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

They're usually calling because a debt buyer - often Security Credit Services LLC (SCS Group) - believes you owe a purchased, defaulted account such as an old credit-union loan, student loan, or charged-off balance. Sometimes the number is legit; sometimes it's a scammer spoofing a collector. Either way, treat unsolicited collection calls as claims you must verify before paying.

Don't give payment info and demand written validation right away - follow official guidance on how to request debt validation. If they can't produce proof, dispute the account with the collector and the credit bureaus. Persistent, abusive calling can violate the FDCPA, so log every contact: date, time, caller number, and exact content; if you consider recording audio, check your state's consent law first. If the debt looks wrong or calls won't stop, consult a credit specialist or consumer attorney for dispute and removal options.

Mostly purchased, charged‑off consumer loans - especially credit‑union loans, student loans, auto loans, and other delinquent personal debts. SCS Group typically works accounts it bought from original lenders or other collectors, so the balances you see are usually past‑due and charged‑off.

Those accounts commonly originate from credit unions, small banks, auto lenders, student‑loan servicers, medical providers, retail accounts, and credit cards. Consumer complaints show they sometimes press older, time‑barred debts aggressively; do not make any payment or admit responsibility before you get written proof because a payment can restart the statute‑of‑limitations clock. Check your state deadline at CFPB statute of limitations page.

• Typical targets: purchased charged‑off credit‑union loans, student loans, auto loans, medical, retail and credit‑card debts.
• Source: accounts bought from original creditors or other collectors.
• Risk: they may pursue time‑barred debts; verify your state's statute.
• Action: request written validation before paying.
• If it's not yours: dispute in writing and demand validation immediately.

SCS Group (doing business as Security Credit Services LLC) is a real debt-collection company, not an automatic scam - but many consumers report aggressive or FDCPA-violating tactics, so treat any contact cautiously.

• Red flags: threats of arrest, refusal to provide written account details, pressure to pay immediately, requests for gift cards/wires, caller-ID spoofing, or asking for your full SSN.
• Verify in writing: demand debt validation (request by certified mail within 30 days). If they can't prove the debt, they legally can't continue collection.
• Licensing check: confirm collector licensing and enforcement actions with your state attorney general.
• Public records: cross-check complaints and status on the Security Credit Services BBB profile.
• Pattern search: use the CFPB complaint database to see whether others report similar practices.

Protect yourself: don't give payment or bank info until you get written validation; send disputes and validation requests by certified mail and keep copies; send a written cease‑and‑desist if harassment continues; file complaints with CFPB and your state AG; consult a consumer-attorney before agreeing to payments or if they sue.

Use SCS's published phone and mailing details when you need to contact or dispute an account: phone (866) 699‑7889, email [email protected] or [email protected], and mailing address PO Box 1156, Oxford, MS 38655 - these are the company's contact points listed on its site and privacy page. (securitycreditservicesllc.com)

• Verify the info on the company's official Security Credit Services contact page before you act. (securitycreditservicesllc.com)
• Note third‑party directories and complaint sites sometimes show different phone numbers or street addresses; cross‑check listings (e.g., consumer review sites) if something looks off. (wallethub.com, chamberofcommerce.com)
• Send any disputes or validation requests by certified mail (return receipt) to create a paper trail.
• Never confirm or give sensitive data (SSN, bank login, full card numbers) over unsolicited calls or texts - ask for written validation first.

You have solid federal protections when you deal with SCS Group: you can require written validation of any alleged debt, insist they stop harassing you, and control when and how they contact you. (consumer.ftc.gov, uscode.house.gov)

SCS must provide 'validation information' either at first contact or within five days, and you have 30 days after getting that notice to dispute or request verification in writing; if you timely dispute or ask for verification they must cease collection until they send proof. Read the official FTC debt collection FAQs for full details. (consumerfinance.gov, consumer.ftc.gov)

Collectors may not call before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. local time without your permission, may not contact you at work once told not to, may not harass, use obscene language, lie, or make false threats, and generally cannot discuss your debt with third parties except in narrow circumstances; a written 'cease communication' stops nearly all contact except narrow notices. (uscode.house.gov, consumer.ftc.gov)

If you contact SCS, use a short script and document everything: say, 'I request written validation of this debt under the FDCPA; cease all collection calls until you provide validation,' then immediately mail a written dispute/cease letter and keep certified-mail receipts. Log date/time, caller, phone number, and exact wording of calls; save voicemails, texts, and letters.

If SCS violates the law you can file complaints (FTC/CFPB/state attorney general) and sue - FDCPA allows actual damages, attorneys' fees, and statutory damages up to $1,000 (typically per lawsuit), with limited time to sue, so preserved records matter. (law.cornell.edu, consumer.ftc.gov)

Send SCS Group a written debt-validation demand by certified mail (return receipt) within 30 days of their first contact – do it now if you haven't.

List your full name, address, SCS account or reference number, a clear demand that they provide proof the debt is yours (original creditor, itemized balance, date of default), and state they must cease collection until they validate; keep a copy and the certified-mail receipt.

If SCS fails to produce valid verification, they must cease collection and remove the entry from your credit reports; if they keep contacting or reporting, document each violation and you can dispute the tradeline with the bureaus and file complaints. Use the CFPB's tools to examine any documentation they send: CFPB guidance on debt validation, and if the validation looks wrong (bad balance, wrong dates, wrong creditor) consider a formal dispute or hiring a credit-repair expert to craft disputes and, if needed, pursue FDCPA remedies.

• Mail template lines: 'I dispute this debt. Provide verification: original creditor, charge‑off date, itemized balance.'
• Send by certified mail; keep the receipt.
• If no validation, file dispute with Equifax/Experian/TransUnion and attach your certified‑mail proof.
• Lodge a complaint with CFPB and your state attorney general.
• If SCS keeps collecting/reporting, save records and consult a consumer‑law attorney or bring a small‑claims/FDCPA suit.

Dispute the entry in writing to SCS and to the three credit bureaus by certified mail, attach identity‑theft evidence, and demand deletion if the account isn't yours.

Gather everything first: the SCS collection notice, any account numbers, a government ID, a police report if you filed one, and an identity‑theft affidavit - file an FTC identity‑theft affidavit. Keep copies and note dates and tracking numbers.

• Send a certified debt‑validation letter to SCS within 30 days of first contact; demand account details and removal if they can't validate.
• Mail disputes to Experian, Equifax and TransUnion by certified mail with copies of your evidence and a clear deletion request.
• Submit the FTC affidavit and police report to the bureaus and the furnisher; label the dispute 'identity theft / mixed file.'
• Place a fraud alert or freeze on your file and check your official credit reports for mixed‑file errors.
• If bureaus or SCS don't remove the item, file complaints with the CFPB and your state attorney general, and keep records for legal action.
• If the entry persists, get a consumer‑law attorney to review FCRA/FDCPA claims (possible deletions and statutory damages).

Track every certified‑mail receipt and proof of delivery. Expect credit bureaus to investigate (usually 30 days); if they don't correct inaccurate data, that strengthens an FCRA/FDCPA case.

Start by sending the certified disputes today, file the FTC affidavit, monitor your reports, and escalate to CFPB or a consumer attorney if removal doesn't happen.

Yes - SCS can call your workplace unless you tell them in writing to stop, but there are strict limits on where, when, and what they may say.

At work: they may contact your employer about how to reach you unless you issue a written request that they stop workplace calls; your employer can also refuse to take collection calls. Do not let them post publicly on social media - public posts about your debt are off-limits. Private messages on social platforms are risky; insist on written communications if you prefer.

Timing, third parties, and remedies are limited: calls before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM are presumptively improper under the FDCPA, and contacting friends/family is only allowed to get your location information - not to discuss the debt. If SCS crosses these lines, send a written cease-and-desist, keep dated records of every contact, and escalate documented breaches (including by choosing to file a CFPB complaint) - those records strengthen any FDCPA complaint or legal step you later pursue.

Start by telling them to stop: send a written cease-and-desist (request they stop all contact) and mail it certified with return receipt so you have proof. (consumer.ftc.gov, findlaw.com)

Document everything and report it: keep call dates, times, content, and copies of letters and receipts; track harassment patterns using the FTC debt collection log template and then file complaints with the CFPB and your state attorney general if violations continue. (consumer.ftc.gov, consumerfinance.gov)

If they ignore the cease request or engage in abusive, deceptive, or unfair practices you may have legal remedies - FDCPA claims can yield actual damages, attorney's fees, and up to $1,000 in statutory damages per individual lawsuit, and repeated, patterned abuse can support class claims; preserve your certified-mail receipt and call log and consult a consumer‑protection attorney to evaluate a suit or class-action potential. (law.cornell.edu, consumerfinance.gov)

Yes - but only if the original agreement or your state law allows those extra charges and the collector properly discloses them. SCS (or any debt buyer) can't invent new interest or hidden fees after purchase; additions must flow from the contract, a lawful rate (watch state usury caps), or a statute that permits recovery. If they apply post‑charge‑off interest, collection fees, or markups that aren't in the contract or allowed by law, that's misrepresentation and you can fight it under the FDCPA.

For a practical fix, demand proof and follow these steps - and see the NCLC resource for deeper guidance: NCLC chapter on debt fees.

• Request written debt validation within 30 days of SCS's first contact; ask for the original contract showing any interest/fee terms.
• Ask SCS for an itemized accounting of all post‑charge‑off charges and when they were added.
• Check your state's usury and collection fee laws; note any illegal overcharges.
• Dispute unauthorized fees in writing with SCS and the credit bureaus; keep copies and return receipts.
• If SCS won't correct illegal charges, file an FDCPA complaint and consult a consumer‑debt attorney about damages.

No - SCS (or any collection agency) generally must win a court judgment before it can legally garnish pay, levy a bank account, or take non‑exempt benefits; only narrow federal offsets are exceptions.

A creditor must sue, serve you, and get a judgment first. After judgment the collector uses a court writ to garnish wages or levy accounts and must follow state rules for notice, employer or bank service, and exemption claims. If you're served with a summons, respond by the deadline or you risk a default judgment that makes garnishment automatic.

• Wages: garnishment normally starts only after a court order and employer notice; state exemptions and limits apply.
• Bank accounts: banks can be served with a levy after judgment and may freeze funds temporarily, but you can claim exemptions.
• Benefits: most Social Security and many public benefits are protected from consumer‑debt garnishment; see how Social Security benefits are protected.
• Exceptions: child support, federal taxes, and some federal debts have special collection powers.
• Quick tip: if you're sued, respond immediately and assert exemptions to avoid a default judgment.

If you get notice, act fast: file any exemption claim, request debt validation, contact a legal aid clinic or consumer attorney, and consider preemptive credit counseling to defuse escalation. Keep written records of every communication and don't ignore court papers.

SCS Group (Security Credit Services) shows a noticeable BBB complaint record: 48 complaints logged over the past 3 years, 25 of those in the last 12 months - mostly billing and validation disputes. (bbb.org)

Details: complaints commonly cite billing errors, failure to provide verification, and aggressive collection tactics that raise FDCPA‑style concerns. The company's public BBB profile (compare details here: BBB complaint profile for Security Credit Services) shows recurring patterns rather than one‑off issues, so watch timing and frequency in your state. (bbb.org)

Analysis: a mid‑range but concentrated complaint volume like this signals repeat problems - either inconsistent validation practices or pushy collector behavior - both of which increase the chance of FDCPA violations and credit‑reporting errors. Complaints vary by corporate location, so don't assume national uniformity; check the local BBB record before deciding your next move. If contacted, document everything, demand debt validation in writing, note dates/times of calls, and cite BBB complaints when disputing practices or filing regulator complaints. Monitoring the BBB profile and state consumer‑protection filings helps spot trends (and strengthens any legal or dispute position you build). (bbb.org)

Yes - SCS has been the target of federal enforcement and recent litigation that created real remedies and opened the door for consumer claims when disputes or validation failures occur.

• Wood v. Security Credit Services (7th Cir., No. 23‑2071, decided Jan. 28, 2025): the Seventh Circuit reversed summary judgment and remanded, holding there were genuine factual disputes about whether SCS knew or should have known a consumer's dispute (§1692e(8) FDCPA claim) and emphasizing validation/reporting failures; see Wood v. Security Credit Services opinion. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca7/23-2071/23-20…))
• FTC enforcement (2013): the FTC sued Security Credit Services, LLC and Jacob Law Group for deceptive collection practices and won a stipulated settlement requiring refunds (about $799,958) and an injunction against misleading tactics. ([ftc.gov](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2013/03/settlement-…))
• Class status and joining: Wood included a class allegation but did not pursue certification; other suits or settlements against SCS may arise and many consumer class actions operate on an opt‑out basis (you may be included automatically and must opt out to exclude yourself). ([classaction.org](https://www.classaction.org/learn/how-to-join?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

What this means for you and next steps: if SCS reported a debt without marking your written dispute or failed to validate, you may have an FDCPA claim and could be eligible to join or benefit from class remedies – document every letter, dispute, and credit‑report entry.

Send a written validation/cease‑and‑desist as appropriate, keep copies, and consult a consumer‑law attorney about individual and class options. File complaints with the CFPB and FTC and monitor case dockets or settlement notices so you can file a claim or opt out if needed. ([law.justia.com](https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca7/23-2071/23-20…), [consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/debt-collection/?utm_sou…), [ftc.gov](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2013/03/settlement-…))

Act fast: preserve proof, demand validation within the 30‑day window, and don't admit or pay anything until SCS Group proves the debt.

• Photograph the notice (front/back) with date and time visible.
• Note delivery method and date received.
• Check your credit reports for that account.
• Within 30 days, send a written validation/dispute letter (certified mail, return receipt). Use CFPB sample debt verification letters to model yours.
• Contact the original creditor to confirm balance and ownership.
• Keep every piece of mail, call log, and proof of delivery.
• Do NOT make partial payments or otherwise acknowledge the debt while disputing it.

You're exercising legal rights that force the collector to prove the account and chain of assignment; that proof (or lack of it) determines whether you must respond further, negotiate, or escalate to a dispute with the bureaus or a lawyer.

Quick, documented action limits reporting damage and strengthens your position if SCS Group persists or sues.

• What to include in your validation letter: your full name, account number shown on notice, clear statement 'I dispute this debt and request validation,' request for original creditor, itemized charges, and deadline language asking for verification.
• Send by certified mail, keep copies, log dates and contacts, and consult an attorney or local legal aid if you receive a summons or the collector refuses to validate.

You won't be jailed for not paying, but silence can still cost you: unpaid accounts can lead to credit damage, collection suits, judgments, wage garnishment or bank levies if a collector sues and wins.

Ignoring calls or letters often makes things worse. Collections hurt your score and can turn into a lawsuit if the collector files. Criminal arrest for debt is not a thing in consumer debt cases.

If you can't pay, contact the collector to ask about hardship plans, reduced-pay settlements, or affordable payment arrangements and get any deal in writing; also use your right to request debt validation before acknowledging the debt.

A separate protection is the statute of limitations - it may stop collectors from suing for an old debt, so check timelines carefully; see how the statute of limitations works. Credit-repair tactics can also blunt score damage without paying immediately.

Act fast: respond in writing, document everything, confirm any agreement in writing, talk to a nonprofit credit counselor or consumer attorney before signing, and consider bankruptcy only after professional advice.

Not usually - settling for less can be a smart, practical fix, but it comes with real trade‑offs you must manage.

Negotiation benefits are clear: you cut the balance, stop calls, and often avoid a costly judgment. Warning: a payment or written acknowledgement can restart the statute of limitations in some states. Also expect reporting consequences - accounts marked 'settled' or 'paid‑for‑less' can still ding your score. Tip: forgiven balances over $600 may be taxable (1099‑C).

Do not pay without terms. Get any settlement in writing before you pay. Aim for 40–60% of the alleged balance when possible. Demand precise reporting language and a full release. If the collector won't validate the debt or put promises in writing, pause negotiations. If you're unsure or face a lawsuit, consider professional negotiation or an attorney to avoid credit hits and legal traps.

They can take civil action to get a judgment on a valid, in‑statute debt, but owing money is not a crime and they cannot have you arrested for nonpayment.

If SCS Group files a lawsuit and you ignore it, the court can enter a default judgment that lets them pursue wage garnishment, bank levies, or liens depending on state law. Civil suits must be brought within the state's statute of limitations; if the debt is time‑barred or not proven, you have strong defenses. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act forbids collectors from threatening arrest or other false legal consequences, so any arrest threats are unlawful.

If you're served, don't default - file a timely Answer (check the summons for the deadline, often 20–30 days). Ask for written debt validation and check the statute of limitations before admitting anything. Use SoloSuit answer templates to prepare and file an Answer quickly, and watch court dockets for patterns in SCS Group's filings; that record helps spot weak or repeated claims.

• Do not ignore a summons - respond by the deadline listed.
• Send a written debt‑validation request within 30 days of first contact.
• Check your state's statute of limitations and use it as a defense if expired.
• File an Answer (use the SoloSuit templates) and request proof of ownership/chain of title.
• Document any arrest threats and report FDCPA violations to CFPB and your state attorney general.
• If default judgment occurs, move to vacate or get legal help (legal aid, consumer attorney).
• Consider negotiating only after you confirm the debt is valid and the collector's authority.

You have three direct legal levers: sue for statutory and actual damages, force validation and cessation of illegal practices, and report them to regulators who can investigate and fine the collector.

Start by documenting everything: dates, times, texts, letters, account numbers, and caller IDs; record calls only if your state law allows. Send a certified debt-validation letter and keep proof of delivery; notes and screenshots are admissible evidence and make a later claim much stronger.

If they break federal or state collection laws you can sue under the FDCPA for statutory damages (up to $1,000 for an individual) plus actual damages, attorneys' fees, and court costs; state consumer-protection laws can add higher penalties or broader remedies. You can file in small-claims court for modest losses, in state or federal court for larger claims, or join/seek class certification when there's a repeated pattern of abuse.

While you prepare a case, file complaints with the CFPB, the FTC, and your state attorney general and dispute any inaccurate tradelines with the credit bureaus; consult a consumer-law attorney or legal aid to evaluate claims and fees. For real-world examples and complaint patterns involving SCS, see examples of SCS complaints.

Yes - but only in narrow cases: if the account is not yours, is time‑barred, or already discharged, you can stop paying; otherwise the legal obligation usually remains.

First, demand validation and refuse to admit liability. Send a written dispute/validation letter by certified mail and require the collector to prove the debt (they must provide specific validation under federal rules). Do not make payments or promise to pay until you get proof. See CFPB debt validation rules for what collectors must show. ([consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/regulations/1006/34?utm_so…))

If the statute of limitations has expired the debt is 'time‑barred' - collectors can still call, but they generally cannot win a lawsuit unless you restart the clock by acknowledging or paying. Don't reset the clock by making any payment or written admission. Check your state's SOL and CFPB guidance before deciding to ignore, settle, or fight. See CFPB on collecting old debts. ([consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/can-debt-collectors-collect-a-…), [forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/debt-relief/debt-relief-statute-of-limit…))

If eligible, bankruptcy can permanently stop collection by discharging qualifying debts; note many obligations (child support, certain taxes, most student loans) aren't wiped out. After disputing or discharging, remove wrong listings from your credit reports by filing disputes with the bureaus or using a reputable credit‑repair option (beware scams). See bankruptcy discharge basics and how to dispute credit report errors. ([uscourts.gov](https://www.uscourts.gov/court-programs/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-basics/di…), [consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/1303?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Try disputing the SCS Group entry first - if it's inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable a properly filed FCRA dispute (either DIY or via a reputable credit-repair company) can lead to deletion without you paying. Paying a collector usually only changes the status to 'paid' while the negative history can remain on your report for years; pay-for-delete deals exist but are rare and must be secured in writing, and in some states a payment can even revive a time‑barred debt.

Choose repair when the account's legitimacy, balance, dates, or reporting are questionable, when you want professional handling of bureau/collector responses, or when you can't afford to pay. Consider cost vs. benefit: credit-repair firms charge for expertise and time, but you can dispute yourself for free if you have patience and documentation. If the debt is clearly valid and within statute, negotiate a written settlement that includes deletion before paying; if deletion isn't offered, weigh stopping calls and settling the balance against the fact that payment alone may not heal your score.