How to Handle AscensionPoint Recovery Services Debt Collection

Debt collectors are unsettling. AscensionPoint Recovery Services makes it worse by pursuing debts from deceased loved ones.

You need to know your rights when they call. Most people aren’t responsible for their loved one’s debts.

We’ll show you how to handle AscensionPoint and protect yourself from unfair collection tactics.

Understanding AscensionPoint Recovery Services

AscensionPoint Recovery Services specializes in collecting debts from deceased individuals. The company targets surviving family members with persistent calls and letters.

They typically call from (888) 806-8074. Their headquarters sits at 200 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433.

AscensionPoint has been operating since 2007. They work with credit card companies, medical providers, and subscription services.

AscensionPoint’s Reputation and Reviews

The company has serious credibility issues. Dozens of BBB complaints paint a troubling picture.

AscensionPoint holds an A+ BBB rating despite overwhelmingly negative reviews. Nearly every customer review gives them one star out of five.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau received 30 complaints about AscensionPoint in three years. Google reviews show less than 2 stars average.

Customers consistently report aggressive tactics and misleading communication. Many reviewers describe feeling harassed and confused about their actual obligations.

Is AscensionPoint Legitimate?

AscensionPoint operates legally but uses questionable tactics. The company exploits confusion about debt inheritance.

Here’s the truth: You typically don’t inherit debt from deceased relatives. The CFPB confirms that family members aren’t responsible unless they co-signed.

Deceased persons’ debts get paid from their estate assets. If the estate can’t cover debts, creditors simply don’t get paid.

AscensionPoint can contact estate executors about legitimate debts. However, they often use vague language to pressure uninvolved family members.

The company hopes you’ll panic and pay without verifying your actual responsibility.

Your Rights When AscensionPoint Contacts You

Don’t panic when you receive an AscensionPoint letter. Don’t ignore it either.

You have powerful legal protections under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. You can demand proof before paying anything.

Send a Debt Validation Letter

The FDCPA gives you the right to validate any debt. Our partner Solo can help you respond properly.

Your Debt Validation Letter should request specific information:

• The original creditor’s name and contact information
• The exact amount AscensionPoint claims you owe
• A copy of the original contract with the debtor
• The date of the last transaction on the account
• Proof that AscensionPoint has authority to collect this debt
• AscensionPoint’s collection license number for your state

Once AscensionPoint receives your validation letter, they must stop contacting you. They cannot resume collection efforts until providing adequate proof.

Many debt collectors give up at this stage. They know they can’t prove the debt or your responsibility for it.

When AscensionPoint Validates the Debt

Sometimes AscensionPoint will provide legitimate documentation. You’ll need to evaluate your actual obligation carefully.

If You’re Not the Executor

AscensionPoint often contacts family members with no legal responsibility. Consider this scenario:

Your brother Rob died with credit card debt but no significant assets. His parents serve as estate executors, not you.

AscensionPoint sends you a collection letter anyway. You send a validation letter clarifying you’re not the executor.

AscensionPoint knows you’re not responsible. They’ll likely stop contacting you completely.

Most people fall into this category. You receive scary letters but have zero legal obligation to pay.

If You Are the Executor

Estate executors have different responsibilities. You must pay legitimate debts from estate assets.

You’re still not personally liable unless you co-signed the original debt. The estate pays, not your personal funds.

Consider this example: You’re managing your mother’s estate with $5,000 remaining. AscensionPoint proves she owed $8,000 on a credit card.

You can offer the $5,000 as settlement. AscensionPoint will likely accept because estates have limited assets.

Debt collectors understand they can’t squeeze blood from a stone. They’ll often settle for available estate funds.

Your Options for Resolution

When the debt is legitimate and you’re the executor, you have several paths:

• Pay the full amount from estate assets if funds are sufficient
• Negotiate a settlement for less than the full balance
• Set up a payment plan using only estate funds
• Explain the estate lacks sufficient assets to cover the debt

Never use your personal money unless you’re legally obligated. Estate debts belong to the estate alone.

What Happens If You Ignore AscensionPoint

Ignoring debt collectors creates serious problems. AscensionPoint may escalate to legal action.

The company can sue estate executors who refuse to address legitimate debts. Lawsuits are expensive, stressful, and time-consuming.

You’ll face court dates, legal fees, and potential judgments. Courts can force estate asset liquidation to satisfy debts.

If AscensionPoint sues you personally, our partner Solo helps you respond to the lawsuit properly. You must file an Answer to avoid default judgment.

Default judgments happen when you don’t respond to lawsuits. The court automatically rules against you without hearing your side.

Protecting Yourself From AscensionPoint

Smart strategies keep AscensionPoint from taking advantage of you.

Document Everything

Keep records of every interaction with AscensionPoint. Save letters, emails, and voicemails.

Note the date, time, and content of phone calls. Document who called and what they said.

Strong documentation protects you if AscensionPoint violates collection laws. You’ll have evidence for complaints or lawsuits.

Know the Statute of Limitations

Old debts may be past your state’s statute of limitations. Collectors can’t sue over time-barred debts.

Making any payment can restart the clock. Verify the debt’s age before engaging with AscensionPoint.

Report FDCPA Violations

AscensionPoint must follow strict rules when collecting debts. They cannot harass, threaten, or deceive you.

Report violations to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and your state attorney general. You can also sue collectors who break the law.

Common violations include calling before 8 AM or after 9 PM, contacting you at work after you’ve asked them to stop, and threatening actions they cannot legally take.

Settlement Strategies for AscensionPoint Debts

Settling for less than the full amount often makes sense. Debt collectors buy old debts for pennies on the dollar.

AscensionPoint will frequently accept 30-50% of the balance. They still profit at these reduced amounts.

Making a Settlement Offer

Start with a low offer, around 25% of the balance. AscensionPoint will likely counter with a higher amount.

Negotiate until you reach an acceptable number. Get everything in writing before paying anything.

Your settlement agreement should clearly state that payment satisfies the debt completely. AscensionPoint must agree to report the debt as paid or settled.

Never give collectors direct access to your bank account. Pay by check or money order to maintain control.

Payment Plans

Settlement isn’t your only option. AscensionPoint may accept monthly payments from estate funds.

Payment plans help when the estate has assets but not immediate liquidity. You can pay as estate items sell.

Get payment plan terms in writing. Clarify what happens if you miss a payment.