The phone number 866-242-3315 is a well-known contact number for Portfolio Recovery Associates (PRA), one of the largest debt buyers and collectors in the United States. PRA purchases charged-off debts from original creditors (like credit card issuers, telecom companies, and banks) for a fraction of the face value and then attempts to collect the full amount. Their actions directly and severely impact your credit score. When a debt is sold to a collector like PRA, a new, separate negative entry is created on your credit report. This collections account is one of the most damaging items, signaling to future lenders that you have previously failed to repay a debt. This can lead to denied applications for loans, credit cards, and apartments, as well as higher interest rates and insurance premiums. Ignoring their communications will not stop the damage; it often leads to prolonged negative reporting and increases the risk of a lawsuit, which can result in a judgment that further devastates your credit.
866-242-3315 is a legitimate number for Portfolio Recovery Associates, a publicly-traded company. However, scammers often "spoof" (fake) legitimate numbers to gain your trust. Therefore, while the number itself is authentic, you must still verify the identity of the specific caller and the validity of the debt they are claiming.
Steps to Verify Legitimacy:
You are protected from harassment by the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). To stop unwanted calls from Portfolio Recovery Associates, you must take formal, documented action.
Action Plan to Stop Harassment:
Blocking the number may provide temporary relief from calls, but it is a dangerous strategy. Ignoring a debt collector like PRA will not make the debt disappear and can lead to a lawsuit and a default judgment against you, resulting in wage garnishment or a bank levy.
A more strategic approach is to:
Yes, absolutely. Portfolio Recovery Associates frequently files lawsuits to collect on debts. If the debt is valid, sizable, and within your state's statute of limitations, they have the legal right to sue you for the balance. Ignoring a lawsuit summons will result in a default judgment against you, granting them the power to use aggressive methods like wage garnishment.
Key Considerations:
As a legitimate debt buyer, Portfolio Recovery Associates obtains your personal information (name, address, SSN, account details) directly from the original creditor when they purchase the debt portfolio. This is standard practice. While this means they already have your data, it underscores why you should never confirm or provide additional sensitive information over the phone until you have validated the debt in writing.
Portfolio Recovery Associates specializes in collecting a wide array of unsecured consumer debts, including:
The most reliable method is twofold:
Your primary protections are federal laws:
Yes. As a major player in the industry, PRA has been the subject of numerous lawsuits and regulatory actions for alleged violations of the FDCPA and FCRA. These have included allegations of attempting to collect on debts without proper verification, suing on time-barred (expired) debts, and inaccurately reporting information to credit bureaus. This history makes it even more critical to know your rights and demand strict adherence to the law.
Online forums and complaint boards are filled with consumer experiences regarding this number and PRA. Common complaints include aggressive call frequency, difficulty resolving disputes, and the negative impact on credit scores. While these sources are subjective, they reveal patterns of behavior that align with the known practices of large-scale debt collectors.
Yes. A collections account from PRA is a severe negative mark on your credit report. Removing it is crucial because:
1. What is a "pay-for-delete" and can I use it with Portfolio Recovery Associates?
A "pay-for-delete" is a negotiation where you offer to pay the debt (often for less than the full amount) in exchange for the collector completely removing the collections account from your credit report. While PRA has been historically reluctant to do this, it is always worth attempting. The key is to get the agreement in writing before you send any payment.
2. I already paid PRA. Why is the collection still on my credit report?
Paying a collections debt does not automatically remove it. The account will be updated to a "paid collection" status, which is slightly less harmful but still a major negative. This is why negotiating deletion before payment is critical. After payment, your option is to wait for it to fall off your report after seven years.
3. The debt is old and past my state's statute of limitations. What should I do?
If the debt is time-barred, they cannot successfully sue you. Be very careful—if you make even a partial payment, you could accidentally "revive" the debt, restarting the statute of limitations clock. You can send them a letter stating that the debt is time-barred and demanding they cease contact.
4. What if the debt isn't mine or is a result of identity theft?
If the debt is not yours, you must dispute it immediately. Send a dispute letter to PRA and to the three national credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). If it's identity theft, include a copy of your FTC Identity Theft Report and a police report. They are required to investigate and remove the inaccurate information.
5. Should I hire a lawyer to deal with PRA?
Consulting with a consumer protection attorney is highly recommended if: you are being sued, the harassment continues after a cease and desist letter, or your rights under the FDCPA/FCRA have been violated. Many attorneys offer free consultations and may take cases on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless they win.