If you're dealing with debt collectors and creditors, you already know how stressful it can be. Falling behind on payments, worrying about collection notices, and dreading how a poor credit score reflects on your reputation can wreak havoc on your life and mental well-being.
In this article, we'll demystify what Pro Collect is, how they operate, and most importantly, how to get them removed from your credit report. With the information here, you'll have a better understanding of your situation and how to improve things moving forward.
Pro Collect is a third-party debt collector founded in Texas in 1995. They are often hired by creditors when the creditors themselves cannot collect payment from their customers. The debt collectors purchase these accounts for far less than the amount originally owed and then attempt to contact debtors to recoup the full cost of repayment.
This is done through either a one-time lump sum or an arrangement for repayment plans. Generally, debt collection agencies risk taking a loss in any transaction and make money only through successful collections. As such, many employ strategies designed to frighten, harass or shame debtors into paying the full amount due.
Pro Collect is a legitimate debt collector - if the company contacts you using any of the information below, you can be sure that they’re legit and not a scam:
A cursory search of online reviews shows that Pro Collect has some questionable debt-collection practices and a poor reputation among consumers — as evidenced by their 1-star rating with the Better Business Bureau and hundreds of complaints lodged there and with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
To protect yourself, it’s best to avoid engaging with the company until you have a better understanding of your rights or have consulted with a lawyer. Don’t be bullied into accepting negative terms and never sign anything without consulting counsel - when dealing with collectors, it's essential to stay informed and not be afraid to exercise your rights.
When Pro Collect reaches out to you, knowing your rights under federal law can help put your mind at ease. Federal law establishes parameters for how a debt collector can reach out to you, including which methods are acceptable, what information they need to provide, and how often they can make contact with you. Having an understanding of your rights can greatly reduce the stress of an already difficult situation.
Here are some illegal behaviors to look out for when dealing with Pro Collect:
If Pro Collect has broken federal law in any of their interactions with you, your best recourse is to take legal action. Documentation of any offenses that occur is essential for a successful case - retaining all communication with the collector or harassing party can help protect your rights if allegations need to be brought before a court of law.
It is also beneficial to consult an attorney well-versed in consumer law in order to understand all of your legal options and ensure that the proceeding goes as smoothly as possible.
When you notice a collections account on your credit report, it's important to take action to dispute it. This is because the account may be inaccurate, or could even be from someone else who has the same name as you. It can cause serious damage to your credit score if not addressed properly and promptly.
It is necessary to understand the process of disputing a collections account so that you can take steps to improve your credit score. Here are a few things you should do as soon as you notice a negative mark on your report:
After filing a dispute, the collection agency will be notified of your challenge and must investigate it within 30 days of receipt. The bureau will send a copy of your dispute to the collector, who must contact them back with any additional information they have related to this debt.
If no response is received within 30 days, then the entry should be removed from your credit report altogether. No matter what happens during this period, you should always keep records in case you need them later on in case there is further action taken regarding this specific debt later on down the line.
If you're overwhelmed by debt collections and don't know where to turn, Fair Credit is here for you. Our experienced consumer law attorneys can provide the guidance needed to get back in control of your financial future.
We also offer free case reviews so you can be sure our approach is tailored to your individual circumstances. Don't let debt collections rob you of your peace of mind - connect with us today and take steps towards a better financial future.
Don't let these companies get away with violating your rights and causing you financial & emotional distress.