DCI Credit Services on Your Credit Report: What to Know

DCI Credit Services, Inc. collects debts for healthcare providers, financial institutions, retailers, and businesses from Dickinson, North Dakota. They actively file lawsuits and pursue wage garnishment and bank levies when accounts remain unresolved.

A 2017 federal class action accused DCI of adding unauthorized collection fees to medical debt accounts. Documented BBB complaints also show DCI pursuing judgments on debts consumers say were already paid directly to the original creditor. This guide covers who they are and how to respond.

Who Is DCI Credit Services?

DCI Credit Services, Inc. is a third-party debt collection agency licensed by the North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions under license CA100320. They collect for healthcare providers, financial institutions, retailers, and commercial businesses, and also handle NSF check recovery.

North Dakota has a 6-year statute of limitations on written contracts, and medical debt CFPB rules apply to every healthcare account they report.

The 2017 Class Action: Unauthorized Collection Fees on Medical Debt

In Flemmer v. DCI Credit Services, Inc. (D. North Dakota, Case No. 1:17-cv-00272, filed December 2017), a class of plaintiffs alleged DCI threatened consumers into paying an unauthorized collection fee that was not authorized by the original creditor agreement on medical debt accounts. The plaintiffs alleged DCI’s own Collection Services Agreement with healthcare clients permitted the fee addition, making it a systematic practice rather than an isolated error.

FDCPA Section 1692f(1) prohibits collecting amounts not expressly authorized by the agreement creating the debt or permitted by law. If your DCI collection notice shows a balance that exceeds what the original provider billed, request an itemized breakdown showing every charge and the specific authorization for any collection fee added.

Pursuing Judgments on Already-Paid Debts

A documented BBB complaint describes a consumer who paid the original creditor directly more than a year before DCI filed a judgment against them. The original creditor called DCI on multiple occasions confirming the debt had been paid. DCI obtained the judgment anyway. The consumer had payment receipts documenting the original payment.

A documented consumer review echoes this pattern, describing DCI repeatedly hanging up on a consumer who had receipts proving payment and was trying to resolve the situation.

If DCI is collecting on a balance your records show as paid to the original creditor, gather your payment confirmation, bank records, and any communication from the original creditor confirming payment before contacting DCI or filing a dispute.

Garnishment Disputes

A documented BBB complaint describes a consumer who alleges DCI garnished two separate bank accounts totaling $5,046.54 when the court-ordered garnishment amount was $2,523.27. DCI disputed the allegation and maintained only the court-ordered amount was collected. The consumer stated they could not get DCI to respond to calls or emails while experiencing active financial hardship.

If DCI has a judgment against you and is garnishing wages or bank accounts, track every withdrawal with dates and amounts and compare against the court order. If the total exceeds the judgment amount, document the discrepancy and contact a North Dakota consumer attorney immediately.

Filing Lawsuits on Minors’ Medical Accounts

A documented BBB review describes a consumer who received a court summons from DCI for a debt that originated when they were 17 years old from a therapy provider. Collection of medical debt incurred by a minor raises questions about who is legally responsible for the account and whether proper notice was ever provided to the responsible party.

If DCI is collecting on a medical account that originated when you were a minor, confirm who signed the original financial responsibility agreement before responding.

Medical Debt Reporting Rules Apply

DCI collects heavily for healthcare providers. Medical debts under $500 cannot appear on any consumer credit report. Any medical debt must wait one full year past the date of first delinquency before being reported.

If DCI has reported a medical balance under $500 or less than one year past due, dispute it immediately.

What DCI Cannot Do Under Federal Law

• Add collection fees not authorized by the original creditor agreement: The 2017 Flemmer class action addresses this directly. FDCPA Section 1692f(1) prohibits unauthorized amounts.
• Pursue a judgment on an already-paid debt: A documented BBB complaint pattern. Payment receipts and original creditor confirmation are the primary evidence.
• Garnish accounts in excess of the court-ordered amount: A documented BBB complaint. Any garnishment exceeding the judgment amount is actionable.
• Report medical debts under $500 or less than one year past due: Current CFPB rules prohibit both outright.

Verify the Debt Before Paying Anything

Send a written validation request by certified mail within 30 days of first contact. Request the original creditor’s name, the balance at referral, and an itemized breakdown of every charge including any collection fee added. For any account you believe was already paid, gather your payment receipts and any confirmation from the original creditor before contacting DCI.

How to Find DCI on Your Credit Report

Check your credit reports for “DCI Credit Services” and “DCI Credit Services Inc.” Confirm the original creditor is identified and the balance matches what the original provider billed. If a collection fee has been added, compare it against FDCPA Section 1692f(1) authorization requirements.

Your Options Before Paying or Responding

• Pull payment records before engaging on any account you believe was paid: The documented BBB complaint shows DCI pursuing judgments on paid debts. Receipts and original creditor confirmation are essential.
• Request an itemized fee breakdown for any balance exceeding the original bill: The 2017 class action shows DCI adding unauthorized fees. Request specific authorization for every added charge.
• Track every garnishment withdrawal against the court order amount: The documented double-garnishment complaint makes a running total essential. Any excess is immediately disputable.
• File with the North Dakota AG in addition to CFPB: The North Dakota Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division accepts complaints at (701) 328-3404.

How to Contact DCI Credit Services

• Address: DCI Credit Services, Inc., 1409 West Villard Street, Dickinson, ND 58602
• Mailing address: P.O. Box 1347, Dickinson, ND 58602
• Phone: (800) 822-0176

Bottom Line

DCI Credit Services actively files lawsuits and pursues garnishment across multiple states. A 2017 class action accused them of systematically adding unauthorized fees to medical debt accounts, and documented complaints show DCI obtaining judgments on debts consumers say were already paid to the original creditor.

Pull payment records before engaging on any DCI account. If they have added a collection fee to the balance, request the specific contractual authorization before paying anything beyond the original amount.