Vance and Huffman on Credit Report
If you recently found Vance and Huffman, LLC on your credit report or received a call from them, you're not alone. Many people wonder, Who is Vance and Huffman? and Why are they contacting me?
In this guide, we’ll break down who they are, who they collect for, and what you can do if they’re after you for a debt.
What Is Vance and Huffman, LLC?
Vance and Huffman, LLC is a third-party debt collection agency based in Smithfield, Virginia. They work with creditors to recover unpaid debts from consumers. If they’re reaching out to you, it means they believe you owe money to a company they represent.
Vance and Huffman Company Information:
- Full Name: Vance & Huffman, LLC
- Founded: 2013
- Location: 55 Monette Parkway, Suite 100, Smithfield, VA 23430
Is Vance and Huffman a Legitimate Company?
Yes, Vance and Huffman, LLC is a legitimate debt collection agency. However, like many collection agencies, they have received numerous consumer complaints regarding aggressive collection tactics, inaccurate debt claims, and failure to validate debts.
Common Complaints About Vance and Huffman:
- Harassing phone calls at odd hours
- Attempts to collect old or incorrect debts
- Failure to provide proper debt validation
- Threats of legal action without proper justification
If you believe they are violating your rights, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Recommended Article: CMRE Financial Services: Why Are They Calling Me?
Why Is Vance and Huffman Calling Me?
Debt collectors like Vance and Huffman call people when a company sells or gives them a debt to collect. They might contact you if:
- You missed payments on a credit card, loan, or medical bill.
- You didn’t pay a personal loan, auto loan, or utility bill.
- A past-due account was sent to collections.
Their job is to get the money back for the company that hired them or for themselves if they bought the debt.
Vance and Huffman, LLC Reviews: What Are People Saying?
Vance and Huffman, LLC has received mixed reviews from consumers. Many people report negative experiences, including:
- Aggressive phone calls and persistent collection attempts.
- Attempts to collect old or inaccurate debts.
- Difficulties with debt validation requests.
- BBB Rating: Varies (Check BBB for updated complaints and reviews)
Before paying, always confirm the debt is valid.
How to Contact Vance and Huffman (Phone Number & Address)
If you need to reach them, here’s their contact information:
- Vance and Huffman, LLC Phone Number: +1 855-206-6697
- Mailing Address: 55 Monette Parkway, Suite 100, Smithfield, VA 23430
- Website: https://www.vhllc.co/
Who Does Vance and Huffman Collect For?
Vance and Huffman is a debt collector that shows up on credit reports. Sometimes, they buy the debt from the original lender, like a credit card or loan company. They usually pay way less than what the debt was originally worth—sometimes just 1/10th of the original amount. Other times, they don’t own the debt but are just hired to collect it.
While Vance and Huffman doesn’t say exactly who they collect for, they usually work with:
- Credit card companies (Chase, Capital One, etc.)
- Personal loan lenders
- Medical service providers
- Retail financing companies
- Auto loan lenders
- Utility service providers
If they are on your credit report, that means a past creditor sent your account to collections. They may also call or send letters, asking for payment. Even worse, a collection account on your credit report can lower your credit score and make it harder to get approved for loans or credit cards.
The good news? You might be able to get this removed from your credit report.
How to Deal with Vance and Huffman
If Vance and Huffman is contacting you, follow these steps:
1. Request Debt Validation
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you have the right to ask for proof that the debt is yours. Send a debt validation letter within 30 days of their first contact.
2. Check Your Credit Report
If they appear on your credit report, verify:
- The amount owed is correct.
- The debt is not too old (past the statute of limitations in your state).
- There are no errors in the report.
3. Negotiate a Settlement
If the debt is valid, you might be able to negotiate a pay-for-delete agreement, where they remove the negative mark from your credit report in exchange for payment.
4. Stop Harassment
If they are calling too often or using aggressive tactics, you can:
- Request that they only contact you in writing.
- Report them to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) if they violate your rights.
5. Consider Legal Action
If you believe they are acting unfairly, you may be able to file a Vance and Huffman lawsuit for violations of debt collection laws.
Recommended Read: 800-955-6600 Calling? Know Your FDCPA Rights Against The Northland Group
Should You Pay to Remove Vance and Huffman?
Pay-for-Delete (Not Recommended)
It might seem like a good idea to pay off Vance and Huffman in exchange for getting it removed from your credit report. But here’s the issue—when you pay, your report updates from “unpaid” to “paid”, but the collection still stays on your report for 7 years from the original delinquency date. Your credit score may not improve much, if at all.
Should You Settle with Vance and Huffman? (Better to Dispute It)
Settling your debt may help, but it can also hurt your score. The best option depends on your situation. In some cases, you may not have to pay at all. If there are any errors in their claim, you might be able to remove it completely without paying a dime—and never have to hear from them again.
How to Remove Vance and Huffman from Your Credit Report
1. Dispute Inaccurate Information
If there’s an error in their reporting, file a dispute with the credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion). They must investigate and correct any inaccuracies.
Here's a step-by-step guide to disputing inaccurate information:
- Identify the Errors: Carefully review your credit reports from all three bureaus. Look for discrepancies such as:
- Incorrect personal information (name, address, Social Security number).
- Accounts that don't belong to you.
- Incorrect account balances or payment histories.
- Accounts listed multiple times.
- Accounts that are past the statute of limitations.
- Gather Supporting Documentation: Collect any evidence that supports your claim. This might include:
- Copies of account statements.
- Payment confirmations.
- Correspondence with creditors.
- Police reports (in case of identity theft).
- File a Dispute with Each Credit Bureau: You must file separate disputes with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, as they maintain independent records. You can file disputes online, by mail, or by phone.
- Include a Detailed Explanation: Clearly state the errors and explain why you believe they are incorrect. Be specific and provide all relevant details.
- Attach Copies of Your Documentation: Send copies of your supporting documents with your dispute letter or upload them online. Do not send originals.
- Send by Certified Mail (If Mailing): If you choose to mail your dispute, send it via certified mail with a return receipt requested. This provides proof that the credit bureau received your dispute.
- Follow Up: The credit bureaus have 30 days to investigate your dispute. If you don't receive a response within that time, follow up to inquire about the status of your dispute.
- Review the Results: Once the investigation is complete, the credit bureau will notify you of the results. If the information is corrected, verify that the changes are accurate. If the dispute is denied, you have the right to add a 100-word statement to your credit report explaining your side of the story.
2. Request Debt Validation
When a debt collector like Vance and Huffman reports a debt on your credit report, they are legally obligated to prove that the debt is valid and that you are the rightful owner. This is your right under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Don't just take their word for it – demand proof!
Here's how to effectively request debt validation:
- Send a Debt Validation Letter: This letter must be sent in writing, preferably via certified mail with return receipt requested, to ensure you have proof of delivery.
- Include Specific Demands: In your letter, request the following documentation:
- A copy of the original contract or agreement that you signed, proving you agreed to the debt.
- A detailed payment history from the original creditor, showing how the debt accumulated.
- Proof that Vance and Huffman has the legal right to collect this specific debt.
- Proof that you were properly notified of the debt before it was reported to the credit bureaus.
- Set a Deadline: While the FDCPA doesn't specify a strict deadline for your initial request, you should request a response within 30 days. This creates a sense of urgency.
- Keep Copies: Always keep copies of your letter and any documentation you receive from Vance and Huffman.
What Happens If They Can't Validate?
If they can’t prove the debt is yours, they must remove it from your credit report.
Important Considerations:
- Don't Admit the Debt: In your validation letter, avoid admitting that you owe the debt. Simply state that you are requesting validation.
- Be Specific: The more specific you are in your demands, the better.
- Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all communication with Vance and Huffman.
By exercising your right to debt validation, you can ensure that only accurate and verifiable information appears on your credit report.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Vance and Huffman, LLC is a legitimate debt collection agency based in Virginia.
✅ Their presence on your credit report means a past creditor sent your debt to collections.
✅ Request debt validation before making any payments to ensure the debt is legitimate.
✅ You can remove Vance and Huffman from your credit report by debt validation and disputing inaccuracies.
✅ Know your rights under the FDCPA to protect yourself from unfair debt collection tactics.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with Vance and Huffman, LLC can be frustrating, but you have rights. Never ignore collection attempts, and always confirm debts before making payments. If you need help disputing an account or improving your credit score, consider working with a credit repair professional.
👉 Need help removing Vance and Huffman from your credit report? Contact us today for expert assistance!