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List of collection agencies in Iowa.
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Iowa does not have many large collection agencies with a physical office in the state. However, several collection agencies are fully licensed to recover money in the state. Selecting a collection agency with experience recovering money in your industry is better than the one close to you.
As a business owner in Iowa, you are likely focused on growth—whether that’s expanding your manufacturing floor in Sioux City or upgrading your service fleet in Council Bluffs. But when customers don’t pay, your focus shifts to survival.
The frustration is real: you provided the goods or services, but the money is missing. To make matters worse, the landscape of debt collection laws can feel like a minefield. You worry that trying to collect what you are owed could land you in hot water with state or federal regulators.
You need a partner who doesn’t just collect money but acts as your compliance shield. We ensure your receivables are recovered efficiently, ethically, and—most importantly—legally.
The Problem: Navigating Iowa’s Complex Regulatory Map
Many local agencies rely on outdated “aggressive” tactics that don’t fly in today’s regulatory environment. In Iowa, debt collection is governed by a mix of state specific codes and strict federal acts. One slip-up by a non-compliant agency can result in hefty fines for you, the original creditor.
We take the guesswork out of the equation. Our system is built on a foundation of strict compliance, protecting your business from liability while we do the heavy lifting.
Our Solution: A 4-Step Compliant Recovery Model
We prioritize a flat-fee, diplomatic approach that solves the problem without the legal headaches.
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Step 1 & 2 (The Flat-Fee Phase): We send a series of professional, legally vetted demands for just $15 per account. This third-party pressure is often enough to secure payment. You keep 100% of the recovery.
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Step 3 (The Contingency Phase): If the debtor ignores our initial demands, we escalate to a more intensive (but strictly compliant) call and negotiation strategy. We charge a 40% fee here, only if we collect.
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Step 4 (The Legal Phase): For the toughest cases, our network of Iowa attorneys is ready to litigate (50% contingency).
Real Results: Compliance in Action
Medical Case Study: Sioux City Orthopedics
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The Challenge: A specialized clinic near MercyOne Siouxland had $60,000 in overdue patient bills. They were terrified of violating HIPAA laws by sharing patient data with a collector.
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The Fix: We signed a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) and utilized our HIPAA-compliant portal to handle the data securely. We launched our Step 2 letter campaign.
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The Outcome: We recovered $41,000 (approx. 68%) in under 60 days. The clinic remained fully compliant, and patient privacy was never compromised.
Small Business Case Study: Council Bluffs Construction Supply
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The Challenge: A supplier near the Mid-America Center was owed $15,000 by various local contractors. They were worried about the “Iowa Nice” reputation and didn’t want to seem predatory.
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The Fix: We used our Step 2 diplomatic demands to remind the contractors of their obligations without harassment.
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The Outcome: Two of the three main debtors paid in full immediately to clear their accounts before the busy season. The client recovered their funds for a total cost of less than $300 in flat fees.
What are the laws for debt collection in Iowa?
Iowa business owners must navigate a specific intersection of state and federal regulations. Here is what you need to know to stay safe:
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Iowa Consumer Credit Code (ICCC): Iowa has its own set of rules (specifically Iowa Code Ch. 537) that mirror but also expand on federal laws. For example, it strictly prohibits specific types of harassment, coercion, and misleading representations. We are fully licensed and registered with the Iowa Attorney General’s office as required for third-party collectors.
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HIPAA (For Medical Debt): If you are in healthcare, you might think you can’t send accounts to collections due to privacy rules. This is false. Under HIPAA, debt collection is considered a “Payment” activity. However, we must have a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) in place and strictly limit the data shared to the “minimum necessary” (e.g., name, address, balance, and dates of service—never treatment details). We handle this seamlessly.
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GLBA (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act): For financial institutions or businesses extending credit, the GLBA requires you to protect non-public personal information (NPI). We maintain bank-level data security standards to ensure that your customer’s financial data is never exposed to unauthorized parties or “pretexting” (social engineering) scams.
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Statute of Limitations: In Iowa, time is of the essence. You generally have 10 years to sue on a written contract but only 5 years for open accounts (like credit cards or unwritten agreements). Waiting too long can make your debt legally uncollectible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you charge extra for the “compliance” features?
A: No. Compliance is baked into our DNA. Whether it is our HIPAA-secure portal or our GLBA-compliant data handling, you get the full protection of our system for the same low rates.
Q: Can you collect from a debtor who moved to Nebraska or South Dakota?
A: Yes. We are licensed to collect in all 50 states. If your debtor crosses the Missouri River, our recovery process follows them without interruption.
Q: Is there a minimum debt amount to get started?
A: No. Whether you have one invoice for $200 or fifty invoices for $5,000 each, we are ready to help.
Protect Your Business and Your Bottom Line
Don’t let fear of regulations stop you from getting paid. Partner with a team that understands the law as well as we understand recovery.