Is Portfolio Recovery Associates Hurting Your Credit?

If you’ve discovered Portfolio Recovery Associates on your credit report, it likely means they’ve bought an old debt and are now trying to collect. The good news? You may be able to get it removed—and protect your credit score in the process. Here’s how.

Who Is Portfolio Recovery Associates?

Portfolio Recovery Associates (PRA), also known as PRA Group, Inc., is a major debt collection agency based in Norfolk, Virginia. They’ve been around since 1996 and operate across multiple locations in the U.S., including:

• Danville and Hampton, Virginia
• Hutchinson, Kansas
• Burlington, North Carolina
• Jackson, Tennessee
• Dallas, Texas

If PRA is listed on your credit report, it usually means they’ve purchased an unpaid debt from a lender and are now trying to collect it from you.

What Kind of Debt Does Portfolio Recovery Associates Collect?

PRA is one of the largest debt buyers in the country. They purchase large portfolios of charged-off debt from:

• Banks
• Credit card companies
• Other financial institutions

These debts are usually sold for a fraction of their original value. Once PRA buys them, they’ll attempt to collect the full amount—sometimes with added interest or fees.

Is Portfolio Recovery Associates Legit?

Yes, Portfolio Recovery Associates is a legitimate business. They’re publicly traded and have been operating for decades. However, like many large debt collectors, they’ve been the subject of consumer complaints—mostly related to aggressive tactics, inaccurate reporting, or failure to verify debts.

Can Portfolio Recovery Associates Hurt Your Credit?

Absolutely. A collection account from PRA can stay on your credit report for up to seven years, even if you pay it off. This kind of negative item can significantly impact your credit score and make it harder to qualify for loans, credit cards, or even housing.

How to Remove Portfolio Recovery Associates From Your Credit Report

You have several options when it comes to getting Portfolio Recovery off your credit report:

• Dispute inaccuracies: If anything is wrong—such as the balance, date, or ownership—you can file a dispute with the credit bureaus.
• Request debt validation: Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you have the right to ask PRA to prove the debt is yours. If they can’t, they must remove it from your credit report.
• Negotiate a pay-for-delete: Offer to settle the debt in exchange for them removing the account from your credit report. Always get this agreement in writing.
• Work with a credit repair service: Professionals can help you challenge inaccurate or unverified collections and improve your credit more quickly.

Should You Pay Portfolio Recovery Associates?

Not before verifying the debt.

Paying an old debt can restart the statute of limitations in some states, making it legally collectible again—even if it was previously time-barred. Always confirm that the debt is valid, the amount is correct, and that PRA has the right to collect it.

If you do choose to pay, try to negotiate a lower amount or a pay-for-delete deal. Don’t make any payments without a written agreement.

Will Portfolio Recovery Associates Sue You?

They might.

PRA has a legal team and has sued consumers in the past. If they take you to court and win, they could secure a judgment and potentially garnish your wages or bank account. However, legal action is usually a last resort and depends on the size of the debt and your financial situation.

If you receive a lawsuit notice, don’t ignore it. Respond by the deadline and seek legal advice if needed.

How to Send a Debt Validation Letter

Sending a debt validation letter is one of the best first steps you can take. It forces PRA to prove:

• The debt is yours
• The amount is accurate
• They have legal authority to collect it

If they can’t provide this documentation—or fail to respond within 30 days—they must stop collection efforts and remove the account from your credit report.

Note: You must send this letter within 30 days of their first contact with you to preserve your rights under the FDCPA.

Common Complaints About Portfolio Recovery Associates

PRA has received thousands of consumer complaints, mostly filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The most common issues include:

• Inaccurate credit reporting
• Harassment or excessive contact
• Failure to verify debts

If you believe your rights are being violated, you can submit a complaint directly to the CFPB or your state attorney general’s office.

Know Your Rights Under Federal Law

The FDCPA and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protect you from abusive or deceptive debt collection practices. Portfolio Recovery Associates must follow these rules:

• They cannot report inaccurate or incomplete information.
• You have the right to dispute the debt and request written validation.
• They are not allowed to harass you, call excessively, or use obscene language.
• They must clearly identify themselves as debt collectors.
• They cannot threaten arrest or legal action they don’t intend to take.

Understanding your rights is key to standing your ground and protecting your credit.

Contact Information for Portfolio Recovery Associates

If you decide to reach out, send everything in writing. This creates a paper trail you can use later if needed.

Mailing address:
Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC
120 Corporate Boulevard
Norfolk, VA 23502

Phone number:
(800) 772-1413

Get Help Removing Portfolio Recovery Associates From Your Credit Report

Tired of dealing with debt collectors and credit bureaus on your own? Credit Saint can help. They’ve worked with thousands of clients to challenge collection accounts like PRA and clean up their credit reports.

With over 15 years of experience and a 90-day money-back guarantee if they don’t deliver, they’re one of the most trusted names in credit repair.

Call (855) 281-1510 or visit their website to get started today.