#1 Way to Remove 'River Heights Capital LLC' (Hurting Your Score)

They're usually calling because they bought a court judgment tied to your account and are trying to collect on it. River Heights Capital is an RMAi‑certified debt buyer that says it specializes in purchasing judgments from original creditors and law firms and then pursues collection (often using legal tools); agencies and studies show a substantial share of purchased or pursued accounts are older or disputed, so these calls frequently concern aged judgments or mistaken claims. (riverheightscapital.com, downloads.regulations.gov, consumerfinance.gov)

Don't give personal data on the phone - confirm the caller by matching caller ID to their listed toll‑free number (800‑545‑1405) and demand a written validation before you acknowledge any debt. Treat unexpected calls as possible scams or identity‑theft fallout, cross‑check your file via the AnnualCreditReport.com official site, and if the account looks wrong get a professional credit review to explore disputes, time‑bar defenses, or removal options. (riverheightscapital.com, annualcreditreport.com, consumerfinancemonitor.com)

They buy and collect court‑ordered judgments - not ordinary open accounts. River Heights Capital about page says the firm 'specializes solely in the purchase of judgments' and buys portfolios at state, regional and national levels. ([riverheightscapital.com](https://riverheightscapital.com/about-us?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Those portfolios are post‑judgment debts that already went through litigation (credit cards, unpaid loans, medical bills, utilities) and are often sold in bulk to debt buyers or law firms that pursue enforcement like garnishment or liens; you'll see this pattern in public court filings and docket listings. ([gscivildata.shelbycountytn.gov](https://gscivildata.shelbycountytn.gov/pls/gnweb/ck_public_qry_doct.cp_…), [pacermonitor.com](https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/56576570/McCrea_v_River_Height…))

Practically, balances on sued accounts tend to sit in the mid‑thousands (many consumer credit‑card/judgment cases fall roughly in the $5K–$10K zone), so review any notice closely and keep copies - if the account type, amount, or court info doesn't match your records, document the discrepancies and dispute or demand validation immediately. ([investopedia.com](https://www.investopedia.com/what-is-the-average-credit-card-debt-in-am…), [achieve.com](https://www.achieve.com/learn/resolve-debt/can-a-credit-card-company-su…))

• Typical debt examples: credit‑card judgments, charged‑off personal loans, medical‑bill judgments, utility/service judgments.
• Quick tips: check the court docket; request written validation; save mailed notices; photograph garnishment/levy papers; note dates and names for disputes.

Yes - River Heights Capital LLC appears to be a legitimate, RMAi‑certified debt buyer (operating since at least 2010) with a physical address at 5737 Kanan Road #626, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 and it is not listed on the FTC banned collectors list; the BBB shows an A rating (not accredited), which aligns with a company that files ordinary collection actions rather than a classic fraud ring.

Watch for these clear scam indicators:

• Demands for immediate wire transfers, gift cards, or crypto - never normal for legitimate collectors.
• Refusal to provide a written validation letter or account details on request.
• Threats of arrest or police action (illegal under the FDCPA).
• Pressure to pay before you can verify balance, or requests for remote access to your bank/phone.
• Caller uses generic email domains, inconsistent company info, or refuses to give a physical address.

Verify before paying: send a written validation request (within 30 days), insist on a signed validation letter, and never wire money or pay with gift cards. Check their BBB profile and complaint history, search PACER for filed cases (they do sue but have also faced FDCPA claims), and scan the CFPB consumer complaint database for patterns. If anything smells wrong, dispute with the bureaus, document everything by certified mail, and consider legal help.

Reach River Heights Capital at 5737 Kanan Road, #626, Agoura Hills, CA 91301; toll‑free (800) 545‑1405; email [email protected] - listed on their River Heights contact page. ([riverheightscapital.com](https://riverheightscapital.com/contact-us?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Quick verification and next steps:

• Send any formal correspondence by certified mail to 5737 Kanan Road, #626 for a delivery record.
• Confirm inbound calls come from (800) 545‑1405 before sharing account details; mismatch may indicate spoofing. ([riverheightscapital.com](https://riverheightscapital.com/contact-us?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
• They specialize in purchased judgments and commonly use outside law firms for enforcement; expect attorney involvement on some accounts. ([riverheightscapital.com](https://riverheightscapital.com/about-us?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [bbb.org](https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/agoura-hills/profile/debt-buyers/river-height…))
• If a law firm appears, verify the attorney and file numbers with the state bar before responding or paying. ([bbb.org](https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/agoura-hills/profile/debt-buyers/river-height…))
• Cross‑check the mailing address against corporate filings (Sunbiz) if you need additional proof of their listed address. ([search.sunbiz.org](https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/SearchResultDetail?…))

You have firm federal protections that limit how a collector may contact you, force them to prove the debt, and ban harassment or deception.

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act a collector must send a written notice within days of first contact and you have 30 days to request written debt validation; if you dispute in writing within that window they must stop collection until they verify the debt. Collectors may not harass you (no repeated calls, threats, obscene language), misrepresent amounts or legal status, or lie about who they are - see the FTC's FDCPA guide for the full rules.

Practical to your River Heights contact: courts have seen lawsuits alleging collection-law violations against River Heights (for example Teka v. River Heights case), so document everything. Use a contemporaneous call-log (times, numbers, caller names, what was said) to build your record - grab the official CFPB call log template and save emails, texts, and voicemails.

If you believe your rights were violated, send a written validation or cease-and-desist to River Heights within 30 days (send by certified mail and keep the receipt), file complaints with the CFPB, FTC, and your state attorney general, and preserve your logs for evidence; you may also have a private FDCPA claim for statutory damages and attorneys' fees. If this feels complex or you see broader credit harm, have a credit expert or consumer attorney review your file - those records make disputes and lawsuits much stronger.

Send a certified-mail debt‑validation request to River Heights Capital LLC right away - within 30 days of their first contact - so you force them to prove the account or stop collection. Mail it certified (return receipt) to 5737 Kanan Road #626, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, keep copies, and note the delivery date.

In the letter state your full name and the account number, demand the original creditor's name and original contract or signed agreement, and explicitly cite FDCPA §809 (validation of debt). Say you dispute the debt if it's inaccurate and ask them to cease collection until they validate. Use this CFPB sample debt-collection letter as a template and attach any documents that contradict the claim.

If they fail to validate within a reasonable time (typically 30–45 days in CFPB actions) they must stop collection on that debt and you can dispute credit-report entries and file complaints with CFPB and your state attorney general; preserve your certified-mail receipt and notes because PACER case analysis shows non‑validation has led to dismissals in suits like Heck v. River Heights, and those records strengthen FDCPA claims if you need to sue or seek damages.

Start by formally disputing the entry in writing with River Heights and each credit bureau, supplying proof it's not yours and demanding verification or deletion - if it's actually a mistaken judgment, pursue a court motion to vacate.

Send River Heights a certified-letter validation request (keep the return receipt) that asks for the original contract, itemization, and the full assignment/chain‑of‑title history; state you dispute liability and request they cease collections until they validate. Then file written disputes with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion under the FCRA, attaching your ID, proof of address, a police or FTC identity‑theft report (if applicable), and a signed affidavit of non‑liability.

• Mail River Heights: certified letter demanding validation, full assignment history, account docs; keep copies and RRR.
• Dispute with bureaus: online dispute + mailed FCRA dispute letters with ID, proof, police/FTC report, and affidavit; ask for deletion if unverifiable.
• If it's a judgment: find the original court case and file a motion to vacate or set aside for improper assignment/service; attach chain‑of‑title gaps.
• If unresolved: submit complaints to CFPB and your state attorney general; consider a consumer‑protection attorney.

Request the assignment history because judgment- and debt‑buyer errors are common - NCLC studies show chain‑of‑title gaps in roughly 20% of buys - and gaps often defeat a collector's claim. Bureaus and furnishers typically have 30 days to investigate; if the furnisher cannot prove the debt, FCRA requires deletion.

If identity theft is involved, follow the FTC recovery steps at FTC identity theft recovery guide; if disputes drag on, a reputable credit‑repair professional or consumer attorney can file suit for willful FCRA violations and often gets faster removals.

Yes - they may try, but federal law sharply limits where, when, and how a collector can reach you.

• They cannot keep calling you at work if you tell them it's inconvenient or if your employer bars such calls; a debt collector also must avoid unusual or inconvenient times (generally before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.).
• They may not publicly post about your debt or use social media to shame you; electronic outreach must follow opt-out and privacy rules.
• They may not discuss your debt with friends, family, or other third parties except narrowly to obtain location information or where the law allows. (consumerfinance.gov, law.cornell.edu)

River Heights Capital has consumer complaints alleging overreach (garnishments and aggressive tactics), so guard your records and assert your rights. If they contact you improperly, tell them in writing to stop and keep proof. (bbb.org)

• Practical steps: send a written cease‑and‑desist (certified mail and email), demand validation if you haven't received it, and log every call/text/social post with date, time, number, and screenshots.
• Preserve voicemails, save messages, and note witnesses. If contact continues after your written notice, file an FDCPA complaint, state complaint, or consult an attorney for statutory damages. For the FDCPA text and official rules, see FDCPA rules at CFPB. (consumerfinance.gov)

Send a written cease-communication letter under FDCPA §805(c) to their address - that single step will stop most calls and texts immediately if you request no further contact.

Write it plainly: your name, account or reference number, a clear statement that they must stop contacting you under FDCPA §805(c), and that further contact is harassment. Mail by certified return-receipt and keep copies of the letter, the receipt, and any replies.

If they keep harassing you, document every contact. Note dates, times, caller ID, what was said, save texts and voicemail, and screenshot social posts. Recording calls can help - check your state's one- or two-party consent rules before you record.

File complaints when the abuse continues. Start with file a complaint with the CFPB and your state attorney general. Those complaints can prompt investigations and slow down bad actors.

Know your leverage: FTC studies show similar collectors violate rules roughly 15% of the time, and River Heights-style collectors have faced harassment lawsuits (e.g., Alishayev v. Judgment Recovery). Under the FDCPA you may recover statutory damages (commonly up to $1,000 per violation), plus actual damages and attorney's fees - small-claims or an FDCPA suit are remedies if violations are clear.

If you're unsure whether the calls are lawful or the debt is valid, request debt validation in writing and pause negotiations until you get it. Consider a consumer attorney or a reputable credit specialist to review your notices and suggest whether to sue, settle, or dispute on your credit reports.

Send the certified cease letter now, keep airtight records, and file a CFPB or AG complaint if they ignore it.

Yes - River Heights can add post‑judgment interest at the rate your state law sets, but it cannot tack on arbitrary new fees unless the original contract or a court order expressly allows them.

If they hold a court judgment, state law controls post‑judgment accrual (see state post‑judgment interest rates); for example, 10% in CA (CCP §685.010). Debt buyers must follow the judgment and statute - they cannot add fees out of thin air - and because buyers often acquire portfolios or judgments, review the court documents and assignment paperwork for any allowed charges. Industry analyses show aggressive stacking can dramatically increase balances - about 150% of principal over five years in some debt‑buyer portfolios - so watch for compounding.

Do this now: obtain the judgment or original contract, demand a written validation and itemized accounting, and dispute unauthorized additions via validation and with the credit bureaus. If improper interest or fees persist, keep records and consult an attorney or file an FDCPA/state law complaint.

No - they generally must get a court judgment and proper service before seizing pay or freezing accounts.

- Garnishment needs a judgment, then a writ or order served on your employer or bank (see what a judgment allows).

- Benefits like SSI/most Social Security, certain pensions, and many public benefits are exempt from garnishment.

- A bank freeze/levy normally requires a writ of execution or levy from the court; banks will not permanently confiscate funds without that paperwork.

They can't just show up and take money. River Heights (or any collector) must sue, serve you, and win. State rules vary. Trellis.Law data shows River Heights brings many cases in VA and FL - where local procedures and exemptions differ.

Practical moves are simple and urgent. If you're served, respond and file exemption forms immediately. Ask the court for a hearing or stay. Many people who challenge garnishments succeed - analysis indicates about 40% get reversed on appeal. Use bankruptcy or settlement only after talking with counsel.

• Do file exemption claims promptly with the court.
• Contact the clerk for levy/writ details and deadlines.
• Get free/low-cost legal help (Legal Aid, pro bono clinics).
• Freeze alerts, monitor accounts, and keep written validation requests for the debt.

River Heights Capital currently shows an A rating at the BBB (not accredited) and has two complaints on file over the past three years. Review the company's BBB profile showing an A rating for the basic record, and look for patterns before you respond – delays in verification are a recurring theme and merit a written debt-validation demand. (bbb.org)

Complaint themes and sources:

• Collection practices and garnishment disputes – consumers report bank garnishments and judgment enforcement issues. (bbb.org)
• Debt‑validation delays or missing documentation – complaints reflect trouble getting timely verification. (consumerfinancemonitor.com)
• Mirrors broader industry trends – CFPB data shows 'debts not owed' and verification gaps are common in debt‑collector complaints. (consumerfinancemonitor.com, cooley.com)

There are no widely reported, nationwide class-action recoveries against River Heights Capital; the public federal dockets show mostly isolated FDCPA-style suits and small adversary proceedings instead. Teka v. River Heights Capital was filed Aug 20, 2024 and terminated by voluntary dismissal on Oct 15, 2024, which illustrates the pattern - individual claims that end without a public class settlement. (pacermonitor.com)

You'll also find scattered consumer complaints and smaller court actions rather than large consolidated class cases - for example a bankruptcy adversary (McCrea) filed Jan 17, 2025 and multiple BBB complaints alleging garnishment or misapplied judgments. These matters show sporadic consumer disputes and litigation, not a major class-action trend. (pacermonitor.com, bbb.org)

Some legal trackers (Law360) list other matters (e.g., Mills; Alishayev) but the connection of River Heights to those dockets isn't always clear in public summaries, so verify parties and filings on official dockets. To watch future activity, check federal dockets directly and set alerts with reliable trackers; a good starting point is search PACER dockets on PacerMonitor and monitor dockets at CourtListener. (law360.com)

• Teka v. River Heights Capital, LLC - filed Aug 20, 2024; voluntarily dismissed Oct 15, 2024 (federal complaint/Fair Debt Collection Act). (pacermonitor.com)
• McCrea v. River Heights Capital, LLC - bankruptcy adversary complaint filed Jan 17, 2025 (adversary proceeding; default activity noted). (pacermonitor.com)
• BBB consumer complaints (garnishment/judgment disputes) - small number of complaints 2023–2025; no public class settlement reported. (bbb.org)
• Law360-listed matters (Mills; Alishayev) - tracked by legal press but verify River Heights' role on PACER/CourtListener before treating them as confirmed class actions. (law360.com)
• Monitoring tips - set PACER/CourtListener alerts, watch plaintiff firms' filings, and use docket trackers like PacerMonitor for real‑time updates. (pacermonitor.com)

Don't panic - act deliberately: document the notice, don't give money or sensitive data, and move fast to verify and protect your rights.

First, note the date you received the notice, keep the original, and record sender details (name, phone, address, account number and exact amount). Do not confirm personal or financial information over the phone until you verify the sender. (consumerfinance.gov)

Next, verify legitimacy by contacting the company using independent contact info (not the number on the notice) and demand written validation if they didn't include it; federal rules expect collectors to provide key validation details and sample response letters can help you craft a written reply, for example see CFPB sample letters to debt collectors. (consumerfinance.gov)

If you dispute the debt or need proof, send a written validation/dispute letter within 30 days of first contact and mail it certified with return receipt; this forces the collector to verify the debt and can pause some collection pressure.

Check your state's statute of limitations before paying or admitting the debt - timelines commonly fall in the 4–6 year range but vary by state and debt type, and a payment can restart the clock. (consumerfinance.gov)

Consider options: if the debt is valid, negotiate only in writing and avoid admissions that reset limits; if a judgment exists, know judgments can often be renewed and remain enforceable for many years so a court or attorney review is wise.

Professional review or an attorney can expose errors in ownership, balances, or improper practices that you can use to dispute or settle more favorably. (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov, library.nclc.org)

Finally, document every call, message, and sent letter; keep copies and certified-mail receipts.

If the collector violates the law or won't validate the debt, file disputes with the credit bureaus and submit a complaint to regulators and the CFPB; keep pressure in writing and keep dates - paper and timestamps win disputes. (consumerfinance.gov)

Ignoring River Heights Capital is risky - silence often leads to lawsuits, default judgments, and enforcement like wage garnishment or bank levies. Do not assume no answer means no consequence.

They often pursue judgments, and court data show about 60% of ignored debt suits end in default wins for collectors; a judgment can last years and let them garnish wages, freeze accounts, or place liens. Communicate your limits instead of disappearing.

If you can't pay, act fast: send a concise hardship letter, offer a written payment plan or a lump‑sum settlement, or negotiate through a reputable credit repair/settlement service that can dispute or reduce impact without full payment. If debt is uncollectible or overwhelming, consult counsel about bankruptcy as a last resort.

Document everything. Request debt validation in writing, send correspondence by certified mail, and never ignore a court summons - respond to the court or you'll likely lose by default. If collectors cross legal lines, contact a consumer attorney, your state regulator, or the CFPB.

Not necessarily - taking a reduced payoff can be a smart, practical move if you negotiate carefully and protect yourself in writing.

• Big upside: buyers frequently accept big discounts; many settle around 30–50% of the claimed balance (Solosuit settlement range data).
• Fast relief: a negotiated settlement can stop collection calls and end stress quickly.
• Leverage tip: remind them they paid pennies on the dollar; that fact strengthens your bargaining position.
• Credit tradeoff: settled-for-less often remains on your reports and can still hurt score compared with pay-in-full.
• Legal/timing risk: if the debt is time‑barred, a payment or written admission can restart the statute of limitations - never admit or pay before checking your state law.
• Tax note: forgiven principal over $600 may trigger a 1099‑C and taxable income.
• Must-do: insist on a signed 'settlement and release' with exact terms (amount, reporting, no further collection) before you pay.

Validate the account first, confirm the statute of limitations, weigh the settlement's credit vs. repair tradeoffs, and if you proceed get a written release and tax guidance; consider a consumer‑debt attorney or certified credit counselor if anything feels risky.

Yes - they can sue you in civil court to collect a debt, but they cannot have you arrested for owing money. Debt collection is a civil matter; a collector sues, gets a money judgment if they win, then uses post-judgment tools to collect. Court-trackers and federal dockets show River Heights Capital and related firms filing multiple collection actions in 2024–25 (filings appear across state dockets), and most summonses give you roughly 20–30 days to file an answer or you risk default. (justia.com, solosuit.com, prweb.com)

Arrest-for-debt is a myth in modern U.S. law. Only criminal acts or court-ordered contempt can lead to arrest - not simply unpaid consumer debt. What debt buyers can do after winning is enforce a judgment: wage garnishment, bank levies, liens, or seizing nonexempt property, depending on state law and exemptions. (nolo.com, justia.com)

Act fast if you're served: read the summons, file a written Answer before the deadline, and demand proof of the debt (validation/chain of title). Raise common defenses - lack of standing, statute of limitations, payment, identity error - and don't let the case default. For step‑by‑step self‑help on replying and defenses see responding to debt lawsuits. (nolo.com, solosuit.com)

If you respond you preserve defenses and can often negotiate, get proof, or win dismissal; if you ignore it you'll likely get a default judgment that enables garnishment or bank freezes (there are public complaints and court dockets showing garnishment actions tied to River Heights accounts). If a judgment appears, act quickly - file post‑judgment motions, claim exemptions, or consult a consumer attorney. (bbb.org, justia.com)

You can sue River Heights Capital under the FDCPA, lodge regulatory complaints, and request courts to stop unlawful collection and award damages and fees.

Bring an FDCPA claim for violations like harassment, false statements or failure to validate - statutory damages can reach $1,000 plus actual damages, attorneys' fees and court costs. Act fast: the FDCPA's statute of limitations is one year from the violation. Preserve everything: call logs, texts, letters, dates, and copies of notices; recordings help but check your state's consent law before recording. You can file in small claims (no lawyer needed) for smaller actual damages or federal/state court for full remedies; recent 2024 rulings show failure-to-validate claims are often successful when documentation is missing.

Immediately send a written dispute and, if desired, a cease‑and‑desist by certified mail and keep proof. File regulatory complaints (for example, file a complaint with CFPB), the FTC, and your state attorney general; consider a consumer-rights attorney for FDCPA suits or contingency representation. Keep neat evidence folders and act before the one‑year deadline.

Yes - you can sometimes avoid paying a collector like River Heights Capital, but only by using specific legal tools or proving the claim is invalid.

Start with an aggressive dispute and validation strategy: within 30 days of first contact send a written debt-validation letter by certified mail asking for the original creditor, account number, proof of assignment/chain‑of‑custody, and itemized balance. Demand originals, not summaries. (NCLC studies show chain‑of‑custody errors in roughly 15% of bought accounts - that's a real attack vector.) If they can't produce documentation, file disputes with the credit bureaus and press the collector to delete the tradeline.

Check statutes and judgments: statutes of limitations vary by state (often 3–6 years for written contracts, but some states are longer). Time‑barred debt typically cannot be legally forced through a lawsuit, but making payments or admitting the debt can revive the clock. If a judgment already exists, many jurisdictions allow renewal for 10–20 years - a judgment can still lead to garnishment or bank levies until it's vacated or expires.

Use stronger remedies when appropriate: if the debt is inaccurate or assignment is sloppy, you can get entries removed via dispute or sue under the FDCPA/FCRA for violations. Bankruptcy will discharge most unsecured debts (exceptions exist); consult a bankruptcy attorney before filing. If sued, respond to the summons immediately - ignoring it usually means a default judgment and loss of defense.

Practical negotiation and safeguards: consider a written settlement or 'pay‑for‑delete' only if you get a signed agreement first. Avoid partial payments unless you understand state revival rules. Keep certified‑mail records, call logs, and copies of all correspondence. Know your rights under the FDCPA - harassment, threats, or misrepresentations are illegal.

Next steps you can take now: send a certified debt‑validation letter, search the court clerk for any judgments, freeze further contact if they harass you, and consult a consumer‑debt attorney or nonprofit legal aid for state‑specific guidance.

If the River Heights Capital entry is inaccurate, old, or unverifiable, start with credit repair; if the debt is clearly valid and recent, prioritize paying or negotiating.

Credit repair's advantage is it challenges errors, enforces your FDCPA/validation rights, and can remove wrongful tradelines without you paying; per CreditRepair.com studies, consumers often see 50–100 point gains in 3–6 months when disputes and cleanup are handled correctly. Paying a valid account stops collection pressure and legal risk, but paying often 'validates' the record and usually won't erase the negative mark or fully restore your score.

A pragmatic middle path usually works best: immediately send a validation/dispute (don't admit liability), see what's verified or time‑barred, then negotiate settlement or pay-for-delete only after verification if you must; our services focus on that holistic approach - dispute first, then negotiate smartly - so you reduce score damage, legal exposure, and wasted payments.