#1 Way to Remove 'Collins Asset Group' (Hurting Your Score)

They're calling because Collins Asset Group thinks you owe a delinquent account it bought – usually an auto loan, credit card balance, or equipment-financing debt. Sometimes the call is a misassigned account (the FTC finds misidentified debts in about 20% of collection cases), or it's a skip-trace/verification call after the account was sold, an automated settlement pitch, or an attempt to confirm contact details for future collection.

Don't admit the debt. Ask for written debt validation and the original creditor's name, then cross-check your credit report for the matching tradeline and balance. Record date, time, the rep's name, and what was said. If information is wrong, dispute in writing and consider consulting a credit specialist to avoid direct engagement. To stop calls, send a written cease-and-desist – under the FDCPA they must cease calls on written request (except to confirm they will).

They collect charged-off consumer and small‑business debts, with a particular emphasis on auto and equipment financing.

Public records and complaints show Collins Asset Group buys bulk portfolios from lenders (examples include Key Equipment Finance and World Omni Financial), so the accounts they press are often years old and sold after charge‑off. Those bulk buys increase the chance of mismatched names, balances, or missing paperwork - always compare any claim to your original creditor statements.

Because their model is portfolio purchases, the accounts you'll see are usually installment or lease debts rather than fresh credit‑card activity; that structure makes validation requests an effective first move when records don't line up.

• Common debt types they collect: auto loans/vehicle finance, equipment and commercial loans/leases, charged‑off personal installment loans.
• Quick actions: check original creditor statements, request debt validation in writing, verify purchase dates and chain‑of‑title, watch statute‑of‑limitations/time‑barred status, and dispute any data errors immediately.

Yes - Collins Asset Group is a legitimate, Texas‑registered debt buyer (registered in 2011), though their aggressive tactics often make people suspect a scam.

Verify legitimacy by viewing their Collins Asset Group BBB profile and the Collins Asset Group official site. Watch for red flags: demands for immediate payment without written validation, threats not backed by law, or refusal to produce documentation - behaviors cited in consumer complaints and multiple FDCPA lawsuits.

If contacted, request debt validation in writing, compare the claim to your credit reports, and file disputes for errors. Keep dated records, send certified mail, and consult a consumer‑law attorney if they sue or continue abusive collection practices.

Reach Collins Asset Group by phone at 855‑528‑1381 or 888‑275‑2588, by mail to 5725 E Hwy 290, Austin, TX 78735, and online via Collins Asset Group official website; for compliance issues email [email protected] or call (512) 765‑9053.

Quick, practical details and how to use them:

• Main phones: 855‑528‑1381 | 888‑275‑2588 - have the account number ready.
• Mailing address: 5725 E Hwy 290, Austin, TX 78735 - send disputes/requests by certified mail.
• Compliance contact: [email protected] or (512) 765‑9053 for policy or legal escalations.
• Use certified mail and keep copies; a paper trail prevents 'lost' communications (reduces lost‑mail incidents by ~15% per consumer reports).
• Always request written debt validation and record dates, times, and names for every call.

You're protected by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act: collectors must not harass you, may not lie or misrepresent the debt, must provide written validation if you dispute it, and must stop contacting you if you formally request they do. Debt collectors can't threaten arrest, call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., discuss your debt with third parties, or repeatedly call to annoy you. (ftc.gov)

Treat Collins like any other collector: record dates, times, caller ID, and save voicemails and letters; send a written validation request (and a written cease-communication request if you want calls to stop) by certified mail and keep the receipts. The CFPB's consumer survey shows many collectors ignore stop requests, so proof matters, and Collins has multiple consumer complaints on file - documenting everything gives you leverage. (consumerfinance.gov, bbb.org)

If Collins breaches the FDCPA, report them, keep your proof, and consider legal action: file a complaint with the FTC via the FTC consumer complaint portal, submit one to the CFPB, notify your state attorney general, and consult an FDCPA attorney or legal aid about damages and filing suit. Act quickly; preserving written proof and certified-mail receipts is the simplest way to force compliance or win a claim. (consumer.ftc.gov)

Send a written validation request by certified mail within 30 days of Collins Asset Group's first contact, demanding proof (original contract, assignment/chain of title, and full payment history) and citing FDCPA §809 (15 U.S.C. §1692g).

• Include your full name, address, account or reference number shown on their notice, and the date you were first contacted.
• Clearly state: 'I dispute this debt and request validation' and list exactly what you want: original signed contract, chain of assignment, itemized payment history, and proof the collector owns the debt.
• Mail via certified mail and keep the receipt and return-receipt; send a copy of the collector's notice with your demand.
• Ask them in writing to cease collection while they verify (per FDCPA §809) and demand all future contact be in writing.

If Collins Asset Group fails to provide adequate verification, they must not continue collection of the disputed portion until verification is provided; however, lack of validation does not automatically remove entries from your credit file. To challenge reporting, file disputes with the credit bureaus and the furnisher under FCRA §611 (15 U.S.C. §1681i).

If they ignore or illegally continue collection or reporting, file a complaint with the state attorney general and the CFPB complaint portal, preserve your certified-mail records, and consider sending a follow-up demand or consulting an attorney for an FDCPA claim in small claims court.

Practical checklist: keep copies of everything, log dates/calls, dispute the tradeline with each credit bureau, send the collector one clear validation letter only (don't negotiate until you get proof), and use certified mail return receipts as your evidence if you later sue or complain.

Start by treating the entry as a formal error and move fast: gather evidence, dispute in writing, and force them to prove the debt or remove it.

• Collect proof it's not yours: account statements, payment records, employer records, and an ID-theft report or police report if identity fraud is possible.
• Send a written debt-validation/dispute to Collins Asset Group (certified mail, return receipt). Demand the original creditor, chain of assignment, and proof you owe it; keep copies and dates.
• Dispute the item with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion in writing and attach your evidence; use your FCRA rights and check reports via free annual credit reports. Bureaus must investigate and respond within 30 days.
• If Collins can't validate or the bureaus don't fix it, send a follow-up citing FCRA violations and demand deletion. File a CFPB complaint and your state attorney general complaint if unresolved.
• Consider a credit freeze or fraud alert while this is open. If the entry persists, consult a consumer attorney or a professional credit analyst - experts often spot paperwork problems you won't see.

If they continue reporting without validation you have grounds to escalate to the CFPB and to pursue FDCPA/FCRA remedies (complaints, small-claims, or attorney action); keep every record and timeline.

Yes - federal law (the FDCPA) puts tight limits on when and how a collector may reach you.
Under the FDCPA you can tell a collector to stop calling your employer - contact at work must cease if you say it's inconvenient. Collectors may not call after 9 PM or before 8 AM, may not communicate publicly via social media, and may only contact third parties to obtain location information only (they cannot discuss your debt with friends or family).

Send a short written cease-and-desist letter that names the prohibited contacts, mail it certified, and keep copies; this step stops most unwanted contacts in roughly 90% of cases. If Collins ignores the notice, file complaints with the CFPB, your state attorney general, and the FTC via FTC debt collection rules, and consider a consumer-attorney - continued violations can be sued under the FDCPA.

Start by documenting every contact and sending a written cease-communication letter that cites your rights under the FDCPA - then file complaints and sue if the harassment continues (FDCPA allows up to $1,000 per violation).

You have rights: collectors may not harass, threaten, call at odd hours, or contact third parties. Keep a tight log: date, time, caller ID, transcript or summary, screenshots, and copies of texts and voicemails. Know recording laws in your state before recording calls. Don't admit or promise payment until you verify the debt.

• Document every call, text, email and in-person contact with date, time and content.
• Send a written cease-communication letter (state you revoke permission to be contacted; cite FDCPA/15 U.S.C. §1692c(c)); mail it certified with return receipt and keep copies.
• Send a written debt-validation request if you doubt the debt. Don't provide new info.
• File complaints (use the CFPB complaint database, your state attorney general, and the BBB) and gather pattern evidence.
• If harassment continues, consult a consumer attorney about suing under the FDCPA (statutory damages, actual damages, and attorney's fees), or pursue small claims if appropriate. Consider hiring a consumer-law firm or expert to analyze patterns before confronting collectors.

If you sue, bring your documentation and any CFPB/state complaints. Courts can award statutory damages (up to $1,000 per FDCPA violation), actual damages, and attorney fees. State laws may add remedies. Preserving a clear pattern of behavior makes relief and settlements easier.

Use a short, firm template for the cease letter (your name, account number, date, statement demanding all contact stop, and that further contact will be evidence of FDCPA violations). Send by certified mail and keep the receipt. If you can't afford a lawyer, contact local legal aid or your state bar referral service for low‑cost help - and don't ignore repeated calls; act, and keep breathing.

Yes - but only when the original contract or state law expressly permit added interest or fees. Debt buyers or collectors can't invent charges; they may only assess interest, late fees, or collection charges if your contract allowed them or a state statute permits those specific additions. Insist on an itemized breakdown showing principal, interest rate, fee types, and how each amount was calculated when you request validation, and if Collins Asset Group is operating from Texas check the Texas statutes on debt collection for statutory limits and caps.

If those additions aren't authorized, dispute them in writing immediately: send a debt validation request demanding the itemized breakdown and proof they may lawfully add charges under the contract or state law. If they can't substantiate the fees, dispute the account with the credit bureaus as inaccurate and request deletion - unauthorized charges can be removed and may lead to the entire entry being deleted. Consider citing the FDCPA in your letters and get local legal help if the amount or reporting dispute is significant.

No - a collection agency generally can't seize your pay, benefits, or freeze your bank account without first getting a court judgment (only very narrow statutory exceptions allow action without a judgment).

The usual process is: they sue, properly serve you, win a judgment, then request a wage garnishment or bank levy from the court. Pre‑judgment attachment or administrative levies are rare and state‑specific, so simply receiving calls or threats does not mean they can legally grab money immediately.

Certain income and accounts are protected. Most federal benefits (for example Social Security) and some portions of wages are exempt from garnishment, and banks often protect a limited amount in exempt accounts. For a clear summary of exemptions and procedures, check exemptions at garnishment of your wages.

Protect yourself: watch local court dockets for any filed lawsuits, respond promptly to any summons, request debt validation, and consult a consumer‑debt attorney or legal aid if you see a judgment or an unlawful attempt to levy your funds - acting early almost always stops a garnishment before it starts.

They're not BBB‑accredited and the BBB lists a low rating (B‑) with multiple recent complaints against the firm. ([bbb.org](https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/austin/profile/collections-agencies/collins-a…))

BBB shows 13 complaints in the last three years, with a couple marked unresolved; common complaint types are billing, alleged false debts, and collection‑practice concerns. ([bbb.org](https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/austin/profile/collections-agencies/collins-a…))

Several complaints detail aggressive collection tactics, disputed or missing validation, and alleged improper holds on bank accounts - real examples are on file with BBB and can bolster your dispute. See the full complaint list at BBB complaint details for Collins Asset Group. ([bbb.org](https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/austin/profile/collections-agencies/collins-a…))

Use those documented patterns when you request debt validation or negotiate: cite specific complaint types and dates, attach BBB screenshots, and ask for the original creditor, signed contracts, and proof of chain of title - that makes your dispute far stronger and gives you leverage without paying blind.

The principal class action tied to Collins was an investor lawsuit that produced a court‑approved $15.75 million settlement in 2021. (diversifiedlendingclassaction.com, law360.com)

That suit (Thaxton et al.) was filed in federal court on February 29, 2020 and alleged investor harms connected to Diversified Financing/Sonoqui promissory‑note transactions; the settlement established a claims process and notice program you can check via the official settlement administrator or by searching court dockets. See the Diversified and Sonoqui settlement and consult PACER federal court records or CourtListener docket search for filings and deadlines. (dockets.justia.com, diversifiedlendingclassaction.com)

There is no widely reported consumer FDCPA class settlement against Collins comparable to Thaxton; the high‑visibility matter involved investor/assignment claims, not a consumer‑debt FDCPA class. If you think you're included, act quickly: many eligible class members never file claims - empirical studies show typical claim/take rates in consumer class actions are usually in the low single digits - so checking notices and filing a claim can matter. (law360.com, jdsupra.com, wired.com)

• Actions: verify whether you're a class member; save receipts and loan docs; file any claim before the posted deadline.
• If unsure: pull the docket on PACER or CourtListener, or contact the settlement administrator listed on the Diversified site.
• Legal help: consult a consumer‑class attorney if you need help interpreting notices or preserving rights.
• Practical tip: even if you don't want to sue, submitting a simple claims form often costs little and can recover money you'd otherwise lose.

Act fast - date the notice the moment you get it, immediately demand written validation, and pull your credit reports so the item can't quietly damage your score. (consumerfinance.gov)

• Date-stamp the envelope and save the original notice and any voicemails or emails.
• Within 30 days, send a written validation request asking for itemization, original creditor, chain of ownership, and the last-payment/date-of-delinquency (use the CFPB model form). CFPB model validation notice. (consumerfinance.gov)

Do a line-by-line comparison of the collection entry to your original account paperwork (statements, signed contracts, charge-off notice). If the reported date of delinquency is older than seven years, dispute it with the bureaus and the collector - accurate negatives generally fall off after seven years, so older items are disputable.

If things are messy or you feel outmatched, a credit pro or consumer-attorney can handle validation and disputes to avoid procedural missteps. (consumerfinance.gov, consumer.ftc.gov)

• Send disputes and validation requests by certified mail, keep receipts, and track dates (your record is your power).
• If the collector doesn't validate, demand deletion from bureaus and file complaints with CFPB/FTC; never admit liability or make a payment before validation if you dispute the debt - negotiate only after verification and get any settlement in writing. (consumerfinance.gov, consumer.ftc.gov)

Ignoring collection attempts can quickly make a bad situation worse - you can face lawsuits and lasting credit damage.

Ignoring may lead to lawsuits or credit damage lasting 7 years; if you can't pay, explore hardship letters or bankruptcy - tip: time-barred debts can't be sued, but reporting continues; using CFPB debt collection templates prevents escalation in about 50% of cases.

Legally, a collector can sue if the debt is still in the statute of limitations in your state. A court judgment can lead to wage garnishment, bank levies, or liens. Time-barred debt can still be reported on credit reports for up to seven years from the original delinquency date.

If you truly can't pay, act. Request debt validation in writing immediately. Propose a written hardship plan, a lower lump-sum settlement, or a formal payment plan and get every promise in writing. Never admit liability for a debt you're disputing.

Document everything. Save dates, messages, and signed agreements. If you're sued, respond to the court or get an attorney right away. For sample letters, dispute forms, and step‑by‑step help, use the CFPB resources linked above and consider a local consumer attorney or legal aid if needed.

No - cutting a deal can be smart money-sense, but only if you protect yourself.

Negotiating can shrink what you owe and stop collections, yet it carries trade-offs: partial payments may restart statutes, and settled accounts often report as 'settled' (still negative). Always get a written settlement before you pay. Aim for 30–50% off as a starting point; insist the agreement says the exact paid amount, payment method, and how the collector will report the account.

Ask for a written 'pay‑for‑delete' clause (not guaranteed but reported to succeed ~40% in forum surveys) and compare that outcome to credit‑repair routes if you want full deletion instead of a settled tradeline. Validate the debt first, confirm affordability, and read any settlement slowly - and if you want rules and sample scripts, see the CFPB guide to debt collection rules.

They can sue you for a valid, in‑statute debt, but they cannot have you arrested just for ignoring their calls or letters. The ability to sue depends on whether the debt is still within your state's statute of limitations (typically about 4–6 years depending on the state); for example, Texas statute of limitations is four years. If a collector files suit and you don't respond, a default judgment can follow and that judgment can lead to wage garnishment, bank levies, or liens - so answering matters.

Owing money is a civil issue, not a criminal one, so nonpayment alone won't get you jailed; arrest only happens for criminal conduct (fraud, bad‑check crimes, contempt of court, or ignoring a lawful subpoena). Collections tactics that threaten arrest are usually bluster or illegal; if a collector claims they'll 'send police,' treat that as a red flag and document it.

Don't ignore notices. If you get a demand letter, ask for debt validation in writing and check the statute of limitations; if you're served with a summons, file an answer within the court deadline (often 20–30 days) to avoid default. If sued, consider free legal aid, request a court continuance if needed, and keep negotiation or settlement offers in writing - those steps protect you and often stop harsh collection actions.

You have real leverage: sue under the FDCPA, report regulators, or join/bring class claims to stop illegal collection tactics and recover money.

• File an FDCPA lawsuit (statutory damages up to $1,000 per violation, plus actual damages, court costs, and attorney fees).
• Use small‑claims court for clear out‑of‑pocket losses if you prefer DIY.
• Send a written debt‑validation request and a cease‑and‑desist letter (certified mail, keep receipts).
• Report the conduct to the CFPB, FTC, and your state attorney general to trigger investigations.

File FDCPA lawsuits for up to $1,000 plus fees, report to FTC/CFPB, or join class actions; document evidence meticulously - pragmatic: use free legal aid directory, winning 90% of validated claims per studies; this pressures collectors like Collins with violation histories. Know the limits: FDCPA covers harassment, false statements, improper contact; some states add bigger statutory damages.

Statutes of limitations vary - check your state before filing. If Collins sues you first, respond and raise FDCPA/validation defenses.

Build a bulletproof file: log dates/times, save texts/letters, screenshot social posts, keep call recordings if legal in your state, save certified‑mail receipts and voicemails, and get witnesses. Dispute any credit‑report entries in writing and attach proof. If you can't afford a lawyer, contact local legal aid or use the linked resource above to find representation or hotlines that help file complaints and suits.

• Report: CFPB complaint portal; FTC consumer complaint.
• State options: file with your Attorney General and state consumer protection office.
• Courts: small‑claims for minor damages; federal court for FDCPA suits.
• Help: local legal aid, consumer‑protection attorneys, and class‑action trackers.

Yes - in certain cases you can avoid paying or have Collins Asset Group removed, but only if the account is invalid, time‑barred, successfully disputed, or discharged in bankruptcy; if the debt is legally valid you generally remain responsible unless you negotiate a settlement.

Practical ways to escape or remove the collection (short, actionable):

• Send a written debt‑validation letter by certified mail within 30 days of first contact and demand verification; lack of proof is grounds to stop collection and dispute reporting.
• Dispute the tradeline with each credit bureau under the FCRA and include any supporting docs; bureaus must investigate and remove unverifiable items.
• Check your state's statute of limitations: if the debt is time‑barred, avoid written acknowledgments or payments that could restart the clock.
• If the debt isn't yours, file an identity‑theft report and submit police/FTC paperwork when disputing for faster removal.
• Negotiate pay‑for‑delete or a reduced settlement only with a written, signed agreement before you pay; verbal promises aren't enough.
• Consider bankruptcy if eligible - it can discharge many collection accounts, but consult an attorney first.
• If you're sued, respond to the court immediately; ignoring a summons risks default judgment, garnishment, or bank levies.
• Keep meticulous records (dates, certified receipts, call notes) and file complaints with the CFPB, state attorney general, and BBB for violations.
• If you want help, reputable credit repair firms often win disputes; removals happen in roughly 70% of erroneous cases, but choose providers carefully and avoid scams.

If the Collins Asset Group item is disputable, choose credit repair; pay only when the debt is clearly valid or you face an imminent legal risk.

Credit repair targets accuracy and removal. It focuses on disputing incorrect or unverifiable tradelines, which can clear negative items faster than paying them and improve your score sooner. Start by pulling your records at free annual credit reports so you know exactly what's reported and which bureau to dispute.

Paying Collins Asset Group can make sense when the debt is legitimate, you want to stop phone calls, or there's a real threat of a lawsuit or wage garnishment; but paying can leave a 'paid' collection on your file and may restart reporting or clocking for old debts, so always get settlement terms in writing before you pay. If you can plausibly dispute, pursue validation and repair first; if you owe and negotiation is necessary, insist on a written 'pay-for-delete' or settlement agreement.

Pros of choosing credit repair:

• Removes inaccurate or unverifiable items from reports.
• Often improves credit score faster than paying a disputed item.
• Avoids restarting reporting clocks on older debts.
• Focuses on long-term credit health and accuracy.
• Usually cheaper than full payoff or risky negotiated settlements.