How to Settle Debt With Credit Management Company

Are you receiving calls from Credit Management Company about a delinquent account? You might feel anxious about your financial future. Don’t panic. You have legal rights and clear pathways to resolve this debt. You could proactively reach out to Credit Management Company. You can discuss a negotiated debt settlement.

Is Credit Management Company Legit?

Yes, Credit Management Company (CMC) is a legitimate debt collection agency. CMC holds licenses to collect in all 50 states. The company has been active for 56 years. CMC collects in healthcare, commercial, financial services, higher education, and government industries.

CMC operates offices in New York and Pittsburgh at these addresses:

• Pittsburgh Address: Foster Plaza Building 7, 661 Andersen Drive, Suite 110 Pittsburgh, PA 15220
• New York Address: 200 E Post Rd, White Plains, NY 10601
• Phone: 412-937-0900
• Toll-Free: 1-800-472-1483

Who Does Credit Management Company Collect For?

CMC collects mainly for the healthcare industry. The agency has branched out to other industries. CMC now collects for the public sector and some financial institutions.

If you have debts from court fees, utility bills, or taxes, they can end up with CMC.

The most common debts CMC handles come from:

• Surgery centers
• Acute care hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• Long-term health care facilities
• Court fees
• Taxes
• Utility bills

Credit Management Company Reviews

You can check online reviews from other people’s debt collection experiences. Google and the Better Business Bureau host reviews of Credit Management Company.

Online reviews of Credit Management Company are mixed. However, several reviews show people having productive experiences with CMC. Many consumers successfully resolved their debts with the company.

Reviews indicate that debt collectors at CMC are open to working with you. They will help you resolve your debt issue.

You Have Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers from mistreatment. The act prohibits CMC from:

• Harassing or speaking down to consumers
• Asking for personal information like your social security number
• Refusing to identify themselves as debt collectors
• Calling multiple times per day for one debt
• Contacting family members or friends about your debt
• Refusing to validate the debt

Any debt collector must:

• State their name and their company’s name
• Correctly identify you as the owner of the debt
• Disclose that they are debt collectors

Never give your personal information to anyone claiming to be a debt collector. You could open yourself up to identity theft.

Take These Actions to Engage With Credit Management Company

Whether you’re receiving phone calls or CMC has sued you, you have options. Here’s everything you need to know to protect yourself.

Stop CMC’s Calls

Stopping debt collectors’ calls can be simpler than you imagine.

Ask for written communication: Requesting written communication keeps solid evidence of correspondence. CMC should stop contacting you via phone calls after receiving your request.

Send CMC a Cease and Desist letter: A Cease and Desist doesn’t eliminate the debt. It stops the debt collector from contacting you to collect on the account. They can only reach you to tell you what action they plan to take.

Example: John is contacted by CMC for an outstanding debt. He asks them to stop contacting him via phone. He follows that verbal request with a written one sent to CMC. The calls continue. John then crafts a Cease and Desist letter citing his FDCPA rights. He demands that all further contact from CMC take place in writing. The phone calls stop. John sends a Debt Validation Letter. When CMC responds to validate the debt, John discovers the debt doesn’t belong to him. He informs CMC, resolving the issue and ending all contact.

Ask CMC to Validate the Debt

Mistakes are common in the debt collection industry. When CMC first contacts you, request that they validate every debt. Validation includes providing the documents you signed on the account. CMC must show its history, all interests applied, and an accurate balance.

CMC should verify all debts in writing within five days of contact. If they don’t have proper documents to prove the debt is valid, they must cease collection efforts.

You should send a Debt Validation Letter within 30 days. Keep proof of CMC’s receipt using certified mail. Our partner Solo can help you generate a Debt Validation Letter in minutes.

Negotiate With Credit Management Company to Settle Debt

You can initiate settlement negotiations with Credit Management Company at any time. A debt settlement asks the debt collector to accept a lower amount. Many debt collectors are open to considering settlement offers. Settlements give them the opportunity to collect and close out delinquent accounts. Negotiating a settlement benefits you since you could pay significantly less than what you owe.

Here are steps to effectively negotiate a debt settlement with CMC:

1. Objectively Assess Your Financial Situation

Write down everything you owe, including the type of debt and total amount. Go through your monthly budget to determine if you have sufficient funds. Calculate whether you can make a reasonable payment toward a settlement. Consider your monthly income and expenses like rent, food, and savings. Can you realistically make a lump-sum payment if a settlement is agreed upon?

2. Contact Credit Management Company

Once you understand your financial situation, contact the debt collector. Start negotiations with an opening offer lower than the amount you can actually pay. Your strategy gives you flexibility to engage in productive negotiations.

3. Get the Settlement Terms in Writing

If you reach a debt agreement with CMC, get the terms in writing. If the debt collector drafts the agreement, read through the document carefully. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions. Address any questions or concerns with the debt collector before signing.

4. Make the Payment

Once the agreement is signed, make your payment on or before the agreed-upon date. Keep proof of payment for your records.

Our partner Solo can help you negotiate and settle your debt with CMC.

Win Your Lawsuit Against Credit Management Company

The most stressful part of handling debt collectors is when they sue you. You don’t have to go through it alone.

If Credit Management Company is suing you for debt, the lawsuit begins when you receive court documents. You’ll receive the Summons and Complaint (called the Petition in some states). The Summons notifies you of the lawsuit. The Complaint lists the specific claims CMC is making against you.

Winning a debt collection lawsuit starts before hearing dates are set. You must respond to the charges by filing your Answer with the court. Send a copy to the debt collector’s attorney. Here are the steps:

1. Respond to the Claims From the Complaint Document

You should reply to each claim. State if you agree with the plaintiff’s charge. You can deny it. You can also deny it because you don’t understand the claim. Indicate one of the three responses on each numbered point in the Complaint.

2. Assert Your Defenses

Your affirmative defenses explain why you are not guilty. You can argue that CMC cannot sue you because the debt is past the statute of limitations. Other reasons include the debt not belonging to you. CMC may have violated your consumer rights. The debt amount may be inaccurate.

3. File the Answer in Court

Time is of the essence. You may have 14 days before it’s too late to file. Some states allow up to 35 days. Check your state’s requirements and abide by its timeline. If you’re late, the judge may issue a judgment. You will automatically lose the lawsuit. Send a copy to the court and CMC’s attorney. Keep a copy in your records.

Our partner Solo can help you draft and file an Answer in all 50 states. You can tackle your lawsuit without hiring an attorney.

Beat Credit Management Company by Knowing Your Rights

You can beat Credit Management Company if you stand up for your rights. Request a debt validation for every debt. Respond to your lawsuit with a written Answer on time. Document all communications with CMC. Never ignore a summons or court documents.

Remember that CMC is required to follow the FDCPA. The company must treat you fairly and honestly. If CMC violates your rights, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Take action today to protect yourself from unfair debt collection practices. You have the power to resolve this debt on your terms.