Start My Answer
loading...

Sued by Associated Credit Services for Debt?

George Simons | January 28, 2025

George Simons
Co-Founder of SoloSuit
George Simons, JD/MBA

George Simons is the co-founder and CEO of SoloSuit. He has helped Americans protect over $1 billion from predatory debt lawsuits. George graduated from BYU Law school in 2020 with a JD-MBA. In his spare time, George likes to cook, because he likes to eat.

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: Associated Credit Services is a debt collection agency that collects debt for banks, credit card companies, and more. If Associated Credit Services is suing you, you have up to 35 days to respond, depending on where you live. Use Solo to draft and file your response in just 15 minutes.

Receiving a notice of a lawsuit from Associated Credit Services (ACS) is a serious matter. Based in Westborough, MA, this company has been collecting past-due debts throughout the US since 1969. ACS has a tried-and-true formula for collecting debts. Usually, it starts with letters and phone calls. They will try to get you to pay the entire debt plus added fees and interest.

If you receive communications from ACS, take it as an opportunity to resolve the debt without being sued. ACS agents know that it is cheaper to take a lower amount in settlement than to take the matter to court. Debtors can use this to their advantage to convince ACS to waive fees, penalties, and some of the debt itself. If you don't have enough cash to pay in full, a payment arrangement can be made. If you make the payments, you will save money and avoid a lawsuit.

ACS has a team of lawyers whose sole job is to litigate against debtors. When its attempts to collect fail, ACS refers your account to its legal team.

When you receive a Summons and Complaint from ACS, answer it immediately. Ignoring it will result in a default judgment for the full amount, plus fees and even the cost of litigation. Once the court orders a default judgment, you are powerless to stop collection activity, and you must pay the debt even if you do not owe it or the amount is grossly overstated.

In this blog post, we break down everything you should know about Associated Credit Services and how to beat them in court.

Let's jump right in.

Settle debt with Associated Credit Services

You can negotiate debt settlement at any stage of the collections process. SoloSettle makes it easy.

Settle with SoloSettle

What is Associated Credit Services?

Associated Credit Services (ACS) is a third-party debt collection agency that gets hired by banks, credit card companies, and even universities to do debt collection services on their behalf. Founded in 1969, ACS has been a leading agency in the debt collection industry for several decades.

If you need to reach someone with Associated Credit Services, use the contact information below:

  • Phone: (508) 366 - 0888
  • Toll Free: (800) 531 - 6500
  • Mailing Address: PO Box 1201, Tewksbury, MA, 01876

Who does Associated Credit Services collect for?

Associated Credit Services collects for:

  • Commercial and non-commercial financial institutions
  • Credit card servicers
  • Credit unions
  • Public utilities
  • Healthcare
  • Insurance providers
  • Corporate business organizations
  • Higher education institutions.

With so much experience in the debt collection industry, Associated Credit Services knows what they’re doing.

Read online reviews for Associated Credit Services

Online reviews are a valuable tool when learning about a debt collector. While these are typically a mixed bag, they offer insight into the experiences others have had when dealing with ACS. Visit:

Let’s take a look at a real Associated Credit Services review from Dajere:

“Honestly not sure why everyone has had such a problem with them. I had a bill in my name for my mom, and the last bill wasn’t paid. These people contacted me, told me the price, and I paid it. There were a few times someone would pick up, and it wouldn’t work, and I had to call back, but honestly if the two people I talked to were both nice. Also a lot of people are just complaining about the fact that they have to pay a bill that wasn’t paid. If you call them frustrated and mad about something, expect the same thing in return. This is these people’s jobs. You get the energy you give. Be nice to these people. They were super kind. Thank you to the workers I talked to.”

Obviously, dealing with a debt collector isn’t the typical idea of fun. But open communication will lead to a resolution. Explain your reasons for falling behind on your payments, and Associated Credit Services will work with you to find a solution.

Know your rights under the FDCPA

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) sets federal guidelines for debt collectors. FDCPA Violations include:

  • Trying to collect on a fraudulent debt.
  • Reporting fraudulent debts to the credit reporting bureaus.
  • Calling at odd hours of the day to discuss a debt.
  • Ignoring requests to communicate through mail and email only.
  • Failing to validate a debt upon request.
  • Being rude and professional on phone calls.

Avoid an ACS Inc. garnishment

A default judgment leaves you with limited options. Debt collectors rely on the number of defendants who will offer no defense. When that happens, Associated Credit Services can ask for a default judgment against you that allows them to seize your funds.

Once ACS has a default judgment against you, it's “open season” on many of your assets. If you have less than the judgment in the bank, ACS can levy your bank account and, in some jurisdictions, strip it bare. Wage garnishment is another possible consequence. Some jurisdictions limit wage garnishments more than others, so find out what percentage can be garnished in your state.

Imagine money disappearing from your bank account and paycheck, leaving you unable to pay the rent. To avoid this, you must respond.

Settle with SoloSettle

Make an Offer

Respond to a debt collection lawsuit against Associated Credit Services

The first step to beating Associated Credit Services in court is to respond to the lawsuit with a written Answer.

When you get sued by a debt collector like Associated Credit Services, you usually receive the court documents in the mail. The documents are called the Summons and the Complaint. The Summons is the official notice of the lawsuit, while the Complaint lists all the specific claims being made against you.

You have up to 35 days to respond to the Summons and Complaint, depending on which state you're in before you lose by default. You might think you have to hire an attorney to prepare your Answer document for you, but with Solo, you can represent yourself and save money and stress from finding a lawyer.

Follow these three steps to respond to a debt lawsuit against Associated Credit Services:

  1. Respond to each claim listed in the Complaint document. You can admit, deny, or deny due to a lack of knowledge. Most attorneys suggest that you deny as many allegations as possible. Place the burden of proof on the debt collector because they’ll have to provide the necessary documentation to prove the debt is yours.
  2. Assert your affirmative defenses. These are legal reasons that ACS doesn't have a case against you. A common affirmative defense to raise in a debt collection lawsuit is the statute of limitations. If the debt is past the statute of limitations, then ACS has run out of time to sue you for the debt. If this is true, the case will be dismissed.
  3. File the Answer with the court and send a copy to ACS. Make sure to file before the deadline, which is 14-35 days, depending on which state you live in. Make a copy and send it to the attorneys for ACS via USPS-certified mail. You should also request a return receipt so you can prove that you properly sent the Answer to the opposing party.

You can draft and file an Answer with SoloSuit in just 15 minutes.

Learn more about these three steps in this video:

Assert your affirmative defenses against ACS

If ACS can prove you owe them money, you can still get a dismissal based on an affirmative defense. An affirmative defense is a legally recognized reason the case should be dismissed.

Make the right defense the right way with SoloSuit.

Some of the most effective affirmative defenses include the following:

You are not responsible for the debt

For example, you've been billed for credit card charges you never made.

The amount demanded is inaccurate

Debt collection lawyers often sue for the highest possible amount. Therefore, it is probable that errors in the favor of ACS have been made. Demand full documentation of all activity on the account.

Often, penalty interest rates and fees greatly inflate the balance. Did you agree to these in the original credit agreement? Also, you can dispute attorney's fees and court costs if the original agreement does not hold you responsible for them. In addition, you can object if the attorney's fees are excessive.

The statute of limitations has expired

The statute of limitations is the time limit that a debt collector or original creditor has to sue someone for a debt they owe. clock usually begins ticking on the last day you were active on the account. Active is defined as the last time you made a payment, withdrew money from the account, or acknowledged that you owe it by committing to a payment plan.

The statute of limitations on debt is different in every state. Before you agree to make any payments to Associated Credit Services, check to see if your debt's statute of limitations has expired.

Let's take a look at an example.

Example: Jamie, who lives in Alabama, owes her credit card company almost $2,000. She hasn't made any payments on the account in four years. The credit card company hires Associated Credit Services to collect the debt. Since Jamie didn't recognize who ACS was, she ignored their calls and letters. After a couple of months, ACS sues Jamie for the debt. Jamie finds Solo online and learns that the statute of limitations on her debt is three years in Alabama. This means that ACS does not have the legal right to sue her. She uses SoloSuit to draft and file her Answer where she lists the statute of limitations as one of her affirmative defenses. The case gets dismissed.


Settle your debt with Associated Credit Services

One method is to work out a settlement agreement with ACS. The agreement should waive any excessive fees and reduce the balance while also dismissing the lawsuit. If you can afford and owe the debt, it might be a better investment of your time to settle out of court.

Many debt collectors are willing to settle for less than the original amount owed. Figure out the maximum amount you are able to pay off right now, then start the settlement negotiation process with ACS by offering an even lower amount. They might respond with a counteroffer that works for you.

Follow the easy step-by-step process if you decide to pursue debt settlement.

  1. Evaluate your personal finances to determine how much you can afford to offer as a lump sum settlement. Leave some room to negotiate if ACS sends a counteroffer.
  2. Send a debt settlement offer to ACS. Outline the reasons you’re seeking debt settlement and the terms you’re offering.
  3. Once you’ve reached an agreed-upon settlement amount, have ACS send a signed Settlement Agreement that memorializes the terms.
  4. Make a timely payment of the settlement amount.

You can settle your debt with the help of SoloSettle.

Check out this video to learn more about the settlement process:

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


Contents