You’re sitting at dinner and your phone buzzes. It’s an unknown number from Dallas, Texas, or maybe California. You ignore it. They call again the next day. Eventually, you look it up and find the name: Credence Resource Management LLC.
It’s a debt collector.
Nobody likes getting these calls. Honestly, it’s stressful. But ignoring them usually makes the headache last longer. Credence isn't some fly-by-night operation; they are a massive accounts receivable management firm headquartered in Dallas, with a heavy operational footprint in Pune, India. They specialize in collecting for big names—think AT&T, Verizon, and various healthcare providers. If you have an unpaid utility bill or a medical balance that slipped through the cracks, there's a good chance Credence has it now.
Is Credence Resource Management LLC Legit?
Yes. Totally legit. They aren't a scam, though the way debt collectors work can sometimes feel like one.
They are a third-party collection agency. This means they either bought your debt for pennies on the dollar or they’ve been hired by a company like DirecTV to get the money back for a commission. Because they are a real business, they have to follow the rules set by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
If they break those rules? You have leverage.
The company was founded around 2014. Since then, they've grown fast. They focus heavily on the telecommunications, healthcare, and financial services sectors. Because they deal with such high volumes, their systems are automated. That’s why you might get bombarded with calls. It’s not personal; it’s an algorithm.
Understanding the "Validation" Phase
The biggest mistake people make is talking too much on the first call. Don't do that.
When Credence Resource Management LLC contacts you, the first thing you need is a paper trail. Under federal law, you have the right to demand "debt validation." Basically, you’re saying, "Prove I owe this, and prove you have the right to collect it."
You have 30 days from the initial contact to send a debt validation letter. Once they receive this, they have to stop calling you until they provide proof.
What counts as proof?
Usually, it’s a copy of the original bill or a statement from the original creditor. Sometimes, collectors don't actually have the paperwork. If they can’t produce it, they can’t legally keep trying to collect. It’s a simple "checkmate" move that buys you time and clarity.
The Impact on Your Credit Score
Let's be real: a collection account from Credence can tank your credit score by 50 to 100 points.
If it’s already on your report, it’s an eyesore. Even if you pay it off, the "Paid Collection" status stays on your report for seven years from the date of the original delinquency. That’s the part that sucks. Paying it doesn’t automatically make it disappear.
However, there is a tactic called "Pay for Delete."
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It’s exactly what it sounds like. You offer to pay the debt (often a settled amount lower than the total) in exchange for them removing the entry from your credit report entirely. Does Credence do this? They aren't legally required to. Some agencies are stubborn about it; others just want the money and will agree. If you try this, get it in writing. Never take a collector's word over the phone. If it’s not in an email or a letter, it didn’t happen.
Common Complaints and Red Flags
If you look at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) website, you’ll see thousands of complaints against Credence Resource Management LLC.
Most people complain about:
- Repeated calls after being told to stop.
- Debt that was already paid to the original creditor.
- Failure to provide validation.
- Rude or aggressive agents.
It’s a high-pressure environment. The agents are often evaluated on how much they "recover" per hour. This can lead to some... aggressive tactics. But remember, they cannot legally threaten you with arrest, they can't call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., and they can't call your workplace if you've told them your employer doesn't allow it.
Dealing with Healthcare Debt
Credence handles a lot of medical debt. This is a different beast.
Thanks to recent changes in credit reporting rules, medical debts under $500 shouldn't show up on your credit report at all. Also, there’s usually a one-year "waiting period" before medical debt can be reported. If Credence is hounding you for a small lab bill from three years ago, check your report. If it’s there and it’s under $500, you can dispute it with the credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) and get it wiped off immediately.
Medical billing is notorious for errors. Coding mistakes happen all the time. Before you pay Credence a dime for a hospital bill, ask for an itemized statement from the original provider. You might find you were double-billed or that your insurance actually covered it.
Strategies for Negotiating a Settlement
Say the debt is yours. You checked the records, and yeah, you owe AT&T $400 from an old apartment.
Don't pay the full $400.
Most debt buyers are happy to get 30% to 50% of the face value. Start low. If you owe $400, offer $150. They’ll counter with $300. You might settle at $200.
Wait until the end of the month to negotiate. Collectors have monthly quotas. An agent who is $500 short of their bonus on the 29th is much more likely to accept a lowball offer than someone at the start of the month.
When to Seek Professional Help
If the debt is massive—we’re talking thousands of dollars—or if they sue you, stop DIY-ing it.
Credence can and does file lawsuits in some jurisdictions. If you receive a summons, do not ignore it. If you don't show up, they get a "default judgment." This allows them to potentially garnish your wages or levy your bank account, depending on your state laws.
At that point, a consumer rights attorney is your best friend. Many of them work on a contingency basis or offer free consultations. If Credence violated the FDCPA during the process, your lawyer might actually be able to turn the tables and sue them for damages.
Moving Forward and Cleaning Up
Dealing with debt collectors is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes patience.
First, pull your credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. It's free. Look for "Credence RM" or similar variations. If you see something that looks wrong—wrong amount, wrong date, or a debt you never had—dispute it through the bureau’s online portal.
Once you’ve settled a debt, keep the "Settlement Satisfaction" letter forever. Scan it. Put it in the cloud. Debt has a weird way of "resurrecting" years later when it’s sold to a new collector. Having that piece of paper is your only shield against paying the same bill twice.
Actionable Steps to Take Today
- Stop the calls: Write a "Cease and Desist" letter if you only want to communicate via mail. This is a legal right.
- Verify everything: Send a formal Debt Validation Letter via Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested. This gives you a paper trail that holds up in court.
- Audit the amount: Call the original creditor (like your old utility company) and ask what your balance was when they sold the account. Compare it to what Credence is asking for.
- Negotiate in writing: If you settle, do not give them electronic access to your bank account. Send a money order or use a one-time virtual credit card.
- Monitor your report: After 30–60 days of paying or settling, check your credit report to ensure the status has been updated.
Dealing with Credence Resource Management LLC is mostly about staying calm and knowing the rules. They count on people being scared or uninformed. Once you show them you know your rights, the power dynamic shifts entirely.