How to Resolve a Debt With SIMM Associates

Your phone rings constantly with debt collection calls. You’re not alone in this struggle.

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, roughly one in four Americans receives a debt collection call at some point.

SIMM Associates is a collections agency based in Newark, Delaware. If they’ve contacted you, you need a game plan now.

Here’s how to resolve a debt with SIMM Associates when they call or sue you.

Is SIMM Associates a Scam or Legitimate?

SIMM Associates is a legitimate third-party collections service. They’ve operated since 1991.

The company serves multiple industries including retail, e-commerce, student lending, consumer lending, credit cards, healthcare, and auto finance.

SIMM Associates may contact you from at least two different numbers:

• 1-800-864-6033
• 1-302-283-2800

You can reach them by mail at this address:

Address:
800 Pencader Dr.
Newark, DE 19702

SIMM Associates Has Received Many Complaints

Feeling frustrated with SIMM Associates? You’re definitely not alone.

As of 2022, SIMM Associates received 146 complaints on their BBB profile within three years.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reported 342 complaints against SIMM Associates over the last decade.

These complaints accused SIMM Associates of aggressive and threatening tactics during debt collection calls.

You need a clear plan to handle SIMM Associates effectively.

Real Complaint Example

One consumer reported being told they would continue receiving calls despite requesting no further contact. The representative refused to honor the request and hung up abruptly.

SIMM Associates has been known to violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Knowing your rights helps you defend yourself against unfair treatment.

Report SIMM Associates When They Violate the FDCPA

You have rights as a consumer. The FDCPA sets standards that govern collection agencies like SIMM Associates.

Collection agencies are forbidden from:

• Contacting you multiple times per day
• Contacting you before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
• Contacting you after receiving a cease-and-desist notice
• Contacting your family, friends, or coworkers about your debt
• Refusing to provide validation for your debt

Report any violations immediately. You can report them through the FTC online platform or call 877-382-4357.

You can also report them to the CFPB through their website or by calling 855-411-2372.

Send a Debt Validation Letter

Start by gathering information on your debt. Send them a Debt Validation Letter through certified mail.

They must send back a document showing your debt balance and original creditor information.

Failing to validate your debt violates FDCPA guidelines. They can’t keep calling you without providing this information.

Stop the Calls From SIMM Associates

Debt collectors must stop contacting you after receiving a cease-and-desist letter.

Send your letter through certified mail. You’ll have proof they received it.

SIMM Associates may contact you one final time to discuss next steps. After that, no more calls are allowed.

Ask to Pay the Original Creditor

The easiest solution is repaying the debt directly. Contact your original creditor once you know SIMM Associates is pursuing you.

You may work out a payment plan that avoids dealing with collection agencies. You’ll also start restoring your credit faster.

Respond to a Debt Lawsuit Against SIMM Associates

Collection agencies sometimes take debtors to court. You must respond quickly if this happens.

You typically have 14-35 days to respond, depending on your state. Missing the deadline usually results in a default judgment.

A default judgment gives SIMM Associates the right to garnish your wages or seize property.

Our partner Solo can help you respond to SIMM Associates in court.

How to Draft Your Answer

Your Answer is the first step to resolving a lawsuit with SIMM Associates. Follow these six tips:

1. Keep it simple. Your Answer should focus on responding to claims in the Complaint document. You can admit, deny, or deny due to lack of knowledge.
2. Deny as many claims as possible. Most attorneys recommend this approach. You force SIMM Associates to do more work proving their case.
3. Include affirmative defenses. These are legal reasons SIMM Associates should not win. The statute of limitations is a common affirmative defense in debt lawsuits.
4. Use standard formatting. Include a caption with court information, party information, and case number at the document head.
5. Include a certificate of service. Verify the address you used to serve SIMM Associates your Answer.
6. Sign your document. Most courts reject legal documents without signatures.

Filing an Answer often stops the lawsuit from proceeding further. Collection agencies may drop cases when they lack sufficient evidence.

What Happens After You File Your Answer?

SIMM Associates must prove you owe the debt after you file your Answer. Many collection agencies struggle to provide adequate proof.

They may offer a settlement instead of going to trial. You can negotiate a lower payment amount or payment plan.

Never agree to anything without getting it in writing first. Always review settlement terms carefully before signing.

Negotiate a Settlement With SIMM Associates

You can often settle for less than the full amount owed. Collection agencies buy debts for pennies on the dollar.

They’re often willing to accept 30-50% of the original debt. Start your offer lower than what you’re willing to pay.

Get any settlement agreement in writing before making payments. Confirm they’ll report the debt as “paid” or “settled” to credit bureaus.

Protect Yourself From Future Issues

Keep detailed records of all communications with SIMM Associates. Document phone calls, letters, and payment arrangements.

Check your credit report after resolving the debt. Make sure SIMM Associates updates your account status correctly.

You can dispute any inaccurate information with the credit bureaus. Provide documentation supporting your dispute claim.