How to Settle Debt With GC Services and Win in Court
You can beat GC Services by knowing your rights under federal debt collection laws. Validate the debt within 30 days, negotiate settlements on older accounts, and respond to lawsuits with a proper Answer. Acting quickly and following these steps gives you the power to win.
Answer GC Services LawsuitDebt collectors use aggressive tactics to collect on unpaid debts. Collection agencies buy these debts for pennies on the dollar. Then they track down debtors and demand full payment.
The debt collection industry has a reputation for harassment and misconduct. GC Services is no exception. You can fight back and win.
Respond to GC Services Before Your Court Deadline
GC Services filed a lawsuit against you? You have 14-35 days to respond depending on your state. Miss the deadline and GC Services wins automatically.
File Your Answer NowWhat You Need to Know About GC Services
GC Services is a debt collection agency that works with companies across multiple industries. They collect all types of debt, from recent accounts to charged-off debt.
Founded in 1957, the company employs 7,500 people. GC Services operates over 30 call centers in the United States and abroad. The company is a division of ORG GC Midco, which filed for bankruptcy in 2021.
Scammers sometimes impersonate GC Services. Verify any contact through their official channels:
- Address: 6330 Gulfton St., Houston, Texas 77081
- Email: marketing.communications@gcserv.com
- Telephone: 877-374-0943 or 713-776-6623
GC Services has a troubled history. The Better Business Bureau shows 50 complaints in the last three years. The Federal Trade Commission fined them $700,000 in 2017 for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Many consumers have had their rights violated by GC Services. Understanding your rights helps you protect yourself.
Your Rights Under Federal Law
State and federal consumer protection laws give you leverage against debt collectors. Knowing your rights helps you:
- Challenge baseless threats from collectors
- Remove collections from your credit reports
- Request debt validation
- Identify violations during phone calls and written communications
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently updated Fair Debt Collection Practices Act provisions. A final rule released November 30, 2020 limits debt collector communications.
Call Frequency Limits
Debt collectors can only call you a limited number of times per week. They cannot call within seven days after speaking with you by phone.
New Communication Methods
Collectors like GC Services can now use text messages and email. You have the right to opt out of these communications. The opt-out method must be simple and straightforward.
Required Disclosures
A second rule from January 19, 2021 clarifies required information. Collectors must disclose specific details about the debt at first contact. You must receive information about your right to dispute the debt.
Debt collectors cannot report information to credit bureaus before contacting you directly. These protections give you power when dealing with collectors.
Validate the Debt Before Paying
Always confirm GC Services has accurate debt information. Unpaid debts change hands frequently in the collection industry. Strange things happen when debts move between buyers, collectors, and brokers.
Large debt portfolios get traded, sold, and sometimes stolen. GC Services must prove the debt belongs to you. They need to show:
- Your complete legal name
- Your Social Security Number for medical debts
- Current mailing address
- Your signature on the original debt agreement
Send a Debt Validation Letter to formally request proof. Timing matters here. GC Services must receive your letter within 30 days of initial contact.
After receiving your letter, GC Services must send validation proof. Review the validation carefully against your own records. Check if they reported anything to credit bureaus.
Consider paying only if GC Services provides a written agreement. The agreement should state they will not report to credit bureaus after payment. Found incorrect information? Send a dispute letter to the three major credit bureaus. They will remove the account if GC Services made a mistake.
Negotiate Settlement on Older Debts
Offer GC Services a reduced settlement on older debts. Try offering $250 on a $1,000 debt. Collection agencies buy debts after companies write them off. They paid pennies on the dollar for your debt.
Any payment above their purchase price creates profit. Most agencies prefer lump sum payments. Some will accept payment plans. Start negotiations by sending a Debt Lawsuit Settlement Letter.
Request Goodwill Deletion
After paying off the account, request goodwill deletion. Ask GC Services to empathize with your situation. Request removal of the negative mark from your credit report. No guarantee exists they will agree to remove it.
Consider Pay-for-Delete
Another option is offering payment in exchange for deletion. GC Services might remove the negative mark if you pay the debt. Start negotiations with a pay-for-delete letter.
Respond to a GC Services Lawsuit
You can fight back and win if GC Services sues you. Our partner Solo helps you respond to debt lawsuits properly. Filing a written Answer is your first step to beating GC Services.
Follow these three steps to respond and win:
Step 1: Respond to Each Allegation
The Complaint document lists specific allegations. Respond to each claim by admitting, denying, or denying due to lack of knowledge. Most attorneys recommend denying as many allegations as possible.
Step 2: Assert Affirmative Defenses
Affirmative defenses are legal reasons GC Services should not win. Common defenses include the statute of limitations. If the debt is too old, they cannot legally sue you. Other defenses may apply to your specific situation.
Step 3: File Your Answer
File your Answer with the court before the deadline. Deadlines range from 14 to 35 days depending on your state. Send a copy to the attorneys representing GC Services. Their address appears on the Summons and Complaint documents. Use certified mail with return receipt for proof of delivery.
Our partner Solo makes responding to debt collectors simple. You can respond to lawsuits, send letters to collectors, and settle debts. The Answer service asks necessary questions to complete your document. An attorney reviews your Answer before filing.
Take Action Against GC Services Today
GC Services relies on consumers not knowing their rights. You now have the knowledge to fight back. Validate the debt, negotiate settlement, or respond to their lawsuit.
Acting quickly protects your rights. Deadlines for debt validation and lawsuit responses are strict. Missing deadlines gives GC Services an advantage.
You have the power to beat GC Services. Start by taking the first step today.