Validatece Resource Management: How to Remove Them From Your
Credit Report
Finding a collection account on your credit report can be a scary experience. You might see a sudden drop in your credit score, or perhaps you are getting non-stop phone calls from a company named Credence Resource Management.
If you are reading this, you are likely looking for answers. You want to know who these people are, why they are calling, and most importantly, how to get them out of your life and off your credit report.
This guide is written in simple language to help you understand your rights. We will provide you with educational information, actionable steps, and personal advice to handle this situation without panic.
What is Credence Resource Management?
Credence Resource Management is a debt collection agency. They are a legitimate business, not a scam, although their tactics can sometimes feel aggressive. They are headquartered in Dallas, Texas, but they also have large operations in India.
They do not sell products. Instead, other companies hire them to collect unpaid bills. If you see Credence on your credit report, it usually means an original creditor believes you owe them money and has passed your account to Credence to collect it.
Who Does Credence Collect For?
Credence is best known for collecting debts for telecommunications and utility companies. The most common accounts associated with them include:
AT&T (Mobile and Internet)
DirecTV
Charter Communications
T-Mobile
Dish Network
Various healthcare providers and utility companies.
If you recently cancelled a cable service or switched phone providers, you might have had a final bill you didn't know about. That small bill is often what triggers these collection calls.
Is Credence Resource Management a Scam?
No, they are a real debt collection agency. However, just because they are a real company does not mean the debt they are collecting is always correct.
Common issues consumers face include:
Zombie Debt: Trying to collect on a debt that is too old to be legally collected.
Inaccurate Amounts: Charging fees or interest that were not part of the original contract.
Identity Theft: Collecting a debt that belongs to someone else with a similar name, or a debt resulting from fraud.
Already Paid Debts: Trying to collect money you have already paid to the original service provider.
This is why you should never pay a collection agency immediately without doing your homework first.
Understanding Your Rights: The FDCPA
Before we discuss how to remove them, you need to learn about the law that protects you. In the United States, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that limits what debt collectors can do.
Here is a simple breakdown of what Credence Resource Management CANNOT do:
They cannot call you at unreasonable times. (Usually before 8 AM or after 9 PM).
They cannot harass you. They cannot use threats of violence or profane language.
They cannot lie. They cannot pretend to be police officers or attorneys if they are not.
They cannot threaten you with arrest. Debt is a legal financial issue, not a criminal offence.
You cannot go to jail simply for owing money on a phone bill.
They cannot call you at work if you tell them your employer does not allow these calls.
If Credence violates any of these rules, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Step-by-Step Guide to Handling Credence Resource Management
If Credence has contacted you, follow these steps exactly. Do not skip any steps.
Step 1: Do Not Pay Immediately
This is the most important piece of advice. When a collector calls, your first instinct might be to pay just to make them stop. Don't do it yet.
Why? Paying the debt is an admission that the debt is yours. After you make the payment, your bargaining power is gone.
Also: Paying a collection account does not automatically remove it from your credit report. It will just change the status to "Paid Collection," which still hurts your credit score for up to 7 years.
Step 2: Request Debt Validation
The law gives you the right to demand proof that the debt is actually yours. This is called a Debt Validation Letter.
You must send this letter within 30 days of their first contact with you.
What to write in the letter: You don't need a lawyer. All you have to do is draft a letter that says:
"I am writing in response to your contact regarding account number [insert number]. I am requesting validation of this debt. Please provide proof that I owe this money, the name of the original creditor, and a copy of the original contract."
How to send it:
Make sure to mail it using certified post and request a return receipt for proof of delivery.
This gives you legal proof that they received your letter.
Once they receive this letter, they are legally required to stop collecting until they provide the proof. If they cannot find the paperwork (which often happens with old utility bills), they must stop collecting and remove the account from your credit report.
Step 3: Check for Errors (Dispute)
If they do validate the debt (send you proof), your next step is to act like a detective. Look at the documents they sent and compare them to your own records and your credit report.
Look for these common errors:
Is the balance correct?
Is the date of the account opening correct?
Is the spelling of your name correct?
Is the payment history accurate?
If you find any errors, you can file a dispute with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
You can do this online on their websites. State clearly: "This account contains inaccurate information regarding the balance/dates, and I request it be removed."
Step 4: Negotiate a "Pay-For-Delete"
If the debt is truly yours, the validation was successful, and the details are correct, you still have an option. You may attempt to work out a pay-for-delete deal, where the creditor agrees to remove the account from your credit report after payment.
This is a deal where you agree to pay the debt (or a settled amount), and in exchange, Credence agrees to completely delete the account from your credit report.
How to do it:
Call or Write: Contact them and offer to pay a portion of the debt (start with 40% or 50%).
The Condition: State clearly that you will only pay if they agree to delete the tradeline from your credit report.
Get it in Writing: Crucial Step. Do not pay a single cent until they send you a document (email or letter) stating that upon payment, they will delecentre account. Collectors often promise this on the phone and then lie. Get it in writing.
Note: Credence Resource Management is not legally required to do a Pay-For-Delete, and they may say no. However, they want your money, so they are often willing to negotiate.
Personal Advice: Protecting Your Mental Health
Dealing with debt collectors is stressful. I want to offer you some personal advice based on years of observing the finance industry.
Don't Take it Personally: The person calling you is working in a call centre, likely reading from a script. They don't know you. Do not let their rude tone affect your self-worth.
Keep Records of Everything: Buy a physical folder. Every letter they send you, keep it. Every letter you send them, keep a copy. If you speak on the phone, write down the date, time, and the name of the person you spoke to. This "paper trail" is your best weapon.
Communicate in Writing: Whenever possible, avoid talking on the phone. Phone calls can get emotional, and "he said/she said" doesn't hold up in court. Writing letters keeps things professional and provides evidence.
Know Your Statute of Limitations: Every state in the USA has a "Statute of Limitations" on debt. This is the time limit they have to sue you. If your debt is 5 or 6 years old, it might be "time-barred." This means they can still ask for money, but they cannot take you to court. Check the laws in your specific state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can Credence Resource Management sue me? A: Yes, they can. However, lawsuits are expensive. They usually only sue for large amounts of money. If your debt is small (under $500), a lawsuit is less likely, but still possible.
Q: Will paying off Credence increase my credit score? A: Not necessarily. Newer credit scoring models (like FICO 9) ignore paid collections, but many mortgage lenders still use older models (FICO 2, 4, 5) where a "Paid Collection" looks just as bad as an "Unpaid Collection." This is why "Pay-For-Delete" is the best strategy.
Q: How do I contact Credence Resource Management? A: If you need to send a validation letter, use their official correspondence address.
Address: PO Box 2300, Southgate, MI 48195-4300 (Always verify the address on your credit report or their official website before sending certified mail).
Phone: 855-880-4791 or 855-880-4792.
Q: Why did my credit score drop 50 points? A: A collection account is a "major derogatory" item. It indicates you defaulted on an agreement. This signals high risk to lenders, causing a significant drop in your score. The good news is that the impact fades over time, and if you get it removed, your score will bounce back quickly.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Dealing with Credence Resource Management requires patience and a cool head. Remember, you have rights protected by the US government. You do not have to accept harassment, and you do not have to pay debts that are not validated.
Here is your action plan for today:
Check your credit report (you can get it for free at AnnualCreditReport.com).
Do not ignore their letters.
Send a Debt Validation letter immediately via Certified Mail.
If the debt is verified, try to negotiate a Pay-For-Delete.
Take control of your financial future today. Don't let a collection account stand in the way of your new car, new home, or financial peace of mind.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. If you are facing a lawsuit or complex legal issues, please consulttttttt with a consumer protection attorney in your state.
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