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How do you contact Action Professionals collection agency in order to pay off a debt?

Aug 19, 2007 by morbidstar22 | Posted in Credit

I tried online and the website has no phone number. I can't believe for as much trouble they go through to reach us, it is even harder to find them!

Whenever you have problems finding a company, you might search the BBB website.

I first put in Action Professionals collection agency and came up with many pages.
I narrowed it down and just put in Action Professionals and came up with one listed in South Dakota. I hope that is the one you are looking for.

Action Professional Services
408 S 2nd Ave # 202
Sioux Falls, SD 57104-6919
Telephone: (605) 335-3090
www.actioncollectionagency.com

Principal: Mr. Ron Raff, Owner/Manager
Customer Contact: Mr. Ron Raff, Owner/Manager - (605) 335-3090 or rraff@actioncollectionagency.com
Email Address: rraff@actioncollectionagency.com
Entity: Sole Proprietor

Additional Addresses
PO Box 675
Sioux Falls, SD 57101

Additional Phone Numbers
Tel: (888) 335-3090



You should "never" speak to them by phone. You should always do all of your correspondence to a collector by letter.
Never sign your names to your letters, only print your initials or type your name.
Send all of your letters to them by certified mail return receipt
If you pay, never pay by personal check, only use money orders or cashiers checks.

If you have not requested validation yet, you should.
Among other things, make sure that the amount they are requesting is not illegally inflated, that they are licensed and/or bonded to do business in your state if your state requires it, that they have a legal right to collect on that account, etc., etc.

Once they properly validate, and you want to pay, you should send a letter requesting that they agree to a reduced amount as "payment in full" and that they will agree to remove anything they are reporting on your credit reports (if they are reporting)

You should also check the collecting SOL for your state. If you are past the SOL you have a legal right to send a SOL letter informing them the account is no longer legally collectible.

If you are past the SOL and still want to pay, you may get them to agree to a much discounted amount as "payment in full" since the only way they can "legally" collect on the account is by your offer to pay - (or if they had sued and won because you failed to respond)

How do you know if you should seek professional debt help?

Jan 31, 2006 by FairyNanook | Posted in Personal Finance

For instance, at what point should you consider debt consolidation loans, credit counselors, and/or bankrupcy? This is given that I understand the responsible use of money, but live in a crappy economy and in one of the crappiest states for crappy economies in the U.S.A. Just looking for some advice from those who are experienced and/or knowlegable in this area. Thanks!

My husband and I used a Debt Negotiator, not a Consolidator. Be careful who you go with, sometimes consolidators will make you file bankruptcy anyway. The company we used is called DEBTCO and they have website (debtco.com). We have one creditor left for them to pay off and then we're done! They settled most of our accounts for 40% of what we owed.

Is a debt collector required to give you the information for the original creditor?

Mar 26, 2008 by mrs_c | Posted in Personal Finance

I talked with 2 different employees and the manager of the collection department at Professional Debt Mediation and they refuse to give me the correct information of the original creditor. They first gave me the name of a company that doesn't exist anymore, and after I told them that I looked up that company and that it didn't exist, they said they would not give me the name of the creditor unless I was an attorney. This debt is already on my credit report.

I am looking for a professional debt consolodation company that won't rip us off. Any ideas?

Jun 30, 2008 by Philip S | Posted in Financial Aid

Too much credit card dect, excellent income and excellent credit, looking for help. My home is worth less than what I paid so I cannot refi. Thanks!

Hi,
I used "Credit Solution" to settle my debt and improve my credit score.They managed to reduce my debt up to 58%.It's legitimate. I came across this company on NBC News Special Edition.Check it out here:
http://simurl.com/lagjaz

Debt Professionals of America?

Sep 27, 2008 by Got-Questions | Posted in Credit

Has anyone ever heard of that company? Instead of filing for bankruptcy, my Mom has opted to use this company to help negotiate with the credit card companies. It seems too good to be true that she would only have to pay a certain amount of money per month, and the DPoA will take care of all the rest.

I just faxed her info to the company, but I'm worried... and she's desperate. I tried googling the company, but didn't get any results, except for a website with horrible testimonials.

Have any of you heard of this company? Do you trust them?

Thanks for your help!!!

What you need to know about debt settlement firms:

Your credit card companies are not going to offer you settlements like 50%, for example, if you are current (not behind) on your payments. Basically, the only way you can get into a position to negotiate settlements is to deliberately let your accounts go into default. This is exactly what debt settlement firms do....They take a monthly amount from you and use that to build a “settlement” account, which will go towards paying the “settlement” at a certain date. Your creditors will deliberately not be paid. They will not be happy about this.

If you are current on your accounts, this process will ruin your credit rating as your accounts will all go into default. Your creditors are under no obligation whatsoever to accept settlements from any debt settlement firm you hire. Their response might be to serve you papers and take you to court.

Debt settlements "can" be a viable alternative to filing for BK....you just need to be aware that if you currently have good credit...the debt settlement firms will deliberately let all your accounts charge-off/default to put them into a position to negotiate settlements. It can be a stressful and unpredictable process....As your accounts all go into default...you will get increasingly aggressive collection calls from debt collectors. It is "typical" that creditors offer settlements for defaulted credit card debt....They often do this in lieu of loosing everything if you file for BK.....

HOWEVER, you can never predict how any one creditor will respond to defaulted debt. They might decide to take you to court and get a judgment against you. Debt settlement firms have no power whatsoever to stop creditors from taking this action and they have no power to force creditors to accept settlements.

****If you have already defaulted on your cards....make your own settlement offers...you can do this on your own and it puts you in control. If you do...get all settlement terms IN WRITING PRIOR to paying them.

If you are NOT in default on your credit cards, the debt settlement process will ruin your credit and there’s no guarantee that your creditors will accept settlements. It can be an unpredictable and risky process.
================================
Other options:

Contact your local Red Cross for a referral to the local Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) in your area. They can negotiate much lower payments and interest rates. They DO NOT negotiate settlements.

They will require you to stop using all credit and to cut up your cards. Your credit report will be updated to "enrolled in debt management." This does not damage your credit, but it may make it impossible to obtain new credit while you are enrolled in their program....so don't use this service if you anticipate applying for a new apartment, car loan or mortgage anytime soon, as you would probably be denied while you're enrolled in the CCCS debt management program.... Otherwise, it can be a very good way to deal with your debt.

Please note that CCCS cannot perform miracles in situations where there is an overwhelming level of debt relative to your income/assets. CCCS is technically a non-profit organization, it is also partially supported/promoted by the credit card industry. My only concern with CCCS is that they would discourage a person from filing for Chapter 7 when in reality that would be in that person’s best interest. Sometimes Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the only solution to overwhelming debt.

Don't let anyone smear or guilt-trip you for making this decision if you have to...especially all the people who like to quote Dave Ramsey who think that BK should always be avoided....this is ridiculous advise that only benefits credit card companies...Of course BK should be avoided if at all possible...but sometimes it is needed. Do what's best for you and your family. Corporate America uses BK all the time and no one slams them.

Just remember that you can only file for Chapter 7 once every eight years....so if you file, you won't be able to discharge your debts again for eight years, even if you find yourself in a worse financial situation..

Can anyone tell me about professional debt arbitrators?

Feb 03, 2007 by MJ D | Posted in Credit

Their brochure mentions "customized savings plan" and says generally they have average settlement of approx. 35% of balances owed. This outfit has an "Inc." and does charge fee according to debt amount. About how much? Anyone know??? If someone could better explain this I'd know whether or not this is my best way of getting out of debt. I've posted b4, saying I've very good credit. How would a "settlement" process affect my good credit? Would it lower my score (735)? I'm a renter with 4 ccards-three of which carry High APRs. I'm thinking about using my credit union for a lower interest loan to pay off these cards. Anybody have suggestions. I'm a disabled senior living on m'socialsec and want to get my debt down or gone. Anybody??? I don't quite understand this "savings plan"...Would I save in my own personal account and not with them? I don't think I'd be comfortable sending them money to save for me. Who has had any experience with this type outfit??? Thanks in advance; you're all gr8

Stay away. Stay very away.

Yes, they will murder your credit.

They will let your accounts go seriously delinquent until they are charged off, then they will negotiate with the collectors who bought the loans from the original creditors. Since the collectors bought the loans for pennies on the dollar, of course they'll settle for less from your "arbitrator".

Meanwhile your credit will be totally in the toilet.

Where do I find a professional to provide financial assistance to better manage my debt?

Jan 21, 2007 by Nina W | Posted in Personal Finance

What type of professional offers assistance with examining and evaluating an individual's personal financial debt. I am looking for someone to review my personal balance sheet and provide suggestions on how to make improvements. I have no investments and am way over-extended. I am concerned about using a CFP, because I am not looking for portfolio or investment advise. I am also concerned about meeting with a banker, because I have horrible credit and certainly don't want to borrow more money. Additionally, I need more help that just reading a book can offer. I know I need to make changes, I would like to get a professional's advise on making these changes wisely.

I would appreciate any suggestions on getting some strong financial advice.
This is not unsecured debt i.e. credit cards. This is real estate, cars, boats, etc. We make a healthy income. Its not the daily purchases of coffee and eating out that is draining us. We have too many high ticket items and need help determining which to refinance and which to sell. I am looking for the appropriate type of financial advisor to help us.

I agree with swenjj, try daveramsey.com for FREE before you hand over your money to some so-called expert. You can listen to his radio show online for FREE by clicking "new to dave? getting started," then "listen online now" then "listen online streaming" and last "listen to archives." You can also go to your local library for FREE a check out easy-to-understand books by reputable authors like "Total Money Makeover," "Personal Finance for Dummies," and "All Your Worth" by Elizabeth Warren, and "Smart and Simple Financial Strategies for Busy People" by Jane Bryant Quinn. These authors are recommended by Consumer Reports.

Also many of these so-called financial advisers are really salespeople trying to sell you financial products rather than good advise.

Who or where can I go for professional financial advise on saving money/paying debt?

Jul 30, 2007 by Brodie | Posted in Personal Finance

I would like to be able to sit down with some one and basically say here are my pay stubs, here is my current debt (credit cards statements/ car payment) and have them devise a budget for me. Have them work with me and say okay here is the best scenerio and budget you need to stick to to work off your debt and save money.
Would I seek out a financail advisor (at the bank)? I appreciate any advise.

Since you would have to pay for financial advice, there is nothing cheaper than devising a budget for yourself. You can use software based systems, like Quicken, but I believe if you can spend a solid weekend on this, it should be enough to put in some elbow grease and get budgeting!

First, take a look at your paystubs. Are you putting any money into a 401(k)? This is the best and easiest way to save since many employers have a match (free money) and you are contributing pre-tax dollars, which also lowers your tax burden. Try to max your contributions if you can.

Then, after all is deducted from your paycheck, what do you take home after taxes and benefits?

Subtract monthly debts

Take a look at your historical spending. Do you eat out or cook, do you spend on entertainment, clothes or other things? What are your spending habits and where can you reduce? Just looking at your spending pattern will give you a lot of information on where the money goes and how you can curb it.

Then, whatever is left over should go towards paying off your debt. But, if there is enough to put away some money in an emergency cash fund (look at online savings funds - ING, HSBC, Emigrant), you should really be both saving and reducing debt simultaneously. You have to take advantage of compounding for your savings and reduce those debt payments to free up more cash flow.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

What is a reasonable monthly budget for clothes? This is for a professional woman with very little debt?

Jan 13, 2008 by Eric W | Posted in Personal Finance

Please let us know what you think as a monthly allowance or as percentage of take home.

you are not going to corner me == if she has no debt and likes to dress well i would say 95% would be reasonable!!!!

Seeking professional help managing combined debt in new relationship?

Aug 16, 2006 by greg | Posted in Personal Finance

I am seeking professional help getting overwhelming combined debt with fiance under control along with setting future financial goals. I am willing to pay for this service similar to a personal financial advisor. I do not want portfolio advice at this time which eliminates all financial advisor/analyst that I have seen to this point.

Does anybody know what specifically I should be looking for? Does anybody have someone to recommend in the Houston TX area?

If you are trying to reign in debt, then you may wish to consider meeting with a credit counselor. Many agencies offer a consultation with no fees. You can ask about different options that are available based upon your current situation.

One word of advice: financial problems can put a strain on any relationship. If you do enroll in a plan to consolidate debt, you should probably keep yours and your fiance's debt separate. If you need to give each other money to balance out your budget, so be it. Keeping these accounts separate can help mitigate the strain on your relationship.

If you would like to meet with a credit counselor, consider meeting with one in person. You may wish to try one of these agencies in the directory below.

Finding The Right Debt Reduction Strategy

It is very easy to get into debt. However, getting out of debt might be an entirely different story. This is why debt reduction companies are rampant these days and it is beneficial for consumers to fix their financial status. Thankfully, there are many strategies to use whether you are hiring a professional service or not.

All of these debt reduction strategies have good and bad points to them. So, how do you choose the right one?

Borrowing money from your friends and relatives is the most obvious first option. However, this is only valid if you have friends who have enough money to lend you. Borrowing money won’t hurt your relationship and it can save you from high interest rates. The only downside to this approach is that it does not offer anything in terms of teaching you the value of using your money well. Also, it only continues the cycle of debt.

Debt consolidation is another strategy for fixing your debt problems. With this strategy, you can roll your multiple loans into one to lower your monthly payments by stretching the lifespan of your loan. Make sure that you do not delay or skip payments with a debt consolidation loan, especially if you are using any of your valuables as collateral!

Debt settlement and relief agencies offer another good strategy for consumers suffering from debt. Debt professionals have extensive knowledge and experience when dealing with all types of problems. They can therefore suggest the most effective approach for your own credit situation. However, not all firms are made equal. The responsibility weighs on you to compare through each firm carefully to ensure that you won’t get into more trouble later on. Also, you need to be aware of scams and make sure to protect yourself against them.

To choose which debt reduction strategy to use, ask questions. Make sure that you are comfortable with a company before you hire them for the job. If you are not sure, keep asking questions or do a research. It is also important to know how the process works to keep you informed on how you can obtain results in the most efficient manner.

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