Negotiate and Settle Debt With Accredited Collection Services
Accredited Collection Services is a legitimate debt collector, but you have options. Respond to any lawsuit immediately, request proof of the debt, and negotiate a settlement for less than you owe. Never accept liability without evidence, and always get settlement terms in writing.
Respond to LawsuitAccredited Collection Services is a legitimate third-party debt collection agency. They have been buying and collecting debts for almost 40 years. If you’re struggling with a lawsuit from Accredited Collection Services, you have options. You can negotiate, settle, and potentially win your case.
Don’t ignore them. Taking action now protects your rights and your wallet.
Beat Accredited Collection Services in Court
Don't let Accredited Collection Services win by default. Get help drafting your Answer, choosing the right defenses, and negotiating a settlement that saves you money.
Answer the LawsuitWhat Is Accredited Collection Services?
Your original creditor may sell your unpaid debt to a collection agency. Accredited Collection Services could be that agency. They purchase debts from credit card companies, auto lenders, and personal loan providers.
You can contact them directly:
- Phone: (402) 331-0103 or (877) 331-0103
- Address: P.O. Box 27238, Omaha, NE 68127
- Email: acsmoney@acsomaha.com
Who Does Accredited Collection Services Collect For?
Accredited Collection Services pursues delinquent accounts from various sectors. They collect for credit card companies, auto loan lenders, and personal loan providers. They buy discharged accounts and pursue payment aggressively.
Check Online Reviews Before You Engage
Researching reviews helps you understand what to expect. Other consumers share their experiences online. You can find reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau website.
Reviews for Accredited Collection Services show mixed results. Some consumers report productive conversations and reasonable payment arrangements. Others describe frustrating experiences. One reviewer named Karen shared her story:
“I detest collection agencies. However, this company has actually been helpful. I had a bill for over 1000. My husband said he had been paying. NOT! I had no idea until I got the bill from this company. I called them and explained the situation to them. We came to an agreement on a monthly payment. They were actually very nice about the whole thing.”
Karen’s review highlights an important truth. Proactively engaging with debt collectors improves your odds of reaching an agreement. Debt collectors generally prefer settling over lengthy court battles.
How to Negotiate a Debt Settlement
You can negotiate at any stage of the collection process. Whether you’ve been sued or just received phone calls, settlement remains possible. If you acknowledge the debt, settlement could save you money.
Follow these steps to negotiate with Accredited Collection Services:
- If you were served with a lawsuit, file an Answer immediately. Missing this deadline results in automatic judgment against you.
- Calculate how much you can afford to pay. Use this formula: Amount available = (monthly income minus monthly costs) plus savings.
- Make a reasonable offer that’s less than your maximum budget. Start lower to leave room for negotiation.
- Expect multiple rounds of back-and-forth negotiation. Debt collectors rarely accept the first offer.
- Get the final agreement in writing before making any payment. Verbal promises don’t protect you.
When dealing with debt lawsuits, our partner Solo can help you respond to the lawsuit and negotiate effectively.
Essential Tips for Settling Your Debt
Never Ignore a Debt Collection Lawsuit
Ignoring a lawsuit is the worst mistake you can make. The problem won’t disappear on its own. Instead, you’ll face a default judgment. The court automatically rules against you.
Default judgments lead to wage garnishment and bank account levies. You could end up paying more with interest and court costs. Responding to the lawsuit gives you negotiating power.
You must respond within the deadline shown on your court papers. Most states give you 20 to 30 days.
Never Accept Liability Immediately
Your official response should deny liability for the debt. Denying liability doesn’t mean lying. It means requiring the collector to prove their case.
Accepting liability eliminates your negotiating position. You give up your right to challenge the debt amount or ownership. Always deny liability in your initial response.
Request Proof of the Debt
After denying liability, request evidence from the collector. They must prove they own your debt. They must show they have the right to sue you. They must provide documentation of the original debt.
Proof includes the original credit agreement and chain of custody paperwork. Many debts change hands multiple times. Documentation often gets lost in the process. Collectors frequently cannot provide adequate proof.
If they can’t prove the debt, they can’t win the lawsuit.
Use Affirmative Defenses
You have several defenses available against debt collectors:
- Mistaken identity: They sued the wrong person
- Past bankruptcy: The debt was already discharged
- Fraudulent charges: You didn’t authorize the charges
- Statute of limitations: The debt is too old to sue
- FDCPA violations: The collector broke federal laws
Choosing the right defenses strengthens your case. You can combine multiple defenses for maximum protection.
Settlement Options That Work
Settling with Accredited Collection Services gives you several options. You can negotiate a lump sum payment for less than owed. You can arrange a payment plan with reduced total amount. You can request deletion from your credit report as part of settlement.
Start by offering 25-30% of the total debt. Debt collectors often accept 40-60% in final settlement. Never agree to more than you can afford.
Make sure any settlement agreement includes these terms in writing:
- The exact amount you’ll pay
- The payment schedule
- Statement that payment satisfies the debt in full
- Agreement not to sell remaining balance to another collector
- Credit reporting agreement
Protect Your Rights During Collection
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from abusive practices. Debt collectors cannot harass you. They cannot call at unreasonable hours. They cannot threaten illegal actions.
Document every interaction with Accredited Collection Services. Keep records of phone calls, letters, and emails. Note the date, time, and content of each contact.
If collectors violate your rights, you can countersue. FDCPA violations can result in damages up to $1,000. You may also recover attorney fees.
When to Consider Professional Help
Sometimes you need professional assistance. Consider getting help if you face multiple lawsuits. Seek help if the debt amount exceeds $5,000. Get assistance if you don’t understand the legal process.
Our partner Solo helps you respond to debt collection lawsuits. They provide tools to draft your Answer and choose defenses. They guide you through settlement negotiations.
Consumer rights attorneys can represent you in court. Many offer free consultations. Some work on contingency for FDCPA violation cases.
Take Action Now
Facing a lawsuit from Accredited Collection Services feels overwhelming. You have more power than you realize. You can negotiate, settle, or fight the lawsuit.
Start by responding to the lawsuit within the deadline. Request proof of the debt. Consider your settlement options. Document everything.
Don’t let debt control your life. You have options and rights. Taking action today protects your financial future.