It may come as a shock if you get a call or letter from someone working for a major debt collection agency like Central States Recovery. It can be scary and confusing to have a stranger asking you for money, especially if you’ve never done business with them or even heard of them before.
Unfortunately, Central States Recovery won’t leave you alone until they get the money they’re after. The good news is that with a little knowledge, you can fight collections and stop debt collectors dead in their tracks.
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What is Central States Recovery?
Central States Recovery, LLC is a debt collection agency based in Kansas, and they’ve been in business since 1985. 1 They perform third-party debt collection on behalf of companies in the healthcare services industry.
As a medical debt collection agency, Central States Recovery (CSR) provides the following services:
- Calling patients
- Analyzing patient financial details to predict a reasonable payment amount
- Creating patient payment plans
- Taking legal action against patients when necessary
Who does Central States Recovery collect for?
According to the company’s website, healthcare providers account for 95% of the companies that Central States Recovery works for. 2 If you’re hearing from CSR or see their name on your credit report, they’re probably trying to collect payment for an overdue medical bill, such as from a hospital or clinic visit.
However, it’s also possible that CSR may be trying to collect payments from you for a different type of consumer debt since 5% of their clients fall outside of the healthcare sector.
Is Central States Recovery a scam company?
No, Central States Recovery isn’t a scam. It’s a legitimate debt collection agency that’s accredited by ACA International. 3 However, it’s not uncommon for debt collectors to violate consumer rights, so stay vigilant against unlawful debt collection practices.
What’s more, scammers may impersonate CSR representatives to steal your money. It’s crucial that you confirm the validity of any debts you’re asked to pay. You can verify your debts by contacting Central States Recovery directly using the contact information below.
How to deal with CSR
Ready to take control of your debt with CSR? Choose the methods you want to attempt below.
Dispute Collections If the debt is inaccurate, learn how to remove the collection from your credit report. | Stop Harassment If your rights are being violated, learn how to fight back using protections under federal law. |
Verify Debt If you're not certain the debt is yours, request more information (and temporarily stop collection efforts). | Pay Debt Collector If you're ready to pay up, learn how to do it in a way that keeps you on better financial footing. |
