Huntington Debt Holdings is a legitimate, nationally licensed debt buyer that purchases charged-off consumer debts from original creditors, such as credit cards and loans . As the new legal owner, HDH may report these debts to credit bureaus under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and attempts to resolve the accounts through compliant outreach
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or credit advice. While we aim to provide accurate and helpful resources, individual situations may vary. Always consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your circumstances.
If you’ve come across “Huntington Debt Holdings” on your credit report, it’s important to understand what it means and how it could affect your credit profile. Debt buyers like Huntington typically purchase delinquent accounts and report them to the credit bureaus, which can lower your score and impact your ability to access credit.
However, any account reported must be accurate, verifiable, and comply with federal laws such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). If you believe the information is incorrect or incomplete, you have the legal right to dispute it through the credit bureaus or directly with the furnisher. Understanding your rights and the dispute process is essential for maintaining an accurate credit file.
What Is Huntington Debt Holdings?
Huntington Debt Holdings is a debt collection agency that buys old debts from original creditors for pennies on the dollar. They then try to collect the full amount from you. This company often appears on credit reports under variations like:
- Huntington Debt Holdings LLC
- Huntington Portfolio Recovery
- HDH Collections
- Huntington Asset Recovery
When your original creditor (like a credit card company or medical provider) can't collect a debt, they often sell it to companies like Huntington Debt Holdings. The original creditor gets some money back, and Huntington hopes to collect the full debt from you plus interest and fees.
But here's what Huntington Debt Holdings doesn't want you to know about their collection practices...
Why Huntington Debt Holdings Appears on Your Credit Report
Huntington Debt Holdings shows up on your credit report because they purchased a debt they claim you owe. This could happen for several reasons:
- Valid Debt Transfer: You had an unpaid debt that was legitimately sold to Huntington Debt Holdings. The original creditor couldn't collect, so they sold your account.
- Mistaken Identity: Huntington bought a debt belonging to someone with a similar name or Social Security number. This happens more often than you'd think.
- Zombie Debt: This is an old debt that's past the statute of limitations (usually 3-7 years depending on your state). Huntington bought it hoping you don't know your rights.
- Identity Theft: Someone used your information to create accounts you never opened. When those accounts went unpaid, they ended up with Huntington.
Recommended: What are Phantom Debts and Are They Chasing You
But the real question is: do they have the legal right to collect from you?
Is Huntington Debt Holdings Legitimate?
Yes, Huntington Debt Holdings is a legitimate debt collection company. However, being legitimate doesn't mean every debt they try to collect is valid. Here's what you need to know:
- They Must Follow Laws: Huntington must follow the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). They cannot harass you, call at inappropriate times, or use deceptive practices.
- They Must Prove the Debt: Under federal law, Huntington must provide proof that you owe the debt. Simply having your name and an amount isn't enough.
- They Have Time Limits: Each state has a statute of limitations on debt collection. If the debt is too old, they cannot sue you to collect it.
But being legitimate doesn't mean you have to accept their claims without question...
Your Rights Against Huntington Debt Holdings
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act gives you powerful rights when dealing with debt collectors like Huntington Debt Holdings:
Debt Validation Rights
Within 30 days of first contact, you can request debt validation. Huntington must provide:
- The amount of the debt
- Name of the original creditor
- Proof they own the debt
- Your right to dispute the debt
Dispute Rights
You can dispute the debt in writing within 30 days. Once you dispute, Huntington must stop collection activities until they provide validation.
Communication Control
You can tell Huntington to stop calling you. They must communicate only in writing after receiving your written request.
Legal Protection
Huntington cannot threaten legal action they don't intend to take. They cannot claim you'll be arrested or that refusing to pay is a crime.
These rights are your shield, but knowing how to use them effectively is your sword...
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Huntington Debt Holdings
Step 1: Don't Ignore the Debt
Ignoring Huntington Debt Holdings won't make them disappear. In fact, it can make things worse. They might:
- Continue reporting negative information
- Add interest and fees
- Potentially file a lawsuit
- Renew their collection efforts
Take action immediately when you discover them on your credit report.
Ignoring them is the worst mistake you can make, but your next step could determine everything...
Step 2: Request Debt Validation
Send a debt validation letter to Huntington Debt Holdings within 30 days of their first contact. If they contacted you more than 30 days ago, you can still request validation, but they're not required to stop collection activities.
Your letter should include:
- Your name and address
- The account number they provided
- A clear statement that you dispute the debt
- A request for complete validation
- A request for all communications in writing
Send this letter certified mail with return receipt requested.
This one letter could expose their weakness, but timing is everything...
Step 3: Analyze Their Response
Huntington Debt Holdings has 30 days to respond with validation. Look carefully at what they provide:
Strong Validation Includes:
- Original signed contract or application
- Complete payment history
- Chain of custody showing how they acquired the debt
- Proof of their legal right to collect
Weak Validation Includes:
- Computer printouts with basic information
- Affidavits from their employees
- Incomplete account histories
- No proof of ownership
If their validation is weak or incomplete, you have grounds to challenge the debt.
Weak validation is your opportunity, but you need to act fast before they strengthen their case...
Step 4: Dispute with Credit Bureaus
File disputes with all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if Huntington Debt Holdings appears on your reports. Common dispute reasons include:
- "Not my account"
- "Inaccurate information"
- "Account belongs to someone else"
- "Debt is beyond statute of limitations"
- "Paid in full" (if you settled the debt)
The credit bureaus must investigate within 30 days. If Huntington can't verify the debt with the bureaus, it must be removed.
Credit bureau disputes work, but there's a more powerful strategy most people never try...
Step 5: Challenge the Statute of Limitations
Every state has a statute of limitations on debt collection. Common time limits are:
- Credit cards: 3-6 years
- Medical debt: 3-6 years
- Personal loans: 3-6 years
- Auto loans: 4-6 years
If Huntington Debt Holdings is trying to collect on an old debt beyond your state's statute of limitations, you can use this as an "affirmative defense" if they sue you. You can also dispute the debt with credit bureaus based on its age.
Time can be your best defense, but there's one more strategy that often works when others fail...
Step 6: Negotiate Removal
If Huntington Debt Holdings has valid proof of the debt, you might consider negotiating a "pay for delete" agreement. This means you pay a portion of the debt in exchange for them removing it from your credit reports.
Important: Get any agreement in writing before making payment. Never give them electronic access to your bank account.
Typical negotiation points:
- Offer 25-50% of the claimed balance
- Require complete removal from all credit reports
- Get written confirmation before paying
- Pay only after they sign the agreement
Negotiation can work, but what if none of these strategies succeed?
When to Get Professional Help
Consider hiring a credit repair company or consumer attorney if:
- Huntington Debt Holdings has sued you
- The debt is large (over $5,000)
- You have multiple collection accounts
- You've tried DIY methods without success
- The debt is clearly not yours but won't go away
Professionals know exactly how to challenge debt collectors and credit bureaus. They can spot weaknesses in Huntington's documentation that you might miss.
Professional help costs money, but the wrong move could cost you much more...
Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Case
Admitting the Debt is Yours
Never acknowledge that you owe the debt until you've seen complete validation. Saying "I can't pay right now" admits the debt is valid.
Making Partial Payments
Any payment can restart the statute of limitations clock. Don't pay anything until you have a written settlement agreement.
Providing Personal Information
Huntington might call asking to "verify" your information. Don't provide Social Security numbers, birth dates, or addresses. They should already have this if the debt is legitimate.
Ignoring Court Documents
If Huntington sues you, ignoring court papers results in an automatic judgment against you. Always respond to lawsuits even if you plan to fight the debt.
These mistakes can destroy your case, but there's still hope even if you've made them...
What Happens After Successful Removal
Once Huntington Debt Holdings is removed from your credit report, you should see improvements in:
- Credit Score: Removing a collection account can increase your score by 50-150 points depending on your overall credit profile.
- Loan Approvals: You'll have better chances of getting approved for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards.
- Interest Rates: Better credit scores mean lower interest rates, saving you thousands over time.
- Employment: Some employers check credit reports. Removing negative items can help with job applications.
But removal is just the beginning of rebuilding your credit...
Preventing Future Collection Issues
Monitor Your Credit Reports
Check your credit reports from all three bureaus at least quarterly. Catch problems early before they become major issues.
Keep Good Records
Save all correspondence with debt collectors, credit bureaus, and creditors. Documentation is crucial if disputes arise.
Know Your Rights
Stay informed about debt collection laws in your state. Knowledge is your best protection against aggressive collectors.
Address Debts Quickly
If you legitimately owe money, address it before it goes to collections. Work with original creditors who are often more willing to negotiate.
Prevention is the best strategy, but what about debts you're currently struggling with?
Dealing with Valid Debts
If you determine that you do legitimately owe money to Huntington Debt Holdings, you have options:
Payment Plans
Huntington may accept monthly payments. Get any payment plan in writing and keep records of all payments.
Settlement Offers
You might settle for less than the full amount. Typical settlements range from 25-60% of the balance.
Validation of Terms
Even if the debt is yours, Huntington must prove the exact amount, including how they calculated interest and fees.
Remember: just because they claim you owe doesn't mean their numbers are correct...
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Credit
Huntington Debt Holdings appears on thousands of credit reports, but that doesn't mean you're powerless. You have legal rights and proven strategies to challenge their claims.
The key is taking action quickly and methodically. Don't let fear or embarrassment prevent you from protecting your financial future.
Your credit score affects everything from housing to employment. Every day you wait is another day of potential damage.
Start with debt validation. Challenge weak evidence. Know your state's statute of limitations. Use professional help when needed.
The power to remove Huntington Debt Holdings from your credit report is in your hands. The only question is: will you use it?