Have you been getting calls from a company called CCS Offices? They are a debt collection agency. This means you probably have some unpaid bills that have been sent to collections, just like over 60 million other Americans. Collections can happen to anyone, but know that it can hurt your credit score. Low scores make it harder to get loans, credit cards, or rent an apartment. So it’s important to remove collection accounts so they don’t damage your credit any further. Here are 3 simple steps to delete CCS Offices off your credit report.
Is CCS Offices A Legitimate Business?
CCS Offices is a collection agency with a headquarters in Norwood, Massachusetts. They have several different divisions that operate under the Credit Collection Services Companies umbrella. Their businesses collect unpaid debts for many types of companies – credit cards, medical providers, banks, utilities, and more. CCS Offices is known for calling debtors frequently to get them to pay their bill, which consumers find annoying. Their aggressive methods to contact you can be a pain, but you don’t have to accept collections tactics (like aggressive phone calls, or threats to sue you) that are illegal.
Your Consumer Rights
There are laws that protect consumers from unfair debt collection practices. CCS Offices and all collectors have to abide by these rules, which you can read in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. CCS can’t call before 8am or after 9pm. And if you ask them to stop calling work, they must not call you at work. They also can’t threaten you or use abusive language. If they do not follow the rules, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau.
Step 1: Validate The Debt
FIrst of all, is the debt really yours? And do you owe the amount they claim? You have 30 days to ask CCS Offices to verify the debt is really yours and the amount is right. Never pay a debt until you are sure it is valid. Use this debt validation letter template to write to CCS and mail it via USPS certified mail to CCS Offices.
Step 2: Dispute The Debt
If CCS Offices reports your debt to the credit bureaus, check for any mistakes. Do they have the right name or debt amount? Have you already paid off the debt? Is the original creditor someone you actually had an account with?
If not, file a dispute with CCS Offices within 30 days of the time they contact you. Also, file the dispute with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Show proof the info they have is incorrect, like old statements, canceled checks or online payment records that you have. CCS Offices has the obligation to investigate your claim and fix errors within 30 days. If they do not, they must delete the account.
You can use this free debt dispute template to dispute your debt.
Step 3: Make a Deal – Pay for Delete
If the debt is yours but you can’t pay everything now, ask CCS Offices for a pay for delete arrangement. At this point, you know the debt is yours. You can offer to pay part of what you owe if they agree to remove it from your credit history. Get any deal in writing before you pay. Be sure that the amount you negotiate is something you can actually pay, so you can follow through with your promise.
You can also ask to make small monthly payments. If you pay consistently, ask CCS to change your account status on the account to “paid collections.” This can be more favorable on your credit report than “unpaid” status.
Get Help Negotiating with CCS Offices
If talking to collectors causes you stress, don’t fear. You can use the Cambio app and services to help you negotiate. Cambio’s experts have a lot of experience working with collections agencies to come up with terms that help consumers be able to pay off their debt.
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Moving Past A Collections Account
To keep CCS Offices and other debt collectors from taking your credit score, be careful to pay all bills on time. Use extra caution when you apply for new loans or credit cards if your budget is stretched. Also, check your credit reports regularly for any mistakes. If you see errors, dispute them right away so your score doesn’t drop.
Now that you are armed with knowledge, you are ready to take action. You can start these 3 simple steps to delete CCS Offices off your credit report today. Remember: know your rights, ask for verification, dispute errors, negotiate removal, and monitor your credit closely. Don’t let invalid collections drag down your score. You’re heading toward a solid financial future and a better credit score.
