If Hauge Associates is showing up on your credit report, it likely means they’re trying to collect a debt you may owe—most often a medical bill. Here’s what to know about who they are, why they’re contacting you, and how to remove them from your credit report.
Who Is Hauge Associates?
Hauge Associates, Inc.—also known as The Hauge Group—is a debt collection agency based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They collect on behalf of other companies, mostly in the healthcare space. If you have an unpaid bill from a hospital, clinic, or doctor’s office, they may be trying to recover it.
What Kind of Debt Does Hauge Associates Collect?
Most of their business involves medical collections. That includes unpaid balances from hospitals, emergency rooms, specialists, and other healthcare providers. If you’ve recently received treatment and didn’t pay the full amount, it could have been turned over to Hauge.
Are They Legit?
Yes. Hauge Associates is a real company, not a scam. They’re legally authorized to collect debts. But just because a collection agency contacts you doesn’t automatically mean the debt is valid or accurate. Always double-check before you pay anything.
How to Remove Hauge Associates From Your Credit Report
Collection accounts can drag down your credit score for up to seven years. Here are your best options for removing them:
- Step 1: Check for Errors – Request a free copy of your credit report from all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Look for any incorrect details like wrong dates, amounts, or even accounts that don’t belong to you.
- Step 2: Dispute Inaccurate Info – If you spot any errors, file a dispute directly with the credit bureaus. They’re legally required to investigate.
- Step 3: Ask for Debt Validation – Send Hauge Associates a written request to validate the debt. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), they must provide proof that the debt is yours and that they have the right to collect it.
- Step 4: Try a Pay-for-Delete Agreement – If the debt is valid, you can offer to pay part or all of it in exchange for Hauge removing the account from your credit report. Get the agreement in writing before you pay.
- Step 5: Get Professional Help – If the process feels overwhelming, consider working with a reputable credit repair company. They can manage the disputes and negotiations for you.
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Should You Contact or Pay Hauge Associates?
Only after confirming the debt is valid. If it’s incorrect or too old to be reported, you may not need to pay it at all. In fact, making a payment on certain debts can reset the statute of limitations and make the account more damaging to your credit.
If you do decide to settle the debt, aim for a written agreement that guarantees removal from your credit report.
Can Hauge Associates Sue You or Garnish Your Wages?
Yes, they can sue you for unpaid debt. If they win in court, they might be able to garnish your wages, freeze your bank account, or place a lien on your property. That said, lawsuits are usually a last resort. In most cases, collectors prefer to settle or arrange a payment plan.
How to File a Complaint Against Hauge Associates
If you believe Hauge Associates has violated your rights—whether through harassment, inaccurate reporting, or refusing to verify a debt—you can file a complaint with:
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)
You’re protected by both the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the FDCPA. These laws give you the right to dispute incorrect information and demand fair treatment from debt collectors.
Hauge Associates Contact Information
- Mailing Address:
The Hauge Group
2320 West 49th St.
Sioux Falls, SD 57105 - Phone: (605) 336-9490 or (800) 284-3131
Want Help Removing Hauge Associates From Your Credit Report?
A trusted credit repair company can help you dispute accounts, negotiate settlements, and clean up your credit faster. Credit Saint has experience dealing with agencies like Hauge Associates—and if they can’t deliver results, they offer a 90-day money-back guarantee.
If you’re ready to get started, 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.
