s still getting trouble for it. See how our expert says to handle the problem.
Mandi Woodruff
10 minute read
Who Owns My Student Loans?
A reader’s college loans have been sold and resold to collection agencies, and collection call déjà vu is getting really old.
Andrew Pentis
3 minute read
How Can I Deal with Shady Mortgage Collection Agencies?
A reader is stuck paying back a mortgage to a mortgage collection agency on a foreclosed home, but may really be the victim of a scam.
Denny Ceizyk
4 minute read
When Do Collections Fall Off Your Credit Report?
A reader wants to know how much they can expect their score to increase as old collection accounts disappear, and what it means for the debt.
Mandi Woodruff
10 minute read
What Happens When You Are Sued by a Creditor – and Can’t Afford It?
Two readers struggle with getting sued by creditors because of their debt. Can it happen, and if it does, what should they do?
Debt.com
10 minute read
Do Debt Collectors Have to Accept any Payment?
A reader wants to know if they’re still on the hook for repaying a debt once a collections department rejects a partial payment.
Mandi Woodruff
3 minute read
I Have a Delinquent Loan on My Car. How Do I Get it Off My Credit Report?
A reader is making payments but is still delinquent. Why?
Gerri Detweiler
9 minute read
Latest News about Debt Collection
Why Most Seniors Don’t Need to Be Afraid of Judgments
Receive a court order? This lawyer came to an elderly woman’s aid when she received an empty threat.
Eric Olsen
10 minute read
When Do I Need a Debt Collection Attorney?
The answer depends on what stage your debt is in. We interviewed two attorneys to find out when you really need a debt collection attorney.
Kira Rosemarie
8 minute read
Don’t Fall for These 5 Collection Agency Tricks
Some collection agencies will tell you anything to get you to pay – even when it’s illegal.
Deb Hipp
10 minute read
8 Ways to Deal with Debt Collectors
Having debts in collections is stressful and dodging avoidance can lead to calls to your employer and lawsuits. Here are eight better ways to deal with a debt collector that don’t involve just paying outright.
Debt.com
4 minute read
What Happens when My Account Goes to Collections?
Here’s what you need to know when your account gets sold to a collection agency.
Deb Hipp
3 minute read
Debt Validation: How to Verify a Collection Account
If you’re facing debt collections, make sure that the collector verifies the debt fully before you start to negotiate. Learn how debt validation works and what you should do next.
Debt.com
10 minute read
Don’t Make These 7 Mistakes That Can Bring Old Debt Back to Life
Here’s how to avoid common missteps that can summon an old debt back to haunt you.
Deb Hipp
9 minute read
6 Consumer Rights to Know about Debt Collection
These consumer protection laws can protect you from bullying or disreputable debt collectors.
Deb Hipp
10 minute read
DISCLAIMER: Debt.com does not provide legal services, but, upon request, acts as a legal referral service for attorneys who may be able to assist you. It is ultimately up to you to determine whether the attorneys or law firms that we may introduce you to are appropriate for your situation. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.
See additional Advertising Disclosures