Eastern Revenue is a debt collection agency, they are calling because of collection efforts for a debt you potentially owe.
Let's be real – nobody likes getting calls from numbers they don't know. It's even worse when it turns out to be a debt collector like Eastern Revenue. If you've recently picked up the phone to hear "This is Eastern Revenue calling," you're probably wondering what the heck is going on.
Don't panic!
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Eastern Revenue.
Why they might be calling you, and what you can do about it…
What Is Eastern Revenue?
Eastern Revenue Inc. is a debt collection agency based in Pennsylvania. They collect various types of debt, including medical bills, utility payments, and other consumer debts. When companies give up trying to collect money you owe them, they often sell these debts to collection agencies like Eastern Revenue.
These guys make their money by either:
- Buying your debt for pennies on the dollar and then trying to collect the full amount
- Getting paid a percentage of whatever they manage to collect on behalf of the original company
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), debt collection is a massive industry in the US, with more than 7,000 collection agencies working to recover over $140 billion in debt each year.
Why Is Eastern Revenue Calling Me?
If Eastern Revenue is blowing up your phone, it's likely for one of these reasons:
1. You Have an Unpaid Debt
The most common reason is that you have an unpaid bill that's been sold or transferred to them for collection. This could be a medical bill you forgot about, a credit card balance you couldn't pay, or even a utility bill from an address you moved from.
2. They've Got the Wrong Person
Sometimes collection agencies call people by mistake. Mix-ups happen with similar names, old addresses, or even straight-up errors in their systems.
3. You're a Reference for Someone Else's Debt
You might be listed as a reference on someone else's account, and they're trying to track that person down through you.
4. Identity Theft
In the worst-case scenario, someone might have used your identity to open accounts that have now gone into collections.
Eastern Revenue Inc. Reviews: What Are People Saying?
Eastern Revenue Inc. reviews online are... well, not great. But let's be honest – most people don't rush to the internet to leave five-star reviews for debt collectors.
Common complaints about Eastern Revenue collections include:
- Frequent calls
- Confusing information about the debt
- Difficulty verifying the debt's legitimacy
- Problems with how payments are processed
One former customer shared: "They called me six times in one day about a medical bill I didn't even know existed. When I finally talked to them, they couldn't tell me exactly what the bill was for."
Your Rights When Dealing with Eastern Revenue
Here's the good news – you have rights! The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) puts strict rules on how collection agencies can behave.
Eastern Revenue legally CANNOT:
- Call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Harass you or use threatening language
- Contact you at work if you tell them not to
- Discuss your debt with anyone else (except your spouse or attorney)
- Misrepresent the amount you owe
- Threaten actions they can't legally take or don't intend to take
If Eastern Revenue breaks these rules, you can report them to the CFPB and your state's attorney general.
What to Do When Eastern Revenue Calls
Stay calm! Here's your step-by-step plan:
Step 1: Don't Ignore the Calls
Ignoring debt collectors rarely makes them go away. In fact, it can make things worse. Eastern Revenue might escalate to legal action if they think you're avoiding them.
Step 2: Ask for Debt Verification
When you talk to Eastern Revenue, don't admit to owing anything or make any payments right away. Instead, say: "I need written verification of this debt." By law, they must send you information about:
- How much you supposedly owe
- Who the original creditor was
- How to dispute the debt if you think it's wrong
Step 3: Check Your Credit Report
Collection accounts like Eastern Revenue can seriously damage your credit score. According to Experian (one of the major credit bureaus), a single collection account can drop your credit score by up to 100 points.
You can get free credit reports from all three major bureaus once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for Eastern Revenue or the original creditor listed in your accounts.
Step 4: Dispute the Debt if Necessary
If you don't recognize the debt, think the amount is wrong, or believe it's too old to collect, you can dispute it. Send a written dispute letter to Eastern Revenue within 30 days of their first contact with you.
Eastern Revenue Lawsuits: Can They Sue Me?
Yes – collection agencies like Eastern Revenue can sue you for unpaid debts. However, they must follow certain rules:
- They can't sue for debts beyond the statute of limitations (which varies by state, usually 3-6 years)
- They must properly serve you with court papers
- They must provide evidence that you owe the debt
If you receive notice of an Eastern Revenue lawsuit, don't ignore it! Talk to a consumer rights attorney right away. Many offer free consultations.
What Is the Eastern Account System on Credit Karma?
If you're checking your credit on Credit Karma, you might see something called "Eastern Account System" rather than "Eastern Revenue." These are actually different companies, though they do similar work.
Eastern Account System is another collection agency that often handles medical debts and telecommunications bills. People sometimes confuse the two because of their similar names and purpose.
Can Paid Collections Be Removed from a Credit Report?
This is a common question when dealing with companies like Eastern Revenue. The short answer is: sometimes.
Collection accounts can legally stay on your credit report for seven years, even after you pay them. However, you have some options:
1. Pay for Delete
Some collection agencies will agree to remove the negative mark from your credit report if you pay the debt in full. This isn't guaranteed with Eastern Revenue, but it's worth asking.
2. Goodwill Deletion
If you've paid the debt, you can write a goodwill letter asking Eastern Revenue to remove the negative mark as an act of goodwill. This works best if you have an otherwise good payment history or there were special circumstances (like medical emergencies) that caused the debt.
3. Dispute Inaccuracies
According to the Federal Trade Commission, about 20% of consumers have errors on their credit reports. If there's anything inaccurate about the Eastern Revenue entry on your report (wrong amount, incorrect date, etc.), you can dispute it with the credit bureaus.
Real-Life Example: Sarah's Experience with Eastern Revenue
Sarah, a nurse from Ohio, started getting calls from Eastern Revenue about a $340 medical bill. "I was confused because I thought my insurance had covered all my hospital costs," she says.
After requesting verification, Sarah discovered the bill was for a lab test her doctor had ordered but her insurance hadn't fully covered. She was able to set up a payment plan with Eastern Revenue and eventually paid off the debt.
"The most stressful part was not knowing what the debt was for," Sarah explains. "Once I understood, it was much easier to handle."
How Experts Deal with Eastern Revenue Collections
Did you know that most debt collection efforts have loophole? That's exactly why experts in the industry leverage the power of diputes! In every debt, you have every right to challenge it.
Here’s how professionals handle these situations:
1. Demand Debt Validation First
Before anything else, request a debt validation letter. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Eastern Revenue must provide proof that the debt is valid and that they have the legal right to collect it.
Send a written request within 30 days of their first contact. Until they verify the debt, they must stop collection efforts.
2. Dispute Inaccurate or Unfamiliar Debts
If the debt looks suspicious, is not yours, or contains errors, dispute it. You can send a formal dispute letter to both Eastern Revenue and the credit bureaus.
Include any documents that support your claim. They are legally required to investigate and respond. If they can’t prove the debt is yours, it must be removed from your credit report.
3. Report Illegal Behavior
If Eastern Revenue is using harassment, threats, or calling outside of legal hours, report them to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state attorney general.
Collection agencies have to follow strict rules. Knowing your rights puts you back in control.
4. Know When Debts Are Too Old to Collect
Debt doesn’t last forever. Each state has a "statute of limitations" on debt – after this time passes, collectors can't legally sue you for the debt. However, they can still try to collect through calls and letters.
If the debt is past that limit (often 3–6 years), it’s called “time-barred”. You can send a letter informing them that you’re aware of this, and you’re choosing not to pay. Be careful not to make any payments, as this could restart the clock.
If Eastern Revenue is trying to collect a very old debt, check your state's statute of limitations. If the debt is past this time limit, you can send them a letter stating that the debt is "time-barred" and you don't intend to pay.
Preventing Future Collection Issues
Nobody wants to deal with Eastern Revenue or any collection agency again. Here's how to avoid future problems:
1. Stay on Top of Medical Bills
Medical bills are one of the most common debts that end up with Eastern Revenue. According to a study by the American Journal of Public Health, medical bills are the leading cause of bankruptcy in the US.
After any medical procedure:
- Ask for an itemized bill
- Check what your insurance should cover
- Contact the billing department about any discrepancies
- Set up payment plans early if needed
2. Address Financial Problems Early
If you're struggling to pay bills, contact your creditors before they send your account to collections. Many companies will work with you if you're proactive.
3. Keep Good Records
Save records of all payments to creditors, especially if you've had billing issues in the past. If a paid debt is wrongly sent to Eastern Revenue, you'll have proof of payment.
When to Get Help with Eastern Revenue
Sometimes, you need professional help dealing with debt collectors. Consider reaching out if:
- You're being harassed despite asking them to stop
- You believe the debt isn't yours
- You're being sued by Eastern Revenue
- You're overwhelmed by multiple collections accounts
Organizations like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) offer low-cost help managing debts and dealing with collectors.
FAQ About Eastern Revenue
Still have questions? These might help!:
Q: Is Eastern Revenue a real company?
Yes, Eastern Revenue Inc. is a legitimate debt collection agency based in Pennsylvania.
Q: Can Eastern Revenue sue me?
Yes, like other debt collectors, they can file a lawsuit, but only within your state’s statute of limitations.
Q: How do I stop calls from Eastern Revenue?
Request all communication in writing and send a cease-and-desist letter if necessary. Know your rights under the FDCPA.
Q: Can Eastern Revenue remove a collection from my credit report?
Possibly. You can try a "pay-for-delete" agreement or request a goodwill removal if you've already paid the debt.
The Bottom Line on Eastern Revenue
Getting calls from Eastern Revenue isn't the end of the world, even though it can feel pretty stressful. Remember:
- Find out exactly what the debt is for
- Know your legal rights
- Explore your options for resolving the debt
- Take steps to protect your credit
Most importantly, don't panic! Thousands of people deal with debt collectors every day and find ways to resolve their situations.
Have you had experiences with Eastern Revenue or other debt collectors? What worked for you? Let us know in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal assistance with debt collection matters, please consult with a qualified attorney in your area. We do not intend to portray Eastern Revenue or any other company mentioned in a negative light. All information provided in this article is based on publicly available sources and is meant to help readers make informed decisions.