How to Settle Debt With TRS Recovery Services

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

TRS Recovery Services is a legitimate debt collector that works for Amazon and other major retailers. You can protect yourself by validating the debt, negotiating a settlement, or properly responding to a lawsuit within your state's deadline.

Answer Your Lawsuit

Americans now owe $1.17 trillion in credit card debt. That number jumped over 8% in 2024 alone.

TRS Recovery Services may be calling you about a delinquent account. Amazon and other major retailers hire them to collect failed transactions and unpaid debts.

Respond to TRS Recovery Services in 15 Minutes

Don't let TRS get a default judgment against you. Draft and file your Answer now to protect your wages and property from garnishment.

Start Your Answer

You have options when TRS contacts you. You can validate the debt, negotiate a settlement, or respond to a lawsuit. Here’s how to handle each situation.

Understanding TRS Recovery Services

TRS Recovery Services is a legitimate debt collection agency. They’ve operated out of Marietta, GA since 1990.

The company is a division of First Data. They specialize in collecting debts for retailers, grocery stores, and financial institutions.

Contact Information

TRS also collects payments for TeleCheck Services. TeleCheck processes check payments for online retailers.

When a transaction fails due to insufficient funds or incorrect account information, it goes to TRS. They handle the collection process from there.

Your Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from abusive collection practices. All debt collectors must follow these federal rules.

TRS Recovery Services cannot engage in these prohibited practices:

  • Harassment or abuse of any kind
  • False or misleading representations about your debt
  • Unfair practices during collection attempts
  • Contacting you at unreasonable times or places
  • Using deceptive forms or documents

You can sue debt collectors who violate the FDCPA. Courts consider the frequency, nature, and intent of violations when awarding damages.

Document every interaction with TRS. Save voicemails, letters, and note the dates of phone calls.

Send a Debt Validation Letter

You have 30 days to request debt validation. Our partner Solo can help you create a customized letter in minutes.

A validation letter forces TRS to prove you owe the debt. They must stop collection activities until they provide proof.

TRS may send you one of these documents:

  • Proof of delivery for ordered items
  • Original purchase receipt
  • Itemized statement of charges
  • Copy of the returned check

Many debt collectors stop pursuing debts after receiving validation requests. They often lack complete documentation.

Send your validation letter via certified mail. Keep copies of everything you send.

Negotiate a Settlement With TRS

Debt settlement lets you pay less than the full amount owed. You can reduce your debt burden and lower monthly payments.

Settlements work well for credit card debt, personal loans, and medical bills. Follow these steps to negotiate with TRS Recovery Services.

Calculate Your Maximum Payment

Determine what you can afford without hurting other obligations. If you owe $7,000 and can pay $4,500, use that as your ceiling.

Start your offer lower than your maximum. You’ll need room to negotiate upward.

Make Your Opening Offer

Contact TRS Recovery Services with your initial settlement proposal. You can call them or send a debt settlement letter.

Most debt collectors won’t accept your first offer. Prepare for back-and-forth negotiation.

Get Everything in Writing

Once you reach an agreement, draft a debt settlement agreement. Both parties must sign before you make any payment.

The agreement should specify the settlement amount and payment terms. It should also state that payment satisfies the debt in full.

Pay the agreed amount promptly after signing. Keep proof of payment for your records.

Respond to a TRS Lawsuit

TRS Recovery Services can sue you for unpaid debts. You must respond before your state’s deadline.

Ignoring a lawsuit leads to a default judgment. TRS could then garnish your wages or seize your property.

Follow these three steps to protect yourself:

1. Answer Each Claim

The Complaint lists specific allegations against you. You must respond to each one in your Answer.

Choose one of these responses for each claim:

  • Admit: You agree the statement is true
  • Deny: You dispute the claim and force TRS to prove it
  • Deny due to lack of knowledge: You don’t have enough information to confirm or deny

Deny as many claims as possible. TRS must prove every claim you deny with proper documentation.

If they can’t prove their case, the court may dismiss it. Our partner Solo helps you draft a proper Answer in minutes.

2. Assert Affirmative Defenses

Affirmative defenses strengthen your case. Review these common defenses carefully:

  • The debt isn’t yours
  • You’re a victim of identity theft
  • The debt belongs to someone with a similar name
  • You already paid all or part of the debt
  • The amount claimed is incorrect
  • You never had a business relationship with the creditor
  • The statute of limitations has expired
  • Bankruptcy discharged the debt

Include every defense that applies to your situation. Missing one could weaken your case.

3. File and Serve Your Answer

You have 14-35 days to file your Answer. The exact deadline depends on your state.

Follow these steps to file properly:

  • Make two copies of your Answer
  • File the original with the court that issued the Summons
  • Send one copy to TRS Recovery’s attorney
  • Keep one copy for your records

Some courts require electronic filing. Others accept mail or in-person filing.

Send your Answer to TRS’s attorney via certified mail. You’ll need proof they received it.

What Happens After You Respond

Filing an Answer doesn’t end the lawsuit. It starts the legal process.

TRS may offer to settle once they see you’re defending yourself. Many debt collectors prefer settlement over trial.

You might also enter discovery. Both sides exchange information and evidence about the debt.

Some cases go to mediation. A neutral third party helps you and TRS reach an agreement.

Very few debt collection cases go to trial. Most settle or get dismissed beforehand.

Consider Your Long-Term Options

Settling with TRS resolves one debt. But you may have other financial obligations.

Review your complete financial situation. Calculate all your debts, income, and monthly expenses.

You might benefit from professional debt help. Credit counseling can help you create a budget and repayment plan.

Some people qualify for debt consolidation. You combine multiple debts into one lower monthly payment.

Bankruptcy might be appropriate for severe debt situations. It can eliminate certain debts and stop collection activities.

Choose the path that addresses your overall financial health. One-time settlements help with individual debts but don’t solve systemic money problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TRS Recovery Services?

TRS Recovery Services is a legitimate debt collection agency founded in 1990 and based in Marietta, GA. They collect debts for retailers, grocery stores, and financial institutions, including Amazon and TeleCheck Services. They typically handle failed transactions due to insufficient funds or incorrect account information.

How do I validate a debt with TRS Recovery Services?

Send a debt validation letter to TRS within 30 days of first contact. They must then prove you owe the debt and stop collection activities until they provide documentation. Request proof of delivery, original receipts, itemized charges, or copies of returned checks. Send your letter via certified mail and keep copies of all correspondence.

Can I negotiate a lower settlement with TRS Recovery Services?

Yes, you can negotiate to settle your debt for less than the full amount owed. Calculate what you can afford, make an opening offer below that amount, and prepare for back-and-forth negotiation. Always get the settlement agreement in writing and signed by both parties before making any payment.

What happens if TRS Recovery Services sues me?

You must file an Answer with the court before your state's deadline (typically 14-35 days). Your Answer should respond to each claim in the Complaint and assert affirmative defenses like statute of limitations or incorrect debt amount. Failing to respond results in a default judgment that allows wage garnishment and property seizure.

How long does TRS Recovery Services have to sue me?

The statute of limitations varies by state and typically ranges from 3-6 years for most debts. Once this period expires, TRS cannot successfully sue you for the debt. However, making a payment or acknowledging the debt in writing can restart the clock, so be careful about what you say or do when contacted.