Settle Debt With DCM Services: Your Complete Guide

Have you received multiple calls from DCM Services? They likely contacted you about a deceased loved one’s unpaid debt.

You may feel anxious about responding. Take a breath. You can handle this situation with the right approach.

Stop DCM Services From Harassing You

Respond to DCM Services collection attempts with a professional debt validation letter or lawsuit Answer. Our partner Solo provides step-by-step tools to protect your rights and negotiate settlements.

Answer DCM's Lawsuit

You have rights under federal law. DCM Services must follow strict rules when collecting debts.

What Is DCM Services?

DCM Services LLC is a debt collection agency that collects debts from deceased people’s family members. The company focuses specifically on estate-related debt collection.

DCM is a legitimate debt collector founded in 2006. Their headquarters are in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company also goes by Balogh Becker Ltd or Deceased Case Management Services.

Here’s how to reach DCM Services:

Phone: 877-326-8786
Address: 1550 American Blvd E Suite 200, Bloomington, MN 55425
Email: info@dcmservices.com

Who Does DCM Services Collect For?

DCM Services works with creditors across multiple industries:

Credit card companies
Auto loan servicers
Banks and financial institutions
Retail stores
Telecommunications providers

Your Consumer Rights Under Federal Law

DCM Services agents will call and email to collect payment. Some collectors use unlawful methods. Know your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Debt collectors cannot legally do the following:

Call you multiple times per day
Contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
Threaten you with arrest
Lie or provide misleading information
Use abusive language or harassment

Many consumers have reported DCM Services for FDCPA violations. You can file complaints if they violate your rights.

Read DCM Services Reviews Online

Check what other consumers say about DCM Services. Review their ratings on the Better Business Bureau and CFPB consumer database.

Reviews for DCM Services are mixed. Don’t let negative reviews stop you from taking action. Many debt collectors, including DCM Services, will work with you toward resolution.

How to Respond to DCM Services

Don’t let DCM Services intimidate you. Consumer protection laws give you several legal options for responding.

You can take these steps:

Send a debt validation letter
Dispute the debt with credit bureaus
Negotiate a reduced payment plan

Each option provides a different path to resolution. Choose the approach that fits your situation best.

Send a Debt Validation Letter

Request verification that the debt belongs to your deceased loved one. Send a legally-binding debt validation letter asking for proof.

Your letter should request:

Information about the original creditor
A detailed breakdown of the debt amount
Proof that the debt belongs to the deceased
Documentation of their right to collect

The FDCPA requires you to send this letter within 30 days. DCM Services must stop collection efforts until they provide validation.

Our partner Solo can help you create a professional debt validation letter. You don’t need an attorney to draft effective documentation.

Dispute the Debt With Credit Bureaus

Found errors in DCM Services’ validation notice? Send dispute letters to all three credit bureaus immediately.

Contact these bureaus:

TransUnion
Equifax
Experian

Attach any documents supporting your dispute. The bureaus will investigate with DCM Services. They must remove or correct inaccurate information on your credit report.

Negotiate a Reduced Payment With DCM Services

Debt collectors typically seek payment from the deceased person’s estate first. Remaining balances may fall to immediate family members.

You can negotiate with DCM Services to pay less than the full amount. Debt collectors often buy debts for pennies on the dollar. They usually accept a percentage of the original debt.

You might reduce the debt by 50% or more with good negotiation. Many collectors prefer receiving partial payment to receiving nothing.

Example: Selena discovered DCM Services was suing her for her mother’s credit card debt. She learned DCM purchased the debt at a steep discount. Selena negotiated a 40% reduction in the total amount. She paid the reduced balance and resolved the collection action.

Request deletion from your credit report after paying the settlement. Get the agreement in writing before making any payment. Wait 30 days after payment to check your credit report.

Our partner Solo helps you negotiate settlements and respond to collection efforts effectively.

What If DCM Services Is Suing Me?

Don’t panic when you receive a lawsuit notice from DCM Services. The first step to winning is responding to the complaint.

You can represent yourself in court. Draft an Answer that responds to each claim in the complaint. Include affirmative defenses that challenge DCM’s legal right to collect.

You must file your Answer within 14-35 days after receiving the lawsuit. The deadline depends on your state. Missing this deadline results in automatic judgment against you.

Representing yourself saves money on attorney fees. Many consumers successfully defend debt collection lawsuits without lawyers.

Your Answer should address:

Each specific claim in the complaint
Whether you admit or deny each allegation
Any affirmative defenses you can assert
Proof that DCM Services owns the debt

Our partner Solo provides tools to draft and file your Answer in all 50 states. The platform guides you through each step of the process.

Understanding Estate Debt Responsibility

You may not be responsible for your loved one’s debt. Estate debts typically come from the deceased person’s assets first.

You might be liable if you:

Co-signed on the account
Are a joint account holder
Live in a community property state
Are the executor and mishandle estate funds

Ask DCM Services to prove your legal responsibility. Many family members pay debts they don’t actually owe. Verify your obligation before making any payment.

Steps to Settle With DCM Services

Ready to negotiate a settlement? Follow these steps for the best outcome.

1. Document Everything

Keep records of every interaction with DCM Services. Save voicemails, emails, and letters. Note the date and time of phone calls.

Documentation protects you if DCM Services violates the FDCPA. Written records support your case in court.

2. Determine What You Can Pay

Calculate a realistic settlement amount. Consider the deceased person’s estate assets. Review your own financial situation honestly.

Start negotiations at 25-30% of the total debt. Work up from there if needed. Never agree to more than you can afford.

3. Make Your Initial Offer

Contact DCM Services with your settlement offer in writing. Explain your financial circumstances clearly. Reference the estate’s limited assets.

Be firm but professional in your communication. Collectors respond better to confident, informed consumers.

4. Negotiate Terms

DCM Services will likely counter your initial offer. Don’t accept their first counteroffer. Continue negotiating until you reach an acceptable amount.

Request deletion from your credit report as part of settlement. Some collectors offer this, others don’t. Always ask.

5. Get It in Writing

Never pay until you receive written confirmation. The agreement should specify the exact amount and payment terms. Confirm they’ll report the debt as settled.

Read the settlement agreement carefully before signing. Watch for clauses that could cause problems later.

6. Make Your Payment

Pay only the agreed amount through a traceable method. Use a check, money order, or bank transfer. Keep proof of payment.

Don’t give DCM Services access to your bank account. One-time payments are safer than automatic withdrawals.

When to Hire an Attorney

Most people can handle DCM Services without legal representation. Some situations require professional help.

Consider hiring an attorney if:

DCM Services sues you in court
The debt amount exceeds $10,000
You’re unsure about your legal responsibility
DCM Services violates the FDCPA repeatedly
The estate involves complex assets

Consumer protection attorneys often work on contingency. They only get paid if you win. Many offer free consultations.

Protecting Your Credit Score

DCM Services collections can damage your credit score. Take steps to minimize the impact.

Monitor your credit reports regularly. Check that DCM Services reports accurate information. Dispute any errors immediately.

Negotiate removal from your credit report during settlement. Some collectors agree to delete tradelines after payment. Others only update the status to “settled.”

A settled debt is better than an unpaid collection. Your credit score will improve over time after resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DCM Services and why are they contacting me?

DCM Services is a debt collection agency that specializes in collecting debts from deceased individuals. They contact family members to collect unpaid debts that belonged to someone who has passed away. The company was founded in 2006 and operates out of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Do I have to pay my deceased loved one's debt?

Not always. Debts are typically paid from the deceased person's estate first. You're only personally liable if you co-signed the account, are a joint account holder, live in a community property state, or are the executor who mishandled estate funds. Request proof of your legal responsibility before paying anything.

How do I respond to a lawsuit from DCM Services?

File an Answer with the court within 14-35 days of receiving the lawsuit, depending on your state. Your Answer should respond to each claim in the complaint, include affirmative defenses, and challenge DCM's right to collect. You can represent yourself without an attorney using online tools to draft and file your response.

Can I negotiate a lower amount with DCM Services?

Yes, DCM Services often accepts reduced settlements because they typically purchase debts for pennies on the dollar. Start negotiations at 25-30% of the total debt and work up if needed. Many consumers successfully reduce their debt by 50% or more through negotiation.

What if DCM Services violates the FDCPA?

Document all violations including calls at unauthorized hours, harassment, threats, or misleading statements. File complaints with the FTC, CFPB, and your state attorney general. You can also sue the collector for damages. Keep detailed records of every interaction as evidence.

How to Settle Debt With DCM Services in 2025