Start My Answer
loading...

How to Resolve Debt With PRA Group, Inc.

Sarah Edwards | March 20, 2025

Sarah Edwards
Legal Expert
Sarah Edwards, BS

Sarah Harris is a professional researcher and writer specializing in legal content. An Emerson College alumna, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from the prestigious Boston institution.

Edited by Hannah Locklear

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: PRA Group, Inc. (also known as Portfolio Recovery Associates) is one of the nation’s largest debt collectors. If you receive a debt collection notice from this company, ask them to validate your debt before taking any other action. If you’ve been sued by PRA Group, SoloSuit can help you respond to the case and settle your debt before going to court.

Receiving a debt collection notice from PRA Group, Inc. (also known as Portfolio Recovery Associates) can put a crimp in your day. If you've received such a notice, don't throw it in the trash and bury your head in the metaphorical sand in the hopes the debt will magically disappear. Ignoring a debt collector is usually the worst way to resolve debt (even if you don't believe you owe the debt!).

Instead, reach out to Portfolio Recovery Associates to discuss ways to resolve the debt matter. For example, Portfolio Recovery Associates is known for being open to working with consumers to set up reasonable repayment plans and to engage in debt settlement negotiations.

Sued by PRA Group? Use SoloSettle to settle your debts for good.

What is PRA Group?

PRA Group is a debt collection agency with headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia. It is a leading debt buyer that acquires nonperforming loans and delinquent debts from creditors, such as credit card companies, banks, and other financial institutions. PRA Group's primary business is to purchase these debts at a discounted price and then attempt to collect the full amount from the borrowers.

Formed in 1996, PRA Group has a global presence in the United States, the United Kingdom, and several other European countries. It purchases defaulted consumer debts at a low cost and tries to collect the total amount of the obligation from the original debtor.

Below is the contact information for PRA Group:

  • Address: 150 Corporate Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502.
    Phone number: 1-800-772-1413
  • Phone number: 1-800-772-1413

PRA Group owns Portfolio Recovery Associates

If you receive a notice from PRA Group, it will likely list Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC in the return address. PRA Group is the parent company of Portfolio Recovery Associates, which handles the administrative activity associated with collecting debts.

The address for Portfolio Recovery Associates is 120 Corporate Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502. The phone number to reach the Portfolio Recovery Associates team is the same as for PRA Group, 1-800-772-1413.

Check out consumer reviews of PRA Group

If you are thinking about contacting PRA Group to initiate debt settlement discussions, you may be wondering if other consumers have had success engaging in settlement negotiations. Fortunately, there are multiple 5-star reviews posted by real consumers that confirm it is possible to have productive settlement talks with representatives from PRA Group, and its subsidiary, Portfolio Recovery Associates.

Here is an example of a 5-star Google review posted by a consumer named Shannon Mabrito:

“As weird as this might be to say, they've been the most wonderful collections agency to deal with. I have been paying on the account they collected since 2018, and was able to negotiate the amount down to an affordable amount for me to completely pay off today. I am well on my way to resolving all of my debt, and I am so pleased with all of their help. Their website was easy to navigate, and their live chat agents are so helpful! Though my experience with them was amazing, I am so glad to be done paying them off!”

Check out additional consumer reviews below:

  • Portfolio Recovery Associates reviews on BBB
  • Portfolio Recovery Associates reviews on WalletHub
  • Portfolio Recovery Associates reviews on Yelp

There are many reviews indicating that proactive communication with PRA Group is one of the best ways to effectively address and resolve your debt collection matter.

The FDCPA protects you from unfair debt collection

The FDCPA is a federal law that protects consumers, like you, during the debt collections process. The FDCPA outlines specific rules and regulations that all debt collectors must follow in the United States. Below is a list of FDCPA violations:

  • Harassment: Using threatening, abusive, or obscene language when communicating with the debtor.
  • False Representation: Misrepresenting the amount owed, the debt collector's identity, or the consequences of non-payment.
  • Calling at Inconvenient Times: Contacting the debtor before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. (local time) or at other times known to be inconvenient.
  • Continuous Phone Calls: Making repeated and continuous calls to the debtor with the intent to annoy, abuse, or harass.
  • Failure to Verify Debt: Ignoring or refusing to respond to the debtor's written request for verification of the debt.
  • Public Disclosure: Discussing the debt with third parties (other than the debtor's spouse, attorney, or co-signer) without permission.
  • Misrepresentation of Legal Action: Threatening legal action that is not intended to be taken or cannot legally be taken.
  • Improper Communication: Communicating with the debtor after receiving a written cease and desist request.
  • False Credit Reporting: Reporting inaccurate information about the debt to credit reporting agencies.
  • Unauthorized Fees or Charges: Adding unauthorized fees, interest, or charges to the original debt amount.

If you believe that a debt collector has violated the FDCPA when trying to collect a debt from you, SoloSuit can help you stand up for your rights in court. You may also be eligible for up to $1,000 per FDCPA violation.

Respond to a collection notice from PRA Group

If you receive a debt collection notice from PRA Group, paying attention and keeping accurate records of any communications is critical.

Make sure to request that PRA Group validate the debt. Under the FDCPA, you have 30 days after receiving a debt collection notice to dispute the debt's validity by sending a debt validation letter. Upon receipt, PRA Group will cease all collection efforts until it validates you are responsible for the amount owed.

Watch the video below to learn more about the debt validation process:

If PRA Group sends you the information necessary to validate your debt, they will reach out regarding repayment of the amount you owe. However, if you don’t want to receive any further communication, you can send a written request not to contact you unless the company intends to take legal action.

Resolve your debt lawsuit against PRA Group

Once PRA Group receives a request not to contact you, they will likely consider escalating the matter by filing a debt collection lawsuit.

You’ll know PRA Group is suing you when you receive a Court Summons. Attached to your Summons will be a copy of PRA Group’s Complaint, which will list the amount of your debt and any other pertinent information.

Pay careful attention to the Complaint, and look for any errors you can use to defend yourself. For instance, if your name is misspelled, listed the wrong account number, or asked for more than you owe, then you can highlight these issues in your response to the lawsuit.

Speaking of the response, you’ll want to prepare an Answer to PRA Group’s debt collection lawsuit. An Answer outlines your defense to the debt lawsuit. List any incorrect items in PRA Group’s Complaint and any defenses you have at your disposal.

Need help drafting an Answer in a PRA Group debt lawsuit? This Debt Answer form can help you respond to your lawsuit in minutes.

You probably don’t relish defending yourself in court unless you have an indisputable defense to your case, like identity theft. To avoid a potential judgment that will allow PRA Group to garnish your wages, you can either repay or settle the debt before your court date.

Repaying the debt wipes your slate clean and automatically cancels the lawsuit since PRA Group has nothing to sue you for. However, you can also try settling the debt for a smaller amount if you don’t have enough cash to repay it.

Let’s consider an example.

Example: PRA Group is suing Tara for an old medical debt with a $1,000 balance. Tara uses SoloSuit to respond to PRA Group’s Complaint with an Answer, then decides to attempt to settle the debt. She offers PRA Group $600 in a debt settlement, and it agrees to accept the money and drop her case.


Settle your debt with PRA Group

Debt collection agencies often purchase debts at a fraction of their face value, leaving room for negotiation. Start by offering a lump-sum payment to Portfolio Recovery Associates that you can afford, typically at a percentage of the total debt amount. Be polite and transparent during negotiations, emphasizing your willingness to resolve the matter amicably.

If you are able to reach a debt settlement agreement with PRA Group Inc., request a written settlement letter detailing the agreed-upon amount and terms. This letter serves as proof of your settlement and protects you from any potential future disputes or collections on the same debt.

If a lump-sum payment is not feasible, inquire about setting up a payment plan with PRA Group Inc. Offer a reasonable monthly payment amount that aligns with your financial capabilities. Ensure that you understand the terms and confirm that they will report your account as "settled" or "paid in full" upon successful completion of the payment plan.

SoloSettle 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.

Watch the following video to learn more about how to settle your debt with PRA Group:

Resolve your debt with PRA Group

A debt lawsuit aims to win a judgment that PRA Group can use to garnish your wages or freeze your bank account. Instead of standing idly by, take action to resolve your debt as soon as possible. As mentioned, request that PRA Group validate your debt when they first contact you. Respond to a PRA Group debt lawsuit with an Answer. Settle your debt before your court date.

Resolving your debt might take some effort on your part, but it will be worth it in the end. Firstly, it puts an end to the stress and anxiety caused by persistent debt collection efforts. By negotiating a settlement or establishing a payment plan, you regain control over your financial situation. Plus, resolving your debt with PRA Group can help improve your credit score in the long run. This positive impact on your credit can open doors to better borrowing opportunities and improved financial stability.

Need help resolving a debt? Use SoloSettle to settle your debt with PRA Group, Inc.

>>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

Guides on how to resolve debt with every debt collector

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

Resolve your debt with your creditor

Some creditors, banks, and lenders have an internal collections department. If they come after you for a debt, Solosuit can still help you respond and resolve the debt. Here’s a list of guides on how to resolve debt with different creditors.

Settle your medical debt

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

Guides on 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.

Stop calls from debt collectors

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.

Federal debt collection laws can protect you

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.

Get debt relief in your state

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 collection laws in all 50 states

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 state guides

Like all debt collection laws, the statute of limitations on debt varies by state. So, we wrote a guide on each state’s statutes. Check it out below.

Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection by State (Best Guide)

Check the status of your court case

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

How to stop wage garnishment in your state

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 all 50 states.

Other wage garnishment resources

How to settle a debt in your state

Debt settlement is one of the most effective ways to resolve a debt and save money. We’ve created a guide on how to settle your debt in all 50 states. Find out how to settle in your state with a simple click and explore other debt settlement resources below.

How to settle with every debt collector

Not sure how to negotiate a debt settlement with a debt collector? We are creating guides to help you know how to start the settlement conversation and increase your chances of coming to an agreement with every debt collector.

Other debt settlement resources

Personal loan and debt relief reviews

We give a factual review of the following debt consolidation, debt settlement, and loan organizations and companies to help you make an informed decision before you take on a debt.

How to repair and improve your credit score

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.

How to resolve student loan debt

Struggling with student debt? SoloSuit’s got you covered. Below are resources on handling student loan debt.

Civil law legal definitions

You can represent yourself in court. Save yourself the time and cost of finding an attorney, and use the following resources to understand legal definitions better and how they may apply to your case.

Get answers to these FAQs on debt collection

How-to debt guides

Learn more with these additional 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



Get Started

Contents