If Smith, Rouchon & Associates, Inc. is showing up on your credit report, it likely means there’s an unpaid debt that’s been turned over to collections. Here’s how that affects your credit and what you can do about it.
Who Is Smith, Rouchon & Associates, Inc.?
Smith, Rouchon & Associates is a debt collection agency with offices in Jackson, Mississippi, and Florence, Alabama. Their job is to collect outstanding debts on behalf of other companies.
If you’ve missed payments on a bill, your original creditor may have hired Smith, Rouchon & Associates to recover the money, which often results in a collection account appearing on your credit report.
Who Does Smith, Rouchon & Associates Collect For?
Smith, Rouchon & Associates works with a range of clients, including:
- Local businesses
- National corporations
- Healthcare providers
- Utility companies
- Financial institutions
The debts they collect can include unpaid medical bills, utility charges, loans, and other types of consumer debt.
Is Smith, Rouchon & Associates a Scam?
Smith, Rouchon & Associates, Inc. is a legitimate debt collection company. They are authorized to collect debts for their clients. Still, always verify the debt before making payments or acknowledging the account, especially since errors and incorrect reporting can happen.
How to Remove Smith, Rouchon & Associates From Your Credit Report
Collection accounts can stay on your credit report for up to seven years and lower your credit score. But you have options to address it:
- Dispute inaccurate information: If the debt is incorrect, file a dispute with the credit bureaus to have it removed.
- Request debt validation: You can ask Smith, Rouchon & Associates to prove the debt is yours and confirm the amount.
- Negotiate a pay-for-delete: Some collectors may agree to remove the account from your credit report if you settle the debt. Get any agreement in writing.
- Work with a credit repair company: Professionals can help you challenge negative items and dispute inaccurate collections.
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 Smith, Rouchon & Associates?
Before reaching out or making payments, confirm the debt is legitimate and within the statute of limitations. Paying old debts can sometimes restart the clock for how long they affect your credit.
Many people choose to work with credit repair professionals to avoid mistakes when dealing with collection agencies.
Can Smith, Rouchon & Associates Sue or Garnish Wages?
Debt collectors like Smith, Rouchon & Associates have the legal right to sue for unpaid debts. If they win a court judgment, they may be able to garnish wages, place liens, or pursue other legal actions, depending on your state laws.
Lawsuits are usually a last resort. Most collectors prefer to resolve the debt through a settlement or payment plan before going to court.
Smith, Rouchon & Associates Contact Information
Jackson Office:
1456 Ellis Avenue
Jackson, MS 39204
Florence Office:
1110 Bradshaw Drive
Florence, AL 35630
Phone: (800) 391-8018
Complaints About Smith, Rouchon & Associates
Like many debt collection agencies, Smith, Rouchon & Associates has complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Better Business Bureau. Common complaints include:
- Incorrect information on credit reports
- Harassment or aggressive collection tactics
- Failure to validate debts
If you believe your rights have been violated, you can submit a complaint to the CFPB or the BBB.
Know Your Rights Under Federal Law
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protect you when dealing with debt collectors:
- They cannot report false or incomplete information.
- You can request debt validation within 30 days of first contact.
- They cannot harass, threaten, or use offensive language.
- They must clearly identify themselves as a debt collection agency.
- They cannot threaten arrest for unpaid debts.
Get Help With Smith, Rouchon & Associates Collections
Managing collection accounts can be stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Credit Saint has over 15 years of experience helping people dispute inaccurate items on their credit reports. They even offer a 90-day money-back guarantee for extra peace of mind.
Visit their website or call (855) 281-1510 to learn more about how they can assist with your credit challenges.
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.
