If you’ve noticed Associated Credit Services listed as a collection on your credit report, it likely means a past-due debt has been turned over to them. Collections like this can damage your credit score for years—but you have options to take care of it.
Who Is Associated Credit Services?
Associated Credit Services, Inc. (ACS) is a debt collection agency based in Westborough, Massachusetts. They’ve been operating since 1969, collecting unpaid debts on behalf of various businesses and service providers.
Who Does Associated Credit Services Collect For?
Associated Credit Services works with companies across several industries, including:
- Amusement parks
- Banks and financial institutions
- Healthcare providers
- Utility companies
- Other service providers
If you owe a debt in one of these categories, there’s a chance ACS is now handling the collection.
Is Associated Credit Services a Scam?
Associated Credit Services is not a scam. They are a real, licensed collection agency authorized to collect debts for their clients. However, that doesn’t mean every collection they report is valid. Always verify the debt before making a payment.
It’s common for incorrect, outdated, or even fraudulent accounts to show up on your credit report, so don’t assume the debt is accurate without checking.
How to Remove Associated Credit Services From Your Credit Report
A collection account from ACS can stay on your credit report for up to seven years, but there are ways to potentially remove it sooner:
- Dispute Inaccuracies: If the account details are wrong or the debt isn’t yours, dispute it with the credit bureaus. They must investigate and correct errors.
- Request Debt Validation: You have the right to ask ACS to prove the debt is valid. If they can’t, they must stop collection efforts and remove the account.
- Negotiate a Pay-for-Delete: In some cases, you can negotiate payment in exchange for having the collection removed from your credit report. Always get the agreement in writing before sending payment.
- Work With a Credit Repair Service: If handling it yourself feels complicated, credit repair professionals can help challenge inaccurate or outdated items on your credit report.
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Learn how credit repair professionals can assist you in disputing inaccuracies on your credit report.
Should You Contact or Pay Associated Credit Services?
Before paying or discussing the debt, confirm the details:
- Is the debt valid?
- Is it within the statute of limitations?
- Is the account being reported accurately?
Making a payment can reset the statute of limitations in some states, which might extend the time a debt collector can take legal action. That’s why many people prefer to work with a credit repair service to avoid costly mistakes and improve their chances of success.
Can Associated Credit Services Sue You or Garnish Your Wages?
Yes, ACS can sue you for unpaid debts. If they win in court, they may be able to:
- Garnish your wages
- Freeze or levy your bank account
- Place liens on property
Whether they pursue these actions depends on your state laws and the specifics of your case. Most collection agencies view lawsuits as a last resort due to the time and expense involved. They often prefer to work out a settlement or payment plan first.
Associated Credit Services Contact Information
Here’s how to reach them:
Associated Credit Services, Inc.
115 Flanders Rd, Suite 140
Westborough, MA 01581
Phone: (508) 366-0888 or (800) 531-6500
Complaints Against Associated Credit Services
Like many collection agencies, ACS has complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Common complaints include:
- Incorrect reporting
- Failure to verify debts
- Harassing phone calls
If you experience similar problems, you can file a complaint with the CFPB, your state’s attorney general, or the BBB.
Your Rights When Dealing With Associated Credit Services
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protect you from unfair treatment. Debt collectors must follow these rules:
- They cannot report false or incomplete information to the credit bureaus.
- You have the right to request debt validation within 30 days of first contact. ACS must prove the debt belongs to you and the amount is correct.
- They cannot harass, threaten, or repeatedly call you.
- They must clearly identify themselves as a debt collection agency.
- They cannot threaten arrest or legal action they are not legally allowed to take.
Knowing your rights can help you handle collection accounts confidently and avoid unnecessary stress.
Remove Associated Credit Services From Your Credit Report Today
Dealing with collection agencies like ACS can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Credit Saint has helped thousands of people remove inaccurate or outdated negative items from their credit reports—including collections from Associated Credit Services.
They even offer a 90-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind while improving your credit.
Visit their website or call (855) 281-1510 to learn more.
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.
