Nobody likes being in debt. This is why it’s encouraged to keep on top of your finances, using tools like a self-credit builder to raise your credit score or considering debt consolidation versus credit card refinancing if you need to manage your dues better.
But the reality is that we sometimes find ourselves unable to pay what we owe. When this happens, you might start getting calls from debt collectors like Credit Collection Services (CCS). This can get scary, especially when the agents start becoming extra aggressive or threaten you with legal action. But if you understand your rights, know how to deal with these collections, and employ credit repair services in Atlanta, then you can stop their harassment and resolve any issues to your advantage.
What Is CCS?
Credit Collection Services, or ‘CCS’ for short, is one of the largest debt collection agencies in the United States. They work for lenders and creditors in a variety of industries, including banking, healthcare, insurance, and utilities, to collect debts that are past due or have defaulted from consumers.
CCS goes by multiple other names like CCS Offices, CCS Collection, CCS Payment, CCS Commercial, CCS Companies, and CCS Credit Collection Services.
How Do CCS Collections Work?
If CCS is collecting from you, then it’s likely that either your lender has sold your debt to them or has hired the firm to chase you for payments on their behalf. CCS then works to acquire a portion or the whole debt from you. This process is typical for most debt collectors.
How to Deal with CCS Collections
CCS is infamous for being aggressive in its collection efforts, so getting solicitations from them can be incredibly stressful. If the agency is harassing you, stay calm and plan out your next course of action.
Know Your Rights
Debt collection agencies like the CCS have several rules and regulations they must abide by. Here are some important ones to remember:
- A debt collector can’t call you before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM.
- A debt collector can’t call your place of employment after you explicitly refuse personal phone calls in your workplace.
- A debt collector must always identify themselves and the agency they work for.
- A debt collector can’t share information about your debts with your family, friends, or employer.
- A debt collector is prohibited from making threats to harm you, your reputation, or your property.
- A debt collector can’t use profane language towards you.
- A debt collector must communicate with your lawyer if you have one.
If a CCS representative has violated any of these, you can report them to the relevant government and regulatory agencies; you may even be able to file a suit against them.
Validate and Dispute the Debt
When collecting, the CCS must send you a Notice of Debt with complete information, including extensive details about the debt and a reminder of your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FCPA). If it’s incorrect, incomplete, or past the statute of limitations, then the debt is uncollectible.
Don’t assume that the amount mentioned by CCS is accurate; they can make mistakes too. It’s best to validate your debt by checking your credit reports (you can request these from the three credit bureaus) and asking CCS to provide you with proof that you owe the debt. If they’re unable to validate the debt, they must stop collecting from you and remove the negative entry from your credit report.
Negotiate a Settlement
In many cases, the debt CCS is collecting is valid, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay the full amount right there and then (nor that you have to pay the full amount at all). Remember that debt collectors usually buy the debt for less than the actual amount. This means that you can get away with paying for just 40% to 60% of what you owe and they’ll still make a profit.
If you settle your debt based on agreeable terms, they may even accept a “pay for delete” agreement. If they do, be sure to confirm it in writing.
Get Help From The Phenix Group
One of the best ways to deal with CCS collections is to hire a credit repair company like The Phenix Group. We can help you handle aggressive agents, validate collections, and come up with favorable settlements, all while guiding you on how to ultimately improve your credit score. Don’t let CCS collections steer you away from financial freedom–get help from The Phenix Group today!