How to Resolve Debt With Pioneer Credit Recovery

Legal Expert, Paralegal
Dena Standley, BA

Dena Standley is a seasoned paralegal with more than 20 years of experience in legal research and writing, having received a certification as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal from Southern Technical College.

Edited by Hannah Locklear

Editor at SoloSuit
Hannah Locklear, BA

Hannah Locklear is SoloSuit’s Marketing and Impact Manager. With an educational background in Linguistics, Spanish, and International Development from Brigham Young University, Hannah has also worked as a legal support specialist for several years.

Summary: Is Pioneer Credit Recovery suing you for a debt? SoloSuit can help you stand up for your rights and resolve your debt once and for all. The first step is to respond to the case in court. You may also want to consider settling your debt with Pioneer Credit Recovery. SoloSettle makes the debt settlement process easier.

If Pioneer Credit Recovery's name seems familiar, it's because they've been in the headlines frequently in recent years. They were one of five collection companies sacked by the Department of Education in 2015 after the IRS engaged them to collect on Americans' overdue tax payments. In 2017, the Trump administration rehired the firm to collect on defaulted student loan obligations again.

If you have failed to make payments on your student loans in over nine months, Pioneer Credit Recovery, one of the many private collection agencies engaged by the Department of Education, may contact you to recover defaulted student loans.

This correspondence can be frustrating and annoying, but ignoring the collector's calls and failing to settle your defaulted loans can only lead to more severe consequences in the future.

We want to help you resolve your debt with Pioneer Credit Recovery and navigate the many extreme tactics they use to to bother you in an attempt to collect debts.

Sued by Pioneer Credit Recovery? Use SoloSettle to settle your debt for good.

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What is Pioneer Credit Recovery?

Pioneer Credit Recovery, or PCR, is a New York-based third-party collection firm that focuses on collecting debts for government agencies and student loan issuers. Consumer complaints have been filed with PCR alleging violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), including improper information sharing and fraudulent representations. If PCR has contacted you, make sure you know your rights before replying.

Who does Pioneer Credit Recovery collect for?

Pioneer Credit Recovery's key stockholders are national, state, and local government entities and delinquent debt accounts for the judicial system and tax amnesty. PCR's government business is a leading provider of collection services across the country, with an extensive portfolio in non-tax government collections. PCR's services provide county and municipal governments exceptional collection performances to collect court fines and fees.

According to PCR's Quality Control page, the company follows "the highest ethical standards" and employs "many layers of responsibility and risk management across all departments." However, there are no links or references to consumer protection services, laws, or enforcement authorities on their website.

Is Pioneer Credit Recovery legitimate?

Pioneer Credit Recovery is a legitimate company. There are three government action notices on Pioneer Credit Recovery, Inc.'s Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile page. According to the Better Business Bureau, PCR is a reputable collection agency created in 1985 and incorporated in 2001. In 1988, the BBB launched the PCR profile page. PCR is recognized as a credit service and a collection agency.

Because of its collecting techniques, Pioneer Credit Recovery was initially fired from the Department of Education. PCR has also been sued for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). A few of the violations include:

Misleading customers about the effects of the rehabilitation program.
Fraudulently billing students for collection costs.
Using improper telephone practices, such as automated calls.
Violating privacy by searching for individuals on social media to identify acquaintances of borrowers who are/were in debt.

If you believe Pioneer Credit Recovery has committed any of these crimes against you, contact us immediately to protect yourself and your assets from PCR.

Can Pioneer Credit Recovery sue me or garnish my wages?

It is prohibited for a debt collector to threaten to sue you or garnish your salary with empty threats. It's also rare that PCR will sue you for a debt you don't owe or that they can't prove. Debt collection companies have brought debtors to court and garnished wages after a default judgment.

Thousands of people have used SoloSuit's services to fight against unscrupulous debt collectors. Visit SoloSuit's website to find out how we can help you win the battle against Pioneer Credit Recovery.

Pioneer Credit Recovery PCR calling you?

Does it feel like the phone will not stop ringing? Are you receiving calls and messages from Pioneer Credit Recovery regularly? Pioneer Credit Recovery and other debt collection companies collect third-party debt. They frequently go to extraordinary lengths to do so, including never-ending and aggravating phone calls.

Being in debt can frustrate ‌you, and it can cause many restless nights. Remember to keep your calm when dealing with Pioneer Credit Recovery or other debt collectors, and avoid saying or doing things that could put you at risk.

Federal laws protect you. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) governs collection agency behavior by forbidding abusive or threatening language, harassment, and the collection of a debt using false or misleading information. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how collection agencies and creditors report unpaid accounts to credit bureaus. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Consumer Financial Protection Act (CFPA) are two more consumer protection statutes.

Put an end to Pioneer Credit Recovery's debt collection harassment right away

Pioneer Credit Recovery frequently violates the FDCPA. Consumers who are a victim of unfair debt collection efforts can be eligible for compensation of up to $1,000 per violation of the FDCPA.

You might have a case against PCR if:

Collectors have threatened you with assault, a lawsuit, or arrest if you don't pay up.
A debt collector will try to get more money from you than you owe.
Negative credit reporting is being threatened against you.
An attempt is made to frighten you by a debt collector.
Accusations of criminal activity have been leveled against you.
Collection organizations use inappropriate language while trying to collect a debt.
Third-party collection organizations are calling you many times every week.
Debt collectors are calling you early in the morning or late at night.
You're getting calls from a debt collection firm at work.
Debt collectors are contacting your family, friends, neighbors, or employees to collect money owed to you.
Robocalls are being made to your phone ‌to get information.

What if Pioneer Credit Recovery sues me?

If you've been sued by Pioneer Credit Recovery, you should have received a court Summons and Complaint. These documents notify you of the lawsuit and list the specific claims against you. The first step to resolving debt with Pioneer Credit Recovery in court is to file a written Answer to the Summons and Complaint. Here are 6 tips to drafting a winning Answer:

The Answer isn't the place to tell your side of the story in detail: At this point in the lawsuit, the burden of proof is on Pioneer Credit Recovery, not you. Avoid giving an elaborate explanation of your side of the story in your Answer. This can actually end up hurting your case. Stick the basics: respond to each claim listed in the Complaint.
Deny Deny Deny: Most attorneys recommend that you deny as many of the claims as possible. Denying is like saying, “prove it.” It requires Pioneer Credit Recovery to do more work to prove their case.
Include defenses: Include a section for your “affirmative defenses.” An affirmative defense is any reason that Pioneer Credit Recovery doesn't have a case against you. Some common affirmative defenses include: the debt is past the statute of limitations, the amount is incorrect, the debt is fraudulent, etc.
Use standard formatting or “style”: Your Answer document should be clean and professional, with standard margins, font, and font sizes. You should include a caption at the beginning of the document where you list the court information, parties' information, and the case number.
Include certificate of service: Be sure to print a copy of your Answer and serve it to Pioneer Credit Recovery or the attorney representing it. You will need to add a certificate of service at the end of your Answer document, certifying that you served PRC and the address you used to do so.
Sign it: Most courts will reject any Answer that doesn't have a signature. Be sure to sign both the Answer and the certificate of service separately. Some courts do not accept an electronic signature, so be aware of that too.

To learn more about these 6 helpful tips, check out the video below. SoloSuit's CEO breaks down each tips and more:

SoloSuit can help file an Answer in all 50 states.

Settle your debt with Pioneer Credit Recovery

Debt settlement can help you prevent wage garnishment.

In a debt settlement, you offer your creditor a portion of the total amount due, usually at least 60% of the debt’s value. In exchange for a lump-sum payment, the creditor agrees to drop its legal claims against you and release you from the remaining balance.

A creditor often considers negotiating a debt settlement if you promise to make a lump-sum payment and clear the remaining amount within a short period. Because of this, debt settlement usually works best if you have some cash saved or expect to receive some money soon

Settling your debt helps you avoid a judgment and wage garnishment. You’ll save some money and move on from this challenging experience.

If you decide to settle your obligation, you’ll want to ensure you get the terms of your agreement in writing and pay the creditor before your court date. If you’ve never tried debt settlement before, consider working with a professional organization that will guide you through the process.

To learn more about how to settle a debt with Pioneer Credit Recovery, check out this video:

SoloSettle, powered by SoloSuit, is a tech-based approach to debt settlement. Our software helps you send and receive settlement offers until you reach an agreement with the collector. Once an agreement is reached, we’ll help you manage the settlement documentation and transfer your payment to the creditor or debt collector, helping you keep your financial information private and secure.

What if I haven't been sued yet?

Pioneer Credit Recovery might be contacting you, but no lawsuit has been filed yet. If this is the case, consider sending Solosuit's Debt Validation Letter to protect yourself and your assets from debt collectors. The Debt Validation Letter requires collectors like Pioneer Credit Recovery to prove that a debt is valid before further communication takes place. It also establishes your specific rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). All you have to do is answer a few simple questions while SoloSuit generates an automatic letter and sends mailing instructions to you

Don't let your collectors get the better of you; we're here to help.

What is Solo?

Solo makes it easy to resolve debt with debt collectors.

You can use SoloSuit to respond to a debt lawsuit, to send letters to collectors, and even to settle a debt. SoloSuit's Answer service is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your Answer. Upon completion, we'll have an attorney review your document and we'll file it for you.

SoloSettle can help you contact your debt collector or creditor and negotiate the debt to settle for less, all online. It simplifies and streamlines the process to settling your debt.

No matter where you find yourself in the debt collection process, Solo is here to help you resolve your debt.

>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit. (We can help you in all 50 states.)

How to Answer a Summons for debt collection in all 50 states

Here's a list of guides on how to respond to a debt collection lawsuit in each state:

The Ultimate 50 State Guide

Debt collector guides

Are you being contacted by a debt collector? We’re making guides on how to resolve debt with each one.

Arbitration

If the thought of going to court stresses you out, you’re not alone. Many Americans who are sued for credit card debt utilize a Motion to Compel Arbitration to push their case out of court and into arbitration.

Below are some resources on how to use an arbitration clause to your advantage and win a debt lawsuit.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a great way to legally resolve debt, but it's usually best to consider it as a last resort. Here are some bankruptcy guides to help you decide which debt resolution option is best for you.

Check your case status

Don’t have time to go to your local courthouse to check the status of your case? We’ve created state guides on how to check the status of your case throughout the US, complete with online search tools and court directories.

Credit

Debt has a big impact on your credit. Below is a list of guides on how to repair and improve your credit, even while managing major debt, along with other credit-related resources.

Debt collection FAQs

Find answers to some of our the most commonly-asked questions about debt collection below.

Debt collection documents and templates

If you're dealing with debt, these documents and templates will help you respond, protect your rights, negotiate, and resolve your debts.

Debt relief

We’ve created a specialized guide on how to find debt relief in all 50 states, complete with steps to take to find relief, state-specific resources, and more.

Debt settlement

Debt settlement is one of the most effective ways to resolve a debt and save money. We’ve created state guides on debt settlement. Find out how to settle in your state with a simple click and explore other debt settlement resources below.

Eviction

Facing an eviction? The following guides will help you navigate your situation with confidence.

Federal debt collection laws

Knowing your rights makes it easier to stand up for your rights. Below, we’ve compiled all our articles on federal debt collection laws that protect you from unfair practices.

Legal aid

Helping people find access to justice is at the heart of Solo's misison. If you're dealing with a legal debt issue, the following guides will help you through it.

Medical debt

Having a health challenge is stressful, but dealing with medical debt on top of it is overwhelming. Here are some resources on how to manage medical debt.

Personal finance

Learn how to manage your finances and overcome crushing debt. Check out our personal finance guides below.

State debt collection laws

Debt collection laws vary by state, so we have compiled a guide to each state’s debt collection laws to make it easier for you to stand up for your rights—no matter where you live.

Statute of limitations on debt

Like all debt collection laws, the statute of limitations on debt varies by state. So, we wrote guides on each state’s statutes and more.

Stop collection calls

Do you keep getting calls from an unknown number, only to realize that it’s a debt collector on the other line? If you’ve been called by any of the following numbers, chances are you have collectors coming after you, and we’ll tell you how to stop them.

Wage garnishment

Forgot to respond to your debt lawsuit? The judge may have ordered a default judgment against you, and with a default judgment, debt collectors can garnish your wages. Here are our guides on how to stop wage garnishment in your state, plus other wage garnishment resources.

The Debt Hotline

Hosted by Team Solo, The Debt Hotline breaks down debt and personal finance topics with help from attorneys, financial experts, and industry pros. We respond to real questions to help you navigate debt with knowledge and courage.

Other debt resources

It only takes 15 minutes.

And 50% of our customers' cases have been dismissed in the past.

"Finding yourself on the wrong side of the law unexpectedly is kinda scary. I started researching on YouTube and found SoloSuit's channel. The videos were so helpful, easy to understand and encouraging. When I reached out to SoloSuit they were on it. Very professional, impeccably prompt. Thanks for the service!" - Heather

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