Acceptance Now on Your Credit Report? Fight Back and Win

Debt collection is a difficult and overwhelming experience, but it is important to stay informed about the methods agencies like Acceptance Now use to stay on top of the situation. This article will provide you with a comprehensive look at how these collections work so you can understand the process better and learn what steps you can take to protect yourself. 

We'll also help you learn how to challenge inaccuracies in their records, as well as how to possibly remove the debt from your credit report. By arming yourself with this information, you're setting yourself up for success when it comes to dealing with Acceptance Now's collections.

What Does Acceptance Now Do?

Debt collectors like Acceptance Now - founded in Delaware in 1983, and now headquartered in Maryland - are companies that are contracted by creditors to pursue repayment of debts owed by debtors, such as when someone falls behind on their bills. In some cases, debt collectors may buy the debt owed for a fraction of its value, and then use various methods to recover the whole amount from the debtor.

Collectors contact debtors directly via mail, phone calls and emails, typically in an attempt to negotiate an agreement over repayment of the debt. They often employ tactics such as reminders and warnings of possible legal actions in order to motivate payment. Through these methods, debt collectors seek to ensure that outstanding money is collected and the original creditor is paid back in full.

Is Acceptance Now a Legit Company?

Yes, Acceptance Now is a legitimate debt collector - they’re not a scam, so it’s unwise to ignore them if they contact you. Their contact information can be found below:

• Phone Number: (410) 744-0294
• Address: 5840 Baltimore National Pike Catonsville, MD 21228
• BBB Rating: 1/5 

It's worth mentioning that Acceptance Now currently has a 1 star rating on the Better Business Bureau Profile, with thousands of complaints filed there and with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Although they are legally permitted to pursue debts, it's important to understand your rights before any communication or negotiation takes place with this company.

Taking precautions such as researching state and federal laws pertaining to debt collection can help to ensure that no unfair arrangements occur and that you aren't bullied or taken advantage of.

What Can I Do If I’m Being Harassed by Acceptance Now?

Working with debt collectors can be a taxing process, but the FDCPA exists to provide consumers with essential protections against unfair and potentially illegal practices. It's vital that you are familiar with your rights under this act prior to engaging with Acceptance Now or any other collector.

Some prohibited behaviors under this law include inadequate disclosure of a consumer's legal rights, use of profane language, threats of violence, or repeated phone calls at inconvenient times. Here is a general outline of some of these prohibitions:

• Falsely representing the character, amount or legal status of any debt
• Using deceptive or misleading representations or means in an attempt to collect a debt
• Communicating with a consumer about a debt for the purpose of harassing, oppressing or abusing them
• Placing telephone calls without meaningful disclosure of caller's identity
• Utilizing abusive language in the process of collecting debts
• Misrepresenting to consumers that they have committed a crime by not paying their debts
• Employing false threats to garnish wages, seize property or take other legal action against the consumer if such action is not legally permissible
• Publishing lists of consumers who allegedly owe debts without their prior consent

To ensure that Acceptance Now is held accountable if any violation occurs, always keep a record of all communication with the company. You may find this information to be valuable should your case proceed to litigation. 

Additionally, it is best to secure the help of an expert lawyer with experience in this industry. They can help you navigate the appropriate steps and inform you which options are most effective in safeguarding your rights.

How Can I Get Acceptance Now Removed from My Credit Report? 

The first step to getting a collections account removed from your credit report is understanding the process. Collections accounts can remain on your credit report for seven years or more, depending on when the collection was reported.

You'll need to be familiar with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), as it gives you the authority to dispute any inaccuracies on your credit report. Additionally, you'll want to be aware of any state-level laws that may impact how long a collections account will remain on your record.

Once you understand how collections accounts work, there are several actions you can take to remove them from your credit report:

• Respond promptly and thoroughly to requests for payment and/or documents from collection agencies or creditors.
• Negotiate a settlement agreement with the creditor or collection agency that includes having the debt removed from your credit report in exchange for full payment.
• Request a “goodwill adjustment” if you have been consistently making payments in good faith but are still unable to reach an agreement with the creditor or collection agency.
• Challenge the accuracy of information on your credit report by filing a dispute directly with the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax and TransUnion—and supplying evidence of inaccuracies if available.

For additional support, consider contacting a qualified attorney who can walk you through each step and help you overcome any obstacles you may face.

Contact Us For Your Free Case Review

Dealing with a collections agency is no easy feat. That's why Fair Credit is here to help - our team of highly trained legal experts understand the challenges you are facing, and are dedicated to fighting for your rights. From assessing any possible violations of the law to negotiating better terms on outstanding payments and stopping further harassment, we have your back every step of the way. 

Get in touch today for a free case review.