Keystone Collections had been a constant source of stress for Jesse. Despite his best efforts to stay on top of his finances, the account lingered like a weight he couldn’t shake off. But with determination and the right strategy, Jesse finally found a way to put it behind him for good and we’ll share it here.
Jesse had done everything right.
He paid down his credit cards, boosted his score, and was finally ready to buy a home. But just as he was about to close on his mortgage, a $2,600 collection from Keystone Collections popped up on his credit report—and it stopped everything.
Frustrated, Jesse reached out to Keystone Collections and made them a simple offer:
“I’ll pay the full balance today if you agree to delete the account from my credit report.”
But Keystone said no.
Even though Jesse was offering to pay in full, they refused to remove the account. That’s because many collection agencies don’t care about your future—they only care about getting paid.
Jesse knew that a paid collection could hurt his score almost as much as an unpaid one, and could still keep him from getting approved. So he reached out to ASAP Credit Repair to see if there was another way.
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Who is Keystone Collections Group?
Keystone Collections Group, Jesse quickly learned, wasn't some small-time operation. They're a major player in the debt collection world, known for handling everything from unpaid taxes to delinquent utility bills.
And like many large collection agencies, they weren't exactly known for their flexibility or customer-friendly approach. They seemed to operate on a "take it or leave it" basis, which Jesse found incredibly frustrating.
They weren't interested in the nuances of his situation, or the fact that this single account was standing between him and his dream home. All they saw was a number, and they wanted it paid. Jesse realized dealing with them directly was like hitting his head against a brick wall.
They had the upper hand, and they weren't willing to budge.
It was clear to him that if he wanted to get rid of this roadblock, he'd need a different strategy—one that didn't involve playing by Keystone's rules.
Is Keystone Collections Group Legitimate?
Jesse, being a savvy guy, didn't just take Keystone's word for it.
He did his homework.
And yes, Keystone Collections Group is, a legitimate debt collection agency. You can find their details below:
Website: Keystone Collections Group
Contact Info:
Phone: 1-888-328-0565
Email: support@keystonecollects.com
But legitimacy doesn't equal ethical, or even reasonable. Jesse quickly discovered that while they might be legally allowed to chase down debts, that didn't mean they were easy to deal with. Just because they have a website and a phone number doesn't mean they're going to play fair. It just means they have the tools to make your life difficult, legally.
He realized that "legitimate" in the debt collection world often translates to "relentless." And he knew he needed a plan that was just as relentless, but in the opposite direction.
What People Are Saying About Keystone Collections Group
Jesse, eager to gather intel, checked what others said about their experiences with Keystone Collections Group. He quickly discovered his frustration wasn’t unique. Online forums and review sites revealed a clear pattern: Keystone delivers results but lacks a friendly approach.
Here’s what others have experienced:
"This company is incredibly persistent, but they are not always easy to work with. Be prepared to stand your ground."
"Keystone Collections Group helped resolve my delinquent taxes, but the process was very rigid."
"Not the friendliest service, but they do get the job done. Make sure to have all your documentation ready."
Keystone Collections Group has a rating of 1 out of 5 on Better Business Bureau (BBB) and an average rating of 2.8 out of 5 on Google Reviews, reflecting mixed feedback from users. This just confirmed what he already suspected: he needed a strategy that was equally, if not more, determined.
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How We Got Keystone Collections to Remove the Account
When Jesse came to us, we didn’t just send a basic dispute. We built a case.
For the Keystone collections account, we immediately requested a full set of documents, including:
📌 A signed agreement or contract proving Jesse owed the debt
📌 An itemized transaction history showing all charges and payments
📌 Proof that the debt was legally transferred to Keystone for collection
📌 A copy of the final bill or notice sent before the account was reported
📌 Notification logs showing Keystone attempted to contact Jesse
📌 A copy of the initial communication required under the FDCPA
📌 Metro 2 compliance documentation showing how the account was formatted for credit reporting
When they failed to provide this documentation, we escalated the dispute with all three credit bureaus—pointing out:
✅ Violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
✅ Incomplete or unverifiable data
✅ Failure to follow proper reporting procedures
✅ Lack of consumer notification prior to reporting
Within just a few weeks, the account was permanently deleted from Jesse’s credit reports.
Here’s the proof of the deletion:
Your Options If You’re Dealing with Keystone Collections
If you're trying to remove a collection account from your credit—whether it's from Keystone or another agency—here are five proven strategies that can help. These aren't just tips, they’re actionable steps you can take right now to fight back and protect your credit.
If you have a collection on your credit report—whether from Keystone, Carson Smithfield or anyone else—here are your real options:
✅ 1. Dispute the Account
You have a legal right to dispute any account that’s inaccurate, unverifiable, or outdated—and debt collectors are required by law to prove the debt is valid.
Here’s how to do it:
- Pull your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Identify the collection account and write down the details: balance, date opened, collector name, etc.
- Send a written dispute to all three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) requesting validation of the account.
- At the same time, send a Debt Validation Letter to the collection agency requesting the following:
- Signed original agreement
- Itemized billing history
- Proof of ownership transfer
- Notification records
If the agency can’t respond with complete documentation within 30 days, the account must be removed. This is a powerful first move that often gets results quickly.
You have the right to challenge any account that is inaccurate, outdated, or unverified. Request documentation from both the collector and the credit bureaus. If they can’t prove the debt, they must delete it.
✅ 2. Request a Pay-for-Delete Agreement
Before making any payments, always try to negotiate deletion in writing. This is called a “Pay-for-Delete” agreement, and while not every agency will agree to it, many will if you present it the right way.
Steps:
- Call the collection agency, but don’t admit to the debt just yet. Ask to speak to someone with authority.
- Say something like: “I’m willing to pay this in full today, but only if you agree to delete the account from my credit report. Can we put that in writing?”
- If they agree, get it in writing before paying—an email, letter, or secure message is fine.
This is one of the fastest ways to boost your score if you can afford to pay the balance and get deletion confirmation. Before paying anything, ask the agency to agree in writing to delete the account from your credit report once it’s paid. Some agencies will agree—others, like Keystone, may not.
✅ 3. Negotiate a Settlement
If you can’t get a pay-for-delete agreement, you can still try to settle the debt for less than the full amount. This can save you money and open the door for future disputes or deletions.
Steps to follow:
- Call the agency and ask what they’d accept to resolve the debt.
- Start low. If the debt is 2-3 years old, offer 30-40% of the total. For newer debts, aim for 50-60%.
- Get their offer in writing before sending any payment.
- Use a cashier’s check or prepaid method (not your bank info).
After you’ve settled the debt, wait 30 days and then dispute it again. Many collection agencies don’t respond to post-payment disputes, which can lead to deletion. If the account is valid and they refuse deletion, you can offer to settle the debt for less. Be aware: even settled accounts still affect your score unless they are deleted.
✅ 4. Hire a Credit Repair Company That Knows What They’re Doing
Not all disputes are created equal. Clicking the “dispute” button online rarely works. A skilled credit repair company (like ours) uses customized dispute strategies and leverages consumer protection laws to get results.
What we do differently:
- Request full documentation using FDCPA and FCRA laws
- Spot legal errors in how the debt is being reported
- Submit multiple rounds of targeted disputes
- Escalate with Metro 2 and procedural compliance audits
Instead of gambling with your time and money, you get a team that’s handled thousands of cases—just like Jesse’s—with proven results. Not all disputes are created equal. What worked for Jesse was more than just clicking “dispute” online—it was building a legal argument using consumer rights, documentation requests, and regulatory pressure.
Related Story: Why Are Credit Repair Companies Sometimes Labeled as Fraudulent?
✅ 5. File Complaints with the CFPB, FTC, and Your State Attorney General
If the collection agency is breaking the rules or refusing to provide required documentation, escalate it to the agencies that oversee them.
Where to file:
- CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau): consumerfinance.gov – They regulate credit reporting and debt collection practices.
- FTC (Federal Trade Commission): reportfraud.ftc.gov – Use this for deceptive or abusive practices.
- Your State Attorney General’s Office – Just Google “(your state) attorney general consumer complaint.”
📌 Be detailed. Include copies of letters, emails, and screenshots. These complaints create pressure on collectors and can often result in faster deletions or settlements. If the agency refuses to cooperate or violates your rights, you can file official complaints with government agencies. This often puts pressure on them to resolve the issue.
Great Read: How to Delete Santander Consumer USA on Your Credit Report
You Don’t Have to Let a Keystone Collection Account Hold You Back
Jesse was able to move forward with his mortgage—and you can too.
Whether you’re dealing with Keystone or any other collector, we’ll help you challenge the account the right way.
🔹 Start a chat with us now → [Click Here]
🔹 Call us at 📞 888-656-0803
🔹 Text us at 📲 281-545-5001