Receiving a phone call from a debt collector can be stressful. Debt collectors often utilize aggressive tactics to encourage borrowers to settle a debt, when the borrower may not even be aware of the debt in the first place. They can also utilize tactics to compel users to respond without verifying the debt in question.
Southwest Credit Systems, or SWC Group, is a debt collection agency. If you’ve been contacted by a collector from Southwest, you may need some assistance. Getting the aid of a credit repair attorney in Atlanta can streamline the process and resolve any issues quickly.
Today, we will review everything you need to know about Southwest Credit Systems and who they collect for.
Southwest Credit Systems Explained
Southwest Credit Systems, or SWC Group, is an agency that fills the role of a third-party debt collection. They specialize in managing billions of dollars in receivable accounts within numerous industries. They may contact you for an outstanding debt, and mention the negative consequences if this unpaid debt is on your credit report. It’s important to know which information is and is not found on your credit report.
Customers will typically ask if SWC Group is a legitimate agency for collection, because they are unsure how to handle a call or email from this company.
The Legitimacy of Southwest Credit Systems
SWC Group was formerly known as Southwest Credit Systems. They are a legitimate debt collection agency based in Carrollton, Texas. The company was originally created in 1974 and has hundreds of employees. It has also been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 1976.
However, the company has not had the brightest reputation. Customers have complained of harassment by the debt collector, wrong debt amounts being quoted, unfair debt entry to their credit report, and failures towards validating the debt on request.
Who Southwest Credit Systems Actually Collects For
Southwest Credit Systems provides services such as account receivable management and even customer service solutions in numerous industries. Some of the key industries include:
- Property management
- Telecommunications
- Government
- Education
- Utilities
- Highway tolls
Collections can hurt an individual’s credit score and they can remain on their credit report for up to seven years, regardless of whether the individual paid it or not. Paying the collection can, at times, lower the overall credit score. However, it is possible to remove the collection account from the credit history before seven years.
How to Remove Southwest Credit Systems From Credit Reports
Removing a collection entry from a credit report can be simple. However, it is far from easy to execute. You must have a high level of understanding your rights, the ability to request debt validation, the ability to negotiate a settlement, and at the very least, the option to hire a professional.
Most people that have dealt with Southwest Credit Systems were unaware that they have specific rights under the law that the debt collectors violated. Understanding the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) can go a long way toward fighting back. This act prevents debt collectors from harassing or abusing borrowers, and enables borrowers to view the information in their credit reports. Borrowers can then dispute any information that is inaccurate.
Additionally, you can request debt validation. Southwest Credit Systems has to comply as long as the individual reaches out within thirty days after being contacted for the first time.
If the borrower fails to get the entry removed due to a specific technicality, they can agree with SWC in the form of Pay for Delete. This is an agreement where Southwest Credit Systems get paid in exchange for ceasing to report the debt to major credit bureaus. However, this is discouraged and does not always go as planned.
Borrowers can always work with a professional, such as a credit repair company. Credit repair is legal in Georgia, as long as the repair servicers make it clear they can only remove inaccurate or outdated items from a report. Credit repair services can support borrowers in requesting Pay for Delete or Goodwill Deletion.
Moving Forward With Southwest Credit Systems
If there comes a time when you receive a call or an email from Southwest Credit Systems or SWC Group, getting aid from a credit repair company like The Phenix Group can help. These services remove inaccurate, incomplete, or even fraudulent entries and keep your credit reports as up-to-date as possible.