How to Resolve a Debt with Stark Collection Agency
The Stark Collection Agency is a legitimate debt collector, but you have rights under the FDCPA. Always request debt validation within 30 days, and if sued, respond with a written Answer immediately to avoid wage garnishment and negotiate settlement on better terms.
Answer Your LawsuitYou’ve received a debt collection notice from The Stark Agency. You’re wondering whether to pay it or ignore it. Most debts don’t disappear, so you need to address this matter. Otherwise, The Stark Agency will escalate its collection efforts.
What You Need to Know About The Stark Collection Agency
The Stark Agency is a legitimate debt collection company. The company has collected debts since 1948. It’s one of the oldest debt collection agencies in the United States.
Sued by The Stark Agency? Respond Before Your Deadline
Don't let The Stark Collection Agency win by default. Generate a professional Answer to your lawsuit in minutes and protect yourself from wage garnishment. Time is running out.
Respond to LawsuitThe company operates from Madison, Wisconsin. It’s a member of the American Collectors Association International. The Stark Agency also belongs to the Great Lakes Credit and Collection Association.
Contact information for The Stark Agency:
- Address: 402 Gammon Place, Suite 240, Madison, WI 53719-1074
- Phone: 608-274-7764
- Toll-free: 877-274-7764
The company has a B+ BBB rating. Despite this decent rating, consumers have filed numerous complaints. Most complaints claim the agency pursues debts without proper documentation. Some consumers say the amounts don’t match their records.
You have a right to debt validation as a consumer. Request validation before paying anything to The Stark Agency.
Request Debt Validation From The Stark Agency
Receiving a collection notice can feel frustrating and unexpected. You might worry about your credit score taking a hit. The agency could report your debt to consumer credit bureaus.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects you. You can request The Stark Agency to validate your debt. You have 30 days after receiving the initial notice.
Collection agencies can’t report negative information during this grace period. Take advantage of this time and request validation immediately.
What to Include in Your Debt Validation Letter
- The age of the debt
- An itemized statement of what you owe
- The name of the original creditor
- Proof that you owe the debt
- The Stark Agency’s debt collection license number in your state
- Whether the statute of limitations has expired
You can also request The Stark Agency stop contacting you. They must honor this unless they provide requested information or intend to sue.
Once The Stark Agency receives your validation request, they must stop collection efforts. If they can’t provide the information, you probably won’t hear from them again.
How to Respond If The Stark Agency Sues You
Collection agencies sometimes sue consumers when time is running out. The statute of limitations might be approaching on your debt. A lawsuit becomes more likely if you haven’t attempted to resolve the matter.
Losing a debt lawsuit results in a judgment against you. A judgment allows The Stark Agency to seek wage garnishment. You could lose part of your paycheck until the debt is satisfied.
Your first step is responding with a written Answer. Our partner Solo can help you draft and file your response in minutes.
What to Include in Your Answer
- Respond to each claim against you (admit, deny, or deny due to lack of knowledge)
- Assert your affirmative defenses (legal reasons you shouldn’t be held liable)
File your Answer in the court where you’re being sued. Send a copy to the opposing attorney as well.
Consumers who owe the debt should consider settling before court. You’ll avoid a judgment and end this stressful situation. Repaying ensures The Stark Agency reports your debt as paid. But if you can’t pay in full, settlement offers another path forward.
Settle Your Debt With The Stark Collection Agency
Debt settlement works well when you can’t pay the full amount. You pay a portion of what you owe. The Stark Agency accepts your partial payment and drops the case.
Determine how much you can afford to pay right now. Start communicating with The Stark Agency about settlement options. The more you offer, the more likely they’ll accept.
Offering at least 60% of the total debt is a good starting point. The company may accept less with extenuating circumstances. You’ll likely negotiate back and forth before reaching an agreement.
Important: File an Answer even if you plan to settle. An Answer blocks a default judgment and buys you negotiation time. Collectors are more likely to settle when you show willingness to fight.
Our partner Solo offers a tech-based approach to debt settlement. The software helps you send and receive settlement offers. Once you reach an agreement, they manage documentation and payment transfers. Your financial information stays private and secure.
Debt Settlement Example
The Stark Agency sent Peter several notices for an old credit card. The outstanding balance was $1,500. Peter knew he owed the money but couldn’t pay. He received a Summons informing him of a lawsuit.
Peter didn’t have enough to repay in full. He could pay 70% before the court date. First, he responded with a written Answer. Next, he contacted The Stark Agency to negotiate settlement. The Stark Agency accepted Peter’s offer of $1,050. After receiving payment, they dropped the lawsuit. They reported the debt as settled to credit bureaus.
Take Action on Stark Agency Collection Notices
A debt collection notice from The Stark Agency isn’t welcome mail. Ignoring it makes things worse, not better. Request debt validation as your first step.
If The Stark Agency can’t validate, the matter should end there. But if they sue you, act quickly to avoid a judgment. Repaying or settling before your court date resolves the matter completely.
You can move forward and put this behind you. Taking action now protects your wages and your future financial options.