Direct Recovery Services on Your Credit Report? Fight Back and Win

Last Updated:
April 15, 2023

If Direct Recovery Services has attempted to call, email, or write you in the last few months, you’re not alone. Thousands of individuals have received unrelenting messages from this infamous debt-collecting agency. If Direct Recovery Services appears on your credit report this will damage your credit score.

There are resources available to tackle this issue and remove Direct Recovery Services from your report. Here’s how consumers can revive their credit scores, restore financial freedom, and rid themselves of Direct Recovery Services once and for all.

What is Direct Recovery Services and What Do They Do?

Since 2011, Direct Recovery Services LLC has acted as a third-party debt-collecting agency responsible for resolving outstanding debts. Direct Recovery Services (DRS) is a Minnesota based debt collector. If you live in the state, you may also encounter, Jefferson Capital Systems, one of the most prominent collection agencies in the state. They purchase debt from other creditors, usually at an extremely low price.

DRS takes over the debt-collecting process on behalf of other crediting agencies, pursuing payments from individuals who allegedly owe a large debt. While their initial contact may feel threatening, daunting, and panic-inducing, it’s essential to note that there are ways to combat them.

Is Direct Recovery Services Legitimate?

Yes, Direct Recovery Services is a legitimate, real company. Because most consumers have never heard of DRS, they automatically assume they’re being scammed. Additionally, their aggressive modes of communication often fall under the guise of scamming, phishing, or spam.

While it can be frightening to receive a letter or phone call from DRS, it’s important to note that they are a real agency. Take these communications seriously, but, do not give in to their intimidation tactics. 

Consumer Complaints

An overwhelming number of consumers have reported threats, malpractice, and inappropriate communication methods from DRS. Moreover, many individuals claim that representatives from DRS contact family members, colleagues, and friends. 

Please note, debt-collecting companies are permitted to contact people who know you, however, they cannot disclose your debt information to them.

How Do I Know if I’m Being Scammed by DRS?

In a time when security is of vital importance, it’s challenging to discern between a scam and legitimate communication. Because DRS is a real company, you shouldn’t ignore their calls or messages. 

DRS’s contact information is as follows:

  • Phone Number: (855) 269-9628 or (646) 938-3123
  • Email Address: info@directrecovery.org
  • Website: https://www.directrecoveryservices.com/ 
  • Address & Location: 629 7th Ave Ste 1, Two Harbors, MN 55616-1400

Signs of Harassment from Direct Recovery Services

As stated previously, there have been several consumer complaints about DRS’ incessant collection practices. At best, these communication methods are irritating, and at their worst, their communications are a form of harassment. Any behavior that’s abusive, threatening, or oppressive is considered debt collection harassment. 

Here are some examples of harassment from debt collection agencies:

  • The agency asks for your social security number
  • They do not provide you with proof of outstanding debt
  • They do not identify themselves or the agency they’re calling on behalf of
  • They use empty threats of a potential arrest or lawsuit
  • They are persistent in their calls, sometimes calling several times a day

Many of these actions are deemed violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). 

Along with FDCPA violations, DRS is also known for violating several FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) laws. Some examples of these violations are: 

  • DRS makes inaccurate or fraudulent claims against you
  • DRS fails to offer updates about the status of your alleged debt
  • DRS mixes or misplaces your file with another individual 
  • DRS provides confidential information to unauthorized sources such as colleagues, businesses, or other lenders

For a complete list of FCRA violations, speak with an attorney. 

What Does Direct Recovery Services Collect For?

So, what exactly does Direct Recovery Services collect for, and how can you tell if you owe them money?

Like other debt-collecting agencies, DRS purchases and collects consumer and business debts. A wide range of lending companies outsources their debt to agencies like DRS. And, in most cases, the full list of DRS’s clients is undisclosed and publicly inaccessible to consumers. 

How to Remove Direct Recovery Services from Your Report: Facing Them Head On

How do consumers face companies like DRS? And, is it possible to release these debts and clear your credit?

Reclaim Your Credit Score

While it may seem like the right move to pay off these supposed debts, this is not usually the case. The debt will change from “unpaid” to “paid,” but Direct Recovery Services will still appear on your report for up to 7 years. In some cases this debt may already be nearing the seven year mark, and beginning payments can reset the clock.

Note Any Rights Violations

In many cases the debts being pursued are a mistake, and consumers have rights when it comes to accurate reporting on their credit reports. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) prohibits any debt misreports or errors against you. It enables full transparency from debt collection agencies to consumers regarding alleged debts. Reporting a debt on your credit report that is not in fact yours or is already paid is a violation of your rights.

Send a Cease & Desist Letter

Sending a Cease & Desist letter demanding an end to contact from DRS may be helpful if their communications are overwhelming you. There are a variety of phrases you can use to cease contact, one being, “Please cease and desist all contact with me immediately.” If you are unsure of how to draft a cease and desist letter or where to send it, an attorney can help you with this. 

Work With a Qualified Team

Many consumers turn to trusted professionals when faced with debt collectors like Direct Recovery Services. An attorney who specializes in debt collections and credit recovery can help pull your credit reports, review them for accuracy, and dispute any errors or duplicate reports on your credit. They can also help negotiate settlements on any debts that are valid, should you choose to pay them.

Confronting agencies like Direct Recovery Services is a stressful process. However, resources are available so you don’t have to take on these companies alone.

Speak With A Certified FCRA Attorney Today

Have you been falsely accused of an unpaid debt? Or, do you recognize an unpaid debt and are unsure how to proceed? There is support for those who need expert guidance and are facing intimidation at the hands of the DRS. Turn toward a reliable source like the attorneys at Fair Credit.
We’ll closely review your case and come up with customized solutions to restore your credit and take back your financial freedom. Reach out to us today and request your free case review.

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