Synergetic Communication on Your Credit Report: What to Know

Synergetic Communication, Inc. has collected large balance consumer debts since 1996 from offices in Houston, Texas, Hopkins, Minnesota, and Hayden, Idaho. The company operates under the abbreviation SynCom and specializes in auto finance and mortgage balances alongside banking, credit card, telecom, and utility accounts.

Two proposed class actions in 2016 and 2017 alleged SynCom sent collection letters that misled consumers about their dispute rights and failed to disclose whether the stated balance was increasing. This guide covers who SynCom is, their documented legal history, and how to respond.

Who Is Synergetic Communication?

Synergetic Communication, Inc. (SynCom) is a third-party debt collection agency founded and incorporated in 1996, headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company is licensed to collect in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The CFPB has recorded 170 complaints against them. Eleven federal civil litigation cases appear in court records.

SynCom collects for auto lenders, mortgage servicers, banks, consumer finance companies, credit card issuers, telecom providers, and utilities. A confirmed client is Navy Federal Credit Union. SynCom does file lawsuits on unpaid balances and the Texas statute of limitations for written contracts is 4 years.

The 2017 Class Action: Misinforming Consumers of Their Dispute Rights

In November 2017, a proposed class action was filed against Synergetic Communication alleging the company misinformed a consumer of their right to dispute an alleged debt. The complaint alleged SynCom’s collection letter was non-FDCPA-compliant in how it presented or failed to present the consumer’s validation and dispute rights.

FDCPA Section 1692g requires that every initial collection communication include a clear statement of the consumer’s right to dispute the debt within 30 days and to request the original creditor’s name. A letter that misrepresents or omits this information in a way that an unsophisticated consumer could misunderstand violates the statute.

If your SynCom collection letter does not clearly state your 30-day right to dispute, or presents payment options in a way that suggests immediate payment is the only option, document that letter before responding.

The 2016 Class Action: No Disclosure of Accruing Interest

A 2016 proposed class action alleged SynCom sent a collection letter that failed to include safe harbor language disclosing whether the stated balance was accruing interest and fees. The complaint argued that an unsophisticated consumer receiving the letter would not know whether the balance shown was static or growing.

Under FDCPA Section 1692g, if a debt is accruing interest or fees at the time of the collection letter, the letter must either state the current amount and note it is subject to change, or include language informing the consumer that the amount may increase. A letter that simply states a dollar figure with no disclosure of accrual misleads the consumer about what they will actually owe by the time they pay.

If your SynCom letter shows a balance but does not state whether interest or fees are still accruing, request written clarification before paying. Paying a balance that has grown beyond what was disclosed in the letter may not fully satisfy the claimed debt.

Navy Federal Credit Union Accounts

A documented consumer complaint describes receiving a SynCom collection letter for a Navy Federal Credit Union balance of $1,735.24, with a settlement offer of $433.81 available by a specific date. This confirms Navy Federal as a SynCom client.

If SynCom is collecting a Navy Federal account, request validation that includes the original loan or credit account number, the balance at the time Navy Federal referred or sold the account, and the contractual basis for any interest or fees added since referral.

SynCom Does File Lawsuits

Consumer defense attorneys confirm SynCom does pursue legal action on unpaid balances. Texas, where SynCom is headquartered, has a 4-year statute of limitations on written contracts. The relevant state for any lawsuit is typically where you currently reside.

If you receive a summons from SynCom, respond before your state’s deadline. Failing to respond results in a default judgment that allows wage garnishment and bank account levies.

What SynCom Cannot Do Under Federal Law

Based on their documented case and complaint record:

• Misinform consumers of their right to dispute a debt: The 2017 class action was filed specifically for this conduct. Every initial SynCom communication must clearly disclose the 30-day right to dispute.
• Send letters that fail to disclose whether the balance is accruing: The 2016 class action targets this omission. Any balance subject to ongoing interest or fees requires disclosure.
• Use improper communication tactics: A documented FDCPA complaint category against SynCom.
• Threaten actions they cannot legally take: A documented FDCPA complaint category. Lawsuit threats must reflect actions SynCom actually intends to pursue.
• Fail to identify as a debt collector: A documented consumer complaint alleges SynCom representatives failed to clearly identify themselves as debt collectors during calls.

Verify the Debt Before Paying Anything

Send a written validation request by certified mail within 30 days of first contact. Request the original creditor’s name, the account number, the balance at referral, whether the balance is currently accruing interest or fees, and the daily or monthly rate if it is.

For Navy Federal and auto loan accounts specifically, request the original loan agreement and a payment history showing the charge-off balance before engaging.

Texas has a 4-year statute of limitations on written contracts. The relevant statute is the state where you currently reside.

How to Check Your Credit Report for SynCom Entries

Search all three credit reports for “Synergetic Communication” and “SynCom.” Confirm the original creditor is identified and the balance matches what the original creditor recorded at charge-off or referral. For auto and mortgage accounts, verify the vehicle or property associated with the balance actually belongs to you.

Your Options Before Paying or Responding

• Review the collection letter for dispute rights disclosure: The 2017 class action shows SynCom has sent letters that misinform consumers about their dispute rights. If your letter is unclear about the 30-day window, document it before taking any action.
• Request written confirmation of whether the balance is growing: The 2016 class action was filed because SynCom failed to disclose accruing interest. Get written clarification of the current balance and rate before paying anything.
• Respond to any lawsuit summons immediately: SynCom files lawsuits and pursues default judgments. The response deadline in your state may be as short as 14 days.
• Confirm the account with the original creditor before paying: For Navy Federal and auto loan accounts, a direct call to the original creditor can confirm the referral balance and whether SynCom is authorized to collect.

How to Contact Synergetic Communication

• Houston address: Synergetic Communication, Inc., 5450 Northwest Central, Suite 220, Houston, TX 77092
• Minnesota address: 750 2nd Street NE, Suite 104, Hopkins, MN 55343
• Idaho address: 8596 Wayne Drive, Suite A5, Hayden, ID 83835
• Phone: (800) 580-8615

Bottom Line

Synergetic Communication has two proposed class actions on record, one for misinforming consumers about their dispute rights and one for failing to disclose whether the stated balance was accruing interest. Both issues appear in the collection letter itself, making it the most important document to review before responding.

Before paying anything SynCom claims, check the letter for clear dispute rights disclosure and confirm whether the stated balance is subject to ongoing interest or fees. If SynCom has filed a lawsuit, respond before your state’s deadline regardless of whether you believe you owe the debt.