How to Settle Debt With Progressive Management Systems

By Talk About Debt Team
Reviewed by Ben Jackson
Last Updated: February 16, 2026
6 min read
The Bottom Line

Progressive Management Systems may accept a settlement for less than you owe. You have rights under the FDCPA that protect you from harassment and unfair collection practices. If they sue you, respond with an Answer before the deadline to avoid default judgment and potential wage garnishment.

Answer the Lawsuit

Progressive Management Systems contacted you about a debt. You feel anxious, maybe even scared.

You have options. You can negotiate a settlement. You have rights under federal law.

Respond to Progressive Management Systems in 15 Minutes

Don't risk a default judgment. Our partner Solo helps you draft and file your Answer to the lawsuit before the deadline expires. Protect your wages and bank account.

Start Your Answer

Here’s how to deal with Progressive Management Systems and settle your debt for less.

What Is Progressive Management Systems?

Progressive Management Systems is a legitimate debt collection agency. They operate from West Covina, California and Las Vegas, Nevada.

The company has collected debts for over 45 years. They work with banks, healthcare providers, credit card companies, and government agencies.

Their services include pre-collection, early-stage collections, and debt collection litigation.

Progressive Management Systems Contact Information

  • Phone number: (800) 640-9211
  • Corporate Office: 1521 West Cameron Avenue, First Floor, West Covina, CA 91790
  • Fax Number: +1 626 813 6230
  • Email: collections@pmscollects.com

Who Does Progressive Management Systems Collect For?

Progressive Management Systems pursues unpaid debts for multiple companies. They collect medical bills, credit card debt, personal loans, and utilities.

They also buy delinquent accounts from original creditors. The company purchases debts from healthcare, finance, telecommunications, and government sectors.

Progressive Management Systems Reviews

Online reviews for Progressive Management Systems show mixed results. Many consumers report productive experiences when communicating with the company.

One reviewer shared their experience: “Maria Z. was AWESOME! She immediately stated that they will do the full DELETION on the credit report if paid in FULL.”

The company honors their promises when you honor yours. Effective communication remains incredibly important throughout the process.

If calling a debt collector sounds intimidating, you can negotiate online with our partner Solo through their digital settlement platform.

How to Negotiate a Debt Settlement With Progressive Management Systems

You owe the debt and want to avoid litigation. Consider negotiating a debt settlement.

Progressive Management Systems may accept less than the full amount. A reasonable lump sum offer often works better than nothing.

If you received a Summons and Complaint, act now. Don’t ignore the lawsuit hoping it disappears.

Debt Settlement Process Steps

  1. Calculate what you can realistically pay toward the balance. If you owe $7,500, determine if you could pay half while covering necessary living expenses.
  2. Make a written settlement offer below your calculated amount. Send a debt settlement letter to Progressive Management Systems. Keep your offer lower to leave negotiation room.
  3. Get the agreement in writing. Draft a Debt Settlement Agreement for both parties to sign.
  4. Pay the agreed amount on time to avoid future legal action.

Use written communication throughout the entire process. Keep copies of all agreements you reach.

Our partner Solo makes it easy to start the debt settlement negotiation process online.

Your Rights Under the FDCPA

You have specific rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Know these protections:

  • Debt collectors cannot contact you at work or ambush you at your workplace.
  • Progressive Management Systems must maintain professional language in all communications.
  • The company cannot threaten lawsuits they don’t intend to file.
  • The agency cannot contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.

You have the right to ignore calls outside these hours. Understanding your rights helps you defend against aggressive collection tactics.

How to Respond to a Progressive Management Systems Lawsuit

You must respond to a lawsuit within the court’s deadline. Failure to respond results in a default judgment against you.

Even if the debt seems valid, you need to file an Answer. A default judgment allows them to garnish wages or freeze bank accounts.

Three Steps to Respond to the Lawsuit

  1. Respond to each claim in the Complaint. You can admit, deny, or deny due to lack of knowledge. Deny as many claims as possible. Make Progressive Management Systems prove their case.
  2. Assert your affirmative defenses. Include legal reasons they should not win. The statute of limitations is a common defense. You can assert dozens of other defenses too.
  3. File the Answer with the court and send a copy to Progressive Management Systems. Meet the deadline to avoid default judgment. Mail your court-stamped response to the collector.

Our partner Solo helps you respond to a debt collection lawsuit in 15 minutes.

Effective Defenses Against Progressive Management Systems

Progressive Management Systems must prove you owe the debt. They must show the amount quoted is accurate.

Failure to prove these elements can result in lawsuit dismissal.

What Progressive Management Systems Must Prove

  • The firm has the legal right to sue you.
  • You are the legal debtor for this specific debt.
  • The debt amount in the lawsuit is exactly what you owe.

You can challenge the claim using the statute of limitations. Each state has a time limit for filing debt collection lawsuits.

If Progressive Management Systems filed after the deadline, raise this defense. The judge may dismiss the case entirely.

You could also file a countersuit if Progressive Management Systems violated the FDCPA. Winning a countersuit means they compensate you for damages and clear your legal fees.

Validate the Debt Before Paying

You have the right to request debt validation. Send a debt validation letter within 30 days of their first contact.

Progressive Management Systems must provide proof you owe the debt. They must stop collection activities until they provide validation.

Request these documents in your validation letter:

  • Proof they own or have the right to collect the debt
  • Original creditor’s name and account number
  • Itemized statement showing charges and payments
  • Copy of the original contract or agreement

Don’t pay anything until you receive proper validation. Many collection agencies cannot provide adequate proof.

Protect Yourself From Default Judgment

A default judgment happens when you don’t respond to a lawsuit. The court automatically rules in favor of Progressive Management Systems.

Default judgments allow wage garnishment, bank account levies, and property liens. You lose the chance to negotiate or present defenses.

Check your state’s deadline for responding to lawsuits. Most states give 20 to 30 days from when you were served.

File your Answer before the deadline expires. Even a basic Answer protects you from default judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Progressive Management Systems?

Progressive Management Systems is a debt collection agency operating from California and Nevada for over 45 years. They collect medical bills, credit card debt, personal loans, and utilities for original creditors and also purchase delinquent accounts.

How do I negotiate a settlement with Progressive Management Systems?

Calculate what you can afford to pay, then make a written settlement offer below that amount. Keep all communications in writing. Get any settlement agreement in writing before paying. Use a debt settlement platform like Solo to negotiate online if you prefer not to call.

Can I ignore a lawsuit from Progressive Management Systems?

No, you should never ignore a lawsuit. If you don't respond within the deadline, the court issues a default judgment allowing wage garnishment and bank account levies. You must file an Answer to the Complaint even if you think you owe the debt.

What rights do I have when Progressive Management Systems contacts me?

The FDCPA protects you from harassment and unfair practices. Progressive Management Systems cannot contact you at work, call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., use abusive language, or threaten lawsuits they don't intend to file. You can request they stop calling and communicate only in writing.

How long does Progressive Management Systems have to sue me?

Each state has a statute of limitations for debt collection lawsuits, typically ranging from 3 to 10 years. If Progressive Management Systems sues after the statute of limitations expires, you can use this as an affirmative defense to get the case dismissed.