If PRA Receivables Management or Portfolio Recovery Associates shows up on your credit report, it likely means they’re trying to collect on an old debt. A collection account like this can hurt your credit score, but there are ways to address it.
Who Is PRA Receivables Management, LLC?
PRA Receivables Management, LLC, also known as Portfolio Recovery Associates, is a large debt collection agency based in Norfolk, Virginia. They collect unpaid debts for other companies or buy debt and attempt to recover the money themselves.
If you see their name on your credit report, they believe you owe a debt, and they’ve taken over collection efforts.
What Types of Debts Does PRA Receivables Management Collect?
PRA Receivables Management works with a range of industries, including:
- Credit card companies – Unpaid balances or charged-off accounts
- Healthcare providers – Medical bills that haven’t been paid
- Retail businesses – Outstanding balances from purchases or financing
They help original creditors recover overdue debts or buy the debts outright and attempt collection.
Is PRA Receivables Management a Legitimate Company?
Yes, PRA Receivables Management is a legitimate debt collector. They’re authorized to collect debts, but that doesn’t mean every account they pursue is accurate. Always verify any debt before making a payment or agreeing to a settlement.
Errors happen, and incorrect collection accounts can damage your credit score unnecessarily.
How to Remove PRA Receivables Management from Your Credit Report
Collections can stay on your credit report for up to seven years, but you have options to get them removed sooner:
- Dispute inaccurate information – If the debt is incorrect, incomplete, or outdated, file a dispute with the credit bureaus. They are required to investigate.
- Negotiate a pay-for-delete agreement – You can offer to settle the debt in exchange for the account being removed from your credit report. Always get this agreement in writing.
- Work with a credit repair professional – Experts can help challenge collection accounts and dispute errors on your behalf.
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 PRA Receivables Management, LLC?
Before reaching out, confirm the debt is accurate. Here’s why:
- Credit reports often contain mistakes.
- Some debts may be beyond the statute of limitations, meaning they can’t legally sue you.
- Making a payment could restart the clock on how long the debt affects your credit.
If you’re unsure what to do, credit repair companies deal with agencies like PRA Receivables Management daily and can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Can PRA Receivables Management Sue You or Garnish Your Wages?
Yes, they have the legal right to sue for unpaid debts. If they win the lawsuit, they could:
- Garnish your wages
- Freeze your bank accounts
- Place a lien on your property, depending on your state laws
Lawsuits are expensive and time-consuming, so collection agencies usually try to resolve the debt through phone calls, letters, or settlement offers before going to court.
PRA Receivables Management Contact Information
Here’s how to get in touch with them:
Address 1:
PRA Receivables Management, LLC
120 Corporate Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23502
Address 2:
PRA Receivables Management, LLC
10 Orchard, Suite 100
Lake Forest, CA 92630
Phone: (800) 642-6233
Complaints Against PRA Receivables Management
Like most large collection agencies, PRA Receivables Management has received complaints through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The most common complaints include:
- Inaccurate reporting on credit reports
- Harassment or aggressive collection tactics
- Failure to verify debts
If your rights are being violated, you can file a complaint with the CFPB or BBB.
Know Your Rights When Dealing with PRA Receivables Management
Debt collectors must follow the law under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Here are key protections:
- They cannot report false or incomplete information.
- You can request debt validation, requiring them to prove the debt is yours and the amount is correct.
- They cannot harass, threaten, or use abusive language.
- They must clearly identify themselves as a debt collector.
- They cannot threaten jail time for unpaid debts.
Knowing your rights helps you handle collection agencies with confidence.
Ready to Remove PRA Collections from Your Credit Report?
A collection account can hurt your credit, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Credit Saint has over 15 years of experience helping people dispute incorrect collection accounts and improve their credit. They even offer a 90-day money-back guarantee for extra peace of mind.
Ready to take action? 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.
