How To Deal With United Collection Bureau Inc. in 2024

United Collection Bureau Inc. (UCB) is a legitimate debt collection agency. They focus on consumer debts across multiple industries. If UCB contacts you, validate the alleged debt first. After confirming the debt belongs to you, choose your next move. You can dispute inaccuracies or negotiate a settlement for less.

What Is United Collection Bureau Inc.?

United Collection Bureau Inc. (UCB) is an Ohio-based debt collection agency. UCB collects consumer debt for telecommunications companies, government entities, healthcare providers, and utility companies.

Here’s their contact information:

• Website: https://www.ucbinc.com
• Address: 5620 Southwyck Blvd., Toledo, OH 43614-1501
• Phone number: (866) 209-0622

Debts end up with collectors like UCB when original creditors write them off. The creditor passes collection efforts to a third party. First, creditors notify you about late payments through written notices or phone calls. If you ignore these efforts, they sell your debt to collectors.

Why Is UCB Collection Contacting Me?

UCB is probably contacting you because a lender sold your debt to them. UCB collects debt for telecommunications, government entities, healthcare providers, and utilities. You’ll need to work directly with UCB to resolve the debt.

Is UCB Collection Legit?

Yes, United Collection Bureau is a legitimate company. However, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), UCB has many complaints. As of early 2024, almost 200 consumers filed BBB complaints against UCB. Multiple consumers complained about not receiving proper paperwork documenting their alleged debt.

Not providing sufficient information is a common Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) violation. The FDCPA is a federal law protecting you from harassment and unlawful behavior. If you believe a debt collector violated the law, you can report them to the CFPB. You can even sue for compensation.

If you’re facing debt that feels overwhelming, speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to explore your options.

How Do I Know if I’m Being Scammed?

Even though UCB is legitimate, scammers may use their name. Anyone asking for sensitive information like bank accounts or Social Security numbers raises a red flag. Always validate your debt and request more information if something seems suspicious. Report suspected scammers to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Do I Have To Pay UCB Collection?

Before paying anything, validate the debt. Verify these three things:

• You’re the owner of the account
• The debt collector genuinely owns the debt
• The debt amount is accurate

Debt collection is a major industry where accounts are bought and sold regularly. Collection agencies frequently get information wrong. Validating the debt protects you from paying money you don’t actually owe. Legally, debt collectors must give you information about your debt.

Step 1: Send a Debt Verification Letter

If you haven’t received a debt validation letter from UCB, request one. You can also craft and send your own debt verification letter. The two have the same end goal but differ slightly.

Debt collectors are supposed to send debt validation letters to debtors. The letter should include basic information about the debt they’re collecting. By law, a collection company must send you this letter before or within five days of first contact.

They must also give you a 30-day window to dispute the debt. During the dispute period, the collection agency can’t call you or continue collection efforts. If UCB can’t verify your debt within 30 days, you shouldn’t have to pay. If they can verify your debt within 30 days, you’ll decide what to do next.

Step 2: Decide What To Do Next

You have the right to choose how to proceed. If the debt collector verified that you owe the debt, you’ll need to decide your next move. Your three main options are:

• Dispute the debt
• Negotiate or settle the debt
• Ignore the debt (not recommended)

Option 1: Dispute the Debt

You can dispute the debt if you disagree with the amount or other details. In addition to disputing with collection agencies, check your credit report. Dispute any inaccurate information there as well.

Often, incorrect information in the validation letter appears on your credit report. Check your credit report and dispute any errors you find. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to a free credit report. You can get one from each of the three major credit bureaus once every 12 months. The major bureaus are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

You also have the right to ask credit bureaus to remove negative entries. To do this, write a credit dispute letter.

Option 2: Negotiate the Debt and Make a Settlement Offer

Most people haven’t paid outstanding debt because they can’t afford to. If this rings true for you, consider negotiating a debt settlement. Most creditors will settle for 40% to 60% of the original amount. You can expect a few rounds of back-and-forth negotiation. Start with a lower offer than where you want to end up.

For example, your opening offer could be 25% of what you owe. Then see what the debt collector says. Be willing to pay around 50% of the debt.

Despite how intimidating this process seems, you have some power. Debt collectors are typically open to negotiating because they purchase your debt at a fraction of the amount. They still profit even with a debt settlement.

Can You Negotiate Every Past-Due Debt?

You can negotiate many, but not every past-due debt. Common consumer debts like credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, and payday loans are often negotiable. Tax debt is usually negotiable through the IRS’s settlement process.

Debt from mortgages or car loans typically cannot be negotiated. If you fail to pay these loans, creditors can foreclose on your home or repossess your car. Federal student loans are also non-negotiable. If you’re struggling with student loan payments, look into student loan forgiveness programs.

Option 3: Ignore the Debt (Not Recommended)

While it may be tempting, ignoring the debt is not recommended. We know dealing with debt and debt collectors feels overwhelming and stressful. But ignoring the situation won’t make it go away. It’ll probably make things worse in the long run.

What Happens if I Ignore UCB Collection?

If you don’t address the situation with UCB, they won’t give up. Instead, you risk:

• Hurting your credit score
• Increasing the amount you owe through interest charges, fees, and potential court costs
• Getting sued by the debt collector and having your wages garnished

Negative information disappears from your credit report after seven years. But the underlying debt may not. Collection efforts may continue as long as the statute of limitations hasn’t run out.

The best thing you can do is know your options and take action. You can take on UCB and come out the other side. If your debt feels unmanageable, bankruptcy might offer the fresh start you need. Speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to see if you qualify for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

Can UCB Collection Sue Me?

Yes, UCB and other debt collectors can sue you. But this isn’t typically their first action. Most debt collectors start by making phone calls and sending notices. After a time, if their collection efforts are ignored, they may take legal action. They’ll file a debt collection lawsuit.

Whether a debt collector sues you depends on several factors. These factors include:

• Your state’s wage garnishment laws
• How long your debt has been in collections
• How much you owe

If a debt collector sues you, you’ll receive a summons and complaint. These are official court documents that notify you of the lawsuit. They outline the case details. These documents are often delivered to you in person. They may also be left with an adult at your home.

If you’re sued, respond immediately. If you don’t, you can face serious consequences. Ignoring a lawsuit can lead to a default judgment against you. The consequences of overwhelming debt can seem impossible to overcome. But if UCB or another collector has sued you, bankruptcy can help. Filing bankruptcy stops the lawsuit and can eliminate the debt entirely. Connect with a bankruptcy attorney for a free consultation to discuss your situation.