How to Settle Debt With Accredited Collection Services in 6 Steps
You can successfully settle debt with Accredited Collection Services by responding to lawsuits promptly, calculating what you can afford, and negotiating professionally. Always get settlement agreements in writing before making any payments. Document all communications to protect your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Respond to ACS NowAre you facing a lawsuit from Accredited Collection Services? You have legal rights and options to resolve your debt.
You can reach a fair resolution to your debt issue. With the right approach, you can negotiate a settlement and pay less than you owe.
Respond to Accredited Collection Services Before It's Too Late
Don't risk a default judgment from ACS. Get expert help responding to the lawsuit and negotiating a settlement that saves you money.
Answer Your LawsuitWho Is Accredited Collection Services?
Accredited Collection Services (ACS) is a professional debt collection agency. They claim to treat every debtor with respect and dignity.
ACS pursues unpaid debts for various companies across different industries. They handle medical bills, credit cards, utility bills, and more.
How to Negotiate With Accredited Collection Services to Settle Debt in 6 Steps
Many debt collectors, including ACS, accept settlements for less than the full balance. Our partner Solo can help you take proactive steps to negotiate effectively.
Step 1: File an Answer if You’ve Been Sued
Did Accredited Collection Services file a lawsuit against you? You must respond with an Answer.
Failing to respond creates a major risk. The court can issue a default judgment against you.
A default judgment gives ACS the right to garnish your wages. It also damages your credit score significantly.
Step 2: Calculate What You Can Afford to Pay
Determine your realistic settlement amount using this formula:
Amount available to settle = (monthly income – monthly costs) + savings
Be honest about your finances. Know your absolute maximum before negotiations begin.
Step 3: Make a Lower Initial Offer
Start below your maximum payment capacity. Offer 30-50% of the total debt as your opening bid.
You need room to negotiate upward. Debt collectors expect back-and-forth discussions.
Step 4: Prepare for Multiple Rounds of Negotiation
ACS will likely counter your initial offer. Stay calm and professional throughout the process.
Never reveal your maximum payment amount early. Work your way up gradually during negotiations.
Step 5: Get Everything in Writing
Reached an agreement? Demand written confirmation before paying anything.
Your settlement agreement should include these details:
- The exact settlement amount
- Payment due date or payment plan terms
- Confirmation that payment satisfies the entire debt
- Agreement to report the debt as “paid” or “settled” to credit bureaus
Never make a payment without written documentation. Verbal agreements don’t protect you legally.
Step 6: Pay Promptly According to Agreement Terms
Make your payment exactly as specified in the written agreement. Use a traceable payment method like certified check or money order.
Keep copies of all payment records. You need proof that you fulfilled your obligations.
Read Accredited Collection Services Reviews Online to Prepare Yourself
Want to know what others experienced with ACS? Check these review platforms:
- Google Reviews
- Better Business Bureau
- CFPB Consumer Complaint Database
The reviews for Accredited Collection Services are mixed. Many consumers report positive experiences when communicating professionally with ACS collectors.
One borrower named Karen shared this experience:
“I detest collection agencies however, this company has actually been helpful. I had a bill for over $1000. My husband said he had been paying. NOT! I had no idea until I got the bill from this company. I called them and explained the situation to them. We came to an agreement on a monthly payment. They were actually very nice about the whole thing.”
Remember that ACS representatives are people doing their jobs. Professional communication increases your chances of reaching a favorable settlement.
Afraid to call a debt collector directly? Our partner Solo helps you negotiate settlements online through their digital platform.
The Best Tactics for Handling Accredited Collection Services
Did Accredited Collection Services contact you about an unpaid debt? Any information you provide can be used against you in court.
Stay guarded during conversations. Don’t volunteer information about your finances or personal details.
Request Debt Verification Immediately
You have the right to request verification of the debt. Ask for a Request for Production of Documents.
You’re seeking proof that the debt belongs to you. ACS must provide the original bill with your signature on it.
Send your verification request by certified mail. Keep the receipt as proof of your request.
Can’t produce proper documentation? ACS has a weaker case against you in court.
Don’t Admit to Owing the Debt Without Verification
ACS may present various documents in court. They hope you’ll admit the debt is yours without proper verification.
Don’t fall for this common tactic. Debt collectors use this approach when they lack original documentation.
ACS must have the original bill in court on your trial date. No substitutes or copies satisfy this requirement.
Watch Out for Delay Tactics
ACS may request a hearing delay to find the original bill. Your attorney can object to unnecessary delays.
If they can’t produce proper documentation, you deserve a victory. Don’t let delays work in their favor.
You May Be Able to File a Counterclaim for Improper Collection Practices
Did ACS engage in improper debt collection practices? You can file a counterclaim against them.
Review the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to understand your rights. Debt collectors must follow strict rules when contacting you.
Common FDCPA violations include:
- Calling before 8 AM or after 9 PM
- Contacting you at work after you’ve asked them to stop
- Using threats, profanity, or abusive language
- Misrepresenting the amount you owe
- Threatening legal action they can’t or won’t take
Document Everything for a Potential Counterclaim
Filing a counterclaim requires solid evidence. You must prove the wrongdoing occurred.
Keep detailed records of every contact attempt from ACS:
- Date and time of each call, text, or email
- Name of the representative who contacted you
- What was said during the conversation
- Any threats or inappropriate statements made
Save all voicemails, emails, and text messages. Don’t delete any communication from ACS.
Write down exact words exchanged during phone calls. Your documentation becomes evidence in court.
Consider the Risks Before Filing a Counterclaim
Counterclaims amplify litigation rather than resolving your debt. You face additional time and legal costs.
Proactively negotiating with ACS often produces better outcomes. You can settle your debt and move forward faster.
Consult with a consumer rights attorney before filing a counterclaim. They can evaluate your evidence and advise you properly.
What Happens if You Ignore Accredited Collection Services?
Ignoring ACS doesn’t make your debt disappear. The consequences get worse over time.
ACS can file a lawsuit against you. Without your response, they’ll win a default judgment.
Default judgments allow ACS to:
- Garnish up to 25% of your wages
- Freeze and withdraw funds from your bank accounts
- Place liens on your property
- Damage your credit score for seven years
Taking action protects your rights and finances. Even if you can’t pay the full amount, communication opens doors to settlement.
Know Your Rights Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
The FDCPA protects you from abusive debt collection practices. Understanding your rights empowers you during negotiations.
Debt collectors cannot:
- Harass, oppress, or abuse you
- Make false or misleading statements
- Contact you after you’ve hired an attorney
- Discuss your debt with others (except your attorney or spouse)
- Continue contacting you after you’ve sent a cease communication letter
You can request that ACS stop calling you. Send a written cease communication letter by certified mail.
After receiving your letter, ACS can only contact you to confirm they’ll stop calling. They may also notify you of specific legal actions they plan to take.
Should You Hire an Attorney to Handle Accredited Collection Services?
An attorney provides valuable protection during debt collection matters. Consumer rights attorneys often offer free consultations.
Consider hiring an attorney if:
- ACS has filed a lawsuit against you
- You believe ACS violated the FDCPA
- You’re unsure about your legal rights and options
- You want professional representation during negotiations
Many attorneys work on contingency for FDCPA violation cases. You don’t pay unless you win your case.
For straightforward debt settlements, our partner Solo offers an affordable alternative. Their platform guides you through negotiations without expensive legal fees.