If you’ve been contacted by United First — either by phone, letter, or lawsuit — you’re not alone. Many consumers are surprised, confused, or even panicked when a debt collector like United First shows up.
Whether you recognize the debt or not, it’s important to understand who this company is, what they can and can’t do, and how to protect your rights. If you’re navigating financial hardship, knowing your options is critical.
Who Is United First?
United First, LLC is a debt collection company that focuses on recovering unpaid debts, including old credit card balances, personal loans, and even business debts. They often work on behalf of original creditors or acquire portfolios of charged-off consumer debts.
They may attempt to contact you by phone, mail or through a debt collection lawsuit. Even if you don’t recognize the name United First, the debt they’re contacting you about may have originated with a credit card company or lender you know, such as a high-interest credit card or personal loan you defaulted on years ago.
Is United First Legitimate?
Yes, United First is a legitimate third-party debt collector. Like many debt settlement companies, they purchase or service past-due debts and attempt to collect on them. They are not a scam, but that doesn’t mean they always get everything right. It’s important to protect your sensitive information and know your rights before taking action.
United First Reviews and Complaints
United First doesn’t have a strong online presence, including minimal reviews on websites like the Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has received just three complaints about the debt collection agency over the past three years. The issues included:
- Confusing or missing disclosures
- Issues with repayment
- Took or threatened to take negative or legal action
All three complaints received a timely response and were closed with an explanation. While not necessarily a sign of illegal activity, these complaints show why it’s critical to understand your rights and the debt resolution process.
Understanding How United First Operates
United First typically buys delinquent consumer debts for pennies on the dollar or is hired by credit card companies to collect on their behalf. They may try to collect by:
- Sending collection letters
- Calling you at home or work
- Reporting delinquent accounts to credit bureaus, which could impact your credit score
- Filing a lawsuit in state or federal courts
If they believe you owe a debt, they will often pursue collection aggressively — sometimes without giving you full documentation upfront.
Dealing with United First
If you’ve been contacted by United First, take it seriously. Ignoring collection attempts may result in legal action that could impact your financial stability. Whether you’re facing overdue bills or have fallen into a cycle of debt accumulation, understanding your rights is the first step toward financial relief.
What Should I Do if I Receive a Letter or Call from United First?
Don’t ignore it, but don’t panic either. The first step is to review the communication carefully and determine whether the debt is valid. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you have the right to request written verification of the debt before you respond.
If you receive a call, it’s okay to tell them you’re not prepared to discuss the debt until it’s verified in writing. If you receive a letter, you have 30 days to dispute the debt or request more information.
Avoid making monthly payments or setting up a repayment plan until you’ve confirmed the debt is valid and within your state’s statute of limitations.
Knowing Your Rights Against United First
As a consumer, you are protected under the FDCPA. That means United First cannot:
- Threaten you with arrest or legal action they don’t intend to take
- Call you repeatedly or at unreasonable hours
- Discuss your debt with third parties
- Fail to provide documentation if requested in writing
If you believe your rights were violated, you may be able to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or other government agencies.
The Legal Side of United First
In some cases, United First may initiate legal action to collect on a debt. These lawsuits often catch people off guard, especially if they’ve never received proper notice or are unfamiliar with the debt.
If you’ve been sued, don’t ignore it. You could end up with a default judgment, which may lead to wage garnishment or frozen bank accounts.
If you do happen to get sued by United First, you’ll receive a summons and complaint. This begins a legal timeline in which you must respond — usually within 20 to 30 days, depending on how you were served.
Failing to respond gives United First the upper hand. An experienced debt settlement attorney can help you respond properly, protect your financial situation, and pursue a debt repayment plan or settlement tailored to your specific circumstances.
How to Negotiate with United First
Before responding, verify you’re speaking with the real United First—not a scammer using a similar name. Scammers may impersonate debt settlement companies or collectors to gain access to your sensitive information.
If the debt is valid, you may be able to:
- Negotiate a lump-sum settlement: Offer to pay a portion of the debt amount (typically 40% to 70%) in exchange for having the rest forgiven. Be sure to get the settlement terms in writing before sending any money.
- Set up a payment plan you can afford: If you can’t pay a lump sum, propose a monthly installment plan that gives you affordable monthly payments. Ask for written confirmation of the plan and make sure it won’t include excessive interest or fees.
- Request a pay-for-delete agreement: In some cases, you can ask United First to remove the account from your credit report in exchange for payment. While debt collectors rarely agree to this, it’s worth requesting, especially if the debt is small or close to the reporting limit.
- Use time to your advantage: If United First is nearing the end of the statute of limitations or the debt is older, they may be more willing to settle. Be cautious not to make any payments or promises that could reset the clock on the debt.
Working with an experienced debt settlement company or attorney can increase your chances of securing better terms and avoiding high interest rates or additional late fees. Be sure that you do independent research on any debt settlement program.
How to Protect Against United First
If you’ve been contacted by United First, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your rights and avoid making costly mistakes. Even if the debt feels overwhelming or unfamiliar, there are safeguards in place to make sure collectors follow the law.
Here’s what to do:
- Don’t ignore the communication: Ignoring a letter or phone call won’t make the problem go away. It could lead to more aggressive collection attempts or even a lawsuit.
Request written debt validation within 30 days: Under the FDCPA, you have the right to request verification of the debt. This forces the collector to provide proof that the debt is legitimate and that they have the legal right to collect it. - Check the statute of limitations in your state: If the debt is old, it may be outside the window for legal collection. Making a payment or acknowledging the debt can sometimes restart the clock, so know where you stand before you act.
- Contact a debt relief attorney before making any payments or agreements: A debt help attorney can help you understand your options, discuss your financial hardship, and explore debt management programs.
If you believe United First has violated your rights, you can file a complaint with the CFPB and your state’s attorney general’s office. Always retain documentation, and consider reaching out to a reputable debt relief service for expert guidance
United First Phone Number and Address
According to the Better Business Bureau, you can reach United First at 877-253-7686. For written communication, you can send mail to:
United First, LLC
29999 NE 191st Street, Unit 901
Miami, FL 33180
How Can a Debt Settlement Attorney Help?
Dealing with a debt collection agency like United First can be overwhelming, especially if you’re already dealing with financial hardships or mounting interest payments. A debt settlement attorney can help you:
- Validate and dispute the debt
- Communicate on your behalf
- Create a personalized debt settlement plan
- Represent you in federal court if needed
Tayne Law Group has helped thousands of individuals resolve credit card debt and reclaim their financial stability. If you’re seeking real progress and peace of mind, we’re here to help. Contact our offices by calling (866) 890-7337 or filling out our short contact form. We never share or sell your information, and all conversations are confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is United First a Scam?
No, United First is a legitimate debt collection agency. However, you should always verify the debt and confirm you’re dealing with the actual company before sending any money.
Can United First Sue Me?
Yes, United First may sue you to collect a debt. If you’re served with a summons, it’s important to respond promptly and consider speaking with an attorney.
Can I Settle My Debt with United First?
Yes, many consumers are able to settle debts for less than the full balance. A debt settlement attorney can help you negotiate more favorable terms.
What Happens if I Ignore United First?
Ignoring collection attempts can lead to escalated efforts, including a lawsuit and potential default judgment. It’s best to address the issue proactively.
How Do I Get Help with United First?
Contact Tayne Law Group for a free consultation. We’ll help you review your options and determine the best way to handle United First.
