Ascendium on your Credit Report?
Ascendium is a debt collection company (that's likely hurting your credit score)
You may be able to remove them from your report - without paying the alleged debt
Read below or request a free consultation to find out how
Is Ascendium Legit, Fake, Or A Scam?
If you’ve recently discovered “Ascendium” on your credit report or received a call or letter from them, you’re likely questioning their legitimacy. Let’s clear the air: Ascendium is a recognized and legitimate debt collection company.
However, like many debt collection agencies, they can be persistent in their attempts to reach out, which might feel like “spam calls” or harassment. If you’re receiving numerous calls or letters from them, it’s essential to know that their primary objective is to collect a debt they believe you owe. As a consumer, you have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). If they call you too many times or at certain times of day, or, for example, if they call people you know, they may be in violation of the FDCPA. If they report the collection incorrectly, they may be in violation of the FCRA.
It’s crucial to be an informed consumer. You have rights. Always verify the debt they’re referencing, especially if you don’t recognize it. Remember: even legitimate companies might sometimes carry outdated, inaccurate, unverifiable information. If you find inconsistencies, it’s within your rights to dispute and request validation for any alleged debts. Not only is it your right, but collection companies have a legal obligation to handle requests in a certain manner.
In the digital age, scammers often pose as debt collectors. While Ascendium is genuine, always ensure any communication you receive is truly from them. Don’t hesitate to verify their credentials with your state and theirs and cross-reference any information they provide with your records.
What is Ascendium On My Credit Report?
Ascendium is a debt collection company. If you are seeing them on your credit report, it likely means they have purchased or been assigned a debt from a creditor, such as a lender or medical services provider, and are now attempting to collect it from you either for their own portfolio or on behalf of the original creditor.
In many cases, debt collectors purchase debts for pennies on the dollar. In other cases, they may not own the debt themselves but are instead being paid to collect on behalf of another company. It is vital you are informed on these discrepancies so that you can handle the situation and exercise your rights appropriately.
They may attempt to communicate with you via mail or phone calls, usually demanding payment or personal information – including an admission to the debt. Even worse, a collections account now appears on your credit report. This can hurt your score and ability to get approved for credit or important services.
Getting a collections account removed from your credit report may be possible, even without paying the alleged debt.
Is Ascendium A Debt Collection Agency?
Yes, Ascendium is a debt collection agency. They either buy debt from or collect on behalf of a number of different creditors that no longer wish to attempt to collect the debt themselves. This type of debt is sometimes also known as a “charge-off” (accounting term) or “bad debt.”
Ascendium may attempt to reach out via mail or phone calls (demanding payment). The worst part is a collections account will now be seen on your credit report. This hurts your score and significantly reduces your chances of getting approved for a loan or other important financial services. It can also increase your insurance rates and current variable rates on your credit cards, causing your interest to compound on even more interest!
But, it’s not all bad news! We may be able to help you with this account, even without paying the alleged debt.
Ready to Deal With Ascendium?
Why Does Ascendium Keep Calling Me?
Ascendium may continue to call and attempt to collect a debt. This is common practice for debt collectors. The best thing you can do is become informed of your rights and handle the situation appropriately by exercising those rights.
How to Respond to Ascendium?
If Ascendium makes contact with you, it’s crucial to handle the situation methodically.
Stay calm. Don’t let the call or letter unsettle you. If they call, you may ask for the caller’s name, the company they represent, and the debt they claim you owe. Make sure their practices are compliant with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Keep the details for your records. Don’t commit to or acknowledge yourself or the debt immediately. It’s important not to admit to the debt or agree to any payment plans during the initial contacts. Any acknowledgment can be taken as you accepting the debt’s validity.
You can also request a written notice. The law entitles you to a written notice of the debt within five days of the first contact. This notice should detail the amount owed, the original creditor, and your rights in disputing the debt.
Once you receive the notice, check the details against your own records. If something doesn’t add up or you don’t recognize the debt, you might be dealing with a mistake, a fraudulent claim, or a scammer posing to be the company.
Know Your Rights! Familiarize yourself with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which outlines what debt collectors can and cannot do. For instance, they’re not allowed to harass you, call you at unreasonable hours, or discuss your debt with unauthorized individuals.
If you’re overwhelmed or unsure about the validity of the debt, reaching out to a professional credit counseling service or a legal advisor can provide clarity and guidance on your next steps. We have a vast network of credit and debt attorneys we work with.
How To Get Ascendium To Stop Calling Me?
It is not uncommon for Ascendium or any debt collector to call continuously. Many debt collectors use “robo-dialers” to automate their calls until a recipient answers. The best thing you can do to stop this is to ask the company to cease all contact, which should constitute a dispute, and/or speak with a company like ours that can help you get them removed from your credit report. Keep in mind that a cease and desist will not cause the collection item to be removed or deleted from your credit report. It will only stop further contact unless it is to show intent of a lawsuit.
Does Ascendium Hurt My Credit Score?
Yes, having a collection reported by Ascendium onto your credit report is damaging your score significantly. We recommend you check your 3-bureau credit report with Score Depot and take any necessary action within its “Actions” tab.
Can Ignoring Ascendium Affect My Credit or Legal Standing?
You may ignore collection calls and letters – but that concept is independent from the concept of ignoring the situation altogether, which you never want to do. It is pertinent that you handle the situation from an informed perspective so that you can pursue the best course of action regarding your specific matter with Ascendium.
Who Does Ascendium Collect For?
Ascendium collects debt sourced from a variety of different creditors. The information isn’t always publicly available and is constantly changing, but it is rare for a debt collector to only collect debts from or for one original creditor.
What Immediate Steps Should I Take If I Find Ascendium on My Credit Report?
You should immediately take steps outlined above or seek help from credit professionals and/or legal advisors. It is important to not just turn a blind eye to the matter in hopes that it will go away. It likely won’t unless handled appropriately.
What Are My Rights When Dealing With Ascendium?
You have the right to dispute any of your debt that Ascendium claims you owe. Ascendium is governed by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) as a data furnisher to credit reporting agencies (CRAs). Though it may seem complex, federal law provides a great deal of protection to consumers. Unfortunately, many consumers do not understand this, nor do they know or exercise their rights. For example, many people may not realize that consumers can determine how debt collectors contact them. Per the FDCPA, consumers can request that debt collectors contact them in writing only. This is important because it limits the potential for harrassment and provides a legal paper trail of all further communication. Many times, this action alone can be enough to deter a debt collector from pursuing you. If Ascendium contacts you, you may tell them that it is your policy to deal with these matters in writing. If they continue contacting you, you can send them a formal cease and desist letter. Keep in mind, as previously mentioned, this will not cause the information (collection account) to be removed from your credit report.
Here are the top Fair Debt Collection Practices Act violations:
1. Excessive, harassing, or abusive phone calls
2. Harassing, oppressing, or abusing you
3. Continuing collection efforts after you write them to stop
4. Contacting you after representation by an attorney
5. Threatening IRS reporting or tax consequences, if untrue
6. Threatening a lawsuit when none is intended
7. Placing private, personal or nonpublic information that is visible through, or on, a mailing envelope
8. Misrepresenting, miscalculating, or inflating the amount of the alleged debt
9. Failing to disclose that they are debt collectors
10. Contacting you after 9 PM or before 8 AM, unless you have requested that they do so
11. Threatening legal action, or suing, on a time-barred or “stale” debt (outside of statute of limitations)
12. Representing that they operate or work for a credit bureau (credit reporting agency)
13. Providing inaccurate or false information to a credit bureau (credit reporting agency)
14. Continuing collection after filing for bankruptcy
15. Continuing collection after writing and telling them to stop
16. Failing to report your disputed debt as disputed to the credit bureaus (credit reporting agencies)
17. Communicating about your debt with third parties, i.e. employers, neighbors, family members, coworkers, or friends
18. Not ceasing contact entirely if you request it
19. Attempting to collect on a debt that is not yours (may belong to a family member with a similar name, i.e. II, Jr, Sr, etc.)
20. Failing to provide written validation of the alleged debt or informing you of your right to dispute
What Common Practices Does Ascendium Use to Collect Debts?
When Ascendium sets out to collect debts, they typically initiate the process with an introductory letter or phone call, making you aware of the debt they claim you owe. This is followed by regular attempts to communicate, either through repeated phone calls or correspondence, aimed at discussing the debt and potentially arranging a payment plan that suits your financial situation.
In instances where the legitimacy of the debt is questioned, Ascendium is obliged to provide verification, furnishing details about the original creditor and the debt amount. Sometimes, they might propose a settlement, offering to resolve the debt for a fraction of the total owed, which can be an appealing option for both parties involved. However, it’s important not to give in at this point and allow this dirty debt collector trick to work on you.
It’s also common practice for debt collectors like Ascendium to report outstanding debts to credit bureaus, a move that can significantly impact your credit score. While less frequent, resorting to legal action to recover debts is a tactic within their rights, typically employed as a last resort when other collection efforts have been exhausted.
However, it’s crucial to stay vigilant as some debt collectors might engage in less scrupulous tactics that tread the fine line of legality. Practices such as incessantly calling at odd hours, employing intimidating language, or threatening actions they’re not legally permitted to take are all red flags. Recognizing these tactics is vital, as they not only violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) but can also cause undue stress and anxiety.
Navigating the complexities of debt collection requires a keen understanding of your rights and the common practices employed by agencies like Ascendium. Given the potential for overreach and the intricate nature of these interactions, seeking professional guidance from a credit repair service like ours can provide the expertise and support needed to protect your interests and credit health effectively.
How Do I Remove Ascendium From My Credit Report?
Removing Ascendium from your credit report can be a nuanced process, but with the right approach, it’s certainly achievable. Initially, it’s important to scrutinize the entry related to Ascendium on your credit report to confirm its accuracy. For example, any discrepancies in the reporting or legitimacy of the debt provide grounds for dispute.
If you find the debt listed is unfamiliar or incorrect, your first step should be to formally dispute the claim with the credit bureaus. This involves sending a detailed dispute letter, outlining the inaccuracies and requesting the removal of the entry. The credit bureaus are then obligated to investigate your claim, typically within 30 days, and if found in your favor, the disputed entry will be removed from your report.
In situations where the debt is valid but still appears on your report past the seven-year mark (the typical duration negative entries remain on credit reports), you can request its removal based on the expiration of the reporting period.
There are also instances where negotiating a “pay-for-delete” agreement with Ascendium might be viable. This is where you agree to settle the debt, and in return, they agree to remove the entry from your credit report. However, this approach isn’t always guaranteed and is less commonly accepted by collectors, especially as it can often be a violation of a debt collector’s subscriber (data furnisher) agreement with credit reporting agencies. It is also not uncommon for an employee of a debt collector to promise a pay-for-delete without a written agreement, only to fail to deliver on that promise.
Given the complexities and potential challenges in dealing with credit report disputes and negotiations, enlisting the help of a credit repair service can be a wise decision. Professionals in credit repair are adept at navigating these waters, often achieving more favorable outcomes for individuals. They understand the intricacies of credit laws and leverage this knowledge to protect your credit health effectively.
How Do I See Changes To My Credit Report And Scores?
Keeping an eye on your credit report and scores is crucial, especially considering that a significant number of reports harbor errors. Studies, including one by the U.S. Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs), reveal that nearly 79% of credit reports might carry mistakes or substantial inaccuracies. It’s these errors that often open doors for us to step in and assist our clients effectively.
When it comes to entities like Ascendium appearing on your credit report, the presence of any incorrect, outdated, or fraudulent information could be your leverage for removal. Our expertise lies in identifying these discrepancies and advocating on your behalf. The goal is not just to dispute inaccuracies but to ensure they’re rectified within a reasonable timeframe. If these errors persist without resolution, it strengthens the case for removing such entries from your report altogether.
Monitoring changes to your credit report and scores isn’t just about spotting errors. It’s about maintaining the health and accuracy of your financial records. Regularly reviewing your credit report becomes a proactive measure in safeguarding your credit score against unwarranted dips caused by inaccuracies. We recommend Score Depot for credit scores, reports, and monitoring, as they are equipped with identity protection features including a $1 Million ID insurance plan. Score Depot has agreed to offer our readers a trial.
Will Ascendium Try Suing Me Or Garnishing My Wages?
The prospect of Ascendium taking legal action to sue or garnish wages can be daunting, but such measures are generally not commonplace. While there’s a slim chance that Ascendium might resort to litigation, it’s important to remember that this is the exception rather than the rule. Both state and federal regulations impose strict limitations and exemptions on the ability to garnish wages or levy bank accounts, providing a layer of protection for consumers.
Given the potential severity of such actions, it’s understandable to feel concerned. That’s where we come in. Our team is well-versed in assessing the risk associated with legal actions taken by debt collectors like Ascendium. More importantly, we’re equipped to guide you through the process of addressing and potentially removing the collection from your credit report and referring you to the right legal counsel when and if necessary. We have even teamed up with the nation’s leading debt defense providers, which has agreed to help our clients fight against debt collectors in court completely FREE – that’s right, no charge to our clients.
Should I Pay For Delete With Ascendium?
The notion of a “pay for delete” arrangement with Ascendium—whereby settling the debt leads to its removal from your credit report—might initially seem like an attractive solution. However, this approach carries a significant caveat that far outweighs lowering the debt. While fulfilling the debt alters its status on your report from ‘unpaid’ to ‘paid,’ the collection account itself can linger on your credit history for up to seven years. Consequently, even though the debt is settled legally, the historical record of the collection will continue to cast a dark shadow over your credit and hold down your score, which has a much greater negative impact long term than the debt may have had toward your debt-to-income ratio.
This lingering presence underscores a critical aspect of credit repair: paying off a collection does not erase the fact that it once existed. The impact on your credit health remains.. It’s a nuanced area of credit management, where the decision to pay off a collection requires careful consideration of its potential benefits against the backdrop of your overall credit recovery strategy. The only time this may make sense in the immediate term is when you are trying to quickly qualify for a home mortgage loan or other loan.
In navigating these complexities, seeking expert guidance can prove invaluable. Our expertise lies not just in understanding the intricacies of credit reports but also in strategizing the most effective paths to credit restoration. We’re here to help you weigh the pros and cons of a “pay for delete” deal with Ascendium and explore alternative strategies that might better serve your long-term credit health.
Should I Negotiate A Settlement With Ascendium?
“Settling” your debt with Ascendium for less than the original amount owed will cause you to be in the same position as outlined in the previous question above. It is actually better to pursue the dispute route and potentially pay $0 and have the collector waive or absolve the debt than it is to pay in partial. The only time a settlement may be viable is when it is a legal settlement to satisfy a court judgment. If you are being sued by Ascendium and have either not yet responded or received a judgment, we can help by connecting you with the nation’s leading debt defense provider, whom we have teamed up with to help our clients respond to lawsuits or settle out of court for FREE! Many debt collectors’ lawsuits are even dropped simply by being responded to in time.
Start Today Toward Getting Ascendium Removed From Your Report!
In most cases, we recommend consulting with a Credit Repair professional to assess your credit report before attempting to resolve any debt. Why, you ask? Well, settling your debt might not always be in your best interest. In some instances, we suggest reaching out to a Credit Repair professional for a comprehensive review of your credit report. It’s a far less stressful, time-consuming, and hassle-free approach to have experts pinpoint the reasons behind your credit score drop. Not only will we review with you for free, but it’s even free to get started with us!
If you’re in search of a reputable company to assist you in eliminating credit errors, don’t hesitate. While some individuals are comfortable dealing with debt collectors directly, others prefer to collaborate with seasoned professionals to rectify any blemishes on their credit reports. A reputable credit repair company specializes in the removal of any entries on your credit report that could adversely affect your score. This can be particularly valuable if you lack confidence in communicating with collectors or credit reporting agencies or simply don’t have the time or expertise to handle it personally.
Does Ascendium Accept A Goodwill Letter To Remove My Collection/Charge-Off?
Based on our many years of experience dealing with hundreds of creditors and debt collectors, we have determined that neither Ascendium nor any debt collector will accept goodwill letters to remove collection accounts or charge offs. The “goodwill” letter has predominately been perpetuated as a myth by those attempting to sell “goodwill letters” online. These are ineffective, and we urge you to refrain from wasting your time or money on them.
What Is Ascendium Phone Number?
In this scenario, your best course of action is to make sure there is not even the slightest possibility of inaccuracy or mishandling of the collection attempts. Paying Ascendium, particularly when there’s even the slightest possibility of inaccuracy, may have adverse consequences on your credit score.
Where Can I Find Ascendium Login?
Accessing Ascendium’s login portal may seem like a practical step. However, as we have outlined in great lengths, before proceeding, we highly advise becoming informed on your rights and exercising them, or otherwise reaching out to a reputable credit repair company such as ours for a more comprehensive evaluation. Our team can assess the situation and explore options for disputing and removing Ascendium from your credit report, perhaps even with a debt waiver in the process. It’s a strategic move that can make a significant difference.
The Importance of Regularly Monitoring Your Credit Report
Inaccurate information on your credit report from Ascendium can have a detrimental effect on your credit score. It is essential to regularly review and check your credit report for accuracy and ensure all the details are up-to-date.
By law, you are entitled to obtain a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year. Take advantage of this opportunity by ordering your reports and examining them closely. If mistakes or inconsistencies are found, submit a dispute with the bureau that is reporting the false data. You can do this directly through Score Depot, our preferred and recommended credit monitoring platform.
Frequently inspecting your credit report can also aid in spotting fraudulent activity and identity theft early, which can guard against further damage to your score and livelihood. Consider using a credit monitoring service such as Score Depot or working with a credit repair company like ours to enable you to keep track of your credit report and safeguard your score.