What to Say When Talking to a MRS Debt Collector

The worst thing you can do is ignore them, debt collectors, that is. That won’t solve a thing and might make matters worse. Anyway, fat chance ignoring MRS Associates if that’s who is handling your debt. The 30-year-old agency has gained infamy for what are often scorched-earth practices.

But here’s the deal: if you do hear from the agency, you can and should advocate for yourself. You don’t have to just take … whatever. Now, you do have to exercise care so that you don’t hurt your case. 

Here’s what to say when talking to an MRS Debt Collector.

What is MRS Associates?

Let’s make it plain: while it positions itself as being in the accounts receivable management business, MRS Associates is one of the nation’s largest third-party debt collectors. It attempts to recover payment for delinquent bills for goods or services. Past-due credit cards are common.

In addition to collecting on student loans, the New Jersey-based company purchases many of its collection accounts from banks, although retailers, finance companies, credit unions and auto finance companies are in the mix, too. 

What is MRS Associates’ Reputation?

An MRS debt collector is bloody persistent, annoyingly so. In fact, most consumer complaints have to do with the frequency of daily phone calls. While you do have legal rights – debt collectors may not phone you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., for example – MRS collectors frequently flout them. 

What Can I Say or Do if MRS Associates Contacts Me?

Collectors usually call out of the blue – it’s not likely you’re sitting around awaiting them – so you’re not sure what to say when they do phone. But don’t panic, and don’t just blurt out anything.  Instead, here are some steps you can take:

• Don’t let them rush you.  If you don’t have time to talk, don’t just say or agree to any old thing to get them off the phone. That could hurt you. Ask them to call back whenever it’s more convenient.
• Take notes. When you are prepared to speak with them, be sure to jot down important things about the conversation. Also, get the name of the person you’re speaking with, and write down the time, date, and length of the call.
• Have MRS validate the debt. Hey, the burden is on them to prove that the debt is what they say it is, and that you owe it. But you need to request this in writing. You may give them your current address – they likely can find it anyway – but don’t say anything that might make you responsible for the account.
• Don’t own up to the debt. If the statue of limitations has expired on your debt – in many states, it’s around six years from your last payment – they cannot collect. However, if you admit to the debt, you can restart the clock. You also don’t want to admit to anything before the debt is validated.
• Be stingy with info. You should not provide info about your debts, income, or other financial obligations since anything you volunteer can be used to get you to pay.
• You can cease talking, hang up, and decide your next move. You do have options, including disputing the debt or making a settlement offer. Do something, however, because the issue’s not going away.

Now that you know what to say when talking to an MRS debt collector, you’ll be ready should they call. In fact, it might be a good idea to keep this story handy.