If you’ve recently checked your credit report and saw a name you don’t recognize—LVNV Funding LLC—you’re not alone. Thousands of consumers find themselves in this confusing situation every year. The name may not ring a bell, but the impact on your credit score definitely will. So, who exactly is LVNV Funding LLC, what do they do, and more importantly—do you really owe them money?
What Is LVNV Funding LLC?
LVNV Funding LLC is a debt buyer. In simple terms, they purchase old or charged-off debts from original creditors—like banks, credit card companies, or medical providers—for pennies on the dollar. Once they own the debt, they either collect it themselves or hire third-party collection agencies to do it for them.
They’re based out of Greenville, South Carolina, and operate nationwide. If you’re seeing their name pop up, chances are they’ve purchased a debt that you once owed to another company.
Is LVNV Funding Legit?
Yes, LVNV Funding LLC is a legitimate company. They’re not a scam, though many people assume they are because of how unfamiliar their name is. They’re registered and licensed to operate in many states and are affiliated with Resurgent Capital Services, a large debt collection agency that often services the accounts they own.
That said, just because they’re legit doesn’t mean they always get everything right. Mistakes happen—debts might be misattributed, paid accounts might still be listed as active, or in some cases, they might be trying to collect on something past the statute of limitations. So it’s absolutely okay to ask questions and demand verification.
Do I Have to Pay LVNV Funding?
This is probably the question most people want answered first: Do you really have to pay them?
If the debt is valid, belongs to you, and is still within your state’s statute of limitations, then yes—you may be legally responsible for paying it. However, if the debt is incorrect, has already been paid, or is too old to be legally enforceable, you might not have to pay it at all.
Here’s what you should do:
- Request a debt validation letter. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you have the right to ask for proof that the debt is real and that LVNV Funding has the right to collect it.
- Check your state’s statute of limitations. If the debt is too old, they can still try to collect, but they can’t sue you to force payment.
- Dispute any errors. If the debt isn’t yours or is inaccurately reported, file a dispute with the credit bureaus.
Why Is LVNV Funding on My Credit Report?
Seeing LVNV Funding LLC on your credit report typically means they now own a debt that was once owed to another creditor. The original creditor most likely charged off the account and sold it to LVNV, who then reported it to the credit bureaus as a collection account.
Here’s the issue: collection accounts can seriously damage your credit score, especially if they’re recent. Even if the debt is old, it can stay on your report for up to 7 years from the date of first delinquency.
That’s why it’s so important to verify the debt and consider your options for removal or resolution.
How to Remove LVNV Funding From Your Credit Report
Removing LVNV Funding from your credit report isn’t always easy, but it is possible. Here are a few strategies:
1. Dispute Inaccuracies
If the account is not yours, is inaccurately reported, or is past the reporting period, file a dispute with the credit bureaus. If they can’t verify it, they must remove it.
2. Request Debt Validation
Always ask for proof. If they can’t validate the debt, they’re not allowed to collect it or report it.
3. Negotiate a Pay-for-Delete
Sometimes you can offer a lump sum or payment plan in exchange for having the account removed from your credit report. Not all companies agree to this, but it’s worth asking.
4. Wait It Out
If the debt is older than 7 years from the original delinquency, it should automatically fall off your credit report. If it doesn’t, you can file a dispute and ask the bureau to remove it.
LVNV Funding LLC Contact Information
If you want to reach out to them for any reason—whether it’s to verify the debt, negotiate, or request a validation—here’s their current contact info:
- Address:
LVNV Funding LLC
P.O. Box 10497
Greenville, SC 29603 - Phone Number:
(800) 283-3218
Be sure to document all communication and never make a payment or acknowledge the debt without first requesting proper validation.
As mentioned above, their primary mailing address is:
P.O. Box 10497, Greenville, SC 29603.
This is the address you’d use to send disputes, validation requests, or correspondence related to your account.
LVNV Funding itself is used by creditors looking to sell bad debt. When banks or credit card companies give up on collecting a debt, they often sell it to LVNV Funding to cut their losses. So while you didn’t borrow money from LVNV, they now own your debt.
LVNV Funding LLC is owned by Sherman Financial Group, a private company that operates a number of financial services firms, including debt buyers and collectors. The day-to-day operations are often handled by Resurgent Capital Services, which acts as their servicing company.
Dealing with debt collections is never fun, and it can feel overwhelming when an unfamiliar name like LVNV Funding LLC shows up on your credit report. But understanding who they are and what your rights are can give you some control over the situation.
Here’s a quick checklist to keep in mind:
- Don’t panic—LVNV is legit, but they can be wrong too.
- Ask for debt validation before you pay anything.
- Dispute anything inaccurate with the credit bureaus.
- Know your state’s statute of limitations.
- Consider pay-for-delete options, but get everything in writing.
And if it gets too complicated or stressful, consider speaking to a credit counselor or consumer attorney. You have rights, and there are professionals who can help you fight back.
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