#1 Way to Remove 'Jon Barry and Associates' (Hurting Your Score)

Most likely they're calling about an unpaid medical bill that a healthcare provider assigned to collections. Jon Barry and Associates (also doing business as Paragon Revenue Group) focuses on healthcare revenue cycle management, so calls usually concern past-due medical balances, insurance gaps, or billing corrections - though sometimes the contact is a misidentification or scam, so treat unexpected calls with caution.

Ask for written validation within 30 days and don't confirm or pay until you get it; the validation should show the original creditor, dates of service, and the exact amount. Cross-check those details against your original medical statements for mismatched amounts or wrong dates that signal errors. If records don't match or the collector won't validate, dispute in writing and consider hiring a consumer attorney or credit specialist - professional help can fight inaccuracies and protect your score without direct confrontation.

Primarily medical - they collect hospital, clinic and other healthcare bills as a vendor that handles revenue cycle management for healthcare. ([paragonrevenuegroup.com](https://www.paragonrevenuegroup.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Public and regulatory complaint records back that up: CFPB reporting on medical‑debt collection and archived complaints tied to Jon Barry/Paragon are overwhelmingly about medical bill disputes - many allege attempts to collect charges that were paid, not owed, or reported inaccurately, with some complaint datasets showing medical cases comprise the vast majority (over 90% in certain samples). ([consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-highlighting-con…), [fairshake.com](https://fairshake.com/cfpb/jon-barry-and-associates-inc/2017/12/p1/?utm…))

If they contact you, closely review every medical statement, match dates/providers, get itemized bills and EOBs from insurers, and demand written debt validation before paying; dispute any mismatch with the provider, the collector, and your credit reports.

• Emergency room and trauma fees
• Inpatient hospital stays and facility charges
• Outpatient clinic and same‑day surgery bills
• Physician/specialist professional fees
• Diagnostic tests (labs, pathology)
• Imaging (X‑ray, CT, MRI)
• Ambulance and transport charges
• Durable medical equipment and supplies
• Prescription medications administered in care settings
• Mental/behavioral health and substance‑use treatment

Short answer: Jon Barry and Associates appears to be a legitimate collection agency, but don't treat every contact as genuine without verification.

They've operated since the 1990s and list a physical address in Concord, NC; however, there are roughly 97 CFPB complaints over the past three years citing aggressive or misleading tactics, so proceed carefully.

• Scam indicator: caller won't give a company name, account number, original creditor, or written validation. Legit practice: provides full account details and written validation on request.
• Scam indicator: pressure for immediate payment, unusual payment channels (gift cards, wire transfers), or threats of arrest. Legit practice: offers written payoff info, accepts traceable payments, and won't threaten arrest for civil debt.
• Scam indicator: caller ID spoofing, changing story about who owns the debt, or wildly different balances. Legit practice: consistent account numbers and documentation matching your credit report.
• Scam indicator: refusal to communicate in writing or to allow a validation period. Legit practice: complies with FDCPA rules and provides written validation if you ask.
• Scam indicator: demands payment before you see proof or claims debt is non-disputable. Legit practice: allows dispute, documents resolution, and reports accurately to bureaus.

Don't pay immediately; demand written debt validation (send a 30‑day validation/dispute letter), check your three credit reports for matching accounts, compare creditor names and balances, and keep timestamps and recordings of contacts.

If calls lack identification or pressure you for instant payment without validation, treat them like possible scams and report violations to regulators; for free federal guidance see FTC debt-collection resources.

Only use verified Paragon/Jon Barry contact details from official letters or the company site - that keeps you safe and preserves your dispute rights. Caller ID is easily spoofed; don't give personal info or pay until you confirm the contact matches an official source.

• Phone: (704) 723-4200
• Physical address: 216 Le Phillip Court, Concord, NC 28025
• Mailing address: PO Box 127, Concord, NC 28026
• Website: www.paragonrevenuegroup.com

Do not trust unverified numbers shown on caller ID. Always cross-check the contact on the Paragon Revenue Group BBB profile Paragon Revenue Group BBB profile before calling, texting, or sending payments.

You're protected by the FDCPA when you deal with Jon Barry and Associates - they can't call whenever they want, lie to you, or harass you. In practice that means no calls before 8 AM or after 9 PM, no contact at a place you've told them not to call (like work), and they must stop contacting you if you or an attorney send a written notice asking them to cease communication, per FDCPA limits in Section 1692c.

They may not harass you. They cannot use threats, obscene language, repeated annoying calls, or false representations (for example pretending to be law enforcement or misstating legal action). Those behaviors violate the FDCPA's harassment and misrepresentation prohibitions and give you grounds to act if they persist.

You also have a right to verification. If you dispute the debt in writing within 30 days of first written notice, the collector must verify the debt and provide the original creditor's name before resuming collection. You can request debt validation and a written cease-communication notice; send those requests certified mail and keep copies and delivery receipts.

Document everything and enforce your rights. Save voicemails, texts, dates and call logs. Consider recording calls only if lawful in your state (many are one‑party consent; some require two parties' consent). If they violate the FDCPA you can file complaints with regulators or sue for damages - including statutory damages (up to $1,000), actual damages, and attorney's fees - and pursue small claims or federal court; read the full FDCPA text for the statute itself.

Send a certified, return‑receipt debt‑validation letter within 30 days of their first contact demanding written proof of the debt, or insist they stop collection.

Use certified mail so you get proof you sent it. In the letter name the alleged amount, the creditor, your account or reference number, and demand copies of the original contract, itemized statement, and any assignment or chain‑of‑title showing they have collection rights. Ask for a response by a short deadline (state 5 days per your strategy) and include a clause limiting all future contact to mail only to reduce harassment.

Start by formally disputing the account in writing, demanding validation and providing proof it isn't yours so the entry can be removed from your file.

Gather everything first. Get a current credit report showing the Jon Barry entry. Collect ID, account screenshots, billing statements proving different accounts, and any suspicious emails or texts. If identity theft is possible, file an FTC affidavit and a police report. Send and track all mail via certified return receipt.

• Send a written debt-validation letter to Jon Barry and Associates. Demand original creditor, full chain of assignment, and signed contract. Keep certified-mail receipts.
• Dispute the tradeline with each credit bureau in writing. Include copies (not originals) of your evidence and the validation request. Under the FCRA they must investigate - generally within 30 days.
• If you suspect identity theft, submit an identity-theft affidavit and supporting docs to the bureaus and the original creditor, and file reports (police + FTC). Use FTC identity theft recovery site to generate the affidavit and follow steps.
• If the collector can't validate or furnisher won't verify, demand deletion in writing; if they reinsert without proper proof, note reinsertion and escalate to your state AG or sue in small claims for FCRA violations.

If the collector fails to validate, the bureaus must remove the item or mark it disputed; a successful dispute often leads to deletion. If they validate with proper proof, you may still negotiate or challenge the documentation in court. Consider a credit specialist or attorney if disputes fail or the entry recurs.

Prevent recurrence: freeze your credit, monitor reports monthly, keep certified-mail records, and don't negotiate until the account is validated. If harassment or illegal collection practices occur, assert your FDCPA rights and consult an attorney. Stop here.

Yes - the law limits where and how collectors may reach you: tell them work is off-limits, social-media outreach that exposes your debt is prohibited, calls before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM local time are forbidden without your consent, and contact with friends or family is strictly limited to getting your location information only.

• Work: if you inform a collector that calls to your employer are inconvenient or banned by your workplace, they must stop contacting you at work.
• Social media: collectors may not publicly post or broadcast your debt; outreach that reveals the debt to others is not allowed.
• After-hours: calls outside 8:00 AM–9:00 PM (local time) are unlawful unless you agree.
• Friends/family (third parties): collectors may only ask for basic location info (name, address, phone, employer) to locate you - they cannot discuss the debt or shame you, and third‑party contacts are narrowly limited.

Tell them to stop in writing, and build a tight paper trail - it's your best weapon. Send a written 'cease contact' or debt‑validation request by certified mail. Keep every message, screenshot, voicemail, and note about dates, times, caller ID, and witnesses.

If calls at work, social posts, after‑hours calls, or improper third‑party disclosures continue, file complaints and consider legal action under the FDCPA.

• Document: timestamps, caller number, exact wording, screenshots of social posts/DMs, copies of voicemails, and names of any witnesses or coworkers.
• Preserve proof: save employer policy or a written note showing workplace no‑call rules; keep certified‑mail receipts and return‑receipts.
• Enforcement: submit complaints to CFPB and your state attorney general, and consult an attorney - repeated violations can support an FDCPA suit with statutory damages (up to $1,000), actual damages, and attorney's fees.

Demand they stop now by sending a written cease‑and‑desist, keep tight records, and escalate to regulators or court if they keep harassing you. (fairshake.com)

Send a certified‑mail cease‑and‑desist (return receipt requested) and keep the receipt and a copy; federal rules require collectors to stop once they receive your written request. (consumerfinance.gov) File a CFPB complaint and notify your state attorney general to create an official paper trail that regulators can act on. (consumerfinance.gov) If it's medical debt, assert privacy rights and consider filing a HIPAA complaint with HHS - start at how to file a HIPAA complaint. (hhs.gov)

Track calls, texts, dates and copies of letters for at least 14 days to show patterns of false threats or repeated contact; dozens of CFPB complaints document these tactics and that evidence strengthens an FDCPA claim. (fairshake.com) If they ignore the cease letter, consult a consumer attorney about suing under the FDCPA - there are federal cases against Jon Barry and Associates - and gather your certified‑mail receipts, call logs, CFPB complaint numbers, and any HIPAA filings before you file. (dockets.justia.com, findlaw.com)

Generally no - a collector like Jon Barry and Associates may only add interest, fees, or other charges if your original contract or state law explicitly allows it; unauthorized markups are unlawful and can be challenged. State rules often limit post-charge additions (medical bills are commonly more restricted), and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act bars unfair or unconscionable practices. Ask for proof before paying - collectors inflate balances in a meaningful share of cases (around 20% in some reviews), so an itemized check can cut what you actually owe.

• Request a written, itemized breakdown and a copy of the original contract or assignment.
• Compare each line to the original creditor's bill to spot added interest or phantom fees (studies show inflation ~20%).
• If additions aren't supported, send a written debt-validation/dispute and demand removal; cite FDCPA section 1692f.
• If they refuse, file a complaint with the CFPB or your state attorney general and consider consulting a consumer-attorney for an FDCPA claim.

No - a collection agency normally cannot take your pay, benefits, or freeze your bank account out of the blue; they must sue, win a judgment, and get a court order before garnishment or levy, and many federal benefits (like Social Security/VA) are protected. (consumerfinance.gov, faq.ssa.gov)

To seize wages a collector needs a final judgment and a writ or garnishment order served on your employer or bank; banks must check for recent federal benefit deposits and shield up to two months' worth of direct‑deposited Social Security/VA before turning funds over. Some exceptions exist - child support, federal tax levies, federal student loans, and certain government debts can be collected without the same protections. In North Carolina, post‑judgment wage garnishment is limited (commonly capped at 25% of disposable earnings or statutory formulas set by state law). (consumerfinance.gov, ncleg.net)

If a collector threatens immediate seizure or says they'll freeze your accounts without court papers, that can violate federal rules against false or deceptive collection practices - don't panic. Keep every notice and call log. Send a written debt‑validation request and, if your funds are frozen, file exemption/claim forms with the court right away (your state court clerk can help; for North Carolina see North Carolina exemption claim forms). Report threats or unlawful conduct to the CFPB, FTC, and your state attorney general, and consider free legal aid or a consumer‑debt attorney - you can also sue for FDCPA violations if collectors misrepresent or threaten actions they can't lawfully take. (consumerfinance.gov)

They're not accredited by the BBB and their public records show repeated communication and billing complaints.

The CFPB has 97 complaints closed in the last three years, mostly medical-debt disputes; about 40% of those allege incorrect balances, which suggests systemic verification problems - see the CFPB complaint database search for details.

The BBB profile also lists customer complaints focused on poor communication and billing errors, and confirms the agency is not accredited - view the BBB profile for Paragon Revenue Group.

Because of these patterns, immediately request debt validation, document every contact, file disputes for incorrect amounts, and use your FDCPA rights before negotiating or paying.

There are no widely reported class-action verdicts against Jon Barry and Associates; only a few individual suits and settlements have involved them.

- Watson v. Jon Barry - FDCPA claim; settled 2017.

- Huff v. Equifax - case that named Jon Barry and Associates among defendants for reporting/FDCPA issues; settled 2020.

Lawsuits involving them tend to center on FDCPA violations and communication or reporting errors - missed validations, misleading calls, and inaccurate credit entries. Use that pattern: preserve every call, text, letter and account note; request debt validation in writing; and immediately dispute any incorrect credit reporting with bureaus.

A settlement or suit involving the collector doesn't automatically clear your credit. If you have proof the collector acted wrong, use settlement documents or court orders when disputing credit reports, file complaints with CFPB and your state attorney general, and consider a consumer attorney or small-claims action if damages matter to you.

• Monitor possible future class actions via Top Class Actions listings.
• Set Google Alerts or watch legal news for company name.
• Keep dated screenshots, recordings (where legal), letters, and validation requests.
• File CFPB/state AG complaints and join certified classes when available.
• Consult a consumer attorney before signing any deal; documented patterns strengthen your claim.

Act fast: you have 30 days from receipt of the notice to demand written validation, so start the verification clock the day you get the envelope or voicemail.

Photograph the entire notice (front and back) and save metadata. Compare account numbers, dates, and amounts to your records. If it's a medical debt, cross‑check your medical bills and EOBs - billing errors show up in about 30% of cases. Check your credit reports for matching tradelines and the original creditor name.

If anything is wrong, send a written dispute and a request for validation within that 30‑day window by certified mail with return receipt; also dispute inaccurate entries with the credit bureaus and keep copies of everything. For step‑by‑step consumer guidance see FTC guide to debt collection.

If the collector validates a legitimate balance, don't rush to pay without options: ask for a hardship plan, a pay‑in‑full deal, or a written settlement that specifies reporting behavior. Get every agreement in writing before sending money. Consider a reputable credit counselor or a certified credit professional for negotiation strategies if you want help without turning to risky upfront‑fee services.

Keep organized records (photos, mail receipts, emails, call logs). If you suspect identity theft, file a police report and an FTC identity‑theft report, place fraud alerts, and monitor your credit for 12–24 months to prevent reappearance.

You can hurt your credit and invite collection lawsuits if you ignore them - but unpaid debt won't get you arrested.

• Credit damage: accounts may be reported to the bureaus and drop your score.
• Lawsuit risk after ~180 days: collectors can sue; a judgment can lead to wage garnishment or bank levies.
• Harassment and escalation: calls and letters often increase unless you assert rights.
• Possible added fees/interest: collectors may try to add charges if the contract allows.
• Alternatives if you can't pay: request a hardship plan, offer a settlement, ask for a written payment plan, or demand debt validation.
• Time‑bar checks: verify the statute of limitations before paying - for example, medical debt in North Carolina has a 3‑year limit measured from your last payment.

Act fast: send a written debt‑validation request, ask for hardship options or a written settlement, and check whether the debt is time‑barred before making any payment that resets the clock; for free, practical guidance see CFPB debt relief information.

Not necessarily - settling for less can be smart if you secure a clear, written settlement and pay the agreed lump sum instead of leaving things vague. Get it in writing and confirm exact terms (amount, payment method, reporting to credit bureaus) before you pay. (investopedia.com)

Aim to negotiate in the 50–70% range for medical‑type collections as a starting point, but offers vary by owner, account age, and whether the debt was sold to a buyer; debt buyers may accept lower. Insist that the agreement include the collector's promise about reporting (or removing) the tradeline - pay‑for‑delete is possible but uncommon and unreliable. Also be aware forgiven balances can become taxable income and trigger a Form 1099‑C for $600+ cancellations. (experian.com, jgwentworth.com, bankrate.com, irs.gov)

If you'd rather not negotiate solo, a reputable credit‑repair or debt‑negotiation service can handle talks and optimize wording for score impact, but they charge fees and can't legally do more than you could do yourself - always demand written proof of settlement and ask whether they'll issue or expect a 1099‑C. 1099‑C questions are worth a quick call to a tax advisor before you sign. (investopedia.com)

Yes - a collection firm can sue you in civil court if they pursue the account, but civil collectors cannot have you arrested for not responding or for owing money. They may file suit after collections fail; in North Carolina many debt cases go to small claims (limit often up to $10,000), and if you're served you generally must answer or appear - respond within 20 days or you risk a default judgment that lets them seek wage garnishment or bank levies under state law.

Suits are relatively rare in practice and collectors often use threats to prompt payment, but a filed lawsuit becomes a real legal process you must handle.

You can't be jailed for a consumer debt, only for criminal conduct. If the collector crosses the line - abusive calls, deception, or false threats - you have federal protections and remedies, so document everything, demand debt validation, and enforce your FDCPA rights. Consider responding to any summons, talking to a consumer attorney or legal aid, and never ignore court papers even if the initial collector tactics feel like bluster.

Document the misconduct immediately, preserve proof, file regulator complaints, and press a private claim (often resolved by settlement or in small claims).

Start by identifying specific violations - harassment, false statements, improper third‑party contacts, or failure to validate - and save call logs, timestamps, texts, letters, recordings and credit reports as evidence; this paperwork is the backbone of any complaint or suit.

File complaints with federal and state agencies (FTC, state attorney general) and file a CFPB complaint, then send a firm demand letter asking for correction or a settlement; gather evidence like call logs, propose a dollar remedy, and demand settlement - about 80% of violations settle before court.

Sue in small claims for FDCPA violations (statutory damages often capped around $1,000 at that level) or bring a federal claim for larger relief and attorneys' fees if warranted; consider counsel for complex cases.

Possible outcomes include a negotiated settlement, statutory damages and recovery of costs or fees, correction or removal of credit entries, and agency enforcement actions against the collector; act quickly because statutes of limitations vary and delays weaken both complaints and lawsuits.

Yes - sometimes you can stop paying a collection, but only by using specific legal or factual paths rather than ignoring it. Dispute the account in writing and demand validation; if the collector can't prove the debt or the account is misreported, you can get it removed. If the account is time‑barred under your state's statute of limitations you may not be legally liable to be sued, but beware: making payments or admitting the debt can restart the clock.

Filing bankruptcy can discharge many unsecured debts, though not all, and carries long‑term credit consequences; ethically, a legitimately owed debt still exists even if you avoid legal payment. Always keep written records, don't admit liability over the phone, and consult a consumer attorney before making decisions that affect statutes or judgments.

For medical bills, ask for charity care, hardship discounts, or billing reviews - low‑income patients can sometimes reduce balances dramatically or to zero. A professional credit or consumer‑law review often uncovers dispute grounds that aren't obvious and can lead to removal or better settlement offers. If bankruptcy is under consideration, begin with the official bankruptcy information and forms and get legal advice on how discharge, deadlines, and local laws apply to your situation.

Usually, pick credit repair when the listing is wrong or unverifiable; paying the collector may stop calls but usually won't remove the negative mark from your credit report.

Credit repair fights inaccuracies, disputes unverifiable tradelines, and can raise your score over time. Disputes succeed about 40% in FCRA-style reviews, so a targeted challenge often works. Repair lets you press for validation and corrections without admitting the debt's validity. It's slower and may cost fees, but it aims to remove the harm rather than merely quiet it.

Paying Jon Barry and Associates can stop collection activity and reduce legal risk quickly. It rarely removes the derogatory entry unless you negotiate a written 'pay-for-delete,' which is uncommon. If the debt is valid and you need immediate relief, negotiate a settlement with written terms; if the debt is questionable, dispute first and consider professional repair help.

• Choose repair if the account is inaccurate, identity-related, or lacks validation.
• Choose repair if you want long-term score fixes and can wait months.
• Consider paying (with written agreements) if the debt is legitimate, you need calls to stop, or there's a current lawsuit threat.
• Dispute first if the collector won't provide validation or you suspect an error.