ARS is a collection agency that handles various types of debt, including credit cards, medical bills, and utility services. If you are in arrears with a lender or any service provider, your account may be in the hands of ARS collectors.
When you’re dealing with a debt collection agency like ARS or want to know what RTR Financial Services is all about, it’s essential to understand what role they play, what rights you have, and if you should start looking for credit repair services in Long Island.
Is ARS a Scam?
With the number of scams floating around, it’s normal to be suspicious when a debt collector contacts you–but ARS National Services is a legitimate debt collection agency.
The company has:
- Been in business for more than twenty years
- Five regional offices across the United States
- An A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
- Been accredited by the BBB since 2000
ARS National Services primarily collects on behalf of financial service organizations like banks and credit card companies (e.g., Citibank, Chase, Capital One, etc.). That said, it does have a large clientele that is diverse and ranges across many industries.
What Happens When ARS Calls
If ARS is calling you, it is likely because you owe money to one of its clients. It may be trying to collect the debt in full or be willing to work out a payment plan over a period of time. ARS uses a variety of debt collection methods, including telephone calls, letters, and in-person visits to your home.
Don’t ignore ARS if it contacts you, as this can have severe consequences for your financial standing and credit score. Instead, take action immediately. Make sure there aren’t any miscalculations regarding the delinquent debt and verify that the amount is valid and something you owe.
The best step forward is to obtain professional advice from a credit repair service like The Phenix Group to see whether you should pay your debt off or take another course of action.
Your Rights Under the FDCPA
While ARS is a reputable company, some people have been critical of its methods. If ARS has contacted you about a debt, you have certain rights under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA). These rights include the right to be informed of the debt, dispute the debt, and be treated fairly by the debt collector.
Here are some of the things ARS is forbidden to do:
- Use phone calls or letters to annoy or harass you
- Seek unjustifiable amounts in payments
- Use abusive or threatening language
- Contact you at work or at inappropriate times of the day
- Threaten arrest or seizure of your assets
- Impersonate an attorney or a police officer
- Contact a family member, friend, or colleague regarding your debt
If you believe ARS is violating your rights under the FDCPA, consult an attorney. You might have grounds for a lawsuit against the company, which can result in your debt being canceled. You might also be awarded damages if you win.
How to Get ARS Removed From Your Credit Report
Having a collections account on your credit report can seriously damage your credit score. However, it is possible to remove ARS collections from your credit report, repair your credit, and improve your financial standing.
Here is how you can remove ARS from your credit report:
- Get a copy of your credit report from each of the three major bureaus: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. You can get a free copy once a year.
- If you find the ARS collections information is inaccurate, dispute it with the relevant bureau.
- If the information is correct, contact ARS directly. You can negotiate a pay-for-delete arrangement where it removes the account from your credit after you make the full payment.
- If disputing or negotiating does not work, you can wait for the account to fall off your credit report. Generally, collections accounts remain on your credit report for up to seven years.
Although these four steps may sound simple, removing a collections account from your credit report in real life can be time-consuming and frustrating. This is why you need a credit repair service like The Phenix Group at your side.
Get Help Handling ARS
The Phoenix Group can assist you in disputing errors related to ARS collections, guide you through every step of the dispute process, and do everything possible to restore your credit and improve your financial standing. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or harassed by the ARS, don’t wait–reach out to us today.
Curious about who the Penn Credit Corporation collects for? Be sure to read our latest article.