How To Win Against Resurgent Capital Services in 2024

Resurgent Capital Services just contacted you about a debt. You need to act fast and smart.

Before you pay anything, verify the debt is actually yours. If it checks out, you can often settle for less than the full amount.

And if they sue you? You can still win by responding properly and knowing your rights.

Why Resurgent Capital Services Is Contacting You

Resurgent Capital Services buys old debts from credit card companies and banks. They purchase these accounts for pennies on the dollar.

When they contact you, they believe you owe money to one of their creditors. They want to collect that debt and make a profit.

Resurgent operates as a third-party debt collector. They follow different rules than your original creditor did.

Understanding their business model gives you negotiating power. Remember, they bought your debt cheap.

Do You Actually Have To Pay Resurgent?

You must pay if the debt is valid and belongs to you. But first, make them prove it.

If you ignore a legitimate debt, you risk serious consequences. Resurgent can pursue wage garnishment or freeze your bank account.

The good news? You probably don’t have to pay the full amount.

Debt collectors routinely accept 40-60% of the original debt. Some settle for even less.

You can negotiate a payment plan that fits your budget. Resurgent wants something rather than nothing.

How To Negotiate a Settlement With Resurgent (3 Steps)

Debt collectors are businesses focused on profit. You can use this fact to your advantage.

Since Resurgent bought your debt for much less than face value, they still profit on reduced settlements. Start low in negotiations, even at 25% of the total debt.

Don’t feel intimidated by the negotiation process. Follow these three steps to negotiate like a pro.

Step 1: Verify the Debt Is Actually Yours

Debt collectors must send you a debt validation letter within five days of first contact. Federal law gives you 30 days to dispute the debt.

Your validation letter should verify:

• The debt belongs to you specifically
• Resurgent legally owns the debt or can collect it
• The amount they claim is correct

If you haven’t received a validation letter, request one immediately. Read it carefully and compare it to your records.

You can send a debt verification letter to request additional information. Debt validation and verification serve different purposes.

Validation comes from the collector to you. Verification is your request for more proof from them.

Step 2: Calculate What You Can Actually Afford

Review your monthly income and expenses honestly. Most people can’t pay the full debt amount upfront.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers free budget worksheets. You can also consult a nonprofit credit counselor at no cost.

You have two main payment options: lump sum or payment plan.

Lump Sum vs Payment Plan

Collectors prefer one-time lump-sum payments. You’ll get the best settlement percentage with this option.

Consider a lump sum if you’re expecting a tax refund or work bonus. Access to savings also makes this option viable.

Most people need a payment plan instead. Propose monthly payments you can truly afford.

Offer automatic bank withdrawals to sweeten your payment plan offer. Collectors prefer the certainty of automatic payments.

Step 3: Make Your Settlement Offer

Contact Resurgent to present your offer. Phone negotiations often work better than written ones.

If you prefer writing, our partner Solo can help you draft a strong settlement letter.

Start your offer low, around 25-40% of the total debt. Expect some back-and-forth negotiation.

Negotiate Everything, Not Just the Amount

You can negotiate multiple aspects of your settlement. The debt amount is just one piece.

Also negotiate your payment method: lump sum or plan. Push for favorable credit reporting terms too.

Debt collectors report accounts as “paid in full,” “partial payment,” or “settled.” Request “paid in full” status to help your credit score.

Get every agreement in writing before you pay. Never trust verbal promises from debt collectors.

Can You Settle After Being Sued?

Yes, you can negotiate settlement even during an active lawsuit. Many collectors prefer settling over going to court.

Continue participating in the lawsuit until settlement is complete. File your answer and attend all court dates.

Don’t assume the lawsuit will disappear during negotiations. Protect yourself by following court requirements.

Tips for Successful Debt Settlement

Negotiating debt feels overwhelming at first. These strategies help you succeed:

• Never admit the debt is yours until you verify it
• Keep detailed records of every conversation and letter
• Stay calm and professional during all communications
• Don’t share your bank account or personal financial details
• Start with low offers and negotiate upward slowly
• Request all agreements in writing before paying anything
• Know your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
• Ask how they’ll report the account to credit bureaus

Patience works in your favor during negotiations. Collectors often improve their offers over time.

Document everything related to your debt and settlement. Save letters, emails, and notes from phone calls.

How To Beat Resurgent Capital Services in Court

Resurgent Capital Services may file a lawsuit against you. You’ll receive a summons and complaint from the court.

Responding quickly is absolutely critical to winning your case. Ignoring the lawsuit guarantees you’ll lose.

If you don’t respond, Resurgent gets a default judgment. They can then garnish your wages and freeze your bank account.

Our partner Solo has helped over 300,000 people respond to debt lawsuits. They offer a 100% money-back guarantee.

Responding to a lawsuit isn’t as complicated as you think. Follow these steps to protect yourself.

Step 1: Read Your Court Documents Carefully

The summons tells you you’re being sued. It includes basic information about your case.

Your summons typically includes:

• Court name and physical address
• Your unique case number
• Deadline for your response (critical!)
• Type of lawsuit filed against you
• Names of all parties involved

The complaint lists specific claims against you. Resurgent must explain why they believe you owe money.

Read both documents multiple times. Note your response deadline immediately on your calendar.

Step 2: Complete Your Answer Form

Most courts provide answer form templates on their websites. Search for your court name plus “answer form.”

The answer form lets you respond to each claim. You can admit, deny, or state you lack information.

Include any defenses or affirmative defenses that apply. Common defenses include statute of limitations and lack of proof.

Call the court clerk if you have questions about the process. Clerks can’t give legal advice but can explain procedures.

Some courts require additional forms with your answer. Check your court’s website for complete filing requirements.

Step 3: File and Serve Your Answer

File your completed answer with the court before your deadline. Most courts accept in-person, online, or mail filing.

You must also “serve” a copy on Resurgent Capital Services. Send it to their attorney via certified mail.

Certified mail provides proof of delivery for your records. Keep all receipts and tracking information.

Missing your filing deadline can cost you the case. Set reminders several days before your deadline.

Your Next Steps With Resurgent Capital Services

Start by requesting debt validation if you haven’t received it. Never assume a collector’s claim is accurate.

Review your budget to determine what you can realistically pay. Be honest about your financial situation.

Begin settlement negotiations with a low offer. Remember, Resurgent bought your debt for pennies.

If you’ve been sued, respond immediately with an answer form. Don’t let fear of court stop you from protecting yourself.