You’re Being Pursued by Choice Recovery Inc – Here’s What to Do
You open your mailbox, only to find another letter from Choice Recovery Inc, a debt collection agency, demanding payment on an old debt. Your heart sinks, but, take a deep breath. We’re here to help you understand your rights and options for resolving this situation.
Choice Recovery Inc is one of the many third-party debt collectors that purchase old, unpaid debts from original creditors for pennies on the dollar. Their goal? To collect the full amount from you, plus hefty fees. Seems unfair, right? Well, it’s completely legal…but that doesn’t mean you’re defenseless.
-At Spodek Law Group, we’ve helped countless clients navigate the murky waters of debt collection. We understand the stress and confusion you’re likely feeling. But, you have rights, and we’re here to ensure they’re protected.
Understanding Your Rights: The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that governs how third-party debt collectors can operate. It prohibits them from using abusive, deceptive, or unfair practices when attempting to collect a debt from you.
Under the FDCPA, debt collectors like Choice Recovery Inc cannot:
- Contact you at unreasonable hours (before 8 am or after 9 pm)
- Use profane or abusive language
- Threaten violence or harm
- Lie about the amount you owe
- Falsely claim to be attorneys or law enforcement officials
- Discuss your debt with others, except to obtain location information
- Engage in harassment or oppressive behavior
If Choice Recovery Inc violates any of these rules, you have the right to sue them in federal court. Potential damages can include actual damages, statutory damages up to $1,000, and legal fees.
-But, the FDCPA is just the start. Many states have their own debt collection laws that offer additional protections. For example, in New York, it’s illegal for debt collectors to:
- Engage in “shame reviling” or attempt to humiliate you
- Cause a telephone to ring repeatedly with the intent to annoy or harass
- Claim you’ll be arrested if you don’t pay (empty threat)
Knowing your rights is crucial, but, it’s just the first step.
Responding to Choice Recovery Inc: Validate the Debt
When Choice Recovery Inc first contacts you about an alleged debt, the FDCPA requires them to send you a written debt validation notice within five days. This notice must include:
- The amount of the debt
- The name of the original creditor
- A statement that you have 30 days to dispute the debt
Here’s what you need to do: Immediately send Choice Recovery Inc a debt validation letter via certified mail. In this letter, you’ll request they provide verification and evidence that you actually owe the debt they’re attempting to collect.
Why is this so important? Because debt collectors like Choice Recovery Inc often lack proper documentation and records for the debts they purchase. By requesting validation, you’re forcing them to prove the debt is really yours.
-If they cannot validate the debt, they have no legal grounds to continue collection efforts against you. But even if they do validate it, you’ve created a paper trail that could prove invaluable if the situation escalates.
Negotiating a Settlement with Choice Recovery Inc
Let’s assume Choice Recovery Inc does validate the debt. What then? Well, you have a few options:
- Pay the debt in full
- Set up a payment plan
- Negotiate a settlement
If paying the full amount isn’t feasible, consider negotiating a settlement. With settlements, you agree to pay a lump sum that’s less than the total amount owed. Debt collectors are often willing to accept settlements because it allows them to quickly collect something on an old debt.
-But, there’s a right way and a wrong way to negotiate debt settlements. Here are some tips:
- Get the settlement agreement in writing before paying anything
- Negotiate to remove any negative entries from your credit reports
- Request the settlement be reported as “paid in full” to credit bureaus
- Avoid reviving zombie debts past the statute of limitations
- Consider tax implications of forgiven debt over $600
Negotiating is an art, and having an experienced debt settlement attorney on your side can make a huge difference. At Spodek Law Group, we’ve negotiated thousands of debt settlements and know all the tricks collectors like Choice Recovery Inc will try to pull.
When to Hire a Debt Collection Defense Attorney
Dealing with aggressive debt collectors is stressful enough. But what if Choice Recovery Inc takes things a step further and sues you over the unpaid debt?
If you’re served with a debt collection lawsuit, you must respond by the deadline (typically 14-30 days). Failing to respond could lead to Choice Recovery Inc obtaining a default judgment against you.
With a judgment, they could pursue much more aggressive collection tactics, like garnishing your wages or putting liens on your property. Clearly, this is a situation you want to avoid at all costs.
This is when hiring an experienced debt collection defense attorney becomes an absolute necessity. At Spodek Law Group, we’ve defended clients against countless debt collection lawsuits. We know all the ins and outs, as well as the common tricks collectors will try.
Some potential defenses we may raise include:
- Lack of proper documentation or chain of title
- Violation of the statute of limitations
- Improper service of the lawsuit
- Mistaken identity or case of fraud
- Violations of the FDCPA or state debt collection laws
We’ll fight aggressively to protect your rights and assets. And if the collector engaged in any illegal behavior, we’ll counter-sue for violations of the FDCPA and applicable state laws.
Why Choose Spodek Law Group for Debt Collection Defense?
There’s one reason you’re on this website: you’re looking for an elite law firm to defend you against aggressive debt collectors like Choice Recovery Inc. At Spodek Law Group, that’s exactly what we provide.
We’re focused on delivering the highest level of customer service and case results. Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience handling the toughest legal situations nationwide and even internationally.
Most law firms take a cookie-cutter approach, looking to churn through cases as quickly as possible. Not us. We leave no stone unturned and do everything in our power to win. Everything we do is focused on getting you the best possible outcome.
We understand the stress and challenges of dealing with debt collectors and lawsuits. That’s why we take a hands-on, personalized approach tailored to your unique situation.
Our firm has excellent work ethics, and we constantly hold meetings to discuss and strategize over every case. If an emergency arises, we have a full team of attorneys ready to jump into action and protect you.
Regardless of how tough your situation is, we’re here to help. Our criminal defense lawyers work tirelessly to find a solution, no matter how complex the circumstances.
Many clients feel embarrassed and hesitant to open up about their legal issues. But we encourage full transparency so we can provide the best advice and representation possible.
It’s simple: every client deserves honesty and white-glove service. At Spodek Law Group, that’s exactly what you’ll receive.
Getting Started Is Easy
If you’re being pursued by Choice Recovery Inc or any other aggressive debt collector, the time to act is now. The sooner you involve experienced legal representation, the better we can protect your rights and resolve the issue favorably.
Getting started with Spodek Law Group is easy. Just schedule a risk-free consultation by calling [phone number] or visiting [website]. This gives you the opportunity to explain your situation in detail and get candid advice from one of our seasoned debt collection defense attorneys.
You can ask us anything during the consultation, no matter how basic or complex. We’ll take the time to ensure you fully understand the process, as well as your rights and options for fighting back against collectors like Choice Recovery Inc.
We’re available 24/7 to help, because we know debt collection issues can arise at any time. With offices in New York City and Los Angeles, we’re able to represent clients nationwide against even the most aggressive collectors.
Don’t let Choice Recovery Inc or any other debt collector take advantage of you a day longer. Regain your peace of mind and financial freedom by involving the elite legal team at Spodek Law Group. Your future is on the line – trust us to protect it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Choice Recovery Inc?
Choice Recovery Inc is a third-party debt collection agency based in Columbus, Ohio. They purchase old, unpaid debts from original creditors and then attempt to collect the full amount, plus fees, from consumers.
Can Choice Recovery Inc sue me?
Yes, if you fail to respond to their attempts to collect an unpaid debt, Choice Recovery Inc can file a lawsuit against you in an attempt to obtain a court judgment. This judgment would then allow them to pursue more aggressive collection tactics like wage garnishment.
How do I stop Choice Recovery Inc from contacting me?
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you can demand Choice Recovery Inc stop all contact by sending them a cease and desist letter via certified mail. However, this won’t necessarily stop them from pursuing a lawsuit.
What if Choice Recovery Inc has the wrong information?
If Choice Recovery Inc is attempting to collect a debt you don’t actually owe, you can send them a debt validation letter via certified mail. This forces them to provide evidence and documentation proving the debt is really yours within 30 days.
Should I pay a debt to Choice Recovery Inc?
Whether you should pay a debt to Choice Recovery Inc depends on your specific situation. You may be able to negotiate a settlement for less than the full amount. But you should never pay on a debt that is past the statute of limitations, as it could revive it. Consult an attorney first.
Can Choice Recovery Inc garnish my wages?
Choice Recovery Inc cannot garnish your wages unless they first obtain a court judgment against you. If they do sue you and get a judgment, then they can pursue wage garnishment and other aggressive collection tactics like bank levies or property liens.
What laws govern debt collection by Choice Recovery Inc?
The primary law governing third-party debt collectors like Choice Recovery Inc is the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Many states also have their own debt collection laws that may provide additional consumer protections.
How can Spodek Law Group help me?
At Spodek Law Group, we are experienced debt collection defense attorneys. We can review your situation with Choice Recovery Inc, advise you of your rights and options, respond to their collection attempts, defend any lawsuits, negotiate settlements, and counter-sue if they violate any laws.