Resolve Debt With First Federal Credit Control (FFCC)

First Federal Credit Control claims they have superior performance. But their track record tells a different story.

Debt collectors often make unwarranted threats and call endlessly. FFCC falls into that category. You deserve respect and fairness when dealing with debt collection.

FFCC Threatening to Sue You?

Don't let First Federal Credit Control win by default. Respond to their lawsuit properly and negotiate a settlement before court. Time is running out.

Answer the Lawsuit

If FFCC is contacting you about a debt, you have options. You can fight back and resolve the situation before court.

Who Is First Federal Credit Control?

FFCC is a debt collection agency based in Cleveland, Ohio. They primarily work with healthcare companies and commercial organizations.

The company collects debts in several industries:

Healthcare and medical facilities
Dental offices
Government and municipalities
Utility companies
Communication agencies
Fitness centers
Small businesses

First Federal Credit Control
24700 Chagrin Blvd, Suite 205
Cleveland, Ohio 44122-5662
Phone: (216) 360-2000

1761 W Hillsboro Blvd #320
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
Phone: (800) 486-5500

First Federal Credit Control Has Many Complaints

You’re not alone if FFCC frustrates you. The company has received 133 complaints through the Better Business Bureau in three years.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports 315 complaints against FFCC in the same period. These complaints mention violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Common complaints include:

Failing to verify or validate debts
Hanging up when consumers ask questions
Reporting fraudulent debts to credit bureaus
Refusing to remove negative marks after payment
Attempting to collect fraudulent debts repeatedly

If FFCC violated your rights, you may be eligible for compensation. Report your experience to the FTC, CFPB, and your state’s attorney general.

Stop the Phone Calls First

Before anything else, demand that FFCC stop calling you. Always communicate with them in writing to maintain a paper trail.

Use certified mail for all correspondence. FFCC must honor your request to communicate only through letters or email.

Keep copies of every letter you send. Save every letter you receive.

Check Your Insurance Coverage for Medical Debt

If you owe medical debt, contact your insurance provider immediately. Your insurance may cover the debt in question.

The National Consumer Assistance Plan protects consumers with medical debt. Credit bureaus must remove medical collections that insurance companies paid.

Work with your insurance provider to resolve the debt. Once they pay it, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion will remove it from your credit report.

Send a Debt Validation Letter

A Debt Validation Letter forces FFCC to prove you owe the debt. You have the right to request verification of any debt.

Third-party collectors must provide evidence of outstanding debts when requested. They must delete the debt from your records if they can’t prove it.

Many collection agencies lack sufficient evidence for the debts they pursue. FFCC cannot collect if they can’t verify your debt.

Mail your letter within 30 days of their first contact. Use certified mail with return receipt requested.

Our partner Solo can help you create a proper debt validation letter.

Request a Goodwill Deletion for Paid Debt

A goodwill deletion removes a debt from your credit report. Companies sometimes agree to this for paid debts.

You need a valid reason why your payment was late. You must have paid the debt in full.

FFCC isn’t required to grant your request. But you lose nothing by trying.

Send your goodwill letter via certified mail. Keep a copy for your records.

Negotiate a Pay-for-Delete Deal

A pay-for-delete deal combines payment with credit report removal. You agree to pay the debt if FFCC removes the negative mark.

Start by drafting your offer letter. Make your terms clear and specific.

Get written confirmation before you pay anything. FFCC must agree in writing to remove the debt.

After you pay, monitor your credit reports carefully. Contact FFCC again if they don’t follow through.

Settle the Debt for Less

FFCC may accept less than the full amount you owe. Debt collectors often buy debts for pennies on the dollar.

They expect that some consumers will never pay in full. You might settle for 1% to 60% of the original amount.

Review your finances before negotiating. Determine what you can realistically afford to pay.

Get any settlement agreement in writing before you pay. Never trust verbal promises from debt collectors.

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

Respond to a Lawsuit From FFCC

FFCC may sue you if you don’t respond to their collection attempts. You must respond with a written Answer.

Here’s how to protect yourself in court:

Respond to Each Claim

Read the Complaint document carefully. Respond to every claim they make against you.

You can admit, deny, or deny due to lack of knowledge. Deny as many allegations as possible.

Make FFCC prove every detail of their case. Don’t make it easy for them.

Assert Your Affirmative Defenses

Affirmative defenses are legal reasons the case should be dismissed. The statute of limitations is a common defense.

Each state has time limits for debt collection lawsuits. FFCC cannot sue you after that deadline passes.

If the debt is too old, the court will dismiss the case.

File Your Answer Before the Deadline

You typically have 14 to 35 days to respond. The deadline varies by state.

File your Answer with the court clerk. Send a copy to FFCC via certified mail.

Request a return receipt as proof of delivery. Missing the deadline means you lose automatically.

Most debt collection defendants lose by default. They simply don’t respond to the lawsuit.

Our partner Solo helps you respond to debt lawsuits quickly and correctly.

Know Your Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from abusive collectors. FFCC must follow these federal rules.

Debt collectors cannot:

Call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
Contact you at work if you ask them to stop
Harass or threaten you
Use profane language
Discuss your debt with others
Misrepresent the amount you owe
Threaten actions they cannot legally take

Document every violation you experience. Save voicemails, letters, and emails.

File complaints with the CFPB and FTC. You may be entitled to damages.

Monitor Your Credit Report

Check your credit report regularly for FFCC entries. You can get free reports from all three bureaus.

Dispute any inaccurate information immediately. Credit bureaus must investigate within 30 days.

A collection account can stay on your report for seven years. But you can get it removed if it’s inaccurate.

Keep records of all disputes and responses. Follow up if the bureaus don’t respond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is First Federal Credit Control?

First Federal Credit Control is a debt collection agency based in Cleveland, Ohio. They collect debts for healthcare providers, utilities, municipalities, and commercial businesses.

How do I stop First Federal Credit Control from calling me?

Send a written request via certified mail demanding they stop calling you. By law, FFCC must honor your request and only communicate through letters or email after receiving your demand.

Can I negotiate with First Federal Credit Control?

Yes, you can negotiate a settlement for less than the full amount. FFCC often accepts 1% to 60% of the original debt because they purchase debts for pennies on the dollar. Get any agreement in writing before paying.

What happens if First Federal Credit Control sues me?

You must respond with a written Answer within 14 to 35 days, depending on your state. File your Answer with the court and send a copy to FFCC. Failing to respond results in automatic default judgment against you.

How long can First Federal Credit Control collect on a debt?

Each state has a statute of limitations for debt collection, typically ranging from three to ten years. After this period expires, FFCC cannot legally sue you for the debt, though it may still appear on your credit report.

How to Resolve Debt With First Federal Credit Control