Seeing Southern Oregon Credit Service or Collect Northwest on your credit report? That usually means a debt you owe has gone to collections. And while that can drag down your credit score, it doesn’t have to stay that way. Here’s how to deal with it—and possibly get it removed.
Who Is Southern Oregon Credit Service?
Southern Oregon Credit Service, Inc. (SOCS), now doing business as Collect Northwest, is a debt collection agency based in Medford, Oregon. They collect past-due accounts for businesses across multiple industries.
If their name shows up on your credit report, it means they’re trying to recover money from an unpaid bill that was sent to collections.
Who Do They Collect For?
Southern Oregon Credit Service collects debts on behalf of clients in sectors like:
- Healthcare and medical billing
- Utilities and telecommunications
- Financial services and lenders
- Retail and commercial businesses
- Property management and rental firms
- Schools and government agencies
SOCS is not the original lender or service provider—they’re a third-party collector hired to recover the money.
Is Southern Oregon Credit Service Legit?
Yes, they’re a legitimate debt collection agency. But just because they’re real doesn’t mean every account they report is correct. Mistakes happen all the time in debt collections, so you should always verify any debt before paying or responding.
How to Remove Southern Oregon Credit Service From Your Credit Report
Collection accounts can stick around on your credit report for up to seven years—even if you pay them. But you have several ways to try and remove them early:
1. Dispute Any Inaccuracies
If anything about the account is incorrect—like the balance, dates, or even ownership—you can file a dispute with the credit bureaus. They must investigate and correct or remove any inaccurate information.
2. Request Debt Validation
Send a debt validation letter asking the agency to prove that the debt is yours and that they’re legally allowed to collect it. If they can’t verify the details, they’re required to stop collection efforts and remove the account from your report.
3. Negotiate a Pay-for-Delete
Offer to settle the debt in exchange for them removing the account from your credit report. Not all collectors will agree, but some might—especially if the debt is old or relatively small. Always get the agreement in writing before paying.
4. Hire a Credit Repair Company
If you’d rather not handle it yourself, a credit repair company can manage the entire process for you—from disputes to negotiations. This can be especially helpful if you have multiple negative items or aren’t sure where to start.
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 Southern Oregon Credit Service?
Take a step back before picking up the phone or sending money. First, confirm the debt is:
- Accurate – Mistakes in amount, dates, or ownership are common
- Yours – The debt may belong to someone else
- Still legally collectible – Older debts may be outside your state’s statute of limitations
Also, making a payment on certain debts can restart the collection clock—so don’t pay without understanding your rights.
Can Southern Oregon Credit Service Sue or Garnish Wages?
Yes, they can sue you for unpaid debts. If they win a court judgment, they may be allowed to:
- Garnish your wages
- Freeze your bank account
- Place a lien on your property
That said, lawsuits are usually a last resort. Debt collectors often try to settle or work out a payment plan before going to court.
Complaints Against Southern Oregon Credit Service
SOCS has had complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Common issues include:
- Inaccurate credit reporting
- Repeated or harassing phone calls
- Refusing to validate debts
If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly, you can file a complaint with the CFPB, your state attorney general, or both.
Know Your Rights Under the Law
You’re protected by federal laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). These laws give you the right to:
- Dispute inaccurate information on your credit report
- Request written validation of any debt a collector claims you owe
- Be treated with respect—no threats, harassment, or false statements
- Receive written notice that you’re being contacted by a debt collector
- Avoid threats of arrest or jail, which are illegal for unpaid debts
If a collector violates these rights, you can take legal action against them.
Southern Oregon Credit Service Contact Information
Street Address:
Southern Oregon Credit Service, Inc.
2400 Poplar Dr.
Medford, OR 97504
Mailing Address:
PO Box 4070
Medford, OR 97501
Phone:
(541) 773-6238
Need Help Removing Southern Oregon Credit Service From Your Credit Report?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not the only one. Credit Saint has helped thousands of people challenge and remove negative accounts—including those from Southern Oregon Credit Service. They also offer a 90-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the results.
To get a free consultation, visit their website or call (855) 281-1510.
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.
