#1 Way to Remove 'Elite Recovery Group' (Hurting Your Score)

They're most often calling about a past‑due rental account or landlord debt that a property manager or landlord sold or assigned to collections. Elite Recovery Group typically collects unpaid rent, lease damages, or other tenancy charges on behalf of property management companies, and calls may be seeking payment, setting up repayment, or notifying you of an outstanding balance; if you don't recognize the account, repeated calls often mean a billing error, misapplied tenant record, or identity mix‑up - remember collections can remain tied to your rental/credit history for about seven years, so check roughly the last seven years of your rentals.

Verify immediately by requesting written debt validation and do not pay until they prove the debt is yours; send a dated written request and keep copies. If they can't produce validation, document every contact - date, time, caller, and what was said - and consider filing an FDCPA complaint; file it at the CFPB complaint portal. If this feels overwhelming, a reputable credit specialist or tenant advocate can quietly review records, dispute errors, and negotiate on your behalf without direct confrontation.

They collect rental‑related balances - primarily past‑due rent and other tenant charges owed to landlords or property managers. (ergroupllc.com)

Their site says they work with multi‑family and single‑family property managers to recover unpaid rent, lease‑breach fees, eviction costs and charges for property damage; they generally do not handle medical bills or credit‑card accounts, so check your lease for any assignment or collection clauses that allow a landlord to turn the debt over. (ergroupllc.com)

Watch out: rental accounts are often bundled or sold cheaply to buyers, so the balance you're being asked to pay can include added fees or markups - always demand an itemized validation and a written settlement, since buyers collect for pennies on the dollar and collectors will often settle for far less (many start negotiations in the 25–50% range). (ftc.gov, moneylion.com, consumerfinance.gov)

• Unpaid rent and back rent
• Lease‑break or early termination fees
• Eviction filing and court costs
• Property damage and repair charges
• Security deposit disputes
• Utility arrears billed to the landlord

Yes - this is a real, Arizona‑registered collections company: Elite Recovery Group LLC shows an Arizona incorporation date in 2021, a Mesa street address and the phone number 480‑847‑1323, and its site describes a focus on rental/property collections; you can confirm registration and regulator checks via the BBB listing and your state regulator (Arizona DIFI licensing lookup). ([bbb.org](https://www.bbb.org/us/az/mesa/profile/collections-agencies/elite-recov…), [ergroupllc.com](https://ergroupllc.com/about-us?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Watch for red flags versus normal collector behavior:

• Immediate‑payment pressure (wires, gift cards, crypto) - scam if they insist; legitimate firms offer written pay options and normal payment methods.
• Threats of arrest or jail - illegal scare tactics; real collectors may threaten legal action but not criminal arrest for debt.
• Refusal to validate - by law you should get written validation (validation notice) in or within five days of first contact; if they won't provide account details, treat it as suspicious.
• Spoofed or shifting contact info - legitimate collectors give a stable name, address and phone that match public records (check the BBB/site you saw above).
• Unique tip: search the exact number 480‑847‑1323 on caller‑ID and complaint sites before answering to see user reports.

If you want to verify your rights or the validation rule, consult federal debt‑collection guidance. ([consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-information-does-a-debt-c…), [ftc.gov](https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/fair-debt-collection-pra…), [bbb.org](https://www.bbb.org/us/az/mesa/profile/collections-agencies/elite-recov…))

<answer>Verified contact info you can use right away: phone 480‑847‑1323; address 1616 E Main St. STE 115, Mesa, AZ 85203; email [email protected]. (ergroupllc.com)

Confirm or view their public contact details at Elite Recovery Group website. (ergroupllc.com)

If you're disputing a debt, send everything by certified mail with return receipt to the street address above so you have proof of delivery. Do not call to admit or negotiate first - making payments or admitting the debt can restart the statute of limitations or revive collection rights in many states. (consumerfinance.gov, bankrate.com)

When you mail, include a written debt‑validation request (cite account number, request original‑creditor name, ask for verification). Keep originals and scanned copies. Send one clear sentence stating you dispute the debt and request verification under the FDCPA; date the letter and keep the certified‑mail receipt and returned green card.

If you request validation in writing within the 30‑day validation period, collectors must pause collection until they provide verification. Use these documents if you later file complaints with CFPB, state regulators, or the BBB. (consumerfinance.gov, fair-debt-collection.com)

Federal law gives you specific FDCPA protections when Elite Recovery Group contacts you - limits on when they can call, bans on harassment and false threats, the right to demand validation, and the power to make them stop contacting you.

They may not call before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM local time. You can send a written "cease communication" notice and they must stop (except to say they will take a permitted action). They cannot harass, use profane language, make false threats, or misrepresent amounts or legal status. As a third‑party collector they must disclose that they are attempting to collect a debt in communications. Record calls only if legal in your state, keep timestamps and notes, and watch for misrepresentations - CFPB data shows such errors occur in roughly 20% of rental collection cases.

If the law is broken, document everything (call logs, screenshots, certified letters) and consider legal action; you may recover statutory damages (up to $1,000), actual damages, and attorney fees. For enforcement, file a CFPB complaint and consult a consumer‑rights attorney to evaluate a lawsuit or settlement strategy.

Send a certified validation demand to Elite Recovery Group within 30 days of their first contact and require proof before you pay or let collection continue.

Send by certified mail to the address on their notice and include these must-have items:

• Alleged account number and the exact balance claimed.
• Name of the original creditor and account opening date.
• Itemized breakdown of principal, interest, fees, and dates charged.
• Proof of assignment or chain of title showing Elite Recovery Group's right to collect.
• A copy of the original signed contract, lease, or rental agreement (if applicable).

Use the CFPB debt validation template to format the letter.

Know the process and your leverage: collectors must give you a written notice within five days of first contact and you have 30 days to demand validation; if you request verification within that window they must pause collection activity until they provide acceptable proof.

Rental accounts often reveal unauthorized fees or bogus add‑ons when validated - that's where you can win removals.

If Elite Recovery Group fails to validate or ignores you, send a follow‑up certified letter documenting non‑response, file disputes with the credit bureaus to stop or remove reporting, and report the violation to the FTC at Report fraud to the FTC; also consider complaints to your state attorney general and the CFPB and consult an attorney if they continue to harass or sue.

Start by formally disputing the account in writing with Elite Recovery Group and with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion - send proof, demand deletion, and keep strict follow‑up until it's gone.

• Mail a written dispute to Elite Recovery Group (certified, return receipt): state the account is not yours, request validation and deletion, keep copies and tracking.
• File disputes with each bureau (online + mailed dispute letter): include account reference, clear 'not mine' statement, and a request for deletion.
• Attach evidence: old lease copies, utility bills, government ID, Social Security proof, police report or an identity‑theft affidavit when applicable.
• Note deadlines: request verification; if none or it's incorrect, demand removal and document every response.
• If ignored: escalate to CFPB and your state attorney general, and consider small‑claims or an attorney for FDCPA/FCRA violations.
• For speed: a reputable credit repair pro can professionally manage bureau communications and paperwork.

The bureaus and collector have 30 days to investigate once you file a proper dispute. Rental identity mix‑ups occur in about 15% of cases when similar names share complexes, so push for deletion if verification fails.

Monitor changes at free annual credit reports, preserve all records, and if things stall, escalate to CFPB/state AG or hire a credit pro to expedite removal.

No - federal law tightly limits how collectors may reach you: they cannot make work contacts, use social media to harass you, place after‑hours calls, or disclose debt details to others without your permission.

Tell the collector once that workplace contact is inconvenient or forbidden and they must stop. Calls before 8 AM or after 9 PM are prohibited. They may not post on social networks or make third‑party disclosures beyond confirming your location.

Practical steps: block the number but log every contact (dates, times, screenshots, messages). Save letters and call records; strong evidence makes enforcement easier. If they breach the FDCPA you can sue for statutory damages (up to $1,000) plus fees and actual damages - and you can file a complaint with CFPB.

Send a certified cease‑and‑desist that invokes your FDCPA rights, keep meticulous proof, and escalate to regulators or a consumer lawyer if they ignore you.

Begin by writing a short, firm letter demanding they stop all non‑legal contact and asking for debt validation if you don't recognize the claim. Mail it by certified return receipt to Elite Recovery Group's address and keep the receipt and a copy of the letter. Do not give new information over the phone.

• Send a cease‑and‑desist via certified mail to their address, specifically stating 'cease all contact except to provide legally required notices' and citing the FDCPA.
• Request written debt validation and an itemized account history in the same letter.
• Preserve evidence: call logs, dates/times, recordings (where legal), texts, voicemails, screenshots, and the certified‑mail return receipt.
• If they continue, file complaints with the CFPB and your state attorney general and, if you're in Arizona, file an Arizona DIFI complaint for faster handling.
• Consider small‑claims court or an FDCPA suit with a consumer attorney if violations continue or damages occur.

If harassment persists, document the pattern (dates, agents, script, frequency). Repeated violations strengthen administrative complaints and private suits. Regulators can force investigations and penalties. Attorneys can seek statutory damages and fees under the FDCPA.

Quick practical moves: stop negotiating by phone; move communications to written only; dispute any false tradelines with the credit bureaus; freeze or place a fraud alert if needed; and contact a consumer‑debt attorney or legal aid when you see continued violations.

Yes - collectors can only add interest or fees when your original contract or state law allows it; any added amounts must be disclosed and itemized in the collector's validation notice. (consumerfinance.gov, uscode.house.gov)

Practical checklist - what to accept vs challenge:

• Allowed - interest per contract: enforceable if your lease/loan says so and state law doesn't bar it (Arizona, for example, limits certain late‑rent penalties such as a $5/day cap for mobile‑home rent after a five‑day grace period). (azleg.gov)
• Must be itemized - demand proof: collectors must provide an itemized validation showing the amount, interest, fees, payments and credits; if they don't, send a written validation/dispute and require an itemized ledger before paying. (consumerfinance.gov, uscode.house.gov)
• Challengeable - unproven fees: any charge not in the original agreement or prohibited by law is contestable - demand the exact contract clause and accounting that authorizes the charge; if unproven, negotiate removal or a smaller settlement and cite your FDCPA rights. Rental accounts frequently stack multiple late fees (making balances jump materially), so forcing itemization or negotiating can often shave tens or even hundreds off what they claim. (consumerfinance.gov, budgeting.thenest.com)

No - a collector must first sue, win a court judgment, and get a garnishment/levy order before wages or accounts can be taken, and you must get notice. (consumerfinance.gov)

States and federal rules limit what can be taken. Federal benefits (Social Security, SSI, VA, many federal pensions) are generally exempt and banks must protect two months of direct‑deposited benefits from garnishment; exceptions exist (child support, federal debts). In Arizona the state garnishment cap was changed by Proposition 209 (now the lesser of 10% of disposable earnings or 60× the minimum wage), so local limits matter. If a collector threatens seizure without a judgment, that threat can violate the FDCPA. (consumerfinance.gov, azcourts.gov, ftc.gov)

Practical steps: don't panic, demand proof of a court judgment in writing, send a written dispute/validation request, keep records, and if you're being threatened file an FDCPA complaint and ask the court to claim exemptions. For free local help and forms, contact Arizona legal aid resources. (azlawhelp.org, consumerfinance.gov)

• Social Security (SS/SSDI)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• VA benefits
• Federal civil‑service and federal retirement/disability pay
• Servicemember pay and military annuities
• Other federal benefits protected under CFPB rules

Elite Recovery Group's BBB entry shows it is not accredited and carries a B+ rating with nine complaints listed on its profile (BBB profile for Elite Recovery Group). ([bbb.org](https://www.bbb.org/us/az/mesa/profile/collections-agencies/elite-recov…))

BBB records list the company as starting in October 2021 and a BBB file opened in August 2024; the profile flags the nine complaints as the primary reason for the B+ rating. The business is classified as a collections agency and the BBB page also points to state regulators for licensing checks. ([bbb.org](https://www.bbb.org/us/az/mesa/profile/collections-agencies/elite-recov…))

Numbers alone don't tell the whole story. Elite appears to operate in a niche rental‑debt market, which can mean lower public visibility but concentrated consumer pain when things go wrong. You should:

• Read complaint narratives to see patterns (timing, rental vs other debt, threats, documentation failures). Check the CFPB complaint database directly for published responses and timelines. (cfpb.website)
• Cross‑check third‑party aggregators that pull CFPB filings; they show multiple debt‑collection complaints tied to Elite (dates and issue types). Use those to spot repeated legal or communication tactics. (financialcomplaints.org)
• Match any complaint details to your situation (account numbers, dates, landlord/owner) before assuming the debt is valid. If you're named, demand written validation, dispute inaccurate credit reporting, and document every contact.
• If you find patterns of abusive conduct, file complaints with the CFPB and your state regulator (Arizona DIFI is listed on the BBB profile), and consider a consumer‑protection attorney if there are threats of suit or garnishment. (bbb.org, cfpb.website)

No public records show a class‑action lawsuit or settlement that names Elite Recovery Group LLC. Searches of federal dockets and the main class‑action trackers turned up no classwide filings against that exact legal entity, though courts and reporters do show cases against differently named collectors with 'Elite' in their name; verify the precise company listed on any notice you get (company and BBB records can help). (pacer.uscourts.gov, classaction.org, casetext.com, bbb.org)

Small, specialized collectors rarely generate class actions because they handle fewer accounts, so monitor official dockets and class‑action sites and keep detailed records if you're experiencing a pattern of unlawful practices - copies of letters, timestamps, validation requests and call logs are gold. Monitor the PACER case search and classaction.org lawsuit listings, and join consumer forums to aggregate complaints; if many consumers report the same abusive behavior, those threads can feed a future collective case and a consumer attorney can advise next steps. (pacer.uscourts.gov, classaction.org, stopcollections.org)

Act fast: note the exact date you received the notice, keep the original, and immediately photocopy or scan every page while checking the amount, dates, and creditor name (small errors in the amount can void a surprising number of notices).

If anything looks wrong dispute it in writing within 30 days and demand validation; send a short certified-letter to the collector and the original creditor, keep the return receipt, and use a clear validation template such as sample debt validation letter.

Review the notice for FDCPA requirements - collector identity, clear disclosures, and accurate balances - and check the statute of limitations for your debt (rental debts commonly run 4–6 years); do not admit liability or make any payment if the debt may be time‑barred because that can reset the clock.

If it's overwhelming, get a free analysis from a reputable credit pro or consult a consumer‑law attorney; save every document, call log, and certified‑mail receipt, and only negotiate or pay after you've received proper validation and confirmed your legal exposure.

If you ignore Elite Recovery Group, your balance can still be reported for up to seven years and they can sue you within your state's statute of limitations - but they cannot have you arrested for nonpayment.
Ignoring usually makes things worse fast: collection fees and interest often push the balance up (commonly 15–20% or more), and failing to open court mail can lead to default judgments. Watch for lawsuit notices and keep your state's SOL in mind.

If you truly can't pay, act - not hide. Send a short hardship or debt-validation letter, propose a written installment plan or a settlement amount you can afford, and get any agreement in writing before sending money. Document every call, date, and payment; a plain paper trail protects you if they sue or misreport.

If negotiations stall, consult a bankruptcy attorney about whether filing is appropriate - bankruptcy can stop collections and sometimes discharge debts. After a settlement or discharge, use legitimate credit-repair routes and dispute inaccurate entries to remove lingering damage; accurate negatives, however, generally remain until they age off the report.

No - cutting a deal with Elite Recovery Group can be the smarter play when you protect yourself do it in writing.

Negotiate from a paper trail. Validate the debt first, then offer in writing and start low (around 30%). For rental-collection accounts a realistic target is 40–60% of the balance. Use leverage like disputes, billing errors, or age-of-debt to push the number down. Insist the settlement term explicitly states how the account will be reported to bureaus.

There are risks, so protect the win: partial payments can restart the statute of limitations in some states and forgiven balances can trigger tax forms - check a tax advisor. Never pay without a signed settlement that includes demand pay-for-delete or explicit reporting language, pay by traceable method, and keep copies.

Yes - they can sue you for an alleged debt if it's within the statute of limitations, but they can't jail you for a civil debt; your risk is a judgment, not arrest, so respond fast and make them prove it.

• They must file suit within the state's statute of limitations.
• You'll be served a complaint and given a short deadline to answer; fail to answer and a default judgment is likely.
• To collect beyond filing, they must win a judgment - then garnishment or bank levies may follow depending on state law.
• Courts (including Arizona trial courts) require documentary proof of the debt and chain of assignment to win.
• Practically, only about 5% of small, consumer debts lead to actual lawsuits because filing and collection costs often outweigh recoveries.

You have strong, practical defenses and tools. Don't ignore notices. Send a written validation request under the FDCPA, check the statute of limitations, and demand proof of assignment and the original contract; if the debt is time‑barred you can use that as an affirmative defense but still must appear or you'll risk a default judgment. Keep all records, and consider free legal aid or a consumer attorney if sued.

• Ask for debt validation in writing within 30 days of first contact.
• Raise statute‑of‑limitations, lack of standing, identity errors, or chain‑of‑title gaps in your answer.
• If harassed or lied to, note FDCPA violations and consider counterclaims.
• Never let a suit go unanswered; even a meritless complaint can become a judgment if you ignore it.
• If unsure, get a lawyer or legal clinic to file an appearance and protect you from default.

Yes - you can take legal steps: sue for violations, file official complaints, and force evidence or stop the harassment.

Start by suing under the FDCPA in federal court (statutory damages up to $1,000 plus costs and attorneys' fees) or bring a similar claim in state court; you can also sue under state consumer-protection laws, pursue actual or emotional‑distress damages, seek injunctive relief, or use small‑claims court for smaller monetary losses.

Collect and preserve everything: call logs, recordings, dates, times, caller ID, texts, letters, account statements, screenshots, certified‑mail receipts, witness notes and any bank records showing improper withdrawals - this is the backbone of a strong case and what drives settlements.

Also file administrative complaints (CFPB and FTC) and contact your state attorney general, dispute any incorrect credit reports with the bureaus, and get help from a consumer‑law attorney or free resources like get free legal help at NACA to evaluate whether to sue, demand validation, or send a cease‑and‑desist.

Possible outcomes include modest settlements (call violations often settle in the $500–$1,000 range), removal of unlawful entries from credit reports, statutory and actual damages, attorneys' fees, and court orders stopping illegal conduct - act quickly because deadlines (statutes of limitations) vary by state.

Yes - in many cases you can stop Elite Recovery Group from collecting without paying, but the path depends on validation, the statute of limitations, or bankruptcy.

Start by sending a written validation request under FDCPA consumer rights and validation; you have 30 days to dispute after first contact, and if they can't prove the debt you can demand cessation of collection. If the debt is time‑barred under your state law you may legally refuse to pay, but avoid written admissions or partial payments that can revive the claim. Bankruptcy can discharge many consumer debts (not most taxes, student loans, or child support). Successful dispute, SOL expiration, or a bankruptcy discharge are the primary ways collections get removed; paying valid debts is often the ethical choice but not required when the debt is invalid or expired. Rental collections typically fall off credit reports seven years from the original delinquency date, though you can pursue earlier removal through disputes or settlement, and document harassment to file complaints with the FTC and your state attorney general or consult a consumer‑debt lawyer.

If the entry looks wrong or is old, choose credit repair; if you simply need collection calls to stop immediately and the debt is clearly valid, paying or settling can make sense - but payment rarely removes the negative tradeline or restores score as effectively as a successful dispute.

Paying Elite Recovery Group can stop harassment faster and prevent potential legal action, yet a paid or settled line often remains on your credit report and can still hurt your score. Before paying, demand written debt validation and try to get a written pay‑for‑delete or settlement‑for‑less agreement; don't rely on verbal promises.

Credit repair (DIY or via a reputable company) targets inaccuracies, time‑barred items, re‑aging errors, and reporting mistakes that can be removed without payment; professionals handle dispute timing, paperwork, and bureau responses, saving you time and stress. They cost money and can't erase valid debts overnight, so weigh likely removals, fees, and your tolerance for ongoing calls when deciding.

• Expert dispute strategy and letters tailored to bureaus and collectors.
• Legal/debt‑validation know‑how to expose unverifiable claims.
• Negotiation help (pay‑for‑delete attempts or better settlements).
• Proper documentation, timing, and follow‑up to force bureau corrections.
• Guidance on time‑barred debt, re‑aging risks, and whether to pay.
• Credit monitoring and rebuilding steps to restore score after removals.