How To Beat United Collection Bureau and Win Your Debt Case
United Collection Bureau is a legitimate debt collection agency that buys and collects consumer debts. You can negotiate a settlement for 40-60% of what you owe, but always validate the debt first. If UCB sues you, respond immediately with an answer form to avoid a default judgment.
Answer UCB's LawsuitUnited Collection Bureau (UCB) is a debt collection agency. If UCB is reaching out, you may owe a debt they now own. After confirming you owe the debt, you can negotiate a settlement for less. If UCB files a lawsuit against you, respond immediately by filing an answer form. Follow all court procedures to protect yourself.
Why Is United Collection Bureau Contacting Me?
United Collection Bureau (UCB), sometimes called UCB Collections, collects consumer debts. They handle credit card, medical, and utility debt.
Fight Back Against United Collection Bureau's Lawsuit
UCB sued you? Don't let them win by default. Our partner Solo helps you draft a proper answer and defend yourself in court. Over 234,000 people have used Solo to respond to debt collectors.
Respond to UCB NowUCB is likely contacting you because they bought your debt. They want to collect it now.
Before you pay anything, make sure the debt is really yours. Confirm the amount is correct too. You need to validate the debt first.
Do I Have To Pay United Collection Bureau?
You might have to pay UCB if they validate the debt. Validation means they prove the debt is yours and the amount is correct.
You shouldn’t pay if they cannot validate the debt properly.
If UCB proves the debt is accurate but you don’t pay, consequences follow. They could get a court order for wage garnishment or bank account garnishment. They can take your income to pay off the debt.
Even if you owe UCB, you may not owe the full amount. You can negotiate a debt settlement to pay only a portion.
Negotiate like a pro by following our three-step plan below.
How To Negotiate a Debt Settlement With United Collection Bureau in 3 Steps
Debt collection agencies are businesses with their own objectives. They often use intimidation to reach their goals.
Sound scary? You actually have an advantage in negotiations.
Collectors buy your debt for significantly less than it’s worth. They still make a profit even if you settle for less. Many times, they accept 40%–60% of the total amount.
Keep this in mind during your settlement negotiations with our partner Solo.
UCB may reach out with a settlement offer first. But it’s better for you to initiate the settlement. You gain the upper hand and better negotiating position.
Ready for negotiations? Follow these three steps carefully.
Step 1: Make Sure the Debt Is Valid
A Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) debt collection rule has important requirements. Debt collectors must send you a validation letter within five days. They must give you 30 days to dispute the debt.
Debt collection agencies must send you a debt validation letter when collecting. A validation letter contains important details of your debt.
If UCB hasn’t sent you a letter, ask for one immediately.
If they send a validation letter but you need more information, respond. Craft and send a debt verification letter requesting additional details. You can also use a validation letter to dispute the debt.
If a debt collector claims you owe them money, confirm these facts:
- The debt belongs to you
- The debt collector owns your debt
- The debt amount is correct
Debt validation and debt verification letters sound similar but are different. Validation confirms the debt exists and belongs to you. Verification requests additional proof and documentation beyond basic validation.
Step 2: Figure Out What You Can Pay
Determine how much you can comfortably pay United Collection Bureau before making your offer. Take note of your monthly take-home pay, expenses, and debt obligations.
Include mortgages and loans in your calculations too.
If you need help with this process, the CFPB has budget worksheets available. Consider getting a free consultation with an accredited nonprofit credit counselor. Our partner Cambridge Credit Counseling can help you create a realistic budget.
Once you know what you can afford, choose your payment type. You can either pay a one-time lump-sum payment or through monthly installments.
Debt collectors typically prefer a lump-sum payment. It’s a good option if you have a tax return or work bonus. But a payment plan may work better if you don’t have windfalls coming.
Create a payment plan with monthly installments that fit your budget. Set up a direct withdrawal system that automatically pays UCB monthly. Automatic payments could help persuade them to accept this option.
Step 3: Make a Settlement Offer to United Collection Bureau
Making a settlement offer isn’t as overwhelming as it seems. Use a debt settlement letter template as your guide when crafting your offer.
Make your settlement in writing so there’s a record. Make sure UCB’s reply is in writing too.
Don’t Just Negotiate the Amount… Negotiate Everything!
You can follow our negotiation procedure for more than the settlement amount. Negotiate how you repay the debt (lump sum vs. payment plan).
Negotiate how UCB reports your collections account to credit bureaus too.
How a collector reports your account impacts your credit score significantly. They can report you as paid in full, paid partially, or settled.
Paid in full is best for your credit report. Fight for this option during negotiations.
Can You Still Negotiate a Settlement if There’s a Debt Lawsuit Against You?
Often, yes! Even if you’re being sued, you can still negotiate a debt settlement. It’s not too late to work out a deal.
However, even while working towards a settlement, do not ignore your lawsuit. You still need to follow all procedures and court requirements.
Attend all court appearances until your settlement is in writing. Don’t stop until your lawsuit is dismissed or closed.
Tips for a Successful Debt Settlement
Here are our top tips on how to be a boss negotiator:
- Start with a lower offer than what you can actually pay
- Stay calm and professional during all communications
- Get everything in writing before making any payments
- Never give access to your bank account or routing numbers
- Don’t agree to terms you can’t realistically meet
- Request a pay-for-delete agreement if possible
- Keep detailed records of all conversations and correspondence
- Know your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
- Don’t be afraid to walk away and counter-offer
If you need professional help negotiating with UCB, our partner Solo can help you respond to collection attempts and settle your debt.
How To Beat United Collection Bureau in a Debt Lawsuit
If UCB sues you, read your summons and complaint carefully. These are two official court documents you’ll receive.
Respond to the lawsuit with an answer form as soon as possible. Speed is critical here.
If you ignore a lawsuit, the debt collector wins by default. To prevent this, respond immediately after receiving your paperwork.
Responding is simpler than you think. Don’t let fear stop you from protecting yourself.
Step 1: Read the Summons and Complaint Carefully
A summons contains the important details of your lawsuit. Its main purpose is alerting you that you’re involved in a lawsuit.
Format and contents vary by court. But typically a summons outlines:
- The name and address of your court
- The contact information for everyone involved in the case
- The legal consequences you face if you fail to respond
To understand why UCB filed a lawsuit, read your complaint document thoroughly. A complaint details the specific claims UCB has against you. Claims are usually listed in numbered paragraphs.
Reference these claims when filling out your answer form later.
Step 2: Fill Out an Answer Form and Any Other Required Forms
Most courts provide an answer form template for you to complete. Try Googling “[court name] + answer form” to find your court’s template.
Some courts require additional paperwork along with your answer. Read your paperwork thoroughly to understand what’s needed.
Your responses should line up with each claim in the complaint. Bring up any affirmative defenses you may have.
An affirmative defense is a legitimate reason you don’t owe the debt. Common defenses include statute of limitations, mistaken identity, or debt already paid.
If you have trouble finding your answer form, contact your court clerk. A court clerk works for the court and helps with procedures and paperwork. They cannot give legal advice though.
If you need help drafting your answer to UCB’s lawsuit, our partner Solo specializes in debt lawsuit responses. They’ve helped over 234,000 people fight back against debt collectors.
Step 3: File the Answer Form With the Court and Serve on the Plaintiff
After filling out your answer form, submit it to the court. The court name appears on your summons document.
Filing procedures differ for every court. Check your court’s website or contact the court clerk for instructions.
Most courts have an in-person filing option. Others allow you to file online. Some courts also have a mail-in option.
Regardless of how you file, most courts require you to serve the plaintiff. You must deliver a copy of your forms to UCB.
You can serve by mail, preferably through certified mail. Certified mail gives you a receipt as proof of delivery.
What Happens After You File Your Answer?
After filing your answer, the court will schedule a hearing or trial. UCB must prove you owe the debt and the amount is correct.
You can still negotiate a settlement even after filing your answer. Many debt lawsuits settle before going to trial.
Attend all court dates even if you’re negotiating a settlement. Only stop when you have a written settlement agreement and the court dismisses your case.
If UCB cannot prove their case, the judge may dismiss the lawsuit. You win when they lack proper documentation or proof.