How to Resolve Debt with Account Services (2024 Guide)

You received a debt collection letter from Account Services. You’ve never heard of them. You’d remember borrowing money from an unfamiliar company.

Don’t throw that letter away. Account Services is a legitimate debt collector, not a scam.

They purchase old debts from creditors for pennies on the dollar. Then they attempt to collect from you. They often buy thousands of debts at once and profit when collection succeeds.

You can resolve debt with Account Services. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Account Services?

Account Services USA is a legitimate debt collection agency. They operate from San Antonio, Texas, and have been in business since 1965.

You might see them listed under alternate names:

• Healthcare Financial Services
• Account Services Inc.
• ASI
• Account Services Collections Inc.

The Better Business Bureau gives them an A accreditation. They have only 14 complaints filed against them.

Contact information for Account Services:

• Address: 1802 NE Loop 410 Ste 400, San Antonio, TX 78217
• Phone: (210) 821-1200
• Website: accountservices-usa.com

Who Does Account Services Collect For?

Account Services purchases various consumer debts. Their collection portfolio includes:

• Healthcare and medical bills
• Credit cards and consumer loans
• Retail debt
• Utilities
• Telecommunications
• Apartment rent

They organize services into three categories on their website:

• Medical or early out recovery services
• Financial recovery services
• General business recovery services

Account Services will contact you repeatedly until the debt is resolved. They must follow the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) during all collection activities.

Your Rights Under the FDCPA

Congress passed the FDCPA in 1977. The law protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices.

Account Services cannot:

• Call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
• Threaten you with arrest
• Pretend to be law enforcement or an attorney
• Demand more money than you actually owe
• Use profanity or abusive language
• Harass or threaten you

If Account Services violates these rules, document the violations. You may have grounds to sue them for damages.

Most legitimate collectors respect the law and use proper collection methods. Know your rights and assert them when necessary.

Send a Debt Validation Letter

Review any communication from Account Services carefully. Look for details about the original debt.

Collectors must provide specific information within five days of initial contact:

• The amount you owe
• The original creditor’s name
• How to dispute the debt
• Your right to request debt validation
• Where to find the original creditor’s address

You have 30 days to send a debt validation letter. A validation letter requires the collector to prove you owe the debt.

Send the letter if:

• Account Services didn’t provide required information
• You don’t recognize the debt
• The amount seems incorrect
• The debt is very old

Many collectors struggle to gather proper validation documents. They often drop cases rather than spend time and money validating debts.

Account Services must pause collection efforts until they provide validation. If they can’t validate the debt, they must stop contacting you.

What to Do If Account Services Sues You

Never ignore a lawsuit from Account Services. Ignoring it guarantees you’ll lose by default judgment.

A default judgment damages your credit for seven years. Account Services gains powerful collection rights including:

• Wage garnishment
• Bank account levies
• Property liens

You must respond to the lawsuit. Our partner Solo can help you file your Answer and defend yourself in court.

Step 1: Answer Each Claim

Account Services sends you a Summons and Complaint. The Summons notifies you of the lawsuit. The Complaint lists allegations against you.

Respond to each numbered paragraph in the Complaint. You have three response options:

• Admit: You agree the statement is true
• Deny: You challenge them to prove it
• Deny due to lack of knowledge: You don’t have enough information

Deny as many allegations as possible. Denying forces Account Services to prove their case with documentation.

Debt collectors buy thousands of accounts in bulk. They often lack the paperwork to support their claims. Many lawsuits get dropped when debtors properly challenge them.

Step 2: Assert Your Affirmative Defenses

An affirmative defense is a legal reason the lawsuit should be dismissed. Common defenses include:

• The statute of limitations has expired
• You already paid the debt
• The debt amount is incorrect
• Account Services can’t prove they own the debt
• The collector violated the FDCPA

Research your state’s statute of limitations for your debt type. Many debts are too old to sue over legally.

Include all applicable affirmative defenses in your Answer document.

Step 3: File Your Answer and Serve the Plaintiff

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

File your Answer with the court listed on your Summons. Send a copy to the attorney representing Account Services.

Missing your deadline results in automatic default judgment. File as soon as possible to protect yourself.

Our partner Solo helps you draft, file, and serve your Answer in all 50 states.

How to Settle Debt With Account Services

Debt settlement can resolve your account for less than you owe. You negotiate a reduced payoff amount.

Account Services often accepts settlement offers between 30% and 50% of the balance. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Determine Your Settlement Offer

Review your finances honestly. Calculate what you can afford to pay.

Start with 30% to 50% if you can pay a lump sum. Several factors affect settlement amounts:

• Age of the debt
• Total amount owed
• Your financial hardship
• Whether you’re being sued
• The specific collector’s policies

Older debts typically settle for less. Collectors want to recover something before the statute of limitations expires.

Step 2: Make Your Settlement Offer

Contact Account Services with your offer. You can call, write, or use a settlement negotiation service.

Explain your financial hardship briefly. State your offer amount and when you can pay.

Account Services may accept your initial offer. More likely, they’ll counter with a higher amount. Negotiate until you reach an agreement you can afford.

Step 3: Get the Agreement in Writing

Never pay without a written settlement agreement. The agreement should specify:

• The settlement amount
• The payment due date
• That payment settles the debt in full
• How they’ll report to credit bureaus

Request that Account Services report the account as “paid in full” rather than “settled.” Some collectors agree to this for slightly higher settlements.

Keep copies of all settlement documents and payment proof. You’ll need them if disputes arise later.

Step 4: Pay Promptly

Make your settlement payment by the agreed deadline. Missing the payment deadline voids your agreement.

Account Services can resume full collection efforts if you don’t pay. They may even sue you.

Pay by money order, cashier’s check, or bank transfer. Keep proof of payment. Never give Account Services access to your bank account.

Account Services Reviews and Reputation

Account Services has limited online reviews. You can check their Better Business Bureau profile for customer feedback.

Most debt collectors receive negative reviews. People don’t enjoy being contacted about old debts. Reviews may not reflect the full picture.

Focus on whether Account Services follows the law during collection. Document any FDCPA violations immediately.

Protect Your Rights

You have power when dealing with Account Services. Debt collectors must follow strict rules.

Take these protective steps:

• Request debt validation within 30 days
• Document all communication
• Never admit the debt is yours initially
• Check your state’s statute of limitations
• Respond to any lawsuit promptly
• Get settlement agreements in writing
• Keep copies of all documents

Account Services can only collect if they prove you owe the debt. Make them do their job and provide proof.

Don’t let fear or embarrassment prevent you from defending yourself. Millions of Americans face debt collection every year.