How to Settle Debt With Franklin Collection Services
Franklin Collection Services can be negotiated with when you understand your rights under the FDCPA. Respond to any lawsuit within the deadline to avoid default judgment and wage garnishment. You can often settle medical debt for 40-60% of the original amount through documented negotiations.
Answer Your LawsuitHas Franklin Collection Services Inc. (FCS) contacted you? Dealing with debt collectors can feel overwhelming. You have more power than you realize. When FCS sues you, respond immediately to protect your rights. You can also negotiate to settle the debt for less than you owe. A successful settlement could eliminate your debt faster than you imagined.
Engaging with Franklin Service, Inc. does not mean you waive your rights. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects you at the federal level. Most states have similar consumer protection laws. Knowing your rights gives you confidence and control. You will discover several key facts in this guide:
Franklin Collection Services Sued You? Respond in 15 Minutes
Don't let FCS win by default judgment. Draft and file your court Answer today to protect your wages and bank account from garnishment.
Respond to FCS Lawsuit- What Franklin Collection Services is and who they collect for
- Your rights when dealing with FCS debt collectors
- How to respond to a debt collection lawsuit
- How to negotiate and settle for less
What Is Franklin Collection Services?
Since 1980, Franklin Service, Inc. has operated from Tupelo, Mississippi. They are a licensed and bonded collection agency in all 50 states. FCS follows up with customers to retrieve unpaid debts. Their primary services include:
- Credit bureau reporting
- Debt collection through mail and phone calls
- Skip tracing services
Below is the Franklin Collection Services contact information:
- Phone number: 662-844-7776
- Toll-Free: 800-262-7590
- Address: 2978 West Jackson Street, Tupelo, MS 38801
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3910, Tupelo, MS 38801
Who Does Franklin Collection Services Collect For?
Franklin Service, Inc. primarily collects for medical providers and healthcare companies. FCS operates a medical marketplace dedicated to healthcare providers. The company works on a contingency basis to collect past-due debts. According to customer comments on the BBB website, Franklin Collection Services collects medical bills for OCH Regional Medical Center and similar facilities.
Where Can You Find Franklin Collection Services Reviews?
Franklin Collection Services Inc. has maintained an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau since 2004. Consumers have left reviews on the BBB profile page. The CFPB consumer database also reports Franklin Collection Services reviews submitted over the last ten years. Google reviews show how important communication is when resolving debt problems.
Here’s a real Franklin Collection Services review from a customer named Katelyn:
“So the first time I called this place I was only able to talk to a robot, there was no other options and they just wanted my social security # and debit card info. Was obviously too scared to do that. But the next time I called a few weeks later I was directed to somebody immediately and got my debt taken care of. The lady who I spoke too on the phone was extremely nice despite all the bad reviews on here. I’ve also seen some people say this place is a scam, but it’s legit y’all. If you are being contacted by them you probably do owe money. They said give them 30 days to get it off my credit. No idea what happened the first time I called.”
Communicating with debt collectors is the best way to resolve unpaid debts. Don’t ignore collection attempts. Be proactive in exploring your debt resolution options.
Know Your Rights Under the FDCPA Before Responding to Franklin Collection Services
Third-party debt collectors must abide by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Knowing your debt rights prevents headaches and protects you from paying debts you don’t owe.
You may request verification of the debt under Section 1692g of Title 15. Send Franklin Collection Services a Debt Validation Letter within 30 days of first contact. FCS must then prove the debt belongs to you.
Based on FDCPA rules, debt collectors cannot:
- Call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Threaten legal action they cannot or will not take
- Pretend to be government agencies or police officers
- Discuss your debt with unauthorized third parties
- Lie about or misrepresent who they are
- Use abusive, threatening, or vulgar language
FCS knows these rules, and you should too. Knowledge equips both parties to work toward a resolution.
What Should You Do If Franklin Collection Services Sues You?
Franklin Collection Services can sue you as a last-ditch effort for payment. Most debtors who don’t appear in court lose by default. A default judgment allows the debt collector to garnish your wages or levy your bank account.
Our partner Solo can help you respond to the lawsuit properly. Follow these three steps:
- Answer each claim listed in the Complaint
- Assert your affirmative defenses
- File the Answer in court and send a copy to FCS
Below, we’ll explore each step in detail.
1. Answer Each Claim Listed in the Complaint
When you receive a Summons and Complaint, you are officially in a lawsuit. The Summons notifies you that you’re being sued. The Complaint explains why. Some states use different names like Citation and Petition.
The Complaint contains numbered paragraphs outlining the lawsuit. Read each paragraph carefully and answer as follows:
- If true, you admit it
- If untrue, you deny it
- If you can’t verify it, state you lack sufficient knowledge
Most attorneys recommend denying as many claims as possible. Denying forces FCS to prove each claim. If they can’t provide proof, the case may be dismissed.
2. Assert Your Affirmative Defenses
Affirmative defenses explain why the plaintiff has no case. These defenses must be listed in your Answer. They give you a unique opportunity to tell your side.
The statute of limitations is one of the most common defenses. It’s a law that limits how long someone can sue you. Check the statute of limitations in your state before making any payment. After the time limit expires, you may argue that FCS cannot legally sue you.
Each state has different time limits for debt collection lawsuits. Research your state’s specific statute of limitations for the debt type.
3. File the Answer in Court and Send a Copy to Franklin Collection Services
After responding to the Complaint and asserting your defenses, file your Answer. If you don’t file correctly, your document is worthless. You must submit it to the proper court within the deadline.
You also must send a copy to Franklin Collection Services. Follow your state’s requirements for service of documents. Keep proof of filing and service for your records.
Negotiate With Franklin Collection Services to Settle the Debt for Less
Negotiating with Franklin Collection Services can work in your favor. You may prefer settling the collection account out of court. You can request a lower settlement amount and potentially resolve the debt quickly.
Below are the steps for the debt settlement process.
Evaluate Your Finances
Take a hard look at your personal finances. Determine how much you can realistically afford to offer. Be honest about your financial situation. Once you have a number in mind, you’re ready to negotiate.
Send a Debt Settlement Offer
To get Franklin Service, Inc. to settle, convince them you cannot pay in full. The company may verify your income and assets. Explain any financial hardships you’re facing, such as job loss or medical issues.
Start with a reasonable offer, such as 40% to 50% of the debt. FCS may accept or counter with a higher amount. Always follow up verbal conversations with written communication. Document everything for your protection.
Get a Settlement Agreement in Writing
After agreeing to a reduced amount, create a written debt settlement agreement. The document should detail the settlement amount and payment terms. Include whether you’ll pay in installments or as a lump sum. List the due date clearly.
Both you and Franklin Collection Services must sign the agreement. Never make a payment before receiving a signed settlement agreement.
Make the Payment
Once you have the signed Settlement Agreement, initiate payment within the agreed timeframe. Use a traceable payment method like a check or money order. Keep copies of all payment receipts and documentation.
After payment, request a letter confirming the debt is settled. Verify that FCS reports the account as “settled” or “paid” to credit bureaus.
Example Settlement Success Story
Sue received a collection call from Franklin Collection Services for a $7,000 debt. She promptly responded with a debt validation letter. Franklin’s reply confirmed the debt belonged to Sue.
Sue offered to settle the debt for $3,000. Franklin Collection Services countered with $5,500. Sue’s budget only allowed for $4,000, so she countered again. She stated this was the maximum she could pay.
Franklin Collection Services accepted the $4,000 offer. Both parties signed the final Debt Settlement Agreement. Sue paid $4,000, saving $3,000 and avoiding court entirely.
Why You Should Respond to Franklin Collection Services
Ignoring Franklin Collection Services won’t make the debt disappear. Debt collectors have legal options to pursue payment, including lawsuits. Responding protects your rights and opens the door to settlement.
When you respond to a lawsuit, you force the collector to prove their case. Many collection agencies cannot provide adequate documentation. You may win dismissal simply by challenging their evidence.
Settlement negotiations can save you thousands of dollars. Collection agencies often accept reduced amounts rather than pursue costly litigation. You have leverage when you understand your rights and communicate effectively.
Our partner Solo helps you draft and file lawsuit responses quickly. You can also negotiate settlements through professional assistance.
What Happens If You Ignore Franklin Collection Services?
Ignoring collection attempts leads to serious consequences. FCS may file a lawsuit against you. Without a response, the court issues a default judgment.
A default judgment gives FCS powerful collection tools. They can garnish your wages, taking money directly from your paycheck. They can also levy your bank account, freezing and seizing your funds.
Default judgments appear on your credit report for years. They severely damage your credit score and make borrowing difficult. You may face challenges renting apartments or getting certain jobs.
Responding to the lawsuit protects you from default judgment. Even if you owe the debt, you can negotiate better terms. You maintain control of the outcome when you participate in the process.