Client Services Calling You? Verify Debt & Settle Fast
Client Services, Inc. is a major debt collector that contacts consumers about various debts. You have strong legal protections under FDCPA to verify any debt, respond to lawsuits, and negotiate settlements. Never ignore CSI calls or letters because that can lead to lawsuits, wage garnishment, and bank account seizures.
Respond to CSI LawsuitClient Services is calling you because they believe you owe a debt.
The American debt collection industry is massive. Over 7,000 collection agencies generate roughly $13.4 billion in annual revenue.
Client Services Sued You? Respond Before the Deadline
Don't let Client Services win a default judgment against you. File your Answer to their lawsuit and protect yourself from wage garnishment and bank seizures.
Answer CSI Lawsuit NowYour creditor typically contacts you first if you miss a payment. If the account remains unpaid, it transfers to a debt collector. Client Services, Inc., commonly called CSI, is one such agency.
Federal law protects you as a consumer. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act prohibits collection agencies from using abusive language. They cannot harass you or mislead you about your debt. FDCPA governs how collectors report delinquent debts to credit bureaus.
Knowing your rights means being proactive with debt collectors. Below are the steps you should take when CSI contacts you.
What Is Client Services, Inc?
Client Services, Inc. (CSI) is a debt collection company in St. Charles, Missouri. They also have an office in Lenexa, Kansas.
CSI collects various types of accounts. These include auto loans, student loans, credit cards, and healthcare debts.
CSI often contacts consumers about debts they don’t recognize. Sometimes these are debts already paid off. You must verify the debt before taking any action.
Who Does Client Services Collect For?
CSI collects for medical clients including hospitals, providers, and clinics. The agency also works with clients in these industries:
- Automotive
- Financial services
- Government
- Education
- Insurance
- Retail
- Utilities
You might see Client Services on your credit report. If you don’t recognize the debt, contact them immediately. Request the name of the original creditor.
Send Client Services a Debt Validation Request
You must verify every debt collection notice you receive. Check the amount, date of debt, and all pertinent information.
Send a debt validation letter to CSI before doing anything else. Requesting debt validation is your right under FDCPA. CSI must respond within 30 days of receiving your letter.
Failure to respond means they cannot contact you about the debt anymore.
The collector must prove you owe the debt in writing. They need accurate documentation showing the amount, account numbers, and ownership. Without proper proof, you have a solid chance to remove this from your credit report.
Watch for late fees or extra interest added to your actual debt amount. You can negotiate for significant reduction of these fees. Sometimes they’re eliminated entirely.
With our partner Solo, you can request debt validation and protect your rights effectively.
Get Everything in Writing
Never rely on verbal agreements made over the phone. Keep all communication in writing through email or certified mail.
Without a written agreement, you cannot prove an agreement exists. If you confirm the debt is yours, gather all related records. You’ll need these to defend yourself if necessary.
Respond to a Client Services Lawsuit
Client Services may have already sued you. You should have received a court Summons and Complaint.
These legal documents notify you of the suit. They list each specific claim CSI is making against you.
Being served with a lawsuit feels overwhelming. If you lack funds to hire a lawyer, ignoring it seems tempting. That would be a costly mistake.
Without any proof required, a debt collector can win a default judgment. They can garnish your wages, place liens on property, or seize bank accounts.
Our partner Solo makes it easy to preserve your standing in court. You can work toward a settlement or other resolution.
The first step is filing a written Answer with the court.
How to Draft Your Answer
Keep your Answer simple. You don’t need elaborate details of your side. The burden of proof isn’t on you at this stage.
Answer each allegation in the Complaint document with one response:
- Admit (this is true)
- Deny (prove it)
- Deny due to lack of knowledge (I don’t know)
Most attorneys recommend denying as many allegations as possible. CSI must then prove their case. They might prefer dismissing the case over proving all claims.
Six Tips for Your Answer
- The Answer isn’t the place for detailed storytelling.
- Deny claims you don’t know are true.
- Include affirmative defenses.
- Use standard legal formatting.
- Include a certificate of service.
- Sign your document.
File your Answer with the court promptly. Send a copy to the attorney representing Client Services. Our partner Solo helps you file your Answer correctly. An attorney reviews it before submission.
Know Your Legal Rights
Debt collection agencies must follow the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Federal law protects consumers from unethical debt collection practices.
In your Answer, list any FDCPA violations as affirmative defenses. An affirmative defense shows why CSI’s case is invalid.
Common Affirmative Defenses
- The debt is past the statute of limitations in your state.
- Lack of subject-matter jurisdiction (wrong type of court).
- Lack of personal jurisdiction (wrong location for the court).
- Improper venue (wrong county or district).
- Insufficient service of process (improper document delivery).
- Failure to state a valid claim for relief.
Negotiate a Settlement With Client Services
You can negotiate with debt collectors. After filing your Answer, begin the debt settlement process.
Reach out to Client Services to start negotiations. Try offering $250 to settle a $1,000 debt, for example.
Collection agencies often purchase old debts from various companies. These companies have already written the debt off. Know your state’s statute of limitations on debt.
If the debt is nearing the statute of limitations, avoid actions that restart the clock. Even small payments can restart the limitations period.
Collection agencies seek a return on their investment. Any payment above their purchase price makes them profitable. A lump sum payment typically gets you a better deal. You might negotiate payment plans if needed.
Ask the creditor to remove the negative item from your credit report.
Four Steps to Settlement Success
- Evaluate your personal finances carefully. Determine what you can realistically afford.
- Send your settlement offer to Client Services in writing. Outline your financial hardships. State your lump sum offer clearly.
- Get the final agreement in writing and signed. Don’t proceed without proper documentation.
- Pay the agreed amount on time as promised.
Our partner Solo helps consumers and collectors reach agreements outside court. They track your correspondence and help draft settlement offers. They provide a secure platform for payment once you reach an agreement.
Review Client Services Experiences
Reading online reviews from other consumers helps you prepare. You can see what others say about CSI’s collection practices.
Check Client Services reviews on the Better Business Bureau website. Look at complaints in the CFPB consumer database.
Reviews contain valuable information but remember the negativity bias. People post negative reviews far more often than positive ones.
You’ll have a negative experience if you ignore Client Services. Respond promptly and communicate clearly about your financial situation. Client Services collectors will work with you to find a resolution.
Additional Tips for Dealing With Client Services
Protect your rights and avoid misunderstandings with these steps.
Record Conversations
Record phone calls with debt collectors when possible. In 35 states and Washington D.C., recording phone conversations is legal. In other states, you need the other party’s permission.
Inform the debt collector you’re recording. If they continue speaking, that’s considered consent. Most debt collectors hang up at that point.
Protect Your Assets Properly
Don’t hide money or assets illegally if you owe a debt. Also avoid sharing personal information like bank accounts or credit card numbers unnecessarily.
Don’t apply for new credit lines when you can’t pay current creditors.
Never Ignore Collection Attempts
Ignoring the situation won’t make it disappear. You must handle it directly. Ignoring CSI sets you up for a potential lawsuit.
Know Your Statute of Limitations
States have different limitation periods for debt collection. When debt reaches a certain age, it becomes “zombie debt.” You may no longer be legally required to pay it.
The age limit varies between 4-6 years depending on your state. Research your state’s specific statute of limitations on debt.