Carson smithfield: How to remove them from your credit profile

Carson Smithfield: A Simple Guide for People Who Want to Know Who They Are, Why They’re Calling, and How to Keep Your Credit Safe (and Your Peace)

If “Carson Smithfield” just showed up on your phone or credit report, you might be thinking about three things:

1. Who are they?
2. Is this real?
3. How can I deal with it in the wisest way without making things worse?

Take a deep breath. This tutorial is for regular folks, not lawyers or those who work in the field. I’ll tell you who Carson Smithfield is, what the playbook collectors use, your rights (in plain English), and specific steps you may do to fix, eliminate, or neutralise the damage while you work on rebuilding your credit. I will also give you letter templates, call scripts, and a 90-day action plan that you can utilise right away.

—

## Who Exactly Is Carson Smithfield?

**Short answer:** Carson Smithfield, LLC is a debt collector for other people. Creditors hire them to collect on accounts that are past due, and in some situations they service or pursue accounts after they have been charged off. Their official website says that the company “is dedicated exclusively to handling third-party recovery collection services.”

**Legitimacy:** They act like a real, licensed collecting agency and not a fraud that pops up. They say on their website that contacts are “an attempt to collect a debt” and give a general contact number (toll-free **1-844-766-2900**) and a postal address (**P.O. Box 9216, Old Bethpage, NY 11804-9216**). ([csfsolutions.com][2])

**Business relationships:** Public records link Carson Smithfield to **CardWorks**, a long-standing company that collects debts and provides services. They are said to be a nationwide collector. ([fcra.com][3])

**Licensing crumbs you may find:** State lists (like Massachusetts) state that Carson Smithfield is a debt collector, and lawsuits say they are a debt collector under the FDCPA (federal collections law). ([Massachusetts Government][4])

**Translation:** If they call you, it’s usually because a creditor thinks you owe money and Carson Smithfield is attempting to get it back. That doesn’t guarantee the amount is right, that it’s on time, or that they can show it belongs to you, but it does indicate you should answer in a clever way and in writing.

—

Why Carson Smithfield Might Be Calling You

* **Credit cards or loans that were past due and were sent to a third party for collection. certain forums and consumer sites link them to accounts from banks like Merrick and, in certain circumstances, accounts linked to Synchrony portfolios. ([ficoforums.myfico.com][5])
* **Charged-off accounts** that a creditor still wishes to get back or has given to a collector. ([Credit Firm][6])
* **Old addresses or name variations** that come up when they look for a match.

**Important:** Just because they called you or even reported a tradeline doesn’t indicate the debt is real, correct, collectible, or still within the statute of limitations. Everything is validation. (We’ll be careful with that step.)

—

Your Rights (No Legalese Version)

You have strong rights as a consumer, and two statutes are especially important:

* **FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act):** This law tells collectors how to act. You can ask for “debt validation” (evidence that you owe what they say and that they have the right to collect), tell them to “communicate in writing,” and cease calls at bad times. It’s against the law to harass someone or make false statements. Under this provision, a lot of federal complaints and lawsuits call Carson Smithfield a “debt collector.” ([Class Action][7])

* **FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act):** This law makes sure that the information on your credit reports is correct. The bureaus must fix or delete something if it is **inaccurate, incomplete, or unverified** after you dispute it.

**In short:** If Carson Smithfield **can’t prove** the debt, collection should cease and reporting should stop; if reporting is wrong, the bureaus have to fix or delete it.

—

Things Not to Do (Quickly, Before You Do Anything)

* **Don’t pay on the first call.** Paying before verification can take away your power or, in some places, accidentally “restart” the statute of limitations clock.
* “Don’t argue on the phone.” Phone calls are unpleasant and don’t leave a paper trail.
* Don’t say the debt is yours. Use neutral language (“to resolve the matter”) until you see the papers.

—

What to Do (Your Calm, Step-by-Step Game)

Step 1: Take a picture of today

1. **Get all three credit reports: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.** Write down the **exact name** (occasionally entries have little differences), the **balance**, the **date opened**, the **DOFD** (Date of First Delinquency), and the **last reported** date.
2. **Make a folder** on your computer and on paper called “Carson Smithfield.” Keep every letter, envelope, call log, and screenshot.

Step 2: Send a **Debt Validation Letter** by certified mail.

You can ask for “validation” under the FDCPA. This stops active collecting until they send you proof. Use certified mail with a return receipt to keep track of the clock.

**What to ask for:**

* The name and address of the original creditor
* A detailed list of the costs (principal, interest, and fees)
* **Proof of authority** (buying or assigning)
* **Documents** that show your connection to the account (such statements or a signed agreement)
* **DOFD** (helps figure out the reporting window)

**Where to send:** Use the Carson Smithfield contact information on their letter or website (P.O. Box 9216, Old Bethpage, NY 11804-9216; phone 1-844-766-2900 is on their site). Make copies. ([csfsolutions.com][8])

**Template: Request for Debt Validation

“
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]

By Certified Mail, with a Request for Return Receipt
Carson Smithfield, LLC
P.O. Box 9216
11804-9216 Old Bethpage, NY

Re: Request for validation of an alleged account [reference number if shown]

To Whom It May Concern:

I disagree with the account mentioned above and ask for proof under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Please give:

1) The name and address of the original creditor,
2) A detailed list of the claimed balance (principal, interest, fees),
3) Proof that you have the right to collect (assignment/purchase),
4) Proof that I am connected to the account in question (agreement, statements),
5) The date of the first delinquent and the date the account was sent to your office.

During your research, please stop collecting. I would rather have all of my messages in writing to the address above.

If you can’t prove it, stop collecting and ask that any credit reports relating to this account be deleted.

With all my heart,
[Your Name]
[Your Name in Print]
“`

### Step 3: Wait, Look Over, and Compare

* **If they are valid:** Check your records against their documents. Look at the names, addresses, account numbers, sums, and dates. Look for mistakes, such the improper balance, the wrong person, or dates that are too old.
* If they don’t reply (or reply without true proof), you can now dispute any credit reports as “unverified” or “inaccurate” under the FCRA.

Step 4: Dispute Wrong Reporting with the Bureaus

If the tradeline on your reports is **wrong** or **not verified**, you should challenge it with **each** bureau that reports it. Be clear and include documentation, such your validation request, your green card/USPS tracking, or any other evidence of a mismatch.

**Template: FCRA Dispute (Send to Each Bureau)**

“
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

[Address for Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion]

Re: Dispute of Carson Smithfield collection entry

I am challenging the Carson Smithfield collection account that is on my records. The information is wrong and/or not checked.

Details that were reported:
• Provider: Carson Smithfield, LLC
• Account Ref: [as seen on your report]
• Balance/Status: [as displayed]
• Date Reported: [as shown]

Why:
• The collector hasn’t given proof even though it was asked for in writing (see attached).
• The amounts and dates that were reported do not match the records of the original creditor (see attachments).
• [Add any specific problem, such as a duplicate entry, a mixed file, the wrong consumer, or a re-aged DOFD.]

Action requested:
According to the FCRA, please do a reasonable reinvestigation. Please erase this record and submit me an updated report if the furnisher can’t prove it with complete and accurate paperwork.

Attachments: ID and proof of address (if asked for), my validation letter and certified mail receipt, and any other statements that support my case.

With all my heart,
[Your Signature]
“

### Step 5: If the Debt Is Real and You Want It Gone, Be Smart About Negotiating

You still have choices if Carson Smithfield **validates** the debt and the numbers check out:

* “Pay-for-Delete” (PFD): Ask them nicely but explicitly if they will “request deletion” of their tradeline in exchange for cash. Not all collectors agree, and some say it doesn’t happen very often, but it’s worth a shot (always have it **in writing** before paying). ([Credit Firm][6])
* **Settle for less, update to $0:** Even if you don’t delete anything, a $0 debt and “paid/settled” status can enhance your credit picture and underwriting more than an active, unpaid collection. Mortgage lenders, in particular, want collections that have been paid off.

**Tips for negotiating:**

* Start lower than you can pay. You can go up.
* Ask for a “lump sum” discount or payments that are set up to finish on a certain date.
* Don’t say you’re responsible; use neutral language like “to settle the account.”
* Ask for **written** confirmation of the terms before you send money.

**Template: Request for Settlement/PFD

“
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

Carson Smithfield, LLC
P.O. Box 9216
11804-9216 Old Bethpage, NY

About Account [reference number]

I’m ready to settle the account right away. I can offer [$X] as a one-time payment as long as Carson Smithfield sends me a letter saying that it will ask Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to delete its tradeline after it gets the money.

If deletion is not possible, please write to confirm that [$X] will fully pay off the account and that you will amend the reporting to $0 and “paid” (or “settled”) with no further collection.

Please reply on company letterhead or from your official email address. As soon as I get it, I may send the payment.

With all my heart,
[Your Signature]
“`

—

## Things That Might Happen to You

1) **Debts Related to Medical Care**

Some debt collectors deal with medical balances that got messed up because of insurance problems. If yours is a medical:

* Ask the collector to tell you the **provider and date(s)** of service without giving out any private medical information.
* Call the provider’s billing department to make sure that the insurance decision was correct.
* If the balance should have been lowered or set to zero, tell the provider to “recall” the account and then ask for it to be deleted.

2) **Old, Unpaid Debts**

If the account is **beyond the statute of limitations** for your jurisdiction, you can still be contacted for **voluntary** payment, but you normally can’t be sued to collect (varies by state). Don’t accidentally “restart” the clock—don’t make minor “good-faith” payments without knowing what they mean.

3) **You’re Not the Debtor (Mixed File/Identity Theft)**

* If the debt isn’t yours, declare so in writing and submit a police or FTC identity theft report if you think it’s necessary.
* Send a “block” request to the bureaus for material related to identity theft, and send Carson Smithfield a cease-collection notification until they can confirm their identity.

4) **Calls From Strange Numbers**

Legitimate companies sometimes use more than one number, and scammers also “spoof” numbers. If you get a call from an 877 or 844 number claiming to be Carson Smithfield, don’t trust the caller ID. Instead, hang up and phone the number on their website (1-844-766-2900) or write to their mailing address to confirm. ([csfsolutions.com][2])

—

What if they keep giving out false information?

* Write a “Method of Verification” letter to the bureaus asking how and by whom the item was confirmed.
* Make complaints to the **CFPB** and your **state attorney general**. Add your paper trail.
* If the damage is serious and ongoing, go to a consumer rights lawyer who works on **FDCPA/FCRA** matters. Many of them will take cases on a contingency basis if they think laws may have been broken.

Public records show that collectors, including Carson Smithfield, have been sued in FDCPA instances. That doesn’t mean you did anything wrong, but it does indicate that people have been able to use the courts to fight unfair tactics. ([Class Action][7])

—

A Soft Reality Check on “Quick Fixes” and Myths

* “They have to delete it if I pay.” Not automatically. Deletion is a **negotiated** conclusion; even if deletion isn’t granted, paying or settling with $0 is still a good thing. ([Credit Firm][6])
* “I can start over with a CPN.” Please don’t. Your SSN cannot be replaced by a CPN. Using one to get credit could be seen as lying and could put you at danger of legal action.
* “I need to call back right away or I’ll be sued.” Urgency is a script. You can demand **validation** first. You will get a court-stamped summons if they really sue you, not just a threatening message.
* “They said they work with the bureaus and it will all go away quickly.” The bureaus need proof and compliance; promises don’t change the FCRA.

—

No Drama, Just Progress: 90-Day Action Plan

**Days 1–7: Get Used to It**

* Get copies of all three credit reports and write down the details of the “Carson Smithfield” entry exactly as they are.
* Make a folder with copies of reports, envelopes, green cards, and notes.
* If you think someone has stolen your identity, set up **fraud alerts** or **credit freezes**.

**Days 8–21: Check and Dispute**

* Send the certified **Debt Validation** letter to Carson Smithfield.
* Set a reminder to follow up in 30 to 35 days.
* If a tradeline has clear mistakes, send each bureau **targeted FCRA disputes** along with **supporting docs**.

**Days 22 to 45: Add good things and lower risk**

* Make sure that all of your active accounts are paid on time (autopay helps).
* Keep your overall “revolving utilisation” below 30% (around 10% is best).
* If your credit file is thin, you might want to think about getting a **secured card** or a **credit-builder loan** that reports to all three bureaus.

Days 46–90: Fix and rebuild

* Look over Carson Smithfield’s answer:

* **Not validated or incomplete? ** Ask the bureaus to delete it because it hasn’t been confirmed.
* **Checked/true? ** Negotiate for PFD or agree to a fair reduction and $0 status—**in writing** before you pay.
* Keep usage modest, stay away from unwanted strong pulls, and keep an eye on status updates from each agency.

Repeat this process for any other accounts.

—

## Call Scripts (Because People Are Afraid of Phones)

**If they call and you pick up:**

“I’m ready to deal with any legitimate debt. Please send full validation by mail, including the name of the original creditor and a list of the items. I’d rather do this in writing. Thanks.

**If they push for payment right away:**

“I don’t give permission for payment right now.” After I get and examine comprehensive validation, I settle accounts. “Please write everything down.”

**If you need to check if a call is real:**

“For safety reasons, I won’t give out personal information over the phone.” I’ll call you back at the number you gave me on your website or in your email. *(Then hang up and use the number on their site.)* ([csfsolutions.com][2])

—

Questions That Are Often Asked (Carson Smithfield Edition)

Is Carson Smithfield a scam? **
Many news sources say that they are a real, licensed collecting firm that works all over the country and is connected to CardWorks. Still, scammers can **spoof** numbers, so make sure to check their actual contact information. ([fcra.com][3])

**Will paying them make them take down the tradeline? **
Not all the time. Some collectors **might** agree to ask for deletion as part of a deal, but most won’t. A “paid/settled” status and a balance of $0 might nevertheless benefit lenders with underwriting and your risk profile. ([Credit Firm][6])

They indicated they were phoning from a local number, but the voicemail says Carson Smithfield. Is that normal? **
Scammers and collectors often utilise more than one outgoing number. If you’re not sure, **call back using the number on the company’s site** (1-844-766-2900) or send a letter. ([csfsolutions.com][2])

What if the debt is really old? **
It might be too late for you to suit for collection in your state (this varies by state). You can ask for validation, and if it’s too late, you don’t have to pay. But before you do anything, obtain legal guidance in your area. Also, don’t make minor “good-faith” payments that could restart the clock.

**Do they tell all three bureaus? **
Collectors can tell Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion about their debts. Get **all three** reports; sometimes the information is different on each one.

What if I get accepted for a mortgage soon? **
Speak with your loan officer. Sometimes paying out a verified collection, even if it doesn’t get deleted, can help with underwriting. If you’re short on time, enquire if a settlement letter and $0 update will meet the requirements.

—

## More Tips for a Cleaner Result

* When you dispute, make sure the names and account numbers match exactly as they do on each bureau. You can use small differences to your advantage.
* **Watch out for “re-aging.”** If a collector says that a debt is fresher than it really is (to keep it on your report longer), dispute that field.
* **Ask the original creditor** (if you have a relationship) if they can **recall** the placement after you fix a billing or insurance mistake, especially a medical one.
* **Keep a call log** including the date, time, agent name, and a short synopsis, even if you want to write. Your notes are important if they cross the line set by the FDCPA (harassment, false assertions, third-party disclosure).
* **Don’t send original papers,** only copies.
* **Put everything in writing.** No exclusions.

—

Copy these templates right now

1) Follow up with the bureaus if the validation never comes

“
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

[Address for Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion]

Re: Request to Delete Unverified Carson Smithfield Entry

I asked the collector personally to prove the Carson Smithfield account (see attached letter and certified postal receipt). They haven’t given proof in a fair amount of time. The FCRA says that information that can’t be checked must be taken down.

This tradeline needs to be removed, and I need a new report.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
“

2) Get a Pay-for-Delete Confirmation Before You Pay

“
[On official Carson Smithfield letterhead or email]

Date: [Insert Date]

Re: Account [Ref #] – Deletion After Payment

This verifies that Carson Smithfield, LLC will ask Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to delete our tradeline within [X] business days of receiving [$X] as complete payment.

[Name of Agent, Title]
Carson Smithfield, LLC
“

—

## What Success Usually Looks Like and How Long It Takes

**30–60 days:** You’ve sent proof, disputes are happening, and collecting activity stops while they look at it. One bureau may modify its status or delete anything before the others do.

**60–120 days:** You either reached a settlement or deletion (with proof) or obtained a bureau deletion because they couldn’t verify the information or it was wrong. Your scores are starting to show “fewer negatives and stronger positives” because you’ve maintained your use low and your payments on time.

**Ongoing:** Keep your usage between **10% and 30%**, don’t make superfluous enquiries, and allow your positive accounts **age**. The true wins are in that steady, dull progress.

—

A Word About Dignity (This Isn’t Just About Numbers)

Collections might make you feel bad. But having a collector there doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong; it’s just a **data point** that you can deal with in a calm and structured way. You can ask for proof. You may say no to mistakes. You can talk things over. You can ask for help. You can learn from this and go on.

You can treat this like a project, whether Carson Smithfield is on your caller ID or your credit report: **Validate → Dispute inaccuracies → Negotiate smart → Rebuild.** No drama, no shame—just steps.

—

## Quick Reference List (Print This)

* [ ] Got all three credit reports and wrote down the exact specifics of the Carson Smithfield entry
* [ ] Sent a certified “Debt Validation” letter to Carson Smithfield’s Old Bethpage, NY address and saved the green card ([csfsolutions.com][8]).
* [ ] Pick a date for the follow-up (30–35 days)
* [ ] Filed **specific FCRA disputes** for any fields that were wrong or not checked; included proof
* [ ] If the information was correct and verified, asked for **Pay-for-Delete**; if not, worked out a fair **settlement** with a $0 balance—**in writing** first
* [ ] For medical accounts, I checked with the provider’s billing and insurance. If the billing was erroneous, I tried to get it recalled or deleted.
* [ ] Lowered **credit utilisation** and made all payments on time.
* [ ] Checked that deletions and modifications were correct with new reports; saved every letter and email
* [ ] If the mistakes kept happening even with good documentation, they were reported to CFPB/AG or consumer-law counsel.

—

## Quick Facts That Are Useful

* **Type of business:** A third-party debt collector that only offers recovery services. ([csfsolutions.com][1])
* **Contact information for the official website:** 1-844-766-2900; **P.O. Box 9216, Old Bethpage, NY 11804-9216. Use these to check any calls that come in. ([csfsolutions.com][2])
* **Important context:** Public records connect Carson Smithfield to CardWorks and talk about collections action across the country. People say they were contacted about accounts linked to banks including Merrick and some portfolios linked to Synchrony. ([fcra.com][3])

—

You have choices, and you’re not alone.

Carson Smithfield getting in touch with you is **not** the end of your credit tale. You can exercise your rights, ask for proof, fix mistakes, and make choices that are good for “future you” in this chapter. If you like, you can provide the **exact wording** of the entry on your report (no private numbers), the **dates**, and the **balance** they say you owe. I’ll help you make the validation letter, the bureau dispute that goes after the proper fields, and the negotiating note that fits your budget. That way, you can get this off your plate and get back to your life.