If you’ve spotted Choice Recovery on your credit report, you’re probably dealing with a collection account that could be lowering your score. Here’s what you need to know and how to get it removed.
Who Is Choice Recovery?
Choice Recovery, Inc. (CRI), also known as First Federal Credit Control, is a debt collection agency based in Columbus, Ohio. They collect unpaid debts on behalf of other businesses, which often leads to their name showing up on credit reports.
Who Does Choice Recovery Collect For?
Choice Recovery works with a range of industries, including:
- Healthcare providers and medical offices
- Government agencies
- Colleges and universities
- Industrial companies
If you’ve missed payments on medical bills, tuition, fines, or other types of debt, it may end up in Choice Recovery’s hands.
Is Choice Recovery a Legitimate Company?
Yes, Choice Recovery is a real debt collection agency. They’re authorized to collect debts for their clients. But always verify the debt before making payments — errors happen, and old or inaccurate accounts can sometimes end up in collections.
How to Remove Choice Recovery From Your Credit Report
A collection account can damage your credit score for up to seven years. But there are ways to handle it:
- Dispute inaccurate information with the credit bureaus
- Request debt validation to confirm the debt is truly yours
- Negotiate a pay-for-delete agreement, where you pay in exchange for having the account removed
You can also work with a reputable credit repair service to help challenge the account and improve your credit faster.
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 Choice Recovery?
Before speaking with any debt collector, make sure the debt is accurate and still valid. Paying an old debt can reset the clock, making it harder to rebuild your credit.
If you want to resolve the account, consider negotiating carefully or hiring a credit repair company to handle the process for you.
Can Choice Recovery Sue You or Garnish Your Wages?
Collection agencies like Choice Recovery have the legal right to sue you over unpaid debts. If they take you to court and win, they may be able to garnish your wages or levy your bank account, depending on your state’s laws.
That said, lawsuits are often a last resort. It’s typically easier for both sides to work out a payment plan or settlement first.
Choice Recovery Complaints
Like many debt collectors, Choice Recovery has complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Common complaints include:
- Inaccurate reporting
- Harassment or excessive calls
- Failure to verify debts
If you feel your rights are being violated, file a complaint and document all interactions.
Your Rights When Dealing With Choice Recovery
Debt collectors must follow the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which protect you from unfair treatment. Here are some of your key rights:
- You can request written debt validation within 30 days
- They cannot report false or incomplete information
- Harassment, threats, and abusive language are illegal
- They must clearly state they are a debt collection agency
- You cannot be arrested for unpaid consumer debts
Choice Recovery Contact Information
Choice Recovery, Inc.
1105 Schrock Road, Suite 700
Columbus, OH 43229
Choice Recovery, Inc.
1550 Old Henderson Road, Suite 100
Columbus, OH 43220
Phone: (614) 358-9900 or (800) 559-9277
Remove Choice Recovery From Your Credit Report Today
Credit Saint has helped clients remove millions of negative items from their credit reports, including accounts from Choice Recovery. If you’re ready to clean up your credit, their team can help — and they even offer a 90-day money-back guarantee for extra peace of mind.
Visit their website or call (855) 281-1510 to get started.
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.
