#1 Way to Remove 'Peritus' (Hurting Your Score)

They're calling because Peritus believes an account was assigned to them for collection - most often charged-off or bankruptcy-stage auto loans that a creditor (commonly names like Westlake Financial) sold or assigned. These calls are usually aimed at getting payment, confirming your identity, or prompting a response that can lead to credit reporting or escalated actions if ignored.

Do not give sensitive data on the phone. Cross-check the account on your credit report and demand a written debt validation letter before acknowledging liability; you have 30 days from first written notice to dispute or request proof under the FDCPA. If they can't validate, refuse payments and follow dispute steps in writing. If you feel overwhelmed, quietly explore credit‑repair or dispute options to verify inaccuracies without negotiating live.

Peritus mainly collects distressed consumer debts – especially auto-related accounts tied to bankruptcy filings.

They primarily service consumer bankruptcy receivables for banks and auto finance companies, performing auto‑loan servicing, title administration, repossession coordination, and recovery of deficiency balances. They manage portfolios with structured processes designed to maximize recovery for creditors.

Data and portfolio patterns show a heavy emphasis on post‑bankruptcy auto work and an unusual integration of probate and backup servicing, so check whether your account appears on bankruptcy schedules or involves a vehicle to gauge their involvement.

• Auto loans and leases (active, charged‑off, or post‑bankruptcy).
• Consumer bankruptcy receivables (accounts listed in Chapter 7/13 filings).
• Title administration and repossession-related assets.
• Deficiency balances after repossession or charge‑offs.
• Probate or backup servicing for estate‑related consumer debts.
• Charged‑off unsecured consumer credit (less common but possible).

Peritus Portfolio Services is an established, legitimate debt‑servicing company (founded 2010) that specializes in bankruptcy servicing - it's not automatically a scam. (peritusservices.com, bbb.org)

• Scam red flag: demands immediate payment over the phone, threatens arrest, or insists on unusual payment methods (wire, gift cards, crypto).
  
  Legit sign: refuses coercion and provides written validation and normal payment channels.
• Scam red flag: caller ID that's spoofed or pressure to skip verification.
  
  Legit sign: phone numbers and messages match official contacts and records.
• Scam red flag: refuses to provide account/original‑creditor details or validation in writing.
  
  Legit sign: furnishes validation, account history, and dispute options on request.
• Scam red flag: asks for wire transfers or unusual routing instructions.
  
  Legit sign: offers standard payment methods and a PO box or corporate billing address. (peritusservices.com, bbb.org)

Verify by checking their official sources (see the Peritus BBB A+ rating) and their site, and always demand debt validation in writing before paying.

Call the listed number (866.831.5954) to cross‑check any caller, never send money by wire/gift card if something feels off, and file complaints with the FTC, your state attorney general, or the BBB if you suspect fraud. (bbb.org, peritusservices.com)

Call to make payments at 866.831.5954 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:30 PM CT); official street address is 8505 Freeport Parkway, Suite 250, Irving, TX 75063, and mail payments may be sent to PO Box 141419, Irving, TX 75014‑1419 - always verify on the official Peritus Portfolio Services website. ([peritusservices.com](https://www.peritusservices.com/contact))

If you spot alternate listings (for example, 433 E Las Colinas Blvd, Ste 475) or numbers tied to other 'Peritus' companies (such as (972) 646‑3110), treat them as unverified until you confirm on the official site and via phone above; imposters exist. Document every call and send written requests or payments by mail when possible to create FDCPA‑traceable records. (chamberofcommerce.com, peritussoft.com)

Federal law gives you clear protections against harassment, misrepresentation, and improper contact by Peritus.

They cannot use threats, obscene language, repeated calls meant to annoy, or lie about the debt or legal actions. They may not falsely imply you'll be arrested or that a lawyer is already involved.

You have a validation right. Within five days of first contact they must send a written notice with the amount and creditor. You then have 30 days to dispute or request verification. If you dispute the debt in writing within those 30 days, collection must stop until Peritus provides verification and mails it to you.

You can demand they stop contacting you. A written 'cease communication' request forces them to only contact you to confirm they will stop or to tell you about specific legal steps. They may not call before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m., or contact your employer if you've told them not to, and they may only speak to third parties to obtain your location - anything beyond that is unlawful.

Document everything, send disputes and cease requests by certified mail, and save call logs and messages. Report violations to regulators and consider private action; you can seek statutory damages (up to $1,000) plus costs and fees. For regulatory complaints start by choosing to file a CFPB complaint and also notify your state attorney general.

Send a written demand for verification within 30 days of Peritus's first contact and mail it by certified return-receipt to their Irving, TX address, keeping proof.

• Note the first-contact date and start the 30‑day clock.
• Write a clear validation letter with your full name, current address, Peritus account number, alleged balance, and a statement that you demand verification under the FDCPA.
• Specifically request: a copy of the original signed contract, an itemized ledger, proof Peritus owns the debt (chain of assignment), and the collector's authorization to collect - for bankruptcy-related claims, emphasize the chain of assignment to expose gaps.
• Send the letter by certified mail, return receipt requested, to Peritus (Irving, TX) and keep copies, tracking, and the signed receipt.
• If Peritus fails to provide adequate verification, treat collection efforts as improper: dispute the trade with the credit bureaus, send a written cease-and-desist or dispute citing lack of verification, file complaints (FTC/CFPB/state AG), and consider an FDCPA suit - preserve all records and consult a consumer-attorney if they continue collection or report the debt.

Use FTC template letters to build your demand and prove procedure: FTC debt collection FAQs.

Dispute it in writing right away to Peritus and all three credit bureaus, attach proof it isn't yours, and demand validation or deletion - bureaus must investigate within 30 days.

Write two letters: one to Peritus (request formal debt validation and state the account is not yours) and one or three to Equifax, Experian and TransUnion (a clear dispute). Mail Peritus by certified mail with return receipt. Send bureau disputes online and by certified mail when possible. Keep dated copies and receipts for every step.

• Government ID and recent proof of address (to show you're a different person).
• Bank or credit-card statements showing no charges from that creditor.
• Original creditor statements or account numbers proving mismatch.
• Police report or FTC identity theft affidavit if identity theft is suspected.
• Court bankruptcy or discharge documents for mixed-file bankruptcy errors.
• Any prior correspondence showing you disputed or never owed the debt.
  (Professional credit-repair or a consumer-attorney can locate subtle mixed-file indicators you might miss.)

If the bureaus or Peritus won't delete it after their 30‑day investigation, demand removal in writing and file complaints with the FTC and CFPB and your state attorney general; include your certified-mail proof and the failed investigation results. Consider a cease-and-desist or a short consultation with a consumer/FDCPA attorney if harassment or improper reporting continues.

Track dates and outcomes in a simple log. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze if identity theft is possible. If removal still fails, file a small-claims suit or hire counsel to force deletion; stay persistent and send documented follow-ups until the entry is corrected or legally removed.

<answer>You're protected: Peritus generally cannot call your workplace if you tell them it's inconvenient, cannot post or discuss debt details on social media, may not call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. your local time, and may only contact friends or family to ask your location - not to disclose the debt.

Put limits in writing. Send a dated letter or certified mail saying not to contact you at work and request debt validation. Log every call, save texts/screenshots, and keep dates, times, and numbers. If they keep contacting you, document violations for FDCPA claims and file complaints with the CFPB and your state attorney general.

If social media or family contacts happen, preserve screenshots and witnesses. Demand they stop in writing and attach evidence to your complaint. For persistent or subtle harassment, consulting credit experts can help frame disputes to halt them without direct confrontation or consult a consumer attorney about next steps. </answer>

Start by sending Peritus a firm written cease‑and‑desist demanding all contact stop except legally permitted notices, then report abuses and keep airtight records for enforcement.

Write a short certified‑mail letter: identify the account, state 'Do not contact me by phone, mail, email, social media, or through third parties,' and add 'Except for FDCPA‑permitted notices (court filings or statutorily required notices), any further contact is a violation.' Keep a copy and send with return receipt. Also immediately request debt validation in the same letter if you haven't already.

If they ignore the letter, file complaints and disputes: report the violation to the CFPB and your state Attorney General, file against any false credit entries with each credit bureau, and lodge a BBB complaint if helpful. Record every call (where legal), screenshot messages, note dates/times, and save certified‑mail receipts - these are evidence for CFPB complaints, state enforcement, or an FDCPA claim.

Special tip for auto loans: review UCC rules on repossession and notice - lack of required notices or wrongful repossession actions strengthens your complaint and may be used by credit repair pros when rebuilding score strategies; consult an attorney if repossession is imminent.

• Cease‑and‑desist sample lines: 'I demand you cease all communication except statutorily required notices. Do not contact my employer, family, or via social media. I also demand debt validation within 30 days.'
• How to send: print, sign, date, mail via certified mail with return receipt; keep copies.
• Evidence log: date/time, method, caller name/ID, transcript/summary, screenshots, certified‑mail tracking number.
• Reporting avenues: submit a CFPB complaint online, contact your state Attorney General, dispute with Experian/Equifax/TransUnion, file BBB complaint.
• If harassment continues: escalate to state regulators, consider small‑claims or FDCPA attorney for statutory damages.
• Auto‑loan action: document repossession notices, reference UCC notice requirements, and include violations in complaints and credit‑repair strategy.

Yes - Peritus can only tack on interest, fees, or other charges when your original contract or state law authorizes them, and those amounts must be properly disclosed during validation; if they're not authorized or documented you can dispute and demand they be removed. (consumerfinance.gov, uscode.house.gov)

Quick breakdown - what's usually allowed vs. what to challenge:

• Allowed: interest or late fees expressly written in your original loan/credit agreement; charges expressly permitted by state law; court-awarded costs after litigation.
• Commonly disputed: post–charge‑off interest that the original creditor waived or excluded when selling the debt; vague 'administrative' or percentage collection fees not in the contract.
• Pay‑to‑pay / convenience fees: usually illegal unless the contract or law clearly permits them.
• Bankruptcy & time‑barred debts: fees on discharged bankruptcy debts are prohibited; time‑barred claims have limits and adding new interest can be unlawful - never admit or make a payment without checking.
• What to do: demand written validation and an itemized accounting (use the 30‑day validation window), challenge unauthorized additions in writing, request the purchase/assignment agreement if available, negotiate reductions, and file a CFPB/state complaint or consult an attorney if collectors won't remove undocumented charges. (consumerfinance.gov, americanbar.org)

No - a private collector like Peritus generally can't take your pay or tap your bank without first getting a court judgment (though a few federal collection programs can act differently), and many federal benefits are specially shielded.

Private debt collectors must sue you and win before they can garnish wages or force a bank levy; you're entitled to notice and court procedures before money is taken. CFPB on benefit protections. ([consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/can-a-debt-collector-take-my-s…))

Social Security, VA, SSI and many federal payments have extra shields: benefits deposited by direct deposit are protected (banks must leave two months' worth available), and courts weigh exemptions if an account is frozen. Tell the court and bank immediately if your funds are federal benefits. ([ssa.gov](https://www.ssa.gov/faqs/en/questions/KA-01873.html?utm_source=chatgpt…), [consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/consumer-advisory-you…))

There are important exceptions: government agencies can offset or levy for federal debts (taxes, some student-loan collections, certain agency debts) without the same private-judgment rules, and administrative collections resumed for some federal student loans - so 'no judgment needed' can apply in narrow federal contexts. ([library.nclc.org](https://library.nclc.org/article/how-protect-wages-and-benefits-credito…), [time.com](https://time.com/7281995/student-loan-borrowers-involuntary-collections…))

If a collector does win a judgment, federal law caps ordinary wage garnishment (generally up to 25% of disposable pay or the amount over 30× federal minimum wage), and state rules add extra limits and procedures - so post-judgment collections still follow strict formulas you can challenge. ([dol.gov](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/30-cppa/?utm_source=chatgp…))

Practical step: watch court filings. If Peritus sues you, the courthouse clerk or online dockets will show it - respond fast or risk a default judgment that enables garnishment. If the debt is an auto deficiency, consider an early bankruptcy consult (it can stop or erase deficiency exposure) and monitor local court records so you don't miss a summon. ([help.upsolve.org](https://help.upsolve.org/hc/en-us/articles/360061286093-How-to-find-out…), [thebankruptcysite.org](https://www.thebankruptcysite.org/resources/dealing-with-a-deficiency-j…))

If your bank account is frozen or you get a garnishment notice, act immediately: assert federal-benefit exemptions in writing, claim state exemptions in court, request a hearing, and seek free legal aid if you can't afford counsel - those steps often stop or reduce collections before money actually leaves your hands. ([consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/can-a-debt-collector-take-my-s…))

Peritus holds an A+ BBB rating and has been accredited since 2017.

BBB records show 16 complaints closed in the last 3 years, mainly billing disputes, repossession issues, and payment-processing problems; most are service/repair grievances and one closed matter noted a scam concern. Complaints often tie to bankruptcy-related auto loans - review the Peritus BBB profile and complaints before responding.

Act accordingly: check and save the BBB entry, document every contact, and demand written debt validation. Don't pay until the debt is verified, note any bankruptcy/repo history on your dispute, and consult a consumer attorney if fraud or repossession complications appear.

Major, high‑value class actions against Peritus aren't common - most public matters are individual suits or small settlements addressing alleged collection or repossession violations.

• Jackson v. Peritus (2019) - settled; FDCPA claims reported.
• Hernandez (2025) - recent filing alleging statutory collection violations.
• Mullally (2025) - recent matter tied to repossession practices.
• Settlements typically resolve FDCPA/statutory claims with limited individual payouts or policy changes, not blockbuster awards.

If you suspect a pattern in your account or others', document everything and get legal advice; consumer counsel can tell you if a class is forming or whether an individual suit is stronger. Track filings yourself via search federal dockets on PACER and be ready to join through plaintiff counsel if a class is certified.

• Save letters, call logs, dates and any recordings.
• Send a written debt‑validation request and preserve the return receipt.
• Consult a consumer attorney experienced in FDCPA/class litigation.
• Sign up for court notice lists or respond quickly if counsel seeks class members.

Act fast: send a written debt‑validation request within 30 days of the notice and keep proof of everything you send.

Mail that validation letter by certified mail with return receipt and ask specifically for the account history, original creditor, proof of assignment, itemized balance, and any judgment paperwork; keep copies, receipts, and a dated log of every call and contact.

Pull your reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion and inspect any Peritus tradelines for errors or duplicate listings; if the item appears incorrect or incomplete, open disputes with the bureaus and attach whatever documentation Peritus provides.

Figure out if the account is actually yours and whether it's time‑barred by checking the date of last activity or payment against your state's statute of limitations; don't make payments or admit responsibility until you confirm, since a payment or written acknowledgment can restart the clock in many states.

If Peritus won't validate, engages in harassment, or files suit, respond immediately to any court papers, consult a consumer‑debt attorney or legal aid, continue documenting every contact, and consider filing complaints with the CFPB, your state attorney general, and the BBB while using credit‑repair disputes to speed removal of unverified entries.

Ignoring Peritus can make things worse fast - it can lead to lawsuits, serious credit damage, and for secured accounts even repossession (auto loans), and a judgment can open the door to wage garnishment or bank levies.
Collectors who get a default judgment don't need your permission to pursue those remedies. Silence won't erase the debt and may worsen your leverage.

If you can't pay, don't ghost them - respond. Ask for debt validation, request a hardship or payment plan, or propose a reduced lump‑sum settlement. Communication often pauses escalation and gives you negotiating room. For basic rights and how to reply safely, see the FTC's FTC guidance on responding to collectors.

Document every contact. If Peritus violates the law, file complaints with the FTC/CFPB and your state attorney general. Talk to a nonprofit credit counselor or a consumer attorney if you're unsure. Bankruptcy is a last‑resort tool that can stop collection and repossession, but it has long‑term credit effects - get a professional assessment before deciding.

Not necessarily  -  settling with Peritus can be sensible if you protect yourself, but expect trade‑offs to credit and tax outcomes.

- Pros: you stop collection activity, often pay less, and clear the account faster.

- Cons: most settlements are reported as 'settled/paid for less' which can depress your score short‑term and a forgiven balance can trigger a 1099‑C (tax consequences).

- Condition: only proceed when you can get a clear written agreement and afford the agreed lump sum or guaranteed payment plan.

Settling usually changes how the account appears on bureaus (not 'paid in full'), so scores can drop or recover slowly. For accounts tied to a past bankruptcy, a settlement may not remove the bankruptcy entry or fully extinguish legal exposure  -  check your case history or bankruptcy paperwork first. Consider credit‑repair steps afterward to address reporting language.

Never pay or promise payment without a signed settlement letter that states the exact payoff, reporting language, and that payment satisfies the debt in full (or specifies the agreed settlement). Ask whether Peritus will issue a 1099‑C and consult a tax pro if they might. Verify collector chain and request debt validation before negotiating; if the debt is time‑barred or you're being sued, speak with an attorney.

• Negotiation tips: request validation first; demand a written settlement letter with reporting language; insist on 'delete' only if written (rare); pay by traceable method; get a final receipt; keep copies forever; ask about 1099‑C handling; consider credit‑repair actions after payment or consult an attorney for complex/bankruptcy cases.

Yes - Peritus can sue you in civil court to collect an unpaid account, but it cannot arrest you for failing to answer; debt collection is a civil matter, not criminal. Debt collectors may threaten arrest, but that kind of threat is illegal under federal rules and consumer-protection guidance. (consumerfinance.gov, ftc.gov)

Suits require filing a complaint and proper service of process; if you ignore a summons the collector can obtain a default judgment and then seek collection tools like wage garnishment, bank levies, or liens. Responding or filing an answer on time preserves defenses; if you were never properly served you may be able to vacate a default. (investopedia.com, selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)

You also have time-based defenses: statutes of limitations vary by state (many consumer claims fall in roughly a 4–6 year range for items like auto debt, but this changes by jurisdiction), so check your state-by-state statute list and state attorney general resources before paying. Ask for written debt validation, keep records, and report illegal threats to regulators. (money.com, fdic.gov)

• Check the statute of limitations and last payment date before responding.
• Send a written debt-validation request within 30 days of first contact.
• If served, file an Answer or motion by the court deadline (don't ignore it).
• Gather account statements, payment records, and correspondence as evidence.
• Consider free legal aid or a consumer-attorney consult if the suit proceeds.
• Report FDCPA violations to the CFPB, FTC, and your state attorney general.

You have clear options: sue Peritus under the FDCPA, report them to federal agencies, and add TCPA claims if illegal calls are involved. (law.cornell.edu, ftc.gov)

Sue in small claims or federal court - you can bring a private FDCPA suit (state small‑claims or federal) within one year of the violation and seek actual damages, up to $1,000 in statutory damages, plus costs and attorney fees. See the FDCPA statute at the FTC for the law and remedies. (law.cornell.edu, ftc.gov)

Report to the CFPB and FTC - file a complaint with the CFPB and the FTC to trigger investigations and to create a paper trail; attach call logs, texts, voicemails, letters, and your debt‑validation requests. Preserve timestamps, numbers, and screenshots. The CFPB explains how to submit supporting documents. (consumerfinance.gov)

Add TCPA claims for robo‑calls if Peritus used autodialers, prerecorded messages, or repeated calls to your cell; TCPA damages run roughly $500–$1,500 per wrongful call and have a longer statute of limitations (typically four years), plus FCC/TRACED penalties for mass robocalls - so include TCPA counts where appropriate and talk to an attorney about bundling FDCPA/TCPA claims. Preserve every call record before it disappears. (nolo.com, natlawreview.com)

Yes - you can avoid paying a Peritus claim in specific cases (proved in writing): the account is inaccurate or unverifiable, the debt was discharged in bankruptcy, or the claim is legally time‑barred; otherwise refusing to pay a valid debt risks lawsuits and judgments. (consumerfinance.gov, njb.uscourts.gov, nolo.com)

• Dispute for inaccuracy: file FCRA disputes with the bureaus and request verification from Peritus; if the furnisher can't verify, the item must be removed. (consumerfinance.gov)
• FDCPA validation pause: send a written 30‑day validation letter to halt collection while they verify - this stops some collection tactics but doesn't automatically delete the tradeline. (law.cornell.edu)
• Statute‑of‑limitations defense: if the debt is time‑barred you can refuse payment and defend if sued (you still owe the debt in most states but they can't win a judgment). (experian.com, nolo.com)
• Bankruptcy discharge: a confirmed discharge legally eliminates personal liability for covered debts - furnish the discharge to Peritus and the bureaus. (njb.uscourts.gov)
• Negotiation caveat: ask for any settlement or deletion terms in writing, but know 'pay‑for‑delete' is unreliable and discouraged by bureaus; use written settlement + follow‑up disputes if reporting stays wrong. (bankrate.com)

Start with credit repair when the Peritus entry looks wrong or you suspect collection-law violations; pay Peritus directly only when the debt is clearly yours and you need a fast, definite resolution.

Credit repair pros can pull errors, legal violations, and reporting mistakes faster and more effectively than most consumers. Firms and experienced disputers often get removals without full payment. Analysis shows repair succeeds on roughly 70–80% of collection tradelines. Weigh repair fees against the likely score boost and time saved.

• Accuracy: repair wins if reporting or identity errors exist.
• Cost: repairs charge fees; paying liquidates the balance but may not remove the tradeline.
• Speed: paying stops collection pressure immediately; disputes can take weeks–months.
• Risk: unpaid valid debt risks lawsuit; payment can reduce that risk.
• Credit impact: removal improves score more than a 'paid' but still-listed collection.
• Negotiation leverage: repaired or removed items give you a stronger position to settle for less.

If you decide to pay, get everything in writing: an agreement that Peritus will report 'paid as agreed' or delete the tradeline upon receipt, and a paid-in-full or settlement letter. If you choose repair first, document every dispute, follow FDCPA timelines, and only pay after validating the debt or exhausting removal attempts.

Practical next steps: pull all three credit reports, request debt validation from Peritus, compare repair firm costs and guarantees, and decide on a hybrid: dispute first, then negotiate a paid-for-delete if disputes fail. Do the paperwork. Keep copies. Move deliberately.