How to Settle Debt With Harvard Collection Services

Harvard Collection Services is suing you. Ignoring the lawsuit won’t make it disappear. You still have legal rights that can help you win.

Your next actions determine the lawsuit’s outcome. Our partner Solo helps you respond quickly to prevent a default judgment. You can settle the debt outside of court.

Harvard Collection performed its due diligence. You should do the same. Gathering information about the company helps you prepare your defense strategy.

What Is Harvard Collection Services?

Harvard Collection Services is a legitimate debt collection agency. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It has been in business for over 40 years.

Harvard collects debt for businesses whose customers have defaulted. The company gets paid based on how much debt it recovers.

Contact Harvard Collection Services using this information:

• Phone: 855-945-4800
• Address: 4839 N Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60630-2534
• Website: https://www.harvardcollect.com/

All collection agencies must follow federal rules. We recommend written correspondence so you can keep records. Written communication protects you better than phone calls.

Who Does Harvard Collection Services Collect For?

Harvard Collections pursues debt in several industries. Its clients include:

• Higher education institutions
• Utilities
• Real estate
• Medical
• Financial services
• Government

You may hear from Harvard if you’re late on a student loan. They also pursue government tax, medical bill, and other debts.

Harvard Collection Services Reviews Tell the Real Story

Reading reviews gives you insight into how to handle debt collection. Check Harvard Collections reviews on these sites:

• Better Business Bureau
• CFPB database
• Google

Harvard Collections has received mixed feedback online. Some consumers report positive experiences. They appreciate when representatives are friendly and address their concerns.

One reviewer named Taylor shared this experience:

“I was so nervous to call, but I was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t call to fight or complain. I called to find out where this issue occurred. Darren Smith at ext 8818 took his time to explain everything to me. He gave me his advice based on experience. Very grateful for a seamless experience when I was expecting turmoil. Thank you, Darren!”

Engaging with Harvard helps you resolve the debt. Ignoring them may force the company to take you to court.

Prepare Your Defense for a Harvard Collection Lawsuit

You have several ways to resolve a debt with Harvard Collections. You can pay the debt in full. Full payment is the best option because your credit recovers faster.

Make a one-time payment or work out an installment plan. Alternatively, you can negotiate a debt settlement. Harvard may forgive part of the debt. If none of these solutions work, Harvard may sue you.

Respond to the Lawsuit Immediately

Harvard often files a lawsuit when it believes it will recover the debt. The company may not understand your financial situation. You may have to explain your circumstances.

If Harvard sues you, act quickly. You must respond to the lawsuit within the deadline. You can also find ways to resolve the case out of court.

You can file an Answer with the court without an attorney. You must use the correct format to make your documents admissible. Our partner Solo helps you create an Answer document for any state.

State whether you admit or deny Harvard Collections’ claims. Provide a numbered list corresponding to the plaintiff’s allegations. The deadline for responding differs in every state. You may have as little as two weeks to file your reply.

Make the Right Affirmative Defenses

You must assert your affirmative defenses along with your Answer. Affirmative defenses are reasons Harvard should not sue you. They explain why you should win the case.

You cannot just make up ideas. They must be real because you must prove them in court. Common affirmative defenses in debt collection lawsuits include:

• The debt is too old (statute of limitations expired)
• You already paid the debt
• The account does not belong to you
• There are errors in the debt details
• Harvard cannot prove it owns the debt

Our partner Solo helps you make your affirmative defenses and file them for you.

How to Settle a Debt Collection Lawsuit With Harvard Collections

A debt settlement may be ideal if you cannot afford to pay everything. Debt collectors prefer a one-time lump sum settlement. They may agree to a monthly installment plan instead.

Follow these steps to settle with Harvard Collections:

1. Calculate a budget for your settlement. Consider your cost of living, savings, and other debts. Determine how much you can afford to pay to settle.
2. Contact the creditor and begin settlement discussions. Know how much you are offering and the payment date. Follow the initial contact with a written summary of your discussion.
3. Negotiate. Consider Harvard Collections’ counteroffers. Be willing to increase your initial offer if necessary.
4. Get everything in writing. Get the settlement agreement signed and in writing. The contract outlines the terms and protects both parties.
5. Pay the settlement. Make sure you pay on time. Failure to do so can lead to bigger issues like wage garnishment.

If Harvard Collection settles your debt, you can get relief. You can also start rebuilding your credit. Remember to resolve any other debt collection accounts as soon as possible.

How Much Should You Offer to Settle?

Start by offering 30-50% of the total debt amount. Collection agencies often accept less than the full balance. They purchased your debt for pennies on the dollar.

Harvard Collections may counter with a higher amount. Be prepared to negotiate up to 60-70% of the debt. Never agree to more than you can actually afford to pay.

Make sure any settlement agreement includes debt forgiveness language. The agreement should state Harvard will report the account as settled to credit bureaus.