#1 Way to Remove 'ACA Boston' (Hurting Your Score)

Someone from ACA Boston called because they believe you owe a debt they've been assigned to collect. ACA Boston is shorthand for Action Collection Agency of Boston, and collectors like them typically pursue charged-off credit cards, personal loans, auto deficiency balances, and medical bills - though calls can also stem from identity theft, clerical errors, or a forgotten past balance.

Don't assume it's valid; verify right away by pulling your free annual credit reports at free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and matching account numbers, original creditor names, dates, and balances against recent statements. Many calls are caused by data mismatches after debts are sold multiple times, so cross‑reference records before you pay; if something looks wrong, dispute the entry, and consider a reputable credit repair specialist to handle disputes for you without needless direct confrontation.

They mainly pursue charged‑off consumer accounts - with a strong tilt toward medical bills - but also handle other small consumer debts like credit cards, personal loans and auto deficiencies.

ACA works both as a third‑party collector and as a buyer of charged‑off accounts for local and national clients, prioritizing efficient resolution and reporting when appropriate; catalog your balances by category to see if ACA might be involved and check tools like Credit Karma for a bureau snapshot, and see details on their Action Collection Agency services page. ([nexacollect.com](https://nexacollect.com/action-agency-aca/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [lemberglaw.com](https://lemberglaw.com/action-collection-agency-boston-complaints-calls…), [supermoney.com](https://www.supermoney.com/aca-collections?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Common account types you'll see from them:

• Medical / healthcare bills
• Credit card charged‑off balances
• Personal loans (small unsecured balances)
• Auto loan deficiencies (gap after repossession/sale)
• Residential lease defaults
• Bank overdrafts / NSF check collections
• Other charged‑off consumer accounts (typically under ~$10,000)

Yes - Action Collection Agencies (often called 'ACA Boston') is a legitimate debt‑collection firm, not an automatic scam, but you must verify identity before paying.

• Legit signs: physical office in Middleboro, MA; established company history; an official site - Action Collection Agencies website; caller ID matching 800‑478‑7421; and a written validation notice (collectors must provide this within 5 days of first contact under the FDCPA).
• Scam indicators: demand for instant payment by wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency; refusal to send written validation; pressure, threats of arrest, or requests for your full SSN over the phone.
• Practical checks: caller number mismatch, inconsistent company name, sloppy paperwork, or evasive answers about original creditor are red flags; clear account details and a mailed validation letter are good signs.

Verify before you pay: call the official number, ask for written debt validation, and dispute in writing if anything is off (you have 30 days to dispute after receiving the notice). Keep copies, use certified mail for disputes/payments, and if you suspect fraud file a complaint via the FTC complaint form - then contact your state regulator or the BBB if needed.

Call 800-478-7421 or send certified mail to 13 Center St, Middleboro, MA 02346 - this is Action Collection's confirmed headquarters and no public email is listed. Their focus is healthcare accounts and division addresses can vary; see company details at Action Collection Agency website.

• Phone - Dial 800-478-7421. Get the agent's name, date/time, and a call ID if offered. Take notes and record legally where allowed.
• Certified mail - Send disputes or validation requests via USPS certified mail with return receipt to 13 Center St, Middleboro, MA 02346. Include your account/reference number and keep copies.
• Online - Use the website for company info and any portal forms; do not rely on an unlisted email for disputes.
• Paper trail tips - Always document every contact (dates, names, summaries). Certified mail + return receipt creates admissible proof.

When ACA Boston is acting as a third‑party collector, federal law gives you clear protections: you can demand validation, forbid harassment, and limit when and how they contact you. See 15 U.S.C. §1692 full text. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1692?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

You have specific rights under the FDCPA: ask for debt validation in writing within 30 days and the collector must verify the debt before continuing collection on disputed portions. Collectors may not harass you, use obscene language, call repeatedly to annoy you, lie about the amount, or threaten illegal actions. The law also presumes 'convenient' contact is between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. local time unless you state otherwise. ([uscode.house.gov](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=%28title%3A15+section%3A1692g+e…), [law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1692d?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/regulations/1006/6?utm_sou…))

When you talk to ACA Boston, insist on written communications to avoid verbal traps and immediately send a written dispute/validation request if you doubt the debt's accuracy; keep certified‑mail receipts and copies of every message. Remember the FDCPA covers third‑party 'debt collectors,' not every original creditor - use that distinction to push disputes back to the original creditor when appropriate. Do not record calls in Massachusetts without getting consent from all parties - MA law generally requires all‑party consent. ([casetext.com](https://casetext.com/statute/united-states-code/title-15-commerce-and-t…), [rcfp.org](https://www.rcfp.org/reporters-recording-guide/massachusetts/?utm_sourc…))

If ACA Boston breaks the rules, mail a written cease or validation letter and preserve proof of delivery, then file complaints with the CFPB, the FTC, and your state attorney general. You can also sue under the FDCPA for actual damages, statutory damages (up to $1,000), and attorney's fees; act quickly because statutory deadlines apply. ([consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/codes/us/title-15/chapter-41/subchapter-v/sec-16…))

Send a written demand for debt validation to ACA Boston by certified mail immediately - do this within 30 days of their first contact and include a clear request for proof, not a payment promise.

Ask for the original creditor's name, an itemized balance (principal, fees, interest), date of default, and proof you signed the contract; include the ACA Boston address (13 Center St, Middleboro, MA 02346), your account number, and avoid admitting the debt or promising payment. Mail by certified mail, return‑receipt requested, and keep copies of everything. Under FDCPA §809 a collector must stop collection until they provide verification; if they fail to validate, escalate by filing a complaint - file a complaint with the CFPB - and use the FTC's sample validation template as your model.

If ACA Boston ignores or won't validate, they've weakened their legal and reporting position: demand removal by disputing the tradeline with each credit bureau (attach your certified‑mail proof), report the collector to the CFPB and your state attorney general, and consider sending a lawyer demand or suing for FDCPA violations if harassment or reporting continues.

• Draft a short validation letter; state you dispute the debt and demand validation.
• Address: ACA Boston, 13 Center St, Middleboro, MA 02346; send certified mail RRR.
• Include: account number, request for original creditor, itemized charges, date of default, and signature proof.
• Do NOT admit liability or offer payment in the letter.
• Keep copies and the green USPS receipt; log dates and times of calls.
• If no valid proof, dispute the credit report entries with bureaus and attach your certified‑mail evidence.
• File complaints with CFPB and state AG; consider an FDCPA attorney if violations continue.

Dispute it immediately in writing to ACA Boston and to Equifax, Experian and TransUnion with supporting proof so the account is investigated and removed if it's not yours.

False matches happen often because collectors (including ACA) buy large portfolios and records get mislinked; you have rights under the FCRA and FDCPA to demand verification or deletion.

• Gather evidence: credit reports, any letters from ACA, photo ID, proof of residence/credit card statements, and an identity-theft affidavit if someone used your info.
• Send a written dispute to ACA Boston (certified mail, return receipt). Demand debt validation and a full chain-of-title/assignment showing they own the specific account.
• File disputes with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion (online + certified mailed letters citing FCRA §611). Include copies of your evidence and state you request deletion if the item cannot be verified.
• If identity theft is suspected, include a completed FTC affidavit and a police report; mark the account 'identity theft' in each bureau dispute.
• Track dates, keep copies, and follow up: collectors and bureaus have 30 days to investigate once they receive your dispute; if they can't verify, demand deletion.

Ask ACA for the full ownership/assignment history - errors usually show up there; if the furnisher can't prove a direct chain, the bureaus must remove the tradeline under FCRA §611. If identity theft is involved, file an ID theft affidavit and include it in every dispute; demand deletion in writing when investigations are incomplete.

If this feels like too much, a reputable credit repair pro or consumer attorney can file multi‑bureau disputes, pull assignment docs, and escalate faster on your behalf; otherwise continue certified mail, document everything, and file complaints with CFPB and your state attorney general if ACA or the bureaus fail to act.

Yes - you can stop most intrusive outreach: collectors like ACA Boston generally may not call you at work contact if you say it's inconvenient, call after-hours (before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM), post publicly on social media, or discuss your debt with friends/family except to obtain your location.
Tell them their behavior violates the FDCPA, because third‑party contacts are limited to locating you and must never disclose debt details.

Block and preserve proof. Take timestamps, call logs, and screenshots of messages or posts. Send a short written cease‑and‑desist that names the forbidden methods and states your preferred contact (or 'do not contact'), send by certified mail, and keep copies. If ACA Boston continues, document every violation and report it to your state attorney general and federal regulators (CFPB/FTC) - these records are the path to enforcement and possible damages.
Social outreach is uncommon but rising; immediately block the account, screenshot the content, and include those screenshots with your complaint.

You can stop unwanted ACA Boston contact by sending a written FDCPA cease-communication, documenting every interaction, and escalating to regulators or court if they keep breaking the law.

• Send a written cease-communication under FDCPA §805(c) (15 U.S.C. §1692c(c)): demand they stop all calls, texts, emails, and third‑party contacts.
• Mail it by certified mail, return receipt requested; include your name, account number, and a clear 'CEASE CONTACT' statement.
• Simultaneously request debt validation (your right under the FDCPA) and save the returned receipt or delivery photo.

Write one short letter. Say you invoke 15 U.S.C. §1692c(c) and that all communication must stop except to notify you of specific actions (e.g., notice of lawsuit). Keep the text minimal. Attach copies of any prior harassment. Keep a copy of the certified-mail receipt. Do not admit liability or promise payment in the letter.

Log everything in a dated journal and by screenshot: call times, phone numbers, caller ID, transcripts, texts, and voicemail. If harassment continues, file a complaint with the CFPB and your state attorney general, and sue in small claims or federal court under the FDCPA for statutory damages (up to $1,000 plus actual damages and attorney fees). Note pattern evidence: ACA has prior misrepresentation complaints (see Lemberg Law reports) - cite this when you file. For severe cases, get professional help; consider a free consult via free consumer-attorney referrals at NACA.

• Violation examples to document: repeated calls after a cease request; calls to work or friends/family; threats of arrest, garnishment, or lawsuit without intent; false statements about debt amount or legal status; failure to provide validation; obscene or abusive language.

Only when your original contract or Massachusetts law says so - otherwise ACA Boston cannot lawfully tack on extra interest, fees, or charges. Federal law forbids a collector from adding any amount unless the agreement creating the debt expressly authorizes it or a law permits it, as explained in FDCPA §1692f text. Massachusetts practice generally limits post‑judgment interest to the contract rate or statutory caps, so unauthorized add‑ons aren't magically valid under state rules. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1692f?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [malegislature.gov](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleII/Chapter231/S…))

If ACA Boston tries to inflate the balance, demand an itemized breakdown and proof the fee was in your original contract or is otherwise allowed by law, and invoke your validation rights immediately - you have 30 days to dispute and force verification before collection on the disputed portion must stop. Debt buyers often revive old accounts and slip in inflated or 'zombie' fees; challenge the chain of ownership, last‑payment date, and each charge on the accounting and don't restart anything by admitting liability or making a payment until they validate. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1692g?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/regulations/1006/34/?utm_s…), [seyfarth.com](https://www.seyfarth.com/news-insights/cfpb-concludes-most-convenience-…), [bankrate.com](https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/debt/zombie-debt/?utm_source=…))

Protect yourself: pull your original contract to check fee clauses, send a written validation/dispute by certified mail within 30 days asking for an itemized ledger and proof of title, and if they persist file complaints with the CFPB or the Massachusetts Attorney General or talk to a consumer‑rights lawyer - collecting unauthorized fees can trigger FDCPA and state consumer‑protection claims. ([consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/how-to/file-a-consumer-complaint?utm_source=chatgp…))

No - ACA Boston can't legally take wages, benefits, or freeze your bank account on its own; it must first sue you, win a judgment, and get a court writ or trustee/execution before a bank or employer can be ordered to turn over money. They often threaten garnishment, but threats alone are not a legal seizure. In Massachusetts, trustee process/wage attachments require court approval and specific notice (wages trigger a ten‑day notice when wages are at issue), and you can confirm whether a judgment or writ exists by checking court records online at MassCourts public records search. ([consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/can-a-debt-collector-take-my-s…), [mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/supreme-judicial-cour…), [masscourts.org](https://www.masscourts.org/))

Protected assets and quick actions to take:

• Social Security and many federal benefits (and VA payments when deposited) are generally shielded from ordinary creditor garnishment.
• SSI, many pensions, retirement plans, unemployment, and certain public-assistance funds are also protected or have exemption rules.
• If a collector tries to freeze accounts or claim immediate garnishment without a court order: document everything, save letters/screenshots/voicemails, request debt validation in writing, send a written cease‑contact or dispute if appropriate, and consult an attorney. False threats or misrepresentations (saying they will garnish when they can't or don't intend to) violate the FDCPA and can be the basis for a claim. ([ssa.gov](https://www.ssa.gov/faqs/en/questions/KA-01873.html?utm_source=chatgpt…), [law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1692e?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

They're not BBB‑accredited, carry a C+ rating, and the BBB lists 20 complaints in the last three years (9 closed in the past 12 months). ([bbb.org](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/middleboro/profile/collections-agencies/actio…))

See the company's BBB profile showing C+ rating for the raw data; complaints are mainly service, billing and customer‑service issues, and customer reviews report aggressive collection tactics. ([bbb.org](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/middleboro/profile/collections-agencies/actio…))

Digging into the complaints shows patterns you can use. Many entries describe repeated phone calls, calls without clear written validation, calls to work, and failure to timely respond to debt‑verification requests - classic FDCPA‑style problems.

The BBB complaint threads record instances where consumers asked for written validation and either got no response or only partial answers, and multiple consumers flagged harassment or lack of documentation. Use those trends when you dispute the debt: demand statutory validation in writing, log every contact, cite BBB complaints as supporting evidence when filing with the CFPB or your state regulator, and reference the company's poor BBB rating when negotiating or pushing for removal from your credit report. ([bbb.org](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/middleboro/profile/collections-agencies/actio…))

No public record shows a major class-action or large settlement against the small Boston collection shop - only scattered consumer complaints and regulatory mentions. (bbb.org, casetext.com, mass.gov)

• Public complaint sites and the BBB show multiple individual FDCPA/billing complaints but no certified class settlements tied to ACA Boston. (bbb.org)
• Larger, widely reported class actions involved other collectors (e.g., AMCA); those are separate and often cause naming confusion. (topclassactions.com, mass.gov)

Smaller, regional agencies rarely generate class suits because they hold fewer accounts and disputes get resolved individually; that makes one-on-one FDCPA claims or state AG complaints the faster path if your rights were violated. (consumerlawfirmcenter.com, bbb.org)

• Do this now: document every call/message, send a written debt-validation letter, file complaints with the CFPB and your state AG, and consider a private FDCPA suit or small-claims action. If a class does appear, consult a consumer-law attorney or plaintiff firm and check classaction.org for updates. (consumerlawfirmcenter.com, bbb.org)

Act fast: demand written debt validation within 30 days, document every contact (use certified mail), and check your credit reports immediately.

First, send a written validation request within 30 days of the collector's first contact - state that you dispute the debt and demand proof of the original creditor, an itemized account history, and assignment paperwork; mail it by certified mail with return receipt and keep copies of everything.

Next, check all three credit reports for any ACA Boston entries and dates; if the listing is wrong or incomplete, file a dispute with the bureaus and attach the collector's failure-to-validate or other supporting documents - also send a dispute letter to the collector and keep proof.

Beware risks: making any payment or admitting the debt can restart the clock or waive defenses; in Massachusetts the typical statute of limitations for contract debt is six years, so if the account is time‑barred do not pay and assert that defense in writing; if you get sued, respond to the court immediately and consider an attorney.

Document everything: keep phone logs (date, time, name), save voicemails and emails, keep certified‑mail receipts, and consider a consumer‑credit expert or attorney for complex removals - they can spot reporting errors and help craft disputes or settlement strategies.

If you ignore ACA Boston or can't pay, the calls won't stop and the problem can escalate to real harm - missed payments can become credit damage, and a collector can sue and, if they win, pursue garnishment or bank levies.

Collectors can continue reporting the account to credit bureaus. They may sue; a judgment lets them garnish wages, freeze accounts, or place liens. Some debts are time‑barred (can't be sued) but can still appear on your report - and making a payment or admitting the debt can restart the clock, so don't revive a debt without thinking. Also know your FDCPA rights and ask for written debt validation before replying.

If you truly can't pay, act not ignore: request hardship options or a written settlement, dispute any account that isn't yours, seek free legal aid or a nonprofit credit counselor, or consider bankruptcy for overwhelming balances. Prioritize non‑dischargeable debts first by budgeting from first principles (essentials, taxes, secured loans), and always get any deal in writing before you pay to avoid surprises.

Not inherently a bad move - settling with ACA Boston can save money and remove a collection, but it's a tradeoff that needs strict paperwork and caution because it can restart legal time limits and create tax or reporting consequences.

• Verify the account first. Ask for debt validation in writing before negotiating.
• Aim for a 30–50% reduction of the current balance and get that offer in writing.
• Start lower than your target: ACA, as a buyer, often opens aggressive but has flexibility; counter from a low anchor.
• Insist on a signed 'paid in full' or 'settled in full' statement and a clause that the account won't be resold or re‑aged.
• Specify how they will report to credit bureaus (paid in full vs. settled); get that promise in writing.
• Know the risks: a payment or written acknowledgment can restart the statute of limitations in some states and a creditor or buyer may issue a Form 1099‑C for forgiven amounts (possible taxable income).
• Prefer a single lump‑sum settlement if you can; payment plans are common but may weaken your leverage and prolong exposure.
• Never rely on verbal promises; keep copies of every document and correspondence.

If you don't like the tradeoffs, other options are debt validation/dispute, refusing payment while the debt is time‑barred, seeking a pay‑for‑delete (rare), using a consumer attorney to negotiate stronger terms, or working with a reputable credit counselor - but if you settle, protect yourself with clear, written 'paid in full' language and tax/ reporting clarity before you pay.

Yes - ACA Boston can sue you in civil court for a valid, in‑statute debt, but they cannot arrest you simply for not paying; arrest threats from collectors are illegal. CFPB page on arrest for unpaid debt. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-debt-collecti…), [consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/can-i-be-arrested-for-an-unpai…))

A suit can be filed while the debt is inside Massachusetts's limitations period (most contract‑based consumer debts: six years). Lawsuits don't require a pre‑lawsuit 'warning' to be filed, but the plaintiff must properly serve you with the complaint and summons and the court will enforce service and filing rules. ([malegislature.gov](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleV/Chapter260/Se…), [mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/rules-of-civil-procedure/civil-procedure-rule-551-…))

Practically, many collectors avoid suing very small balances because filing fees and attorney costs make it uneconomical; amounts under roughly $1–2K are less likely to be litigated, though any amount can be sued. You can search local court dockets (District/Boston Municipal Court) to see whether a case exists against you. ([solosuit.com](https://www.solosuit.com/posts/minimum-amount-collection-agency-sue/?ut…), [mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/rules-of-civil-procedure/civil-procedure-rule-551-…))

If you are served, don't ignore it - file an answer or appear by the deadline to prevent a default judgment, which can lead to garnishment or bank levies after judgment; courts also allow motions to set aside defaults for good cause. Ask for debt validation, get free legal help (legal aid or clerk's office), and respond promptly. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/rules-of-civil-procedure/civil-procedure-rule-55-d…))

You have three practical levers: sue for FDCPA violations, file regulator complaints, and use Massachusetts' stricter debt rules if they apply - start by documenting every breach now.

Suing: under the FDCPA you can seek actual damages, statutory damages up to $1,000, plus costs and a reasonable attorney fee; you may bring an individual claim in small‑claims or other courts, but note the FDCPA's one‑year statute of limitations - act quickly. (law.cornell.edu)

Regulatory & state enforcement: file a complaint with the CFPB and your state attorney general to trigger investigations and company responses (use the complaint portal to submit evidence). submit a complaint to the CFPB Keep copies of letters, call logs, timestamps, screenshots, and certified‑mail receipts - these make complaints and court cases winnable. (consumerfinance.gov, regulations.justia.com)

Massachusetts bonus remedies: if you live in MA, 940 CMR 7.00 gives extra protections (strict validation rules, five‑business‑day notice requirements, and additional unfair‑practice penalties) you can invoke alongside the FDCPA to increase leverage. Send a written validation/demand letter, preserve proof, then file small‑claims or a suit and copy the AG. (mass.gov, regulations.justia.com)

Yes - sometimes you can avoid paying an ACA Boston claim, but only when the account is invalid, discharged in bankruptcy, or legally time‑barred; otherwise you're generally legally (and ethically) responsible and should negotiate or pay. (consumerfinance.gov, uscourts.gov)

Start by forcing proof: demand written validation within the 30‑day window and dispute anything unverified - collectors must provide validation or stop collection while they investigate. Don't admit the debt or make any payment on a suspected time‑barred balance (a payment or written admission can revive the claim in some states). If the account can't be verified you can press the bureaus and the collector to remove it, or pursue a consumer‑law remedy; bankruptcy can permanently discharge many unsecured debts but not all. (consumerfinance.gov, ftc.gov, bostonfed.org)

Practical short checklist (do these, in order):

• Send a written validation request (certified mail) citing the CFPB validation notice rule.
• If you believe the debt is time‑barred, dispute in writing and refuse to pay (don't restart the clock).
• Dispute any inaccurate trade line with Equifax/Experian/TransUnion and file a CFPB/FTC complaint if needed.
• If the collector can't verify, demand deletion; use documentation and copy correspondence.
• If harassed or sued, consult a consumer attorney and consider FDCPA claims or bankruptcy (if appropriate).
• Keep every record (mail receipts, call logs, screenshots).

Start with credit repair when the ACA Boston entry looks incorrect or their documentation is weak; pay or negotiate only if the debt is clearly yours and you need immediate closure.

Credit repair targets mistakes. Disputes force bureaus and the collector to prove the debt. Many collections have broken chains of title, wrong balances, or missing validation. Paying usually posts a "settled" or "paid" status that can still harm score. Disputes can remove the line entirely - faster and cleaner when the item is inaccurate.

• Time to impact: disputes can remove bad entries faster; payment shows as "settled" and can linger.
• Score effect: full deletion often helps more than a settled mark.
• Proof required: repair demands verification of ownership and balance.
• Cost: DIY disputes are cheap; reputable repair firms charge fees - compare value.
• Negotiation risk: a payment without written terms can revive or re-age debt.

If you choose repair, get copies of dispute letters and results in writing. Ask any service how they verify chain of title and whether they accept written settlement guarantees before you pay. If you opt to pay, insist on a written "paid-as-agreed" or "paid in full" agreement and get the collector to remove or update the tradeline with the bureaus.

Do this next: pull your three credit reports, send a 30‑day debt validation to ACA Boston if you haven't, document all responses, and then decide - dispute first when accuracy is doubtful; negotiate/pay only with clear, written terms if the debt is valid.