If you’ve ever dealt with a collection agency before, you know how difficult it can be. They use unscrupulous tactics to get your attention and scare you into paying when sometimes you don’t have to pay.
Fortunately, the Fair Credit Reporting Act is on your side, giving you options to dispute the collection and even have it removed from your credit report.
It’s a lengthy process that requires several steps, but every step is worth it when you remove ConServe Collections from your credit report.
Why is ConServe Collections on your Credit Report?
Conserve Collections buys old debts other creditors charged off as uncollectable. They buy the debt for less than it’s worth hoping to make a profit by having you pay the full amount. They buy debts from a variety of creditors, so you may have come across their name before.
Two things are bad about this. One, you have a collection on your credit report and it hurts your credit score. Two, you’ve already paid the price on your credit for the charge off, and now a collection agency is trying to hit you again.
If this sounds like what you’re experiencing, follow these steps to remove ConServe Collections from your credit report.
Ask for Validation of the Debt
Start by asking for validation of the debt. Sometimes ConServe claims they have the right to collect money from you when they don’t. This is the time for them to prove it. You have only 30 days from the first time they contact you to do this, so act fast. If you miss this window, you must use other options.
Write a debt validation letter that asks for proof of the debt, where they got it, and that they can do business in your state.
In your letter ask for as much proof of the debt as possible. The more details you ask for, the less likely it is they’ll be able to validate the debt. If they can’t, they must remove it from your credit report.
If they validate the debt, you’re stuck with it on your credit report for now, but there are ways to remove it.
Negotiate a Settlement
Since ConServe didn’t pay the full amount for your debt, they have room for negotiation. Work up your best negotiation skills and get them to agree to a lesser amount. In your negotiations, also ask them to delete the account from your credit report.
This is the key factor.
Don’t pay them unless they agree to this and get it in writing. Don’t agree to anything verbally. If they don’t follow through, you don’t have a leg to stand on.
Hire Professionals
Lastly, if you’re the type of person who would rather have a professional handle it and just be done with the whole thing, I suggest you check out Lexington Law Credit Repair. They’ll take care of you, and honestly they usually get negative items removed quicker than if you try to do it yourself. Give them a call at 1-844-331-6062 or Check out our review of their service.
Don’t Ignore ConServe Collections
The one thing to remember – never ignore ConServe Collections. Letting it sit on your credit report with no negotiations or validation can ruin your credit score. The account will remain there for 7 years. That’s a long time and who knows how many lenders you’ll apply with in that time.
While you may not agree with their tactics or they may not even have a valid claim against you, ignoring them is the worst thing to do. At the very least, validate and dispute the debt and see what happens.
Bottom Line
Take the necessary steps to remove ConServe Collections from your credit report. The faster you remove it, the quicker your credit score can bounce back. If you need help there’s no shame in hiring a credit repair agency or credit lawyer.
The key is that you get ConServe Collections off your credit report, whether you pay them what you owe, negotiate an amount, or get it removed because they reported inaccurate or unfair information.