How to Settle Debt With Credit Bureau Systems

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

Credit Bureau Systems can sue you if you ignore their collection attempts, leading to wage garnishment and property seizure. You can fight back by sending a debt validation letter, negotiating a settlement, or filing a proper Answer to their lawsuit before your state's deadline. Federal law protects you from abusive collection practices and gives you powerful tools to resolve medical debt.

Answer Your Lawsuit

Thousands of Americans face debt collection calls every single day. Credit Bureau Systems, Inc. is one of those callers.

Credit Bureau Systems (CBS) started collecting for healthcare providers. The company has since expanded to other sectors. But the goal remains unchanged: recovering money from delinquent accounts.

Respond to Credit Bureau Systems Before Your Deadline

CBS has sued you, and your deadline to respond is approaching fast. File a proper Answer today to avoid wage garnishment and protect your rights in court.

Draft Your Answer Now

Medical debt can be incredibly frustrating. You might feel tempted to ignore debt collector attempts to reach you. Ignoring them puts you at serious risk.

You need to know who Credit Bureau Systems is. You also need effective strategies to resolve your debt collection matter.

Who Is Credit Bureau Systems?

Credit Bureau Systems is a nationwide debt collector with multiple offices. The company headquarters are located in Kentucky.

Here is their contact information:

  • Phone: 270-744-9000
  • Address: 100 Fulton Court Paducah, KY 42001

CBS offers several services beyond debt collection. These include background checks and tenant screening.

The company may contact you under these alternative names:

  • Medical Accounts Receivable Systems
  • Ambulance Medical Billing
  • Accounts Billing Service

CBS has been in business for nearly eight decades. The company started locally in 1952 and incorporated in 1976.

The Better Business Bureau lists CBS as accredited since February 2011. They have an A+ rating.

Who Does Credit Bureau Systems Collect For?

Credit Bureau Systems focuses on healthcare-related debts. They collect for healthcare providers, medical facilities, and other health companies.

What Do Consumer Reviews Say About CBS?

Consumer reviews of Credit Bureau Systems are mixed. Some customers report positive experiences, while others express frustration.

The mixed reviews should not discourage you from communicating. Proactive communication beats ignoring their outreach every time.

Phone calls can be frustrating and time-consuming. Nobody wants to play phone tag or wait on hold. Our partner Solo offers a better solution for negotiating and settling debt online.

Your Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects you. The debt collection industry faces heavy regulation.

You may be entitled to compensation if collectors violate these rules:

  • Debt collectors cannot call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
  • Debt collectors cannot use profanity, threats, or vulgar language.
  • Debt collectors cannot threaten harm to you or your family.
  • Debt collectors cannot contact you multiple times daily for the same debt.
  • Debt collectors cannot threaten arrest or document confiscation.

You have the right to dispute debts. You can demand validation of amounts owed. You can also request written communication only.

Why Ignoring Credit Bureau Systems Is Dangerous

Constant debt collection calls and letters can feel overwhelming. Nobody wants reminders of their financial struggles.

Some people may advise you to ignore debt collectors. That advice is dangerous. Ignoring collectors does not make debts disappear.

Credit Bureau Systems can sue you if you ignore them. A lawsuit makes your situation much worse.

Responding to debt collectors is not as hard as you think. You can send a debt validation letter easily.

The letter informs Credit Bureau Systems that you dispute the debt. You are asking them to explain how they calculated the amount.

CBS might have acquired your debt from previous collectors. They might have lost important account details. They must stop pursuing you if they cannot validate the debt.

Consider Rachel’s example. Credit Bureau Systems contacted her about an old debt. Rachel felt confident she had already paid it off. She sent a debt validation letter within 30 days. The collectors checked their records and confirmed Rachel had paid. They stopped all communications immediately.

You can also request that all communication be in writing. Written correspondence gives you peace of mind. You can read and respond on your own schedule. You also create a paper trail for future reference.

How to Settle Your Debt With Credit Bureau Systems

Credit Bureau Systems wants to close accounts efficiently. CBS is motivated to help you get back on track.

The company may accept a payment plan or lump sum payoff. You have options for resolving large debts.

Follow these steps to negotiate a debt settlement:

Step 1: Calculate What You Can Afford

Determine what you can realistically pay toward the debt. Consider your other living expenses carefully.

Example: You owe $8,000 and can reasonably pay $4,000. Use this number as your negotiation guide.

Step 2: Make Your Opening Offer

Contact Credit Bureau Systems with a debt settlement letter. Your opening offer should be lower than your calculated amount.

Starting lower gives you room to negotiate upward. Debt collectors often reject initial offers.

Step 3: Reach an Agreement

Negotiate until you reach a mutually acceptable settlement amount. Get everything in writing.

Draft a debt settlement agreement signed by both parties. Never rely on verbal promises alone.

Step 4: Make Your Payment

Pay the agreed amount according to the settlement terms. Make payments on time to avoid complications.

Our partner Solo can help you negotiate and settle your debt online. You avoid stressful phone calls and get professional support throughout the process.

How to Win a Lawsuit Against Credit Bureau Systems

Receiving a Summons and Complaint can trigger panic. That reaction is completely normal. But you cannot stay frozen in fear.

You have a short window to file your Answer. Each state has specific deadlines ranging from 14 to 35 days.

Missing your deadline results in a default judgment. CBS can then garnish your wages and seize your property.

Responding with a written Answer dramatically increases your chances of winning. Many debt collection lawsuits are dismissed when defendants respond properly.

Follow these three steps to Answer a Summons correctly:

Step 1: Answer Each Claim

The Summons notifies you of the lawsuit. The Complaint (or Petition) lists specific claims against you.

Read each claim carefully before responding. Answer them individually in corresponding order.

Choose one of these responses for each claim:

  • Deny: You are saying “prove it.”
  • Admit: You accept the allegations as true.
  • Deny due to lack of knowledge: You cannot confirm or deny the claim.

Never admit to all claims unless you are certain. Admitting guilt leaves the judge no choice but to rule against you.

Step 2: Assert Your Affirmative Defenses

Explain why you are not liable for the amount claimed. Make Credit Bureau Systems prove their case.

Common affirmative defenses in debt collection cases include:

  • The statute of limitations has expired on the debt.
  • The debt information, including your name, is incorrect.
  • CBS has no legal standing to collect the debt.
  • CBS has not cited any violated law or statute.
  • CBS violated your consumer rights under the FDCPA.

Saying you do not have money is not a valid affirmative defense.

Knowing which defenses apply to your case can be challenging. Our partner Solo helps you identify the right defenses. The platform converts your responses into properly formatted legal documents.

Step 3: File Your Answer and Serve the Plaintiff

Your completed Answer must reach the court before your deadline. Print your signed Answer and make two copies.

Mail or deliver one copy to the courthouse. Mail the second copy to CBS or their attorney. Keep the third copy for your records.

Filing your Answer on time protects you from default judgment. You force the debt collector to prove their case in court.

Our partner Solo can file your Answer in all 50 states. The service handles formatting, filing, and serving documents correctly.

Take Action Against Credit Bureau Systems Today

You now have multiple strategies for dealing with Credit Bureau Systems. Send a debt validation letter before they sue you.

Always request written communication to create a paper trail. Stop those persistent phone calls permanently.

If CBS sues you, respond immediately with a proper Answer. Or consider settling the debt for less than the full amount.

You have rights under federal law. You have options for resolving your debt. You can beat Credit Bureau Systems with the right approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Credit Bureau Systems?

Credit Bureau Systems is a nationwide debt collection agency headquartered in Kentucky that specializes in collecting medical debts for healthcare providers. The company has been in business since 1952 and may also operate under names like Medical Accounts Receivable Systems and Ambulance Medical Billing.

How do I respond to a lawsuit from Credit Bureau Systems?

You must file a written Answer with the court before your state's deadline (typically 14-35 days). Your Answer should respond to each claim in the Complaint, assert affirmative defenses like statute of limitations, and be served to both the court and CBS's attorney. Failing to respond results in automatic default judgment.

Can I settle my debt with Credit Bureau Systems for less than I owe?

Yes, CBS is often willing to accept a lump sum payment or payment plan for less than the full debt amount. Calculate what you can afford, make a written settlement offer below that amount, negotiate until you reach agreement, and get the settlement terms in writing before making any payment.

What are my rights when Credit Bureau Systems contacts me?

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), CBS cannot call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., use profane or threatening language, contact you multiple times daily, or threaten arrest. You have the right to request debt validation, demand written-only communication, and dispute the debt if you believe it's incorrect.

What happens if I ignore Credit Bureau Systems?

Ignoring CBS does not make the debt disappear. The company can sue you for the debt, and if you don't respond to the lawsuit, the court will issue a default judgment. With a judgment, CBS can garnish your wages, freeze your bank accounts, and place liens on your property.