Start My Answer

How to beat Zwicker & Associates

George Simons | March 12, 2024

George Simons
Co-Founder of SoloSuit
George Simons, JD/MBA

George Simons is the co-founder and CEO of SoloSuit. He has helped Americans protect over $1 billion from predatory debt lawsuits. George graduated from BYU Law school in 2020 with a JD-MBA. In his spare time, George likes to cook, because he likes to eat.

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: Sued by Zwicker & Associates? Here’s how to beat them in court: respond to the lawsuit with an Answer, deny as many claims as possible, and assert your affirmative defenses. If you know the debt is yours, you can settle out of court with the help of SoloSettle.

Zwicker & Associates PC is not your usual debt collector. They are a law firm that specializes in debt collection, which is a nightmare for consumers. Dealing with Zwicker can be overwhelming, but you can succeed. Know their strategy and protect yourself.

Aside from the standard debt collection methods (phone calls and letters), Zwicker and Associates have a reputation for filing lawsuits in a hurry. So if you are dealing with the company, ‌prepare for the possibility of ending up in court.

Zwicker and Associates have two main challenges for you to deal with: collection calls/letters and lawsuits. Below, we explore how to overcome both of these challenges.

But first, let’s take a closer look at Zwicker and Associates as a company.

Sued by Zwicker & Associates? Use SoloSettle to settle your debts for good.


Who does Zwicker & Associates collect for?

Zwicker & Associates collects for American Express, Capital One, Chase, Discover Bank, and many other creditors, banks, and financial institutions. More specifically, the law firm represents these companies when they decide to take legal action to collect a debt.

Zwicker and Associates reviews are mostly complaints

Despite Zwicker and Associates' high BBB rating, you should still be wary when they contact you. Established in 1991, Zwicker & Associates is a reputable debt collection law firm, but that doesn't mean they always play by the rules. According to BBB, they have an A+ rating (the highest rating) which doesn't account for the substantial number of negative customer reviews. Here are some ‌reviews from real consumers.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has reported nearly 600 Zwicker and Associates complaints on its online consumer complaint database. That’s a lot! Most of these complaints claim that the law firm is hard to work with and harrasses consumers. Let’s take a look at a real complaint against Zwicker & Associates:

“Zwicker & Associates refused to accept weekly payments online. They informed me that I will have to call each week to pay my {$20.00}. They have sent me to small claims court. I was hoping to pay this before the court date. When I called they said I can't pay any other way except phone in, which is very difficult. It is as though they want me to fail. I find this firm deceptive and they do have an online payment center. They are refusing this. I would like this firm to be reprimanded. They are not working with the consumer.”

As you can see, it isn't the easiest task to work with Zwicker & Associates, so let us explain how you can resolve debt with the law firm.

How to deal with Zwicker and Associates' collection calls and letters

Zwicker & Associates frequently purchases debts from large credit card companies like American Express, Discover, and Chase for much less than the original amount owed. As such, when Zwicker & Associates comes after you for a debt, they are looking to profit, but if you pay off the debt amount in full, consider yourself ripped off. You should never offer a full payment to Zwicker because the firm will still profit with a much lower settlement.

To stop collection calls or win a lawsuit from Zwicker & Associates, follow these steps:

  • Send a Debt Validation Letter to officially request debt validation.
  • Understand your consumers rights and stand up for them.
  • File an Answer into the Zwicker & Associates debt lawsuit.
  • Contact Zwicker attorneys to negotiate a debt settlement outside of court.

Now, let’s take a closer look at all these points and more.

Ask Zwicker and Associates to validate and verify the debt

Just because a debt collector calls you about debt doesn't mean you automatically have to pay the debt. Sometimes it's better not to pay debt collectors.

Whether or not you pay the debt, you can get rid of the irritating calls. When debt collectors contact you, your go-to defense weapon is the Debt Validation Letter. You should send the letter within thirty days of the debt collector contacting you.

The Debt Validation Letter demands that the collector verify ‌the amount is accurate and the debt belongs to you with documented proof. Once they receive the letter, the collection company is required to report the debt as disputed until they can prove otherwise. Be sure to use certified mail so you can prove that Zwicker received your letter.

Many collection agencies stop collection efforts when they receive the letter. They may contact you to inform you of the action they plan to take, but they can't contact you to collect the debt without validating it. The company also must prove that they are licensed to collect in your state. You can draft your own Debt Validation Letter with SoloSuit's help and stop the calls.

Once validated, check for errors. If you spot any, dispute the debt immediately.

This video explains how to make a Debt Validation Letter in 2 easy steps:

Has Zwicker violated any of your rights as a consumer?

Zwicker calls itself a law firm and not a debt collection agency. Don't let that title fool you. They collect past-due debts and therefore must adhere to the FDCPA guidelines of 2021.

Several debt collection companies still struggle to keep up with the new FDCPA guidelines. Under the new law, debt collectors may not:

  • Call you at night or early morning (9:00 pm to 8:00 am)
  • Discuss details of your debt with family and friends
  • Send you postcards
  • Lie to you
  • Harass and threaten you with legal action they can't take
  • Shame you
  • Overcharge you

If Zwicker & Associates violates any of these guidelines, you may be entitled to countersue them for up to $1000 per violation plus court costs. You could report them to the following government agencies:

Is Zwicker & Associates a scam?

Since Zwicker & Associates is a well-established debt collection firm, it is a prime target for scammers impersonating a debt collection agency. If a real Zwicker & Associates employee contacts you about a debt, they will not ask you for your personal information because they should already have it.

On the other hand, if someone calls you claiming to be from Zwicker & Associates and demands that you provide them with your phone number, address, social security number, etc., do not give them any information.

What happens if Zwicker and Associates sues you?

Zwicker & Associates hand out lawsuits like candy on Halloween, so you may find yourself with a court Summons sooner than you expected. But you can still beat Zwicker at their game.

There are several reasons your account may speed up to a lawsuit. You may be out of employment or Zwickersent collection letters to the wrong address. Depending on your situation, these options may work for you.

Respond to the Summons and Complaint

Never turn a blind eye to a court Summons and Complaint. If you do, the court may issue a default judgment against you. Depending on your state of residence, the consequences of a judgment may be dire. They may include:

  • Wage garnishment
  • Lien on non-exempt property
  • Freezing of your bank account

A timely and well-prepared Answer can stop Zwicker & Associates in its tracks, which is a win for you.

The best part about filing an answer is you don't need an attorney, and the process only takes 15 minutes. Log in to SoloSuit, answer a few self-guided questions, and your document will be ready in minutes.

Settle out of court

First, Zwicker bought your debt for a few pennies on the dollar, meaning you can negotiate to pay a percentage of what you owe to settle the debt. Second, many companies will settle for 40-60% of the total debt. If you get a 40% settlement, you can save yourself thousands of dollars and the hassle and stress of multiple court hearings.

You can also use the Motion to Compel Arbitration if your loan or credit card agreement has an arbitration clause. This simple letter may force the case out of court–usually, you should file a Motion for Arbitration with your Answer.

Check the state's statute of limitations

No debt collector can sue you for a debt that's beyond your state's statute of limitations. These limitations were put in place by individual states to protect consumers from being sued for extremely old debts. Debt collectors are supposed to collect the debt when it is fresh in your mind, and accurate records are still available. In most cases, a debt that has been past due for seven years is past the statute of limitations, and therefore, expired.

File for bankruptcy

Filing for bankruptcy may be the last resort if you really can't pay the debt. A Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will dismiss the debt lawsuit case.

Zwicker and Associates should not ruin your life. Take control of the situation by asking that they validate the debt. Promptly Answer any lawsuit with SoloSuit in a few simple steps.

Settle your debt with Zwicker & Associates

If you’ve received notice that Zwicker & Associates is suing you, debt settlement is still an option. In fact, you can reach out to settle a debt with Navy Federal at any stage of the lawsuit process. Here’s how.

Your first step is to file an Answer in response to the Complaint filed by Zwicker & Associates. Respond to each of the claims against you. While you plan to negotiate a settlement, an Answer prevents the court from giving Zwicker & Associates a default judgment against you.

Take stock of your current finances to determine what you can afford to offer Zwicker and Associates in exchange for a settlement agreement. It’s best to begin with at least 60% of the value of your debt. For instance, if you're being sued for $3,000, you can offer them $1,800 to settle the obligation.

SoloSettle, powered by SoloSuit, is a tech-based approach to debt settlement. Our software helps you send and receive settlement offers until you reach an agreement with the collector. Once an agreement is reached, we’ll help you manage the settlement documentation and transfer your payment to the creditor or debt collector, helping you keep your financial information private and secure.

To learn more about debt settlement, check out our video on to settle your debt for good:

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


We have answers.
Join our community of over 40,000 people.

You can ask your questions on the SoloSuit forum and the community will help you out. Whether you need help now or are just looking for support, we're here for you.


Ask a Question


>>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 your state

Here's a list of guides for other states.

All 50 states.

Guides on how to beat every debt collector

Being sued by a different debt collector? Were making guides on how to beat each one.

Win against credit card companies

Is your credit card company suing you? Learn how you can beat each one.

Going to Court for Credit Card Debt — Key Tips

How to Negotiate Credit Card Debts

How to Settle a Credit Card Debt Lawsuit — Ultimate Guide

Get answers to these FAQs

Need more info on statutes of limitations? Read our 50-state guide.

Why do debt collectors block their phone numbers?

How long do debt collectors take to respond to debt validation letters?

What are the biggest debt collector companies in the US?

Is Zombie Debt Still a Problem in 2019?

SoloSuit FAQ

If a car is repossessed, do I still owe the debt?

Is Portfolio Recovery Associates Legit?

Is There a Judgment Against Me Without my Knowledge?

Should I File Bankruptcy Before or After a Judgment?

What is a default judgment?— What do I do?

Summoned to Court for Medical Bills — What Do I Do?

What Happens If Someone Sues You and You Have No Money?

What Happens If You Never Answer Debt Collectors?

What Happens When a Debt Is Sold to a Collection Agency

What is a Stipulated Judgment?

What is the Deadline for a Defendants Answer to Avoid a Default Judgment?

Can a Judgement Creditor Take my Car?

Can I Settle a Debt After Being Served?

Can I Stop Wage Garnishment?

Can You Appeal a Default Judgement?

Do I Need a Debt Collection Defense Attorney?

Do I Need a Payday Loans Lawyer?

Do student loans go away after 7 years? — Student Loan Debt Guide

Am I Responsible for My Spouses Medical Debt?

Should I Marry Someone With Debt?

Can a Debt Collector Leave a Voicemail?

How Does Debt Assignment Work?

What Happens If a Defendant Does Not Pay a Judgment?

How Does Debt Assignment Work?

Can You Serve Someone with a Collections Lawsuit at Their Work?

What Is a Warrant in Debt?

How Many Times Can a Judgment be Renewed in Oklahoma?

Can an Eviction Be Reversed?

Does Debt Consolidation Have Risks?

What Happens If You Avoid Getting Served Court Papers?

Does Student Debt Die With You?

Can Debt Collectors Call You at Work in Texas?

How Much Do You Have to Be in Debt to File for Chapter 7?

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Debt in Washington?

How Long Does a Judgment Last?

Can Private Disability Payments Be Garnished?

Can Debt Collectors Call From Local Numbers?

Does the Fair Credit Reporting Act Work in Florida?

The Truth: Should You Never Pay a Debt Collection Agency?

Should You Communicate with a Debt Collector in Writing or by Telephone?

Do I Need a Debt Negotiator?

What Happens After a Motion for Default Is Filed?

Can a Process Server Leave a Summons Taped to My Door?

Learn More With These Additional Resources:

Need help managing your finances? Check out these resources.

How to Make a Debt Validation Letter - The Ultimate Guide

How to Make a Motion to Compel Arbitration Without an Attorney

How to Stop Wage Garnishment — Everything You Need to Know

How to File an FDCPA Complaint Against Your Debt Collector (Ultimate Guide)

Defending Yourself in Court Against a Debt Collector

Tips on you can to file an FDCPA lawsuit against a debt collection agency

Advice on how to answer a summons for debt collection.

Effective strategies for how to get back on track after a debt lawsuit

New Hampshire Statute of Limitations on Debt

Sample Cease and Desist Letter Against Debt Collectors

The Ultimate Guide to Responding to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Utah

West Virginia Statute of Limitations on Debt

What debt collectors cannot do — FDCPA explained

Defending Yourself in Court Against Debt Collector

How to Liquidate Debt

Arkansas Statute of Limitations on Debt

Youre Drowning in Debt — Heres How to Swim

Help! Im Being Sued by My Debt Collector

How to Make a Motion to Vacate Judgment

How to Answer Summons for Debt Collection in Vermont

North Dakota Statute of Limitations on Debt

ClearPoint Debt Management Review

Indiana Statute of Limitations on Debt

Oregon Eviction Laws - What They Say

CuraDebt Debt Settlement Review

How to Write a Re-Aging Debt Letter

How to Appear in Court by Phone

How to Use the Doctrine of Unclean Hands

Debt Consolidation in Eugene, Oregon

Summoned to Court for Medical Bills? What to Do Next

How to Make a Debt Settlement Agreement

Received a 3-Day Eviction Notice? Heres What to Do

How to Answer a Lawsuit for Debt Collection

Tips for Leaving the Country With Unpaid Credit Card Debt

Kansas Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection

How to File in Small Claims Court in Iowa

How to File a Civil Answer in Kings County Supreme Court

Roseland Associates Debt Consolidation Review

How to Stop a Garnishment

Debt Eraser Review

Do Debt Collectors Ever Give Up?

Can They Garnish Your Wages for Credit Card Debt?

How Often Do Credit Card Companies Sue for Non-Payment?

How Long Does a Judgement Last?

​​How Long Before a Creditor Can Garnish Wages?

How to Beat a Bill Collector in Court