Autovest LLC is a debt collection company that buys old or charged-off debts from banks, credit card companies, or auto lenders at a discount. If they’re calling you, it usually means they now own your debt and are trying to collect payment. They may also file lawsuits to recover what’s owed. In short, a call from Autovest means they believe you have an outstanding balance with them.
Getting calls from Autovest LLC can be stressful, especially if you're not sure who they are or why they're contacting you. If you've been receiving these calls, you're not alone – and more importantly, you have rights that protect you from harassment and unfair collection practices.
Who Is Autovest LLC?
Autovest LLC is a debt collector that specializes in purchasing debts from original creditors, often for pennies on the dollar, and then attempting to collect the full amount from consumers. The company focuses particularly on automobile loan debt collection, buying up defaulted auto loans and retail installment sales contracts.
When you see Autovest LLC on your caller ID or credit report, it typically means one of two things:
- They purchased your debt from the original creditor (like a bank or car dealership)
- They've been hired by another company to collect the debt on their behalf
In many cases, debt buyers like Autovest purchase these debts for as little as 1/10th of the original amount owed. This means they can still make a profit even if they settle with you for much less than the full balance.
Why Is Autovest LLC Calling Me?
If Autovest LLC is calling you, they believe you owe money on a debt. This could be related to:
- Auto loans or car financing that went into default
- Credit card debt that was sold to them by the original creditor
- Personal loans or other consumer debts
- Medical bills that were assigned to them for collection
However, just because they're calling doesn't automatically mean you owe the debt. Debt collectors sometimes have inaccurate information, pursue time-barred debts, or even contact the wrong person entirely.
Your Rights When Dealing With Autovest LLC
Autovest LLC must operate under regulations set by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). These federal laws give you important protections:
What Autovest LLC Cannot Do:
- Call you before 8 AM or after 9 PM
- Use abusive, obscene, or threatening language
- Harass you with repeated calls
- Contact your family, friends, or employer about your debt (with limited exceptions)
- Lie about the amount you owe or their legal authority
- Threaten actions they cannot or will not take
What You Can Do:
- Request debt validation – You have 30 days from first contact to request proof that you owe the debt
- Dispute the debt if you believe it's inaccurate or not yours
- Send a cease and desist letter to stop phone calls (though they can still send written communications)
- Record conversations if your state allows it (check your state's laws first)
Steps to Take If Autovest LLC Is Calling You
1. Don't Ignore It Completely
While it's tempting to avoid the calls, completely ignoring a legitimate debt won't make it disappear. Autovest LLC can potentially pursue legal action, though they may be less likely to sue than other collectors.
2. Request Debt Validation
Within 30 days of their first contact, send a written request asking Autovest LLC to provide:
- Proof that you owe the debt
- The original creditor's name
- The amount owed
- Documentation showing they have the right to collect
3. Check Your State's Statute of Limitations
Some debts become "time-barred," meaning the collector may be legally prohibited from suing you to collect, even if you still technically owe the money. The statute of limitations varies by state and type of debt.
4. Consider Your Options
Once you've verified the debt is legitimate, you have several choices:
- Pay in full if you can afford it
- Negotiate a settlement for less than the full amount
- Set up a payment plan that fits your budget
- Seek help from a nonprofit credit counseling agency
Red Flags: When Autovest LLC May Be Violating the Law
Autovest has faced numerous lawsuits and complaints for violating consumer protection laws, including harassment tactics like incessant calls and threats of legal action. Contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) if they:
- Call you repeatedly throughout the day
- Use threatening or abusive language
- Refuse to provide debt validation when requested
- Continue calling after you've sent a cease and desist letter
- Contact third parties about your debt inappropriately
When to Consider Legal Help
You may want to consult with a consumer rights attorney if:
- Autovest LLC has sued you or threatened legal action
- You believe they're violating the FDCPA
- The debt amount is substantial
- You're facing wage garnishment or bank account levies
Many consumer attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency, meaning you may not pay upfront fees.
Facing Autovest LLC Bottom Line
Getting calls from Autovest LLC doesn't have to be overwhelming. Remember that you have rights, and debt collectors must follow specific rules when contacting you. Take action by requesting validation of the debt, understanding your state's laws, and exploring your options for resolution.
Don't let aggressive collection tactics pressure you into agreements you can't afford. Whether you choose to pay, settle, or dispute the debt, make sure any decision you make is based on accurate information and fits within your financial capabilities.
If you're struggling with multiple debts and Autovest LLC is just one of several collectors calling, it might be time to consider more comprehensive debt relief options, including speaking with a nonprofit credit counselor about your overall financial situation.