Resolve Debt With Brown and Joseph: Settlement Guide

Brown and Joseph, LLC is a debt collection agency operating from Illinois. The firm may be calling you about past debt.

You have options to resolve the situation. Start by verifying the debt is truly yours.

Respond to Brown and Joseph in Minutes

Don't let Brown and Joseph win by default. Our partner Solo helps you file your Answer and negotiate a settlement before the court deadline. Most people save 40-60% on their debt.

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Once confirmed, you can negotiate a lower settlement and resolve the debt for less than the full amount.

Is Brown and Joseph a Legitimate Company?

Brown and Joseph is not a scam. The company is a legitimate debt collection agency operating since 1996.

You probably won’t speak with an attorney directly. However, Brown and Joseph maintains a network of collection law firms.

The company hires these firms when accounts go long enough without payment to warrant legal action.

What Types of Debt Does Brown and Joseph Collect?

Brown and Joseph primarily collects for healthcare and insurance companies. The agency also works with businesses across various other industries.

The company likely purchased your debt from the original creditor. Now they’re attempting to collect the full amount.

How to Contact Brown and Joseph

You can reach Brown and Joseph through multiple channels:

Phone: (847) 758-3000
Anonymous hotline: (800) 216-0587
Address: One Pierce Place Suite 700W, Itasca, IL 60143
Email: info@brownandjoseph.com

The company also offers a contact form on their website.

What Do Customer Reviews Reveal?

Brown and Joseph has a troubling complaint history. The Better Business Bureau gives the company an “F” rating.

The BBB website shows 62 customer complaints. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau records 11 complaints.

Google reviews average just 1.2 out of 5 stars. Many customers report being contacted for illegitimate debts.

Some reviews mention aggressive collection tactics. Others complain about poor communication and unprofessional behavior.

Never pay anything until the collector proves you owe the debt.

What to Do When Brown and Joseph Contacts You

Take two critical steps when a debt collector reaches out. Assert your consumer rights and demand debt verification.

Know Your Consumer Rights

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you from harassment. Debt collectors cannot engage in abusive behavior.

You can report a debt collector that:

Calls you more than once daily
Calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
Contacts your friends, family, or coworkers about your debt
Threatens arrest over unpaid debt
Uses vulgar or offensive language
Fails to identify themselves as a debt collector
Continues calling after receiving a Cease and Desist letter
Refuses to validate your debt

Document any violations immediately. Report Brown and Joseph to the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357.

You can also file complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at 855-411-2372.

Demand Written Debt Verification

Collectors pressure you to admit the debt is yours. Never agree to anything without written proof.

Require Brown and Joseph to provide:

The original creditor’s name
The date you incurred the debt
The original debt amount
Your complete payment history
The current remaining balance
Evidence connecting you to the debt

Send a debt validation letter within 30 days of first contact. Our partner Solo can help you create this letter quickly.

Requesting validation may cause Brown and Joseph to back off. Many collectors cannot provide adequate proof.

Respond If You’re Sued

Brown and Joseph may file a lawsuit if you ignore collection attempts. You must file an Answer with the court.

Some jurisdictions give you only 14 days to respond. Missing this deadline results in a default judgment against you.

An Answer tells the court you’re willing to defend yourself. Our partner Solo helps you draft and file your Answer correctly.

Filing an Answer doesn’t mean you admit owing the debt. You’re simply protecting your legal rights.

How to Settle Your Debt With Brown and Joseph

Confirmed the debt is yours? Negotiating a settlement is your best move.

Most debt collectors accept less than the full amount. They’d rather settle quickly than pursue lengthy legal action.

Start With a Low Offer

Begin negotiations by offering 60% of the total debt. Brown and Joseph will likely counteroffer.

You can negotiate back and forth until reaching an agreeable amount. Most collectors settle between 40% and 70%.

Never send money before getting a written settlement agreement. The agreement should clearly state the settlement amount.

Use Professional Negotiation Help

Our partner Solo handles negotiations for you. You’ll never speak directly with Brown and Joseph.

The platform sends offers and counteroffers automatically. You only pay once you reach an official agreement.

Settlement negotiations typically take 2-4 weeks. The process resolves your debt for significantly less than you owe.

Get Everything in Writing

Always get your settlement agreement in writing before paying. The document should include specific terms.

Review these details carefully:

The exact settlement amount
Payment due date
Confirmation the debt will be marked “paid” or “settled”
Agreement to stop all collection activity
Promise not to sell the remaining debt

Keep copies of all settlement documents. Save proof of your payment for at least seven years.

What Happens After Settlement

Brown and Joseph must stop all collection activity once you pay. The account should be updated with credit bureaus.

Check your credit report 30-60 days after payment. The debt should show as “settled” or “paid.”

A settled account is better than an unpaid collection. However, it may still impact your credit score.

The collection account remains on your credit report for seven years. You can dispute any inaccurate information with credit bureaus.

Take Action Now

Dealing with debt collectors is stressful. You don’t have to handle Brown and Joseph alone.

Our partner Solo provides the tools you need to respond to lawsuits and negotiate settlements.

Start today and resolve your debt situation for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brown and Joseph, LLC?

Brown and Joseph, LLC is a debt collection agency based in Itasca, Illinois. The company has operated since 1996 and primarily collects debts for healthcare and insurance companies. Despite being legitimate, the company has an "F" rating with the Better Business Bureau and numerous customer complaints.

How do I verify a debt from Brown and Joseph?

Send a debt validation letter within 30 days of first contact. Request written proof including the original creditor's name, the date you incurred the debt, the original amount, your payment history, and evidence connecting you to the debt. Brown and Joseph must provide this documentation before you pay anything.

Can I settle my Brown and Joseph debt for less?

Yes, you can negotiate a settlement for less than the full amount. Most debt collectors accept 40-70% of the total debt. Start by offering 60% and negotiate from there. Always get a written settlement agreement before making any payment, and keep copies of all documents.

What should I do if Brown and Joseph sues me?

File an Answer with the court immediately. Some jurisdictions give you only 14 days to respond before issuing a default judgment. Your Answer shows you're willing to defend yourself and protects your legal rights. Professional help can ensure you file correctly and on time.

How do I stop Brown and Joseph from calling me?

Send a Cease and Desist letter requesting all contact to stop. By law, Brown and Joseph must honor this request and can only contact you to confirm they received your letter or notify you of specific legal action. Document any violations and report them to the FTC and CFPB.

Resolve Debt With Brown and Joseph: Your Complete Guide