Jefferson Capital Systems LLC: How to Win Your Debt Lawsuit

By Talk About Debt Team
Reviewed by Ben Jackson
Last Updated: February 16, 2026
6 min read
The Bottom Line

Jefferson Capital Systems LLC is a debt buyer that purchases old debts and attempts to collect the full amount. You have up to 35 days to respond to their lawsuit depending on your state. Respond with an Answer, demand debt validation, and use affirmative defenses like the statute of limitations to protect yourself.

Answer Your Lawsuit

Receiving a notice from Jefferson Capital Systems LLC can feel overwhelming. You might wonder who they are and why they’re contacting you.

Jefferson Capital is a debt buyer and collection agency. They purchase charged-off debt from creditors for pennies on the dollar. Then they try to collect the full amount from you.

Jefferson Capital Sued You? Respond in 15 Minutes

Don't let Jefferson Capital win by default. You have up to 35 days to file your Answer. Our partner Solo helps you respond to the lawsuit correctly and on time.

Respond to Jefferson Capital

You have rights. You can fight back. Here’s everything you need to know.

Who Is Jefferson Capital Systems LLC?

Jefferson Capital Systems LLC operates as a professional debt buyer and collection agency. Their headquarters sits in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

The company purchases debts from creditors nationwide. They buy these debts at a fraction of the original amount. Then they attempt to collect the full balance from consumers.

Contact information for Jefferson Capital Systems:

  • Address: 16 McLeland Road, St. Cloud, MN 56303
  • Phone: 1-833-851-5552

What Companies Does Jefferson Capital Collect For?

Jefferson Capital Systems collects for major creditors across multiple industries. Their clients include Fortune 500 companies, banks, and telecommunications providers.

They also work with utility companies and credit card issuers. Some of the nation’s largest auto finance companies hire them too.

Their client base constantly changes. You might not recognize Jefferson Capital’s name even if you owe a legitimate debt.

Consumer Complaints Against Jefferson Capital Systems

Jefferson Capital has received numerous complaints from consumers. The Better Business Bureau gives them just 1.23 out of 5 stars. Google Reviews rates them at 1.8 out of 5 stars.

The BBB profile shows hundreds of complaints. Many consumers report serious issues with billing and collection practices.

One consumer reported a disturbing incident. After disputing a debt successfully, Jefferson Capital continued collection attempts. When the consumer refused to confirm their Social Security number, the representative offered to read it aloud. No verification required.

You’re not alone if Jefferson Capital is frustrating you. Many consumers face similar treatment from this company.

Your Rights Under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects you from abusive collection practices. Many debt collectors assume you don’t know your rights.

Jefferson Capital cannot do the following:

  • Call you before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
  • Contact you at work
  • Use vulgar or threatening language
  • Threaten legal action they don’t plan to take
  • Discuss your debt with anyone except you, your spouse, or your attorney
  • Pretend to be police, judges, or government officials

If Jefferson Capital violates the FDCPA, you may receive up to $1,000 per violation. Report violations to the FTC, CFPB, and your state attorney general.

How to Remove Jefferson Capital From Your Credit Report

A collection account damages your credit score significantly. You can take action to remove it.

Start by filing disputes with all three credit bureaus. Contact Transunion, Experian, and Equifax immediately. They must investigate within 30 days.

The credit bureaus will verify the debt with Jefferson Capital. If the company cannot provide proof, they must remove the entry.

Send a Debt Validation Letter

You have the right to demand debt validation. The FDCPA grants you this statutory protection.

Send a Debt Validation Letter to Jefferson Capital Systems. They must provide documents proving the debt belongs to you. They have 30 days to respond.

If they cannot provide sufficient evidence, the debt should disappear. The negative entry must come off your credit report.

Consider this example: Jeff receives calls from Jefferson Capital about a $1,000 credit card debt. He hasn’t paid in years. Jefferson Capital bought the debt for $100 but wants the full amount. Jeff sends a Debt Validation Letter. Jefferson Capital realizes they lack proper documentation. They stop all contact with Jeff.

Responding to a Jefferson Capital Lawsuit

Jefferson Capital may file a lawsuit against you. Taking action is critical to your defense.

The company will serve you a Summons and Complaint. These documents notify you of the lawsuit and list their allegations. You must respond with an Answer document.

Follow these tips when drafting your Answer:

  • Never admit you owe the debt
  • File your Answer before the deadline (typically 14 to 35 days depending on your state)
  • Mail a stamped copy to Jefferson Capital Systems

You can respond to a debt lawsuit through our partner Solo. They make the process simple and fast.

Example: Jane faces a $3,000 lawsuit from Jefferson Capital in California. She responds with an Answer before the 30-day deadline. She denies all allegations in her Answer. After a few months, Jefferson Capital dismisses the case. They couldn’t prove their claims.

Affirmative Defenses to Use Against Jefferson Capital

Remember that Jefferson Capital must prove their case. The burden of proof falls on them, not you.

They must prove three things:

  1. You are responsible for the debt
  2. They have the legal right to sue you
  3. You owe the specific amount they claim

If they cannot prove any of these elements, raise it as an affirmative defense.

The statute of limitations provides another powerful defense. Each state sets time limits for filing lawsuits. If too much time has passed, Jefferson Capital cannot sue you.

Never make a payment without checking the statute of limitations first. A single payment restarts the clock completely.

You may also file a counterclaim if Jefferson Capital violated the FDCPA. You could receive compensatory damages and legal fee reimbursement.

Why Jefferson Capital Uses a Charlotte, NC Address

Jefferson Capital’s headquarters is in Minnesota. Yet they often send letters from P.O. Box 1120 Charlotte, NC.

The strategy aims to confuse consumers. They hope you’ll send settlement payments without resolving the actual debt.

Multiple class action lawsuits target this deceptive practice. Cases include Lakkard v. Jefferson Capital Systems LLC and Borges v. Jefferson Capital Systems LLC.

Investigate carefully before sending any payments to that Charlotte address.

Take Action Against Jefferson Capital Today

Jefferson Capital Systems counts on your inaction. They assume you won’t fight back or know your rights.

You have powerful tools to defend yourself. Send a Debt Validation Letter immediately. Dispute the debt with credit bureaus. If they sue you, file an Answer document.

Document every interaction with Jefferson Capital. Save letters, record call times, and note what collectors say. You may need this evidence later.

Act quickly if you receive a lawsuit. Your response deadline starts the day you’re served. Missing this deadline could result in a default judgment against you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson Capital Systems LLC?

Jefferson Capital Systems LLC is a debt buyer and collection agency based in St. Cloud, Minnesota. They purchase charged-off debts from creditors at a fraction of the original amount, then attempt to collect the full balance from consumers.

How do I respond to a Jefferson Capital lawsuit?

You must file an Answer document with the court before your deadline (typically 14 to 35 days depending on your state). In your Answer, deny the allegations, raise affirmative defenses like the statute of limitations, and demand proof that you owe the debt. Mail a stamped copy to Jefferson Capital Systems.

Can I remove Jefferson Capital from my credit report?

Yes. File disputes with all three credit bureaus (Transunion, Experian, and Equifax) and send a Debt Validation Letter to Jefferson Capital. If they cannot provide sufficient proof of the debt within 30 days, the negative entry must be removed from your credit report.

What is a Debt Validation Letter?

A Debt Validation Letter is a formal request demanding that Jefferson Capital prove you owe the debt. Under the FDCPA, they must provide documentation within 30 days. If they cannot validate the debt, they must stop collection efforts and remove negative credit report entries.

How long does Jefferson Capital have to sue me for a debt?

The statute of limitations varies by state, typically ranging from 3 to 10 years. Once this time period expires, Jefferson Capital cannot legally sue you for the debt. Making any payment restarts the clock, so verify the statute of limitations before paying anything.