#1 Way to Remove 'Credit Counsel' (Hurting Your Score)

They're calling because a creditor assigned or sold a past‑due account and Credit Counsel believes you're the responsible party - most often medical or commercial bills, but any charged‑off or delinquent account can trigger calls. Calls may aim to confirm your identity, collect payment, negotiate a settlement, or - if the timing or info looks off - be a scam pretending to be a collector.

Don't admit liability and demand written debt validation within 30 days before paying or giving personal data; cross‑check the caller ID against Credit Counsel's official contact info and keep dates, call recordings, texts, and voicemails as evidence. If validation isn't provided and calls persist, those contacts can violate the FDCPA - document everything and consider a credit expert or attorney to review disputes and negotiate on your behalf so you don't have to handle it alone.

Credit Counsel primarily pursues commercial (business) accounts, medical bills, cross‑border/international obligations, and occupational‑health or workplace‑related claims.

They focus on industry debt from telecom, financial services, healthcare, utilities, government and education. That matters because the statute of limitations, billing practices, and proof needed change by debt type and state - medical bills often have shorter windows and different verification trails than business accounts. If the debt type looks off, treat it as a red flag and push for paperwork.

Practical move: always demand written validation, confirm the original creditor, and check your state's statute of limitations before negotiating or admitting liability. Keep every letter, date, and bill. If details don't match the claimed debt type, you gain strong ground to dispute or have the entry removed.

• Commercial (B2B) debt - invoices, merchant accounts; often sold to specialty collectors.
• Medical debt - provider bills, EOBs; shorter SOLs and insurance billing quirks.
• International debt - cross‑border accounts; harder to enforce, needs special proof.
• Occupational/health‑related claims - workplace clinic or workers' comp offsets.
• Telecom & utilities - service bills, reconnection fees.
• Financial services - credit cards, loans, overdrafts.
• Government & education - fines, student fees, tax offsets.
• Quick tips: check SOL by state; request itemized validation; confirm original creditor; don't admit or pay until you verify.

Yes - Credit Counsel, Inc. is a real South Florida debt‑collection firm, but its legitimacy is mixed so verify before you pay.

• Founded 1997 and operating from 8362 Pines Blvd. Suite 316, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024.
• Not BBB‑accredited; has positive client testimonials (e.g., Memorial Same Day Surgery Center) but faced a 2018 class action over improper threats.
• Legit collectors follow the FDCPA and supply written debt validation on request; ask for proof and don't accept only verbal claims.
• Red flags: demands for immediate payment without documentation, threats of arrest, refusal to validate, pressure to pay by wire or gift/crypto, or ignoring written disputes.
• Verify contact details, check court and consumer‑protection records, and keep dated records of every call/message.

Send a written validation request (certified mail), don't pay until you get documentation, record everything, and file an FDCPA/state complaint if they break the law; for more background and contact info review the Credit Counsel, Inc. website and cross‑check consumer protection sites.

Here are the verified ways to reach Credit Counsel, Inc. so you can confirm identity and start a paper trail fast.

• Address: 8362 Pines Blvd. Suite 316, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024.
• Phone (toll‑free): 1‑877‑224‑7904.
• Phone (local): 305‑940‑9020.
• Fax: 1‑800‑322‑8884 or 305‑940‑9414.
• Always verify before sharing details via their Credit Counsel, Inc. contact page.
• When possible, send written notices by certified mail (return receipt) to create proof.

Verify the details on the site, then document everything: dates, names, call length, and any reference numbers. Ask for written debt validation and never admit liability on calls.

Mail disputes and payment offers by certified mail only. If this feels stressful, hire a trusted consumer‑credit pro or attorney to confirm legitimacy and handle communications for you.

You're protected by the FDCPA: collectors must treat you fairly, stop abusive or deceptive tactics, and give clear written details so you can verify or halt collection.

Collectors like Credit Counsel must identify themselves, provide the amount, the original creditor and a validation notice, and they may not use threats, obscene language, repeated harassing calls, false statements, or unfair practices; you have 30 days after that validation notice to dispute or request verification in writing, and a written cease‑and‑desist forces them to stop contacting you except for one permitted follow‑up to confirm they will cease or to state a specific intended action.

Document everything: send disputes and cease requests by certified mail and keep copies, delivery receipts, call logs, texts and voicemails, and reference the validation notice when asking for account records; if they don't validate, note that on your disputes and tell the credit bureaus the debt is disputed.

If rights are breached, preserve proof and escalate: file a complaint with regulators via file a CFPB complaint, notify your state attorney general, dispute reporting with the bureaus, and consult a consumer‑law attorney - FDCPA violations can lead to damages, fees, and weaken the collector's ability to pursue collection.

Send Credit Counsel a written debt‑validation letter by certified mail within 30 days of their first contact, demanding they prove the debt (original contract, assignment/chain of title, itemized payment history) before you acknowledge or pay anything.

• Mail: Certified mail with return receipt; keep the receipt and a copy of the letter.
• Required content: Your full name and address, Credit Counsel account number, clear statement you dispute the debt and request validation under the FDCPA, and specific proof requested (original creditor agreement, payment history, assignment/chain-of-title).
• Use a ready example: CFPB debt validation template. Track calendar deadlines and save all tracking and delivery records.

If they don't provide verification within a reasonable time (commonly 30 days) they must stop collection and any unlawful reporting - escalate by disputing the item with the bureaus, preserving proof, and report fraud to the FTC; incomplete or missing validation weakens their case and can justify an FDCPA complaint or legal action, so document everything and consult an attorney if needed.

Dispute it in writing right away: demand validation, don't pay or admit the debt, and force removal if Credit Counsel can't prove it.

Gather proof first: pull current credit reports, save account statements, copy your ID, and get an FTC identity-theft affidavit or police report if someone used your identity.

• Send a written dispute to Credit Counsel by certified mail with return receipt; state you dispute the account and demand debt validation under the FDCPA.
• Send the same dispute and evidence to Equifax, Experian and TransUnion (certified mail or their online portals); ask for deletion pending investigation.
• Include copies of your account statements, ID, and an identity-theft affidavit or police report when relevant.
• Keep every tracking number, dated cover letter, and a scanned copy of everything you send.
• If Credit Counsel later provides 'validation,' review it closely for account numbers, dates, and original creditor info; invalidate anything that doesn't match your records.

Bureaus must investigate and respond within 30 days under the FCRA; if they don't correct the record, file a CFPB complaint and consider consulting an attorney for FDCPA/FCRA violations or for a demand letter.

Watch for re‑aging tricks where an old, deleted item reappears with a new date; enroll in credit monitoring or freeze your file, keep checking reports, and remember about 40% of disputes lead to removals  -  stay organized and persistent, you've got this.

Yes - collectors can call or message, but federal law (the FDCPA) sharply restricts where and when they may reach you.

• They may not continue contacting your workplace after you tell them it's inconvenient or prohibited.
• They may not contact you before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM local time.
• They may not use social media in a way that reveals you owe money.
• They may not discuss your debt with friends or family beyond asking for your location; family contact is only allowed if the person is a co‑signer.

Document every violation immediately - date/time, caller ID, screenshots, and written notes are vital. See the statute for details at FDCPA contact rules. Expert help can streamline enforcement and improve outcomes.

• Tell the collector (verbally and in writing) not to call your workplace or after‑hours; keep proof.
• Send a written debt‑validation or cease‑and‑desist letter by certified mail and retain receipts.
• Save call logs, texts, and social posts; record names and timestamps.
• Report violations to your state Attorney General, the CFPB, and the FTC - many complaints lead to settlements or statutory damages.
• If harassment persists, consult an FDCPA attorney or file a consumer suit; documented violations often produce compensation.

Start by sending a firm cease-and-desist letter via certified mail (return receipt requested) demanding no further contact - under the FDCPA they must stop all communications except to notify you of a lawsuit. Send a short, dated letter saying 'do not contact me again' and keep the receipt and copy.

If calls or abusive messages continue, gather evidence: save text threads, call logs, voicemails, screenshots and timestamps; record calls only if legal in your state (check local law). Abusive practices - threats, profanity, or repeated calls - are actionable (over 70% of FDCPA suits arise from this and often lead to settlements or debt relief); then file a complaint and escalate by reporting to the CFPB file a complaint with CFPB and your state attorney general.

If harassment persists, hire a consumer attorney or a reputable advocate to issue a demand or sue for FDCPA violations - attorneys can document violations, stop contact for you, and pursue statutory damages without you engaging directly. Keep everything organized and don't waive rights by admitting the debt until you've validated it or spoken with counsel.

Yes - a collector like Credit Counsel can only tack on interest, fees, or other charges when the original loan or credit agreement allows it and state law doesn't prohibit the additions.

If your contract specifically permits post‑default interest or collection fees, a collector who owns or services the debt can try to apply them; if the contract is silent, the law in the state that governs the account usually controls.

You should demand a written, itemized validation that breaks the balance into principal, interest rate, dates interest was charged, and each fee. Use that breakdown to challenge any amounts that weren't in the original agreement or that exceed legal limits.

Federal collectors are bound by the FDCPA's disclosure and truthfulness duties, so undocumented or inflated charges give you solid grounds to dispute in writing and ask the collector to cease adding them until they prove them. If Credit Counsel is asserting extra interest, don't accept vague totals - insist on a line‑by‑line accounting before paying.

Because Credit Counsel is based in Florida, know that state usury and consumer laws can cap allowable rates; if you see excessive or unlawful additions you can raise the issue with the state enforcement office via Florida Attorney General consumer protection.

Practical tip: don't make full or partial payments on a charge you're disputing, because paying can be treated as acceptance and weaken later challenges; send disputes and validation requests by certified mail, keep copies, and consider a consumer‑law attorney or local legal aid if the collector persists.

No - a collection agency can't legally take your pay or freeze your bank account out of the blue; they must sue you, win a court judgment, and get an order that directs your employer or bank to turn over funds. Debt collectors can threaten garnishment, but actual garnishment or a bank levy follows a court process and official notice to you. (consumerfinance.gov)

Many government benefits (Social Security, SSI, VA and similar federal retirement or disability payments) are largely protected from commercial garnishment under federal law, though there are narrow exceptions for things like federal taxes, certain federal agency debts, child support, or court-ordered restitution. Your benefit deposits are treated differently than ordinary account funds, so those sources are usually off-limits to private collectors. (ssa.gov, consumerfinance.gov)

If Credit Counsel or any collector is pressing you, don't panic - demand written validation and dispute the debt within the 30‑day window, because collectors must pause collection while they verify or provide a judgment; that pause is your leverage to negotiate. If you want outside help, find legal aid services to get low‑cost advice, and always get any settlement or payment plan in writing before paying. (consumerfinance.gov, lsceweb.lsc.gov)

Not accredited by the BBB, Credit Counsel, Inc. shows 19 complaints in the last three years (8 in the past 12 months), a pattern tied to billing disputes, validation failures, harassment and inaccurate credit reporting.

Common complaint types and quick viewing tips:

• Types: billing disputes; alleged invalid debts; harassment/abusive contact; failure to validate debt; inaccurate credit reporting.
• How to review: check complaint dates and company responses on the BBB complaint details for Credit Counsel, screenshot pages for evidence, and note unresolved or repeated issues.
• Practical insight: 19 complaints for a small collector is high - use this pattern as supporting evidence when disputing accounts, requesting validation, or filing regulator complaints.

Yes - there's a known 2018 class action accusing Credit Counsel of unlawful collection tactics, so if you're hit with threatening suits or boilerplate threats, pay close attention.

• Hayes v. Credit Counsel, Inc. (filed 2018, Georgia): alleged threats to sue without intent to file; flagged potential FDCPA violations.
• Outcome not publicly reported; case underscores common collector problems (misleading statements, false litigation threats).
• No widely reported settlements discovered in public sources at the time of this writing.

That kind of claim matters because false-threat practices are a core FDCPA violation. Short version: collectors can't bluff about suing or garnishments. If they do, you may be entitled to statutory damages, actual losses, and attorneys' fees. Keep every call log, message, and letter. Dates, names, and recordings (where legal) turn vague claims into evidence.

If you believe you were targeted, act deliberately: preserve proof, send a written debt-validation request, file disputes with credit bureaus for any reporting tied to Credit Counsel, and talk to a consumer attorney about FDCPA or class-action options. Don't admit or pay until you verify. If a class exists, joining it can be easier and cheaper than filing your own suit - check eligibility in the case paperwork.

• Monitor for new cases and settlements: check classaction.org for updates.
• Watch federal docket sites (PACER) or state court portals for filings.
• Set Google alerts for 'Credit Counsel' + 'class action.'
• If contacted about a suit, confirm enrollment eligibility and get an attorney to review before signing or opting out.

Act now: note the date - August 12, 2025 - and immediately demand written validation of the claim within 30 days.

Send a short certified-letter that asks for the exact amount, original creditor, account numbers, and proof they own or are assigned the debt; keep the return receipt and copies.

Carefully review the notice for errors like wrong amount, wrong name, duplicate accounts, or identity-theft indicators, and pull your credit reports to cross-check details; record every call, date, time, and who you spoke with.

Check whether the claim is time-barred by comparing the notice's age to your state limits at state statute of limitations, and remember that acknowledging or making a payment can restart the clock.

If validation proves the debt valid, quietly consult a credit professional, consumer attorney, or certified counselor before you respond or negotiate; if it's invalid or unverified, dispute it in writing, send a cease-and-desist if harassment continues, and report violations to the CFPB and your state attorney general.

Ignoring their calls won't make the debt disappear and often leads to credit reporting, legal action, or escalated collection.

You do have rights: the FDCPA bans harassment and abusive contact tactics, so collectors can't lie, threaten arrest, or continually harass you. Still, collectors can report debts to bureaus or sue; silence removes your chance to defend, dispute, or negotiate. Statistically, about 25% of ignored debts end up in court, so staying silent is risky.

If you can't pay, act fast: request hardship or payment plans in writing, dispute errors, and demand debt validation when unsure. Better to dispute or seek relief programs at CFPB debt collection tools than to ignore the problem.

Document every call and letter. Consider an expert review for alternative resolutions - a nonprofit credit counselor or consumer attorney can negotiate settlements, stop illegal collection, or advise about time‑barred debt. You're not alone; a few smart steps now usually beat expensive surprises later.

Not necessarily - settling can help, but only when you validate the debt first and control the legal, tax, and reporting details.

Always demand written validation before you negotiate and don't pay or promise anything until you get it; the debt-collection rule requires specific validation information and a 30‑day dispute window you can use to force proof. (consumerfinance.gov)

Aim for written settlements (many consumers target roughly 50–70% of the claimed balance), but remember forgiven amounts can be taxable and creditors generally must file Form 1099‑C for cancellations of $600 or more. A negotiated payment or written promise can also restart the statute of limitations in some states, and settling often does not automatically remove the negative mark from your credit report. (irs.gov, nolo.com, experian.com)

Protect yourself: get a clear 'paid in full' or 'settled for less' agreement that promises reporting actions, save proof, only pay after you have the written deal, and consider a professional negotiator or attorney when the debt is large or time‑barred. Beware that poor negotiation can worsen your score or revive old legal exposure. (nerdwallet.com)

• Verify the debt in writing before any offer.
• Ask for a written settlement that specifies amount paid, balance forgiven, and exactly how it will be reported.
• Aim for 50–70% only if the collector accepts in writing; lower offers may be realistic for very old accounts.
• Expect a Form 1099‑C if forgiven amount ≥ $600; consult a tax pro.
• Don't make payments or sign agreements if the debt may be time‑barred (it can reset the statute of limitations).
• Get any 'pay‑for‑delete' promise in writing, then pull your credit reports to confirm.
• Record calls only if legal in your state and follow up with written confirmations.
• If unsure, hire a reputable negotiator or consumer attorney to minimize risk.

Yes - if the debt is valid a collector can sue you in civil court, but failing to answer won't get you arrested. Suits are civil: the collector must serve you with a summons and complaint, and that starts a deadline for your written response. If you ignore service a judge can enter a default judgment allowing collection remedies, so the process matters more than the initial demand letter.

No, unpaid consumer debt alone is not a crime, so there's no arrest for owing money. Arrests only arise from criminal acts (fraud, identity theft) or court orders like contempt for ignoring a subpoena or failing to appear. Expect phone threats about arrest - those are illegal scare tactics under the FDCPA and usually empty bluster.

If you are served, act fast: file an answer or a motion within the time limit in your state (often about 20–30 days) or ask for an extension and get legal help. If you can't afford a lawyer, consult the free legal help directory immediately. Quick, measured responses prevent default judgments; many collectors drop suits once a defendant contests them vigorously.

Defenses you can raise include 'not my debt,' identity theft, statute-of-limitations (time-barred) defenses, improper service, or failure to prove the account chain. Even after a judgment you still have options - appeal, move to vacate, or negotiate to avoid garnishment; garnishment or bank freezes generally require that prior judgment. Fight paperwork errors and don't let silence create a long-term legal problem.

You can sue the collector, file regulatory complaints, and seek statutory and actual damages when a collector breaks debt-collection laws. Start by filing administrative complaints - file a CFPB complaint, report to the FTC, and find your state attorney general so regulators can investigate.

You can bring an FDCPA suit for statutory damages (up to $1,000), plus actual damages and attorney's fees; many state laws allow higher recovery. Strong evidence - call logs, texts, voicemails, recorded dates, and validation letters - greatly strengthens claims. Class actions can amplify pressure and payouts, as occurred in a notable 2018 class action against similar collectors; for a lawyer referral and no-cost case review get a no-cost attorney review.

Document everything. Send a written debt-validation request and a written cease-and-desist if harassment continues. File in small-claims court for modest losses or federal/state court for FDCPA claims. If sued, respond on time to avoid default judgment. Act quickly - preserve records, consult the free attorney review, and move decisively.

Yes - you can sometimes avoid paying, but only if you use legal defenses (invalid, unverified, time‑barred, discharged by bankruptcy) and act fast and precisely.

Try these escape routes and cautions:

• Demand written validation within 30 days and do not pay until proof is provided; use the CFPB model validation notice as your template.
• If the statute of limitations for suing has passed, the debt may be time‑barred - don't reset it by making a partial payment or admitting the debt.
• If the debt was discharged in bankruptcy, collectors must stop; document the discharge and sue for violations.
• If the account isn't yours or shows identity theft, dispute with supporting docs and file an identity‑theft report.
• Use reputable credit‑repair or DIY dispute routes to find paperwork gaps - avoid any service that promises 'erase for a fee.'
• Always insist collectors follow the FDCPA; record dates, keep certified‑mail receipts, and don't share bank details over the phone. (consumerfinance.gov, uscourts.gov)

Next steps: send a written dispute/validation by certified mail, keep copies, and note all calls. If collectors ignore validation or harass you, report them to the CFPB/FTC and your state attorney general, and consider a consumer‑rights attorney if sued. Bankruptcy can discharge eligible debts but has long‑term credit impacts, so weigh that option with counsel or legal aid. (ftc.gov, uscourts.gov)

Choose credit repair when the account is disputable or suspect; pay Credit Counsel directly only if you accept the debt and need a fast, certain resolution.

Credit repair fights inaccurate reporting and can remove tradelines without paying if those items are wrong. Paying a collector usually signals you accept the debt and can re-age or confirm it on your file. Repair firms also check for FDCPA or reporting violations and often start with a free consultation. Data shows successful repair can lift scores roughly 60–100 points; that's why protecting your score first often pays off.

• Pros of credit repair: challenges errors, pursues FDCPA/validation issues, potential score gains without payment.
• Pros of paying directly: immediate account resolution, stops collection activity faster, may yield a quick settlement.
• Cons: repair takes time and isn't guaranteed; paying admits validity and can hurt disputes or restart the statute of limitations in some cases.

Action steps: get a free consult or DIY dispute first. Request debt validation in writing. Check the statute of limitations for your state before paying. Keep all communications and get any settlements in writing.

Watch for scams and upfront-fee promises; only hire firms that explain timelines and legal rights. For consumer protections and red flags see FTC credit repair warnings.