How to Settle Debt With CCS Collections (2024 Guide)

By Talk About Debt Team
Reviewed by Ben Jackson
Last Updated: February 17, 2026
6 min read
The Bottom Line

CCS Collections is a major debt collector that purchases charged-off accounts. You can settle your CCS debt by offering 30-50% of the balance in a lump sum. If CCS sues you, file an Answer within 14-35 days to avoid default judgment and protect your right to negotiate.

Answer CCS Lawsuit

CCS Collections contacted you about an unpaid debt. You may feel anxious and frustrated.

You have options. Pathways exist to resolve your debt issue.

CCS Collections Suing You? Respond Before Time Runs Out

You have just 14-35 days to file your Answer to a CCS Collections lawsuit. Our partner Solo helps you draft a proper response to avoid default judgment and protect your right to negotiate a settlement.

Respond to CCS Now

Here’s everything you need to know about CCS Collections and resolving your debt.

What Is CCS Collections?

CCS Collections, also known as Credit Collection Services, is one of the world’s largest debt collectors. The company employs close to 700 people.

CCS reportedly generates more than $53 million in revenue each year. Revenue comes from purchasing delinquent accounts from creditors.

Original creditors include financial institutions, credit card companies, and auto lenders.

Who Does CCS Collections Collect For?

CCS Collections focuses on specific economic sectors. Banking, cable, education, financial services, healthcare, insurance, retail telecommunications, and utilities.

CCS calling you with nasty phone calls and letters? You have legal rights.

Read CCS Collections Reviews Online

Learning what others experienced with CCS Collections is wise. Research before you reach out to discuss the matter.

Check out these reviews:

Online reviews for CCS Collections are mixed. Some reviews indicate people have productive experiences communicating with CCS Collections.

Ignoring CCS Collections’ communications won’t resolve the situation. Establish a line of communication to ensure the debt is legitimate.

Negotiate a Debt Settlement With CCS Collections

You acknowledge you owe the debt? Consider negotiating a debt settlement.

Debt settlement works well if you know the debt is yours. You also need sufficient funds to pay a percentage.

Many benefits come with debt settlement. You avoid the stress and hassle of court battles. Settlement provides an efficient way to resolve debt and move forward.

Steps to Settle Your Debt With CCS Collections

  1. CCS Collections sued you? File a timely response via a formal Answer. Avoid a default judgment against you.
  2. Assess the amount you can actually afford to pay. Preferably in a lump sum. Calculate your living expenses: rent, utilities, food, gas. Your analysis helps identify settlement parameters.
  3. Calculated how much you can pay? Reach out to the debt collector. Begin negotiations by offering 30% to 50% of the original amount.
  4. Be prepared to negotiate upward. The debt collector may decline your initial offer.
  5. Negotiations go well? Memorialize the settlement in a written agreement. A debt settlement agreement should state payment settles the debt in full. CCS will not pursue further legal action or collections.

Consider using our partner Solo to help with debt settlement negotiations. Solo helps you begin settlement negotiation online when sued for a debt.

Know Your Rights When CCS Collections Contacts You

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act outlines what debt collectors can and cannot do.

Rules they must follow:

  • Debt collectors cannot contact you at work.
  • Debt collectors cannot use vulgar or rude language.
  • Debt collectors cannot threaten you with a lawsuit.
  • Debt collectors cannot call you before 8 AM or after 9 PM.

Collectors must communicate with you during business hours only.

Protect Yourself If CCS Collections Files a Lawsuit

CCS Collections sued you? Respond as soon as possible.

Don’t ignore the lawsuit. Ignoring your case means you lose by default. CCS Collections gains the right to garnish your wages. They can put liens on your property.

Several things can get the lawsuit thrown out when you write your Answer.

Three Steps to Respond to a Debt Lawsuit

  1. Respond to each claim listed in the Complaint. Deny as many as possible.
  2. Assert your affirmative defenses against CCS Collections.
  3. File your Answer with the court. Send a copy to CCS Collections.

Step 1: Respond to Each Claim and Deny as Many as Possible

The first step to beating CCS Collections is responding to the lawsuit. Respond by filing a written Answer into the case.

In your Answer, respond to each claim listed in the Complaint document. Some states call the Complaint a Petition.

Most attorneys recommend denying as many claims as possible. Denying requires CCS Collections to do more work proving their case.

CCS doesn’t have necessary documentation for evidence? The case may be dismissed entirely.

Three Ways to Respond to Each Claim

  • Deny
  • Deny due to lack of knowledge
  • Admit

Admitting a claim means you’re agreeing with what’s being said. Admit to everything and you’ll most likely lose the case.

You’ll have to pay the amount CCS Collections claims. Make a stronger case by denying as many claims as possible.

Use our partner Solo to draft an Answer in minutes.

Step 2: Assert Your Affirmative Defenses Against CCS Collections

Want to defeat CCS Collections and not pay anything? Respond effectively to the suit. Use affirmative defenses.

Point out any weaknesses in their case. CCS Collections must affirmatively prove you owe the money.

What CCS Must Prove

  • The debt collection agency can sue you.
  • You are the person who owes the money.
  • You owe the amount CCS claims in the complaint.

The debt collection firm doesn’t satisfy these requirements? The lawsuit may be dismissed.

You might claim the company failed to file the lawsuit before the statute of limitations expired. Statute of limitations is how long someone has to sue you.

The time range is between one and three years in many cases. Statute of limitations expired? File a motion to have the lawsuit dismissed with prejudice.

You may get compensation and legal fees paid by CCS. Prove they violated federal law when they contacted you.

Be smart and aggressive. You can walk away without owing a dime AND have the company pay your legal fees.

Step 3: File Your Answer and Send a Copy to CCS Collections

Your Answer is drafted with responses and affirmative defenses? File it with the court.

You have 14 to 35 days to file your Answer. Deadline depends on your state. Submit it as close to the deadline as possible to avoid a default judgment.

Make a copy of the Answer and send it to CCS Collections’ attorneys. Use USPS certified mail. Use the address and contact information listed on the Summons document.

Request a return receipt. You’ll have proof you sent it properly.

What to Do If Sued by CCS Collections

Here’s a quick summary of what you should do if CCS Collections sues you:

  • Write down when the company calls you. Note if they use bad language. Note if they call before 8 AM or after 9 PM. They can only call during normal business hours. They cannot use vulgar language.
  • Reply to each claim listed against you in the Complaint.
  • Raise affirmative defenses in your Answer. Claim the company violated federal law. Insist CCS Collections prove you owe the debt.
  • File your Answer to the Complaint within proper time limits.
  • Send a copy of the Answer to CCS Collections.
  • Contact CCS Collections to negotiate and settle your debt for less.

These are proven methods to engage with CCS Collections and protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CCS Collections and who do they collect for?

CCS Collections (Credit Collection Services) is one of the world's largest debt collectors with nearly 700 employees. They collect debts in banking, cable, education, financial services, healthcare, insurance, retail telecommunications, and utilities by purchasing charged-off accounts from original creditors.

How do I settle my debt with CCS Collections?

To settle debt with CCS Collections, first calculate what you can afford to pay. Then offer 30-50% of the original debt amount as a lump sum payment. Be prepared to negotiate upward. Get any settlement agreement in writing stating the payment settles the debt in full with no further collections.

What happens if I ignore a lawsuit from CCS Collections?

If you ignore a CCS Collections lawsuit, the court will enter a default judgment against you. This gives CCS the legal right to garnish your wages and place liens on your property. You must file a written Answer within 14-35 days (depending on your state) to avoid default judgment.

Can CCS Collections call me at any time?

No. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, CCS Collections cannot call you before 8 AM or after 9 PM. They cannot contact you at work, use vulgar language, or threaten you with lawsuits. They must only communicate during normal business hours.

What should I include in my Answer to a CCS Collections lawsuit?

Your Answer should respond to each claim in the Complaint (admit, deny, or deny due to lack of knowledge). Deny as many claims as possible to require CCS to prove their case. Include affirmative defenses such as statute of limitations, lack of standing, or FDCPA violations.