Start My Answer

How to Beat Quaternary Collection Agency

Chloe Meltzer | January 10, 2024

Chloe-Meltzer
Legal Expert
Chloe Meltzer, MA

Chloe Meltzer is an experienced content writer specializing in legal content creation. She holds a degree in English Literature from Arizona State University, complemented by a Master’s in Marketing from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.

Edited by Hannah Locklear

Hannah Locklear
Editor at SoloSuit
Hannah Locklear, BA

Hannah Locklear is SoloSuit’s Marketing and Impact Manager. With an educational background in Linguistics, Spanish, and International Development from Brigham Young University, Hannah has also worked as a legal support specialist for several years.

Summary: Is Quaternary Collection Agency suing you for a past due balance? Find out how you can win against them in court.

Handling consumer debt is not the most fun activity in the world, and when you are sued for debt it can get even worse. Debt collectors can be a menace, but there are laws that bar them from harassment and other negative forms of collection. They are legally required to follow certain laws, so if you know your rights then you can handle the situation better and fight back should they begin to harass you.

How a debt collector gets your phone number

If you are being contacted by the Quaternary Collection Agency but never heard of them before, you may not think the debt is yours. Unfortunately, it most likely is because they probably purchased your debt from the original creditor you owed money to. Most often they will have purchased your number, and your debt, from the original creditor. This includes your address, phone number, and even your place of work.

If a debt collector got your information from the original creditor, then you will need to deal with the debt and respond properly if you are sent a summons. This essentially means that you are being sued for your debt.

Don't let debt collectors harass you. Respond fast with SoloSuit.

How to deal with a debt collector

Do not ignore the debt collector

If you have a debt that is being collected on, or you are being sued for a debt, then the debt collector will continue to contact you until a debt is paid. Ignoring a debt collector is a bad idea because it will only damage your credit score.

Collect information on your debt

First off, do not admit the debt is yours. Instead, get information from the debt collector before you even respond at all. You will want to collect the following information:

  • Original creditor
  • Original debt amount
  • How much is currently owed
  • Any details the debt collector can provide

Find out if the statute of limitations has expired

If the statute of limitations has expired, then the debt collector can legally no longer sue you to recoup the debt. If you admit that the debt is yours it can reset the clock on old debt. The clock is different from state to state but typically ranges between four to six years. Never confirm a debt, and always ask for the debt collector to prove it.

Make the right defense the right way with SoloSuit.

Ask for a verification letter of the debt

Legitimate debt collectors will send you a letter in the mail stating your debt, who the original creditor was, how much you owe, and proof of their owning the debt. They are also required to provide information about how to dispute the debt.

Do not provide any personal details

Whether or not the debt is yours, or whether or not you plan to pay it, avoid giving too much information. Do not give too much information over the phone about your plans to pay. Instead request that the debt collector proves your responsibility.

Try negotiating with the debt collector

If you believe that you do owe the debt, you can attempt to settle the debt and negotiate. This typically works because the debt collector has purchased your debt for pennies on the dollar. You can work to settle for an amount that is less than what your total cost is. Sometimes threatening to file bankruptcy is a good tactic to get out of paying a higher amount. If they are unwilling to settle you can also try to work out a payment plan.

Know your rights under the FDCPA

When dealing with a third-party debt collector they need to operate under the laws of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The FDCPA requires the following:

  • Restricted contact: Debt collectors may only call you between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
  • No calls at work if they know you are not allowed to speak at work.
  • Request a callback number: They should have no problem providing you with company information.
  • No lying or harassment: This is huge under the FDCPA. Debt collectors may not force you or coerce you into paying more than you owe or threaten you with things that they cannot impose (such as jail time).
  • Wage garnishment is legal in most states, but can only occur with a court order and default judgment.

If any of your rights are violated you can report the threat to the Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Protect yourself from shady debt collection practices with SoloSuit.

How to spot a debt collection scam

Unfortunately, having debt can lead to scams. Even if you do not owe money, there may be individuals that try to force you into paying for something you do not owe. Signs of debt collection scams include:

  • Not receiving a debt validation letter. This is one of the best ways to make sure you are dealing with a legitimate debt collector. If you've just gotten a phone call but no letters, then you may be dealing with a scam.
  • Verify your details: Even if the debt is real, it may not even be yours. This is why you should request personal info about the debt to see if it belongs to you or if it is a mistake.
  • Be sure to pay how you want to. In some cases a debt collector may claim you must pay using a wire transfer or a prepaid debit card, this is a scam. Most often debt collectors will work with you to get their money in any way possible and work with you in terms of how you want to pay.

If you get a call from the Quaternary Collection Agency or another debt collector, knowing what steps to take can be the only way to avoid getting screwed over. There are rules that debt collectors must follow and you must know your rights. Do not ignore debt collectors, but always get as much information as possible, and get everything in writing. This could be the difference between paying for a debt, and getting a settlement, or even getting the entire debt dropped altogether.

What is SoloSuit?

SoloSuit makes it easy to respond to a debt collection lawsuit.

How it works: SoloSuit is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your answer. Upon completion, you can either print the completed forms and mail in the hard copies to the courts or you can pay SoloSuit to file it for you and to have an attorney review the document.

Respond with SoloSuit

"First time getting sued by a debt collector and I was searching all over YouTube and ran across SoloSuit, so I decided to buy their services with their attorney reviewed documentation which cost extra but it was well worth it! SoloSuit sent the documentation to the parties and to the court which saved me time from having to go to court and in a few weeks the case got dismissed!" – James


Get Started


>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit: A Student Solution To Give Utah Debtors A Fighting Chance

How to Answer a Summons for debt collection in all 50 states

Here's a list of guides on how to respond to a debt collection lawsuit in each state:

The Ultimate 50 State Guide

Guides on how to resolve debt with every debt collector

Are you being sued by a debt collector? We’re making guides on how to resolve debt with each one.

Resolve your debt with your creditor

Some creditors, banks, and lenders have an internal collections department. If they come after you for a debt, Solosuit can still help you respond and resolve the debt. Here’s a list of guides on how to resolve debt with different creditors.

Settle your medical debt

Having a health challenge is stressful, but dealing medical debt on top of it is overwhelming. Here are some resources on how to manage medical debt.

Guides on arbitration

If the thought of going to court stresses you out, you’re not alone. Many Americans who are sued for credit card debt utilize a Motion to Compel Arbitration to push their case out of court and into arbitration.

Below are some resources on how to use an arbitration clause to your advantage and win a debt lawsuit.

Stop calls from debt collectors

Do you keep getting calls from an unknown number, only to realize that it’s a debt collector on the other line? If you’ve been called by any of the following numbers, chances are you have collectors coming after you, and we’ll tell you how to stop them.

Federal debt collection laws can protect you

Knowing your rights makes it easier to stand up for your rights. Below, we’ve compiled all our articles on federal debt collection laws that protect you from unfair practices.

Get debt relief in your state

We’ve created a specialized guide on how to find debt relief in all 50 states, complete with steps to take to find relief, state-specific resources, and more.

Debt collection laws in all 50 states

Debt collection laws vary by state, so we have compiled a guide to each state’s debt collection laws to make it easier for you to stand up for your rights—no matter where you live.

Statute of limitations on debt state guides

Like all debt collection laws, the statute of limitations on debt varies by state. So, we wrote a guide on each state’s statutes. Check it out below.

Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection by State (Best Guide)

Check the status of your court case

Don’t have time to go to your local courthouse to check the status of your case? We’ve created a guide on how to check the status of your case in every state, complete with online search tools and court directories.

How to stop wage garnishment in your state

Forgot to respond to your debt lawsuit? The judge may have ordered a default judgment against you, and with a default judgment, debt collectors can garnish your wages. Here are our guides on how to stop wage garnishment in all 50 states.

Other wage garnishment resources

How to settle a debt in your state

Debt settlement is one of the most effective ways to resolve a debt and save money. We’ve created a guide on how to settle your debt in all 50 states. Find out how to settle in your state with a simple click and explore other debt settlement resources below.

How to settle with every debt collector

Not sure how to negotiate a debt settlement with a debt collector? We are creating guides to help you know how to start the settlement conversation and increase your chances of coming to an agreement with every debt collector.

Other debt settlement resources

Personal loan and debt relief reviews

We give a factual review of the following debt consolidation, debt settlement, and loan organizations and companies to help you make an informed decision before you take on a debt.

How to repair and improve your credit score

Debt has a big impact on your credit. Below is a list of guides on how to repair and improve your credit, even while managing major debt.

How to resolve student loan debt

Struggling with student debt? SoloSuit’s got you covered. Below are resources on handling student loan debt.

Civil law legal definitions

You can represent yourself in court. Save yourself the time and cost of finding an attorney, and use the following resources to understand legal definitions better and how they may apply to your case.

Get answers to these FAQs on debt collection

How-to debt guides

Learn more with these additional debt resources


It only takes 15 minutes.
And 50% of our customers' cases have been dismissed in the past.

"Finding yourself on the wrong side of the law unexpectedly is kinda scary. I started researching on YouTube and found SoloSuit's channel. The videos were so helpful, easy to understand and encouraging. When I reached out to SoloSuit they were on it. Very professional, impeccably prompt. Thanks for the service!" – Heather


Get Started


Not sued yet?
Use our Debt Validation Letter.

Our Debt Validation Letter is the best way to respond to a collection letter. Many debt collectors will simply give up after receiving it.


Let's Do It