If ARS National Services has shown up on your credit report, it likely means a debt you once owed was sent to collections. This kind of entry can damage your credit score and stay on your report for up to seven years. But you don’t have to just live with it—there are ways to take action and potentially get it removed.
Why ARS National Services Is on Your Credit Report
ARS National Services, Inc. is a third-party debt collection agency based in Escondido, California. They collect on behalf of original creditors who haven’t been able to recover unpaid debts from consumers.
If ARS is listed on your credit report, it means they’ve taken over the collection efforts for a past-due account. This collection status can show up even if the debt is small, and it will almost always hurt your credit score.
Who ARS National Services Collects For
ARS works with some of the country’s largest financial institutions. They’re known to collect for:
- Major credit card companies like Capital One, Chase, and Citibank
- National banks and lenders
These companies hire ARS when a customer stops paying, and the original creditor wants to offload the collection process.
Is ARS National Services Legit?
Yes, ARS National Services is a legitimate debt collector. They’ve been in business for years and are registered to collect in many states. However, like most collection agencies, they may use persistent communication tactics like frequent calls or emails.
Even if the company is legitimate, it’s important to make sure the debt itself is accurate and still valid before taking any action.
How to Remove ARS National Services From Your Credit Report
A collection account can damage your credit and make it harder to qualify for loans, credit cards, or housing. Here’s how to approach getting ARS removed from your credit report:
1. Review Your Credit Report for Errors
Check the details of the account. If anything looks incorrect—like the balance, account number, or payment history—you can file a dispute with the credit bureaus. If ARS can’t prove the information is accurate, the account must be removed.
2. Request Debt Validation
You have the right to ask ARS to validate the debt. This means they must prove the debt is yours and that the amount is correct. Send a debt validation letter within 30 days of first contact. If they can’t provide documentation, they must stop reporting it.
3. Ask for a Pay-for-Delete Agreement
If the debt is valid, and you want to resolve it, consider negotiating a pay-for-delete deal. This means you agree to pay (either in full or for less) in exchange for having the account removed from your credit report. Get the agreement in writing before sending any payment.
4. Work With a Credit Repair Company
If you’d rather not deal with ARS yourself, a credit repair service can help. They can handle disputes, communicate with the collector, and push to remove the account if it was reported in error or cannot be validated.
Ready to Clean Up Your Credit Report?
Learn how credit repair professionals can assist you in disputing inaccuracies on your credit report.
Should You Contact or Pay ARS National Services?
Before calling or paying ARS, make sure you:
- Confirm the debt is actually yours
- Check if the amount is correct
- Know how old the debt is
- Understand the laws in your state
Paying a debt can restart the statute of limitations in some cases. If you’re unsure what to do, speak with a professional or get legal guidance.
Can ARS National Services Sue or Garnish Wages?
Yes, ARS can sue you for unpaid debt. If they win in court, they may be able to:
- Garnish your wages
- Freeze your bank account
- Get a judgment lien against your property
These actions require court approval and are usually a last resort after other collection efforts have failed. Laws about wage garnishment vary by state, so the outcome depends on where you live.
Common Complaints About ARS National Services
Like many collection agencies, ARS has received complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Some of the most frequent issues include:
- Reporting inaccurate information
- Failing to validate a debt
- Harassing contact or repeated phone calls
ARS currently holds an A+ rating with the BBB, but that doesn’t mean all consumers have positive experiences. If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the CFPB or your state attorney general.
Your Rights When Dealing With ARS National Services
Debt collectors must follow federal and state laws. Two key laws protect you:
- The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Here’s what those laws guarantee:
- You can dispute any inaccurate information on your credit report
- You have the right to request debt validation
- Collectors cannot harass, threaten, or lie to you
- They must identify themselves as debt collectors
- They cannot threaten arrest or jail over unpaid debts
Knowing your rights can help you stand your ground and take the right steps to clean up your credit.
ARS National Services Contact Information
Office Address
ARS National Services, Inc.
201 W Grand Ave
Escondido, CA 92025-2603
Mailing Address
PO Box 469046
Escondido, CA 92046
Phone Number
(800) 665-3140
Note: It’s best to communicate with debt collectors in writing. Avoid phone calls unless you’re working with a professional or legal advisor.
Need Help Removing ARS National Services?
If you’re struggling to remove ARS from your credit report—or just don’t want to handle it alone—consider working with a credit repair company. Credit Saint has experience challenging collection accounts and helping people clean up their credit reports. And if they don’t deliver, they offer a 90-day money-back guarantee.
To learn more, visit their website or call (855) 281-1510 for a free consultation.
Brooke Banks is a personal finance writer specializing in credit, debt, and smart money management. She helps readers understand their rights, build better credit, and make confident financial decisions with clear, practical advice.
