How to Settle Debt With Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS)
Advanced Recovery Systems is a legitimate debt collector that contacts consumers about unpaid debts. You have rights under the FDCPA and options to resolve your debt through validation requests, lawsuit responses, or settlement negotiations. Taking action early gives you the best chance of reaching a favorable outcome.
Answer ARS LawsuitOutstanding debt with Advanced Recovery Systems can feel overwhelming. You have options to resolve your situation successfully.
What Is Advanced Recovery Systems?
Advanced Recovery Systems, Inc. operates as ARS Collects. The nationwide debt collection company is based in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. They’ve been in business since 1996.
Respond to Advanced Recovery Systems in Minutes
ARS gave you 14-30 days to file your Answer. Don't wait until the deadline passes and risk a default judgment. Our partner Solo helps you create a professional Answer and negotiate settlements online.
Start Your ResponseARS uses proven recovery methods for account receivable management services. You can reach them through multiple channels:
- Physical Address: 901 East Eighth Avenue, Suite 206, King of Prussia, PA 19406
- Mailing Address: PO Box 80766, Valley Forge, PA 19484
- Phone: 888-354-0990 or 610-354-0990
- Fax: 610-354-0996
Who Does ARS Collect For?
ARS specializes in healthcare and commercial debt recoveries. They collect for medical companies, healthcare providers, and credit card companies.
Your original creditor hands over your account after several missed payments. They may keep the account or sell the debt to ARS.
ARS contacts you immediately after receiving your debt information. They use email, phone calls, and letters. Ignoring them often escalates their collection efforts.
Read Advanced Recovery Systems Reviews Before Negotiating
Checking online reviews helps you prepare for negotiations. Other consumers share their experiences with Advanced Recovery Systems.
Reviews appear mixed, which is normal for debt collectors. Don’t let mixed reviews stop you from engaging proactively.
One borrower named Thurl shared a positive experience:
“Wow. I was so stressed out until I got on the phone with the guys at Advanced Recovery Systems. I was being a little rude when I first got in contact with them due to my own frustration, but the person on the other side of the phone was able to calm me down and help me get the a good solution. Seriously so grateful that I got in contact with them and I would highly recommend!”
Open communication with ARS increases your chances of reaching a resolution. If calling sounds intimidating, our partner Solo can help you negotiate online through their digital settlement platform.
Exercise Your Rights When ARS Contacts You
The Fair Debt Collection and Practices Act (FDCPA) protects you from abusive practices. ARS cannot:
- Report inaccurate debt amounts on your credit report
- Call you excessively throughout the day
- Threaten to seize your important documents
- Falsely claim their representatives are attorneys
- Threaten to have you arrested
Report FDCPA violations to your state attorney general’s office. You can also file complaints with the BBB, CFPB, or FTC.
Steps to Respond to an Advanced Recovery Systems Lawsuit
ARS may sue you if payments remain unpaid. You can still fight the lawsuit successfully by following these steps.
Answer Each Claim in the Complaint
The Complaint lists allegations against you. You must respond to each allegation three ways:
- Admit: You agree the claim is true
- Deny: You require ARS to prove their claim
- Deny for lack of knowledge: You lack sufficient information to respond
Lawyers recommend denying some allegations to make ARS prove their case. Our partner Solo provides an easy way to create and file your Answer.
Assert Your Affirmative Defenses
Affirmative defenses explain why you’re not responsible for the debt. Valid defenses include:
- The debt amount is inaccurate
- The debt exceeded the statute of limitations
- You already paid the debt in full
- The debt was canceled or discharged
- ARS lacks legal standing to collect
Saying you cannot afford payment doesn’t qualify as a defense.
File Your Answer and Send a Copy to ARS
Timely filing is crucial to avoid a default judgment. Most states give you 14 to 30 days to respond.
Send one copy to the court and another to ARS’s lawyers. Keep the third copy for your records.
Filing an Answer is only the first step. Direct negotiation with ARS often leads to better outcomes.
Settle Your Debt With Advanced Recovery Systems
Debt settlement allows you to pay less than you owe. You need available cash or access to funds for this strategy.
Settlement clears your name of the debt permanently. Many collectors accept 40% to 60% of the original balance.
How to Negotiate a Settlement With ARS
Start by determining how much you can realistically afford. Gather documentation of your financial hardship if applicable.
Contact ARS directly to propose a settlement amount. Begin with a lower offer than you can actually pay. ARS will likely counter with a higher amount.
Negotiate back and forth until you reach an acceptable agreement. Get everything in writing before making any payment.
The settlement agreement should include:
- The final settlement amount
- Payment terms and deadlines
- Confirmation that the debt will be marked as settled
- Agreement to dismiss any pending lawsuit
Never provide bank account information directly to debt collectors. Use secure payment methods that protect your financial data.
Use Technology to Settle Your Debt
Our partner Solo offers a tech-based approach to debt settlement. Their software lets you send and receive settlement offers until reaching an agreement.
The platform manages settlement documentation for your debt lawsuit case. Your financial information stays private and secure throughout the process.
Solo transfers your payment to the collector on your behalf. You avoid exposing your banking details to collection agencies.
Request Debt Validation From ARS
You have the right to request debt validation within 30 days. ARS must prove they own the debt and the amount is correct.
Send your validation request via certified mail with return receipt. Include these questions:
- What is the original creditor’s name?
- What is the original debt amount?
- When did I allegedly incur this debt?
- Do you have documentation proving I owe this debt?
- Are you licensed to collect debts in my state?
ARS must stop collection activities until they provide validation. If they cannot validate the debt, they must cease collection efforts entirely.
What Happens If You Ignore ARS?
Ignoring ARS rarely makes your debt disappear. Collection efforts typically escalate over time.
ARS may increase contact attempts through multiple channels. They could report the debt to credit bureaus, damaging your credit score.
Eventually, ARS may file a lawsuit against you. A court judgment allows them to garnish wages or levy bank accounts.
Proactive engagement gives you more control over the outcome. You have better negotiating power before a lawsuit is filed.
Protect Your Credit During ARS Collections
ARS reports to major credit bureaus, impacting your credit score. Collection accounts remain on your credit report for seven years.
Settling the debt doesn’t remove it from your credit report. The account will show as “settled” or “paid for less than owed.”
Negotiate a “pay for delete” agreement when possible. ARS may agree to remove the collection account after payment.
Get any pay-for-delete agreement in writing before making payment. Not all collectors offer this option, but it’s worth requesting.
Know Your State’s Statute of Limitations
Each state has time limits for collecting debts through lawsuits. The statute of limitations varies by state and debt type.
Old debts may be time-barred, meaning collectors cannot sue you. However, you still technically owe the debt.
Making a payment or acknowledging the debt can restart the statute. Be cautious when dealing with old debts.
Consult with a consumer rights attorney if you think your debt is time-barred. They can help you understand your state’s specific laws.