Dealing with AscensionPoint Recovery Services: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Debt, can be a heavy burden, weighing you down, both financially, and emotionally. But, take a deep breath, you’re not alone, in this struggle. AscensionPoint Recovery Services, is a debt collection agency, that may have reached out to you, regarding unpaid debts. While their calls, and letters, can feel overwhelming, there are steps, you can take, to navigate this situation, effectively.
At Spodek Law Group, we understand, the stress, and confusion, that comes with dealing with debt collectors. That’s why, we’ve put together, this comprehensive guide, to help you, understand your rights, and options, when it comes to AscensionPoint Recovery Services.
-Understanding AscensionPoint Recovery Services
AscensionPoint Recovery Services, LLC (APRS), is a debt collection agency, based in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. They specialize, in managing decedent debt recoveries, for credit grantors, and service providers. In simpler terms, they collect, unpaid debts, on behalf of creditors.
It’s important, to note, that APRS, is a third-party debt collector, which means, they are not the original creditor, you owed money to. Instead, they have purchased, your debt, from the original creditor, often for a fraction, of the total amount owed.
Your Rights Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
When dealing with debt collectors, like AscensionPoint Recovery Services, it’s crucial, to understand, your rights, under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This federal law, governs the behavior, of third-party debt collectors, and prohibits them, from engaging in abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices.
Here are some key points, about the FDCPA:
-- Debt collectors, cannot harass you, use profane language, or threaten violence.
- They cannot call you, at inconvenient times, such as before 8 a.m., or after 9 p.m.
- They cannot discuss, your debt, with third parties, except in certain circumstances.
- They must provide, validation information, about the debt, within five days, of their initial contact.
- If you dispute, the debt, in writing, they must provide, evidence, that the debt, is yours.
It’s important, to note, that the FDCPA, only applies to personal, family, or household debts. It does not cover, business debts.
Verifying the Debt
When AscensionPoint Recovery Services, contacts you, the first step, is to verify, that the debt, they are attempting to collect, is legitimate. Under the FDCPA, they must provide, validation information, about the debt, within five days, of their initial contact.
This validation information, should include:
- The amount owed
- The name, of the original creditor
- A statement, that you have 30 days, to dispute the debt
If you believe, the debt, is not yours, or if you need more information, to verify it, you should dispute it, in writing, within 30 days. AscensionPoint Recovery Services, must then provide, evidence, that the debt, is yours.
Negotiating a Settlement
If you’ve verified, that the debt, is legitimate, you may want to consider, negotiating a settlement, with AscensionPoint Recovery Services. As a third-party debt collector, they often purchase debts, for a fraction, of the total amount owed. This means, they may be willing, to accept a lump sum payment, that is less, than the full balance.
-Here are some tips, for negotiating a settlement:
- Determine, what you can afford, to pay, as a lump sum.
- Offer a reasonable amount, typically between 25% and 50%, of the total debt.
- Get any settlement agreement, in writing, before making a payment.
- Ensure, the agreement states, that the debt, will be considered “paid in full,” and that AscensionPoint Recovery Services, will stop all collection efforts.
It’s important, to note, that settling a debt, may have tax implications, as the forgiven portion, of the debt, may be considered taxable income.
Setting Up a Payment Plan
If you cannot afford, to pay a lump sum, you may be able to set up, a payment plan, with AscensionPoint Recovery Services. This allows you, to pay off the debt, in smaller, more manageable installments.
-When setting up a payment plan, be sure to:
- Get the agreement, in writing, including the payment amounts, and due dates.
- Ensure, that the agreement states, that AscensionPoint Recovery Services, will stop all collection efforts, as long as you make the agreed-upon payments.
- Stick to the payment plan, as missing payments, may void the agreement.
Seeking Legal Assistance
If you’re having trouble, negotiating with AscensionPoint Recovery Services, or if you believe, they have violated, the FDCPA, you may want to consider, seeking legal assistance.
At Spodek Law Group, we have extensive experience, in dealing with debt collectors, and protecting consumer rights. Our team, can review your case, and advise you, on the best course of action.
Conclusion
Dealing with debt collectors, like AscensionPoint Recovery Services, can be stressful, and overwhelming. But, by understanding your rights, verifying the debt, and exploring options, like settlement or payment plans, you can take control, of the situation.
Remember, you’re not alone, in this struggle. At Spodek Law Group, we’re here to help, every step of the way. Contact us today, for a free consultation, and let us guide you, through this process, with confidence, and expertise.