How to Beat Helvey and Associates

Edited by Hannah Locklear

The trouble with Helvey and Associates is they do their best to get on your nerves until you pay. Their persistence and harassment can make consumers start paying even without confirming the facts.

So how can SoloSuit help you? Well, we help consumers who cannot afford to hire an attorney to create legal documents, empowering them to represent themselves in court. We can also help you avoid going to court altogether by preventing a lawsuit.

This article will explain how to beat Helvey and Associates at their game. First, let’s explore what Helvey and Associates is and what your fellow consumers think about its services.

Who are Helvey and Associates?

Helvey and Associates is a third-party debt collection agency based in Warsaw, Indiana, with multiple offices located across the United States. In business for more than 60 years, Helvey & Associates uses dunning letters, skip tracing services, and credit bureau reporting to get consumers, like you, to pay off debts..

Helvey & Associates’ contact information is as follows:

Address: 1029 East Center Street, Warsaw, Indiana 46580
Phone: 574-269-1726, 855-804-5704
Email: info@hlv.com

Helvey & Associates, Inc is not an accredited business according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but it does have an A- rating as of November 2022. That being said, its BBB reviews stand at only 1/5 stars.

The company has been operational in the debt collection industry for nearly seven decades. Still, consumers are dissatisfied with some of its practices. Below are some examples.

Helvey and Associates customer reviews

If you feel like you’ve been treated unfairly by Helvey & Associates, Inc., you’re not alone.

Complaints with the BBB and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) demonstrate some of the questionable debt collection tactics the company is willing to employ to get people to pay up.

As of 2022, Helvey & Associates has received 62 complaints in the last three years on its BBB profile. Similarly, the CFPB has reported more than 360 complaints over the last 10 years.

In these complaints, consumers allege that H&A makes false promises that they would remove accounts from consumers' credit reports if they paid in full, only to turn back and claim it is illegal to do so. They also claim that H&A has been furnishing records to the consumer reporting bureaus without proper notification.

Let’s look at a real example from H&A’s BBB profile:

“I am not liable for this debt with HELVEY AND ASSOCIATES and i do not have a contract with HELVEY AND ASSOCIATES . They were not able to provide me with the verifiable proof of any contract with my signature on it like i asked. this was a account from duke in which it was sent to collection as closed with zero dollars. their failure to positively verify the account has hurt my ability to obtain credit.”

This example suggests that Helvey and Associates failed to validate someone’s debt upon request, which is a violation of the Faird Debt Collection Practices Act. (FDCPA). It’s best to familiarize yourself with debt collection industry laws so you can protect yourself from unfair debt collection practices.

The FDCPA gives you rights that protect you

Did you know that a debt collector cannot lie to you? If the consumer quoted above can prove that Helvey and Associates lied to them, they can sue and get compensation.

Under the FDCPA, debt collectors cannot:

• Call you late in the night or early in the morning.
• Harass you.
• Degrade you by calling you names.
• Shame you by discussing your debt with unauthorized third parties.
• Call you at work if you tell them not to.
• Keep calling you after you ask them to stop.
• Impersonate government officials or agencies.
• Demand that you pay more than you owe.
• Threaten to take legal action if they do not plan to follow through.

If Helvey and Associates know that you are aware of your rights, they will have no choice but to stick to the rules. File your complaint with the CFPB or the FTC if they fail to comply.

Below is an example of how you can win against Helvey and Associates.

When Helvey and Associates contacts you, knowing your rights can help you fight back. A great way to prevent a lawsuit with debt collectors is sending a Debt Validation Letter. Keep reading to learn more.

Send a Debt Validation Letter to Helvey and Associates

Suppose you allow Helvey and Associates to bully you into paying alleged debts without proper validation. In that case, you could ruin your credit by reviving accounts past the statute of limitations. You might also open yourself up to debt collection lawsuits or pay more than you owe.

The law requires that Helvey and Associates validate every debt they contact you about. However, most consumers who don't know this take debt collectors at their word and fall deeper into the traps.

It's critical to remember that accounts that have gone into collections are prone to errors. The only way to determine if H&A have their records right is by sending a Debt Validation Letter. Check out this video to learn how a Debt Validation Letter can help you:

The letter requires that H&A provide documentation supporting every account entry. They will have to stop contacting you if they cannot prove their claims with proper documentation.

Use certified USPS mail so you can track your letter.

Even though the Debt Validation Letter will not delete valid debts, it lets you get your life back. The calls will stop, at least for some time. You will prove that the debt is not only yours but is also accurate. And you can also prevent a lawsuit.

Create your Debt Validation Letter now.

If the collector does validate your debt and ends up filing a debt lawsuit,, it is not too late to beat Helvey and Associates in court.

What should I do if Helvey and Associates is suing me?

Helvey and Associates collect for several credit providers, including the healthcare industry. If you have a debt resulting from medical bills, you typically have more time before the account reaches your credit report.

If you see such debt on your report, H&A has likely bought the account. Most healthcare providers rarely report to the credit bureaus.

Whatever the type of debt, if Helvey and Associates buy it, they may decide to sue you to recover their money (and profit).

If you have received a Summons and Complaint for debt collection, respond to the lawsuit. Do not let Helvey and Associates win because you failed to file an Answer. It takes just three steps, which we’ve explained below. Don’t like reading? Watch this video instead:

1. Respond to every claim

The Complaint document that accompanies the Summons lists the plaintiff's claims. Read every accusation carefully and respond to each of them independently. You can:

• Admit if you accept the claim.
• Deny if you want Helvey and Associates to prove you are guilty.
• Deny due to lack of knowledge if you aren't sure or do not understand the claim.

Some lawyers recommend that you deny everything. This forces Helvey and Associates to prove that you are guilty. If they can’t, there’s a good chance the case will be dropped.

2. Next, assert your affirmative defenses

After you’re responded to each claim against you, include a section for your affirmative defenses. This is where you get to tell your side of the story. An affirmative defense is any legal reason that Helvey and Associates’ case is not valid.

You can use a long list of legal defenses according to the US Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules 8(c). Mnay of these legal terms may be new to you, but SoloSuit can help you pick the right ones that apply to your case.

All you have to do is respond to a series of questions about your lawsuit, and SoloSuit will translate your answers into the proper legal wording and format.

Make the right defense the right way with SoloSuit..

3. Finally, file your Answer with the court

Your Answer should reach the court before the filing deadline. Depending on where you live, you have between 14-35 days.

If you use SoloSuit, we can file for you. You should print the Answer document and make two copies if you plan to file yourself. File the original with the court. Send one copy to Helvey and Associates' attorney, and keep one for your records.

The advantage of using SoloSuit to file is that we will have an attorney review your Answer before filing to ensure it meets all legal requirements.

SoloSuit can file your Answer for you in all 50 states.

What is SoloSuit?

SoloSuit makes it easy to fight 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.

>>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 your state

Here's a list of guides for other states.

All 50 states.

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Guides on how to beat every debt collector

Being sued by a different debt collector? Were making guides on how to beat each one.

• Absolute Resolutions Investments LLC
• Accredited Collection Services
• Alliance One
• Amcol Clmbia
• American Recovery Service
• Asset Acceptance LLC
• Asset Recovery Solutions
• Associated Credit Services
• Autovest LLC
• Cach LLC
• Cavalry SPV I LLC
• Cerastes LLC
• Colinfobur
• Covington Credit
• Crown Asset Management
• CTC Debt Collector
• Cypress Financial Recoveries
• Delanor Kemper & Associates
• Eagle Loan of Ohio
• Educap
• Estate Information Services
• FIA Card Services
• Forster & Garbus
• Freshview Solutions
• Fulton Friedman & Gullace LLP
• Harvest Credit Management
• Howard Lee Schiff
• Hudson & Keyse LLC
• Integras Capital Recovery LLC
• Javitch Block
• Jefferson Capital Systems LLC
• LVNV Funding
• Mannbracken
• Mariner Finance
• Medicredit
• Michael J Adams PC
• Michael J Scott
• Midland Funding LLC
• Mullooly, Jeffrey, Rooney & Flynn
• Mountain Land Collections
• MRS Associates
• National Collegiate Trust
• Nationstar Foreclosure
• Northstar Capital Acquisition
• NCEP LLC
• NRC Collection Agency
• OneMain Financial
• Palisades Collection LLC
• Pallida LLC
• Paragon Revenue Group
• Pinnacle Collections Agency
• PMAB LLC
• Portfolio Recovery Associates
• Provest Law
• PYOD LLC
• Reunion Student Loan Finance Corporation
• Revenue Group
• Regents and Associates
• RSIEH
• Salander Enterprises LLC
• Second Round Sub LLC
• Security Credit Services
• Sherman Financial Group
• Suttell and Hammer
• T-Mobile
• Transworld Systems
• Tulsa Teachers Credit Union
• UCB Collection
• Velo Law Office
• Velocity Investments
• Waypoint Resource Group
• Weinberg and Associates
• Wolpoff & Abramson

Win against credit card companies

Is your credit card company suing you? Learn how you can beat each one.

• Bank of America
• Capital One
• Chase
• Credit One Bank
• PayPal Synchrony Card
• SYNCB/PPEXTR
• Synchrony Bank
• Target National Bank
• Wells Fargo

Going to Court for Credit Card Debt — Key Tips

How to Negotiate Credit Card Debts

How to Settle a Credit Card Debt Lawsuit — Ultimate Guide

Get answers to these FAQs

Need more info on statutes of limitations? Read our 50-state guide.

Why do debt collectors block their phone numbers?

How long do debt collectors take to respond to debt validation letters?

What are the biggest debt collector companies in the US?

Is Zombie Debt Still a Problem in 2019?

SoloSuit FAQ

If a car is repossessed, do I still owe the debt?

Is Portfolio Recovery Associates Legit?

Is There a Judgment Against Me Without my Knowledge?

Should I File Bankruptcy Before or After a Judgment?

What is a default judgment?— What do I do?

Summoned to Court for Medical Bills — What Do I Do?

What Happens If Someone Sues You and You Have No Money?

What Happens If You Never Answer Debt Collectors?

What Happens When a Debt Is Sold to a Collection Agency

What is a Stipulated Judgment?

What is the Deadline for a Defendants Answer to Avoid a Default Judgment?

Can a Judgement Creditor Take my Car?

Can I Settle a Debt After Being Served?

Can I Stop Wage Garnishment?

Can You Appeal a Default Judgement?

Do I Need a Debt Collection Defense Attorney?

Do I Need a Payday Loans Lawyer?

Do student loans go away after 7 years? — Student Loan Debt Guide

Am I Responsible for My Spouses Medical Debt?

Should I Marry Someone With Debt?

Can a Debt Collector Leave a Voicemail?

How Does Debt Assignment Work?

What Happens If a Defendant Does Not Pay a Judgment?

How Does Debt Assignment Work?

Can You Serve Someone with a Collections Lawsuit at Their Work?

What Is a Warrant in Debt?

How Many Times Can a Judgment be Renewed in Oklahoma?

Can an Eviction Be Reversed?

Does Debt Consolidation Have Risks?

What Happens If You Avoid Getting Served Court Papers?

Does Student Debt Die With You?

Can Debt Collectors Call You at Work in Texas?

How Much Do You Have to Be in Debt to File for Chapter 7?

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Debt in Washington?

How Long Does a Judgment Last?

Can Private Disability Payments Be Garnished?

Can Debt Collectors Call From Local Numbers?

Does the Fair Credit Reporting Act Work in Florida?

The Truth: Should You Never Pay a Debt Collection Agency?

Should You Communicate with a Debt Collector in Writing or by Telephone?

Do I Need a Debt Negotiator?

What Happens After a Motion for Default Is Filed?

Can a Process Server Leave a Summons Taped to My Door?

Learn More With These Additional Resources:

Need help managing your finances? Check out these resources.

How to Make a Debt Validation Letter - The Ultimate Guide

How to Make a Motion to Compel Arbitration Without an Attorney

How to Stop Wage Garnishment — Everything You Need to Know

How to File an FDCPA Complaint Against Your Debt Collector (Ultimate Guide)

Defending Yourself in Court Against a Debt Collector

Tips on you can to file an FDCPA lawsuit against a debt collection agency

Advice on how to answer a summons for debt collection.

Effective strategies for how to get back on track after a debt lawsuit

New Hampshire Statute of Limitations on Debt

Sample Cease and Desist Letter Against Debt Collectors

The Ultimate Guide to Responding to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Utah

West Virginia Statute of Limitations on Debt

What debt collectors cannot do — FDCPA explained

Defending Yourself in Court Against Debt Collector

How to Liquidate Debt

Arkansas Statute of Limitations on Debt

Youre Drowning in Debt — Heres How to Swim

Help! Im Being Sued by My Debt Collector

How to Make a Motion to Vacate Judgment

How to Answer Summons for Debt Collection in Vermont

North Dakota Statute of Limitations on Debt

ClearPoint Debt Management Review

Indiana Statute of Limitations on Debt

Oregon Eviction Laws - What They Say

CuraDebt Debt Settlement Review

How to Write a Re-Aging Debt Letter

How to Appear in Court by Phone

How to Use the Doctrine of Unclean Hands

Debt Consolidation in Eugene, Oregon

Summoned to Court for Medical Bills? What to Do Next

How to Make a Debt Settlement Agreement

Received a 3-Day Eviction Notice? Heres What to Do

How to Answer a Lawsuit for Debt Collection

Tips for Leaving the Country With Unpaid Credit Card Debt

Kansas Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection

How to File in Small Claims Court in Iowa

How to File a Civil Answer in Kings County Supreme Court

Roseland Associates Debt Consolidation Review

How to Stop a Garnishment

Debt Eraser Review

Do Debt Collectors Ever Give Up?

Can They Garnish Your Wages for Credit Card Debt?

How Often Do Credit Card Companies Sue for Non-Payment?

How Long Does a Judgement Last?

​​How Long Before a Creditor Can Garnish Wages?

How to Beat a Bill Collector in Court