If you've received a letter or phone call from ProCollect, you're probably wondering who they are and what this means for your financial situation. Whether you're a property manager considering their services or a consumer dealing with a collection account, understanding ProCollect's history, operations, and approach can help you navigate the situation effectively.
The Origins and History of ProCollect
ProCollect, Inc. was founded in 1995 and has been operating as a national debt collection agency for nearly three decades. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company was established with a focus on providing superior collection services while maintaining respect and professionalism in all debtor interactions. The company was founded by Larry Gingold, who continues to serve as president today, with Barry Curtis serving as vice president.
From its inception, ProCollect positioned itself as one of the nation's premier debt collection agencies, emphasizing three core pillars: superior staff training, state-of-the-art technology, and an unwavering commitment to customer service. These principles have guided the company's operations for more than 25 years and helped establish ProCollect as a trusted name in the collection industry.
Unlike many collection agencies that serve multiple industries broadly, ProCollect has developed particular expertise in specific sectors, most notably multi-family housing and apartment collections. This specialization has allowed them to build deep relationships with property management companies across the country and develop collection strategies tailored to the unique challenges of residential debt recovery.
Where ProCollect Operates
ProCollect maintains its headquarters and primary operations in Dallas, Texas. The company's main office is located at 12170 N. Abrams Rd., Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75243. This facility houses their call center operations, technology infrastructure, and administrative functions.
While headquartered in Texas, ProCollect operates with a national footprint, serving clients across the United States. The company is licensed to collect in every state where licensing is required and has built the infrastructure necessary to handle collections across all U.S. time zones. According to the Better Business Bureau, ProCollect has at least two locations, though the Dallas headquarters serves as the primary hub for operations.
The company's P.O. Box address for mailing correspondence is P.O. Box 220369, Dallas, Texas 75355-0369, though consumers are typically directed to send important documents to the physical street address to ensure proper handling and timely processing.
How to Contact ProCollect
If you need to reach ProCollect regarding an account, payment arrangement, or dispute, several contact methods are available:
Phone Numbers:
Toll-Free: 1-800-839-8186
Direct Office: 214-341-7788
Spanish Language Services: 1-800-839-8186 Ext. 2163
Fax:
888-897-3012
Email Addresses:
General Collector Correspondence: infotocollector@procollect.com
Spanish Language: infotocollector@procollect.com
Executive Contact: gingold@procollect.com (Larry Gingold, President)
Vice President: curtis@procollect.com (Barry Curtis)
Physical Address:
ProCollect, Inc.
12170 N. Abrams Rd., Suite 100
Dallas, Texas 75243
Website:
www.procollect.com
The company's standard business hours are Monday through Friday, though specific department hours may vary. ProCollect also provides 24/7 online access for clients to view account information, check payment status, and run performance reports through their web portal.
Services Offered by ProCollect
ProCollect provides comprehensive debt collection and accounts receivable management services designed to maximize recovery while maintaining professional standards throughout the collection process.
Multi-Family and Student Housing Collections
The cornerstone of ProCollect's business is collecting unpaid debts from former apartment residents and student housing tenants. This includes unpaid rent balances, property damage charges exceeding security deposits, early lease termination fees, utility bills and other charges, cleaning and repair costs, and court fees associated with eviction proceedings.
ProCollect's specialization in this area means their collectors understand lease agreements, security deposit regulations, landlord-tenant law variations across states, and the documentation requirements specific to residential collections.
Commercial Debt Recovery
Beyond residential collections, ProCollect also handles commercial debt recovery for businesses across various industries. This includes business-to-business debts, commercial lease collections, vendor payment disputes, and other corporate receivables.
Medical Collections
ProCollect provides collection services for healthcare providers, including hospitals and medical practices, dental offices, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare facilities. The company's approach to medical debt emphasizes sensitivity to patients' circumstances while working to recover legitimate debts owed to healthcare providers.
Energy and Utility Collections
The company serves energy providers and utility companies, collecting unpaid balances for electricity and gas providers, telecommunications services, and other utility-related debts. ProCollect has specifically mentioned working with companies like Cirro Energy, demonstrating their capability in this sector.
Call Center and Customer Service Outsourcing
In addition to traditional debt collection, ProCollect operates as a call center providing customer service and accounts receivable management services for other companies. This diversification allows them to offer broader support beyond just collection activities.
Industries Served and Client Portfolio
ProCollect's client base spans multiple sectors, though they maintain particular strength in certain industries. Their primary focus includes property management companies managing conventional apartments, luxury apartment complexes, student housing, affordable housing properties, and manufactured housing communities.
Additional industries served include healthcare providers and medical practices, energy and utility companies, financial institutions and credit unions, commercial businesses and service providers, and educational institutions. According to client testimonials on their website, ProCollect serves major property management companies including Monarch Properties, which manages over 7,000 apartment units across New Mexico and Texas, Integrity Asset Management, Francis Property Management, and Landmark Properties, among others.
ProCollect's Technology and Systems
One of ProCollect's distinguishing features is their investment in proprietary technology designed specifically for their collection needs. The company's IT department has developed and written custom software that gives them several technological advantages.
Automated Skip Tracing
Accounts are automatically processed through real-time national skip-tracing databases upon entry into the system. Every day, new information is scanned and attached to debtor records automatically, allowing collectors to access the most current contact information without manual research.
Document Management System
ProCollect scans all documents into their system to create electronic files for each account. Collectors can view every document sent by clients with a single click, dramatically increasing efficiency and allowing more time for actual collection calls rather than file management.
Client Portal Access
Clients have 24/7 access through ProCollect's website to view any debtor placed, check collection status, run performance reports, and monitor collection percentages. This transparency allows property managers and business owners to track their portfolio in real-time without waiting for monthly statements.
Caller ID and Skip Trace Integration
ProCollect uses caller ID technology to identify the location and phone number of incoming calls. Every collector's computer is connected to numerous skip-trace sites, allowing immediate access to locate debtors and capture new information as it becomes available.
Credit Reporting Integration
The system allows collectors to pull credit reports from all three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian) and download information directly into debtor accounts. This integration streamlines the verification process and helps collectors make informed decisions about collection strategies.
Automated Letter Generation
Within predefined parameters, ProCollect's software automatically generates follow-up letters, reminder notices, demand letters, and settlement offers without requiring collector intervention. This automation ensures consistent communication while freeing collectors to focus on phone contact and negotiation.
Understanding How ProCollect Works
When you receive contact from ProCollect, it means a creditor has placed your unpaid debt with them for collection. Understanding this process can help you respond appropriately and protect your rights.
The typical collection process begins when a creditor, such as a property management company or medical provider, submits an unpaid account to ProCollect along with supporting documentation. ProCollect enters the account into their system, which immediately processes it through skip-tracing databases to verify or update contact information.
Collectors then begin outreach through initial contact letters outlining the debt and your rights, phone calls during permissible hours, and additional written correspondence as needed. If you don't respond or refuse to pay, ProCollect may escalate by reporting the debt to credit bureaus, pursuing legal action in some cases, or implementing other lawful collection methods.
Throughout this process, ProCollect must comply with federal and state laws governing debt collection. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act establishes clear boundaries for what collection agencies can and cannot do during the collection process.
Your Rights When Dealing With ProCollect
Consumers have significant protections under federal law when dealing with any debt collection agency, including ProCollect. Understanding what debt collectors can and cannot do is essential for protecting yourself.
Under the FDCPA, collection agencies like ProCollect are prohibited from calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. in your local time zone, contacting you at work if you've told them your employer doesn't permit such calls, using threatening, abusive, or obscene language, falsely representing the amount of debt or their authority to collect, discussing your debt with third parties like family members or coworkers, and continuing to contact you after you've sent a written cease communication request.
You have the right to request debt validation within 30 days of first contact. This requires ProCollect to provide proof that the debt is legitimate, that the amount is accurate, and that they have legal authority to collect it. You can also dispute the debt if you believe it's incorrect or doesn't belong to you.
The Impact on Your Credit Report
When ProCollect reports a collection account to the three major credit bureaus, it can cause significant damage to your credit score. Collection accounts are considered major negative marks that signal to lenders you've failed to pay a debt as agreed.
The collection can remain on your credit report for up to seven years from the date of first delinquency with the original creditor, even if you later pay the debt in full. This is why addressing collection accounts quickly is so important. The longer they remain unresolved, the more they affect your ability to rent apartments, qualify for mortgages or auto loans, secure credit cards with favorable terms, or pass employment background checks that include credit review.
For those wondering what happens when debt goes to collections, the credit reporting impact is often the most lasting consequence, affecting your financial opportunities for years.
Options for Resolving Debt With ProCollect
If ProCollect has contacted you about a debt, you have several options for resolution. The best path forward depends on whether the debt is legitimate and your financial circumstances.
Request Debt Validation
Within 30 days of first contact from ProCollect, send a debt validation letter requesting documentation that proves the debt. They must provide details about the original creditor, a breakdown of charges and how they were calculated, evidence that ProCollect has authority to collect, and copies of relevant documents like lease agreements or service contracts.
ProCollect must cease collection activities until they provide this validation. Review the documents carefully for any errors or discrepancies.
Negotiate a Settlement
Like most collection agencies, ProCollect may be willing to accept a settlement for less than the full amount owed. Settlement negotiations typically involve offering 30 to 50 percent of the total debt as a lump sum payment, though the agency may counteroffer with a higher percentage.
Always get settlement agreements in writing before making any payment. The agreement should specify the settlement amount, confirm that payment satisfies the debt in full, and ideally state that ProCollect will not report or will remove the collection from your credit report.
Arrange a Payment Plan
If you cannot pay the full amount or a settlement lump sum, ProCollect may offer payment arrangements. Make sure any payment plan is documented in writing with clear terms including the payment amount and schedule, total amount to be paid, and what happens if you miss a payment.
Never give ProCollect direct access to your bank account for automatic withdrawals, as this can lead to problems if disputes arise.
Pay in Full
If you have the financial means and the debt is legitimate, paying in full is the fastest way to resolve the account. After payment, request a satisfaction letter confirming the debt is paid in full and ask whether ProCollect will remove the collection from your credit report, though they're not legally required to do so.
Company Reputation and Consumer Reviews
ProCollect receives mixed reviews from consumers and has a varied reputation in the industry. The Better Business Bureau gives ProCollect a C+ rating, with some complaints filed against the company over the years. As of their BBB profile, there was one complaint that remained unresolved.
Consumer reviews on sites like Yelp and PissedConsumer show a range of experiences. Some consumers report professional interactions and successful resolution of their debts, while others complain about aggressive collection tactics, rude representatives, difficulty getting items removed from credit reports even after payment, and poor customer service.
It's important to note that debt collection agencies often receive negative reviews simply due to the nature of their business. People generally don't enjoy being contacted about unpaid debts, which can color their perception of the experience even when the agency operates within legal boundaries.
From the client side, ProCollect has earned positive testimonials from property management companies and businesses that use their services. These clients praise the company's collection rates, professional staff, easy-to-use reporting systems, and responsive customer service.
How ProCollect Compares to Other Collection Agencies
ProCollect's specialization in multi-family housing and apartment collections sets them apart from more general collection agencies. While companies like Advanced Collection Bureau also serve the residential property management sector alongside other industries, ProCollect has built their reputation primarily on apartment debt recovery.
The advantages of ProCollect's focused approach include deep expertise in lease agreements and landlord-tenant law, established relationships with property management software companies, specialized training for collectors on rental-specific issues, and proven strategies for locating and recovering from transient tenant populations.
The potential disadvantage is that businesses with debt portfolios spanning multiple industries might need to work with multiple agencies rather than finding all services under one roof. However, for property management companies specifically, ProCollect's specialization can translate to better recovery rates and more knowledgeable service.
Best Practices When Contacted by ProCollect
If ProCollect reaches out to you about a debt, taking the right steps can protect your rights and lead to a better outcome. Do not ignore their communications, as avoiding the situation will not make it disappear and may lead to credit damage or legal action. Request all communications in writing to create a documented record of your interactions.
Verify the debt by requesting validation and reviewing all documentation thoroughly. Know your rights under federal law and be prepared to assert them if ProCollect violates the FDCPA. Keep detailed records of every phone call, letter, and payment related to the account. Consider consulting with a consumer protection attorney if you believe ProCollect has violated your rights or if you're facing a lawsuit.
Some consumers also find it helpful to work with debt settlement services or credit repair companies that can negotiate on their behalf, though these services come with their own costs and considerations.
The Role of Specialized Collection Agencies
Understanding why businesses use collection agencies like ProCollect helps provide context for their role in the economy. When tenants vacate apartments owing money or patients leave medical bills unpaid, these debts represent real losses to property owners and healthcare providers.
Collection agencies provide a service that allows businesses to recover these losses without dedicating internal staff and resources to lengthy collection efforts. For property managers, specialized agencies offer expertise in skip tracing and debtor location, understanding of state-specific landlord-tenant laws, established credit reporting relationships, proven strategies for maximizing recovery rates, and the ability to pursue legal remedies when necessary.
For businesses seeking collection services, alternatives like Advanced Collection Bureau offer transparent practices, compliance-focused operations, and experience across multiple sectors including residential, medical, and commercial collections.
Working With ProCollect as a Client
For property managers and businesses considering ProCollect's services, the company offers several features designed to make the collection process easy and effective. These include simple account submission using postage-paid envelopes or electronic integration with property management software, customizable reporting sent via email to keep portfolio organized, real-time online access to track collection progress and review account status, and dedicated account representatives to address questions and provide counsel.
ProCollect emphasizes that they work every account regardless of size, applying the same effort to small balances as they do to large ones. The company's contingency-based fee structure means clients typically don't pay unless ProCollect successfully recovers money.
Looking Forward: The Future of Debt Collection
The debt collection industry continues to evolve with changing technology, regulations, and consumer expectations. Companies like ProCollect that invest in technology and emphasize professional service are generally better positioned to adapt to these changes.
Recent years have seen increased regulatory scrutiny of debt collection practices, with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau taking a more active role in enforcing consumer protection laws. Successful collection agencies must balance effective recovery with strict compliance and respectful treatment of consumers.
For ProCollect, their nearly 30-year track record and continued investment in technology suggest they're committed to remaining competitive in this evolving landscape. However, consumers dealing with ProCollect should remember that longevity doesn't exempt any agency from compliance requirements or give them permission to violate consumer rights.
Moving Forward: Resolving Your ProCollect Account
If you're dealing with ProCollect regarding a debt, remember that you have both rights and options. Whether the debt is legitimate or you believe there's been an error, taking action is better than ignoring the situation.
Start by requesting validation of the debt, reviewing all documentation carefully, and understanding your rights under the FDCPA and state law. If the debt is valid, explore resolution options that fit your financial circumstances. If you believe the debt is incorrect or that ProCollect has violated your rights, document everything and consider seeking legal counsel.
For property managers evaluating collection services, look beyond just recovery rates. Consider factors like compliance records, technology capabilities, customer service quality, and industry reputation. Compare options like Advanced Collection Bureau that offer proven track records in residential debt recovery with transparent, compliance-focused operations.
The Bottom Line
ProCollect has operated as a debt collection agency since 1995, building a reputation particularly strong in the multi-family housing and apartment collections sector. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company serves clients nationwide with a focus on superior staff training, advanced technology, and professional customer service.
For consumers, receiving contact from ProCollect means a creditor has placed your unpaid debt with them for recovery. Understanding your rights under federal law and taking appropriate action can help you resolve the situation while protecting your credit and finances.
For businesses, ProCollect offers specialized collection services with established expertise in residential debt recovery, supported by proprietary technology and a track record spanning nearly three decades. However, as with any service provider, it's important to evaluate whether their approach aligns with your business values and needs.
Whether you're a consumer dealing with a ProCollect account or a business considering their services, remember that professional debt collection should balance effective recovery with respect for consumer rights and legal compliance. Understanding who ProCollect is and how they operate is the first step toward making informed decisions about your next steps.
For more information about ProCollect, visit their website at www.procollect.com or call their toll-free number at 1-800-839-8186. For Spanish language services, call 1-800-839-8186 Ext. 2163.
