Vanguard Collection on Your Credit Report? Fight Back and Win

Last Updated:
July 14, 2023

Fielding incessant phone calls from Vanguard Financial Services can be a nuisance, but there are solutions. By getting informed about debt collection practices and your legal rights as a consumer, you can position yourself to take control of your finances and find the best solution to stop the calls. 

In this article, we'll help you understand how debt collection works, as well as how you can properly dispute any negative marks on their report and - if need be - exercise your right to sue a collector for violations that occur during this process. 

Arming yourself with knowledge will equip you to make better decisions when it comes to dealing with Vanguard Financial Services and take any necessary steps towards protecting yourself from unfair practices.

What Does Vanguard Financial Services Do?

Collectors like Vanguard Financial Services - a West Virginia-based company established in 2003 - work with creditors to recover unpaid debts, either by purchasing the debts for pennies on the dollar or charging a fee for collection services. They collect on debts  by contacting the consumer and attempting to work out a payment plan or to clear the debt through a lump-sum repayment. 

These organizations employ a broad spectrum of strategies to facilitate payment, including sending letters and making repeated phone calls. While generally legal, these methods can be taxing on consumers who are already managing the stress of financial hardships.

Is Vanguard Financial Services a Legit Company?

Yes, Vanguard Financial Services is a legitimate debt collector - don’t dismiss them under the misapprehension that they are a scam. This could lead to the case being escalated to court proceedings. The company’s contact information can be found below:

  • Phone Number: (304) 414-0613
  • Address: 210 Brooks St Ste 100 Charleston, WV 25301-1848
  • BBB Rating: 1/5

Although licensed to collect debts, the Better Business Bureau has given Vanguard Financial Services an F rating, with 1 out of 5 stars from consumers - a testament to the company's questionable practices. Many consumers report being contacted by this company and are unsure if the debt they claim to be owed is legit. 

Our advice: consult with our team at Fair Credit. We can help to identify errors in credit reporting and dispute any errors on your behalf. This will ensure your credit report is up-to-date and error free.

What Can I Do If I’m Being Harassed by Vanguard Financial Services?

It's important to be informed when a debt collector like Vanguard Financial Services reaches out. You have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or FDCPA. The law limits what debt collectors can do to collect payments from you and also sets limits for how often and in what ways collectors can contact you. 

Knowing your rights helps protect you from illegal activities that some unethical collection agencies might try to use. Familiarizing yourself with the FDCPA is essential if you're dealing with debt collection agencies. Some prohibitions under this act include the following:

  • Harassing consumers by making repeated phone calls or using obscenity, threats of violence, or racial epithets.
  • Making false statements or misrepresentations to deceive the consumer.
  • Communicating with the consumer at unusual times (e.g., before 8 AM. and after 9 PM) without permission or consent from the consumer.
  • Contacting the consumer at their workplace when they have requested not to do so or when it is prohibited by the employer or law.
  • Refusing to provide verification or proof of debt to the consumer upon request;
  • Using deceptive collection tactics such as falsely implying that legal action has been taken against them;
  • Attempting to collect a debt that is too old to be legally enforceable (often referred to as “time-barred” debts); and
  • Taking any nonjudicial action to effect dispossession such as repossessing a car without court order, if such activity is prohibited by state law

When contacted by Vanguard Financial Services, be sure to keep a record of your interactions. Doing so allows you to present evidence of any breach of your rights should it be necessary to enter into litigation. 

Additionally, consulting a lawyer specializing in consumer protection lawsuits can offer valuable inside perspective and guidance on the best methods for protecting your rights and reaching a successful outcome. 

How Can I Get Vanguard Financial Services Removed from My Credit Report? 

The first step to getting a collections account off your credit report is to contact the creditor that reported the collection to your credit report.. This should be done in writing, with certified mail if possible so there is a record of the communication. 

When contacting them, make sure to explain why you believe the debt does not belong to you or that it has already been paid off. Here are three items to consider when writing this dispute letter:

  • Include copies of any records or documentation that prove your claim is true, such as evidence of payment.
  • Request verification of the debt in question from the creditor, including when it was originally incurred and who was responsible for it.
  • Ask that they remove the collection from your credit report if they cannot provide adequate proof that you owe the debt in question.

After sending your dispute letter, keep an eye on your credit reports to ensure that changes have been made accordingly. If no changes are seen within 30 days after sending your letter, then you may want to reach out again and provide additional information if needed.

If the negative item remains on your credit report after taking these steps, you may need to contact a qualified attorney who can help you resolve this issue quickly and effectively.

Contact Us For Your Free Case Review

With Fair Credit's experienced legal team on your side, you'll get the personalized support you need to protect your rights and get back on track with peace of mind. Our experts dive in deep, identify any law violations and negotiate better terms for you - all so you don't have to deal with any more harassment. 

Get in touch today for a free case review.

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