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Dealing with Hunter Warfield: A Complete Guide to Your Rights and How to Respond

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If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve been contacted by Hunter Warfield — by phone, by letter, possibly about a debt. It can feel overwhelming. You may worry that they have all the power. You may not understand your rights or what to do next.

Here’s the good news: you do have rights. And with knowledge, patience, and the right steps, you can respond in a way that protects your credit, your peace of mind, and your finances.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything: what Hunter Warfield is, how they operate, how they affect your credit, what legal protections you have, and most importantly, exactly what you can do when they contact you. I’ll share real-life examples, sample letters, and tips drawn from consumer cases.

I’ve helped people deal with debt collectors before (in my own personal life and advising friends). I’ve seen the mistakes people make — and how small changes can really shift outcomes. My goal is to help you feel capable and informed, not intimidated.

Let’s start from the beginning.

1. What is Hunter Warfield?

1.1 Background and business

Hunter Warfield, Inc. (or LLC, depending on contracts) is a debt collection agency. Their specialty is working with landlords, apartment complexes, housing providers, and multi-housing units to collect unpaid rents, fees, or property damages.

They also do investigations, asset tracing, and management of delinquent accounts.

Because they focus on housing-related debt, many of their cases involve tenants who have left properties without paying everything owed.

They often get contracted by housing associations or property management firms to collect debts that the original landlord couldn’t recover themselves.

1.2 Is Hunter Warfield legitimate?

Yes — as far as public record shows, Hunter Warfield is a legally operating collection agency. They are registered, they have offices, they appear in lawsuits, and they are part of the collection industry.

That said, “legitimate” doesn’t mean “always fair.” Many consumers have reported practices they consider questionable or abusive. We’ll get into complaints and legal protections later.

Because they’re legitimate, you can engage with them — but you should do so with caution, knowing your rights.

2. Hunter Warfield operations & contact info

Understanding how they operate and knowing exactly where and how you can contact them helps you manage interactions more effectively.

2.1 Geographic scope & licensing

Hunter Warfield works nationwide in the U.S., but primarily in states where they are licensed to operate as a collection agency. Collection agencies must generally be licensed (or bonded) in many states, or they risk violating state laws.

If you receive a collection notice from them, check the letter for licensing or registration information. If they operate in your state, that gives them legal standing. If they are not licensed, that can be a weakness you can use.

Check your state’s debt collection licensing board or consumer finance department to see if Hunter Warfield is registered in your state.

2.2 Contact details

Here is what’s commonly reported:

Website / self-service portal: Hunter Warfield has a portal where consumers can log in or respond online.
Address: They maintain a corporate address in Tampa, Florida.
BBB profile: Their Better Business Bureau page lists complaints and contact info.

If you ever send them a dispute letter, send it to any address they provide in their original notice or via a certified address that you can confirm.

You may also find phone numbers in their letters or online, but remember: calling them involves risk — sometimes it’s safer to communicate in writing first.

2.3 How they assign accounts / process collections

When a landlord or property manager fails to collect rent or damages, they may “assign” or contract out that account to Hunter Warfield.

Once Hunter Warfield receives the account, they will send written notices, attempt to contact you, and may report the debt to credit bureaus.

They often demand full payment, plus collection fees or additional costs (depending on contract and state law).

They may escalate: calling you, sending emails or texts, sometimes threatening legal action, or referring you to attorneys if no agreement is reached.

Understanding that they are acting as a third party helps: they don’t own the debt (in many cases) — they are a collector. That gives you some leverage through consumer protection laws.

Read Also: The last house on needless street

3. Complaints, lawsuits & consumer experiences

To understand the risks and patterns — and to see how others have handled Hunter Warfield — let’s look at complaints and legal actions.

3.1 Common complaints

People commonly complain that Hunter Warfield:

Calls repeatedly, often multiple times a day
Tries to collect amounts that don’t match original documents
Fails to validate debts when asked
Harasses after you request a stop
Reports wrong amounts on credit reports
Continues contact after a dispute is filed

For example, one user wrote:

“I received a collection letter from Hunter Warfield regarding a debt … They keep calling me after I sent a dispute.” Reddit

These patterns appear often in public forums, consumer protection blogs, and attorney write-ups.

3.2 BBB rating / reviews

On the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Hunter Warfield has many complaints.

That in itself doesn’t prove wrongdoing, but it points to areas to watch — response time, dispute resolution, fairness.

Consumer review platforms (Yelp, etc.) show mixed to negative scores, with some users citing stress, persistent calls, and lack of transparency.

3.3 Lawsuits & legal precedents

There have been lawsuits involving Hunter Warfield. A notable one: Hekel v. Hunter Warfield, Inc. (Case No. 23-3091, 8th Circuit, 2024). In that case, the plaintiff alleged that Hunter Warfield violated debt collection laws when sending a letter claiming rights or amounts without proper validation.

Also, law firms write about repeated complaints and the possibility of violations under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and state consumer protection laws.

In other words, Hunter Warfield has been challenged legally, and some courts have scrutinized their practices.

3.4 Patterns and red flags

From complaints and lawsuits, you can see recurring red flags:

They continue attempts after you make a dispute
They send letters demanding payment without sufficient proof
They mix fees and principal confusingly
They sometimes act aggressively or in borderline unlawful ways

When you respond, watch out for those red flags — they may help you spot violations you can leverage.

4. Hunter Warfield & credit reporting

One of the biggest worries people have is: “Will this ruin my credit score?” and “How can I remove it?”

4.1 How they appear on credit reports

When Hunter Warfield (or any collector) reports to credit bureaus, it will show as a collections account. It may list “Hunter Warfield Collections” or similar language. The amount shown may include collection fees or interest.

Such collection entries can damage your credit score (especially if your credit is good otherwise). The negative impact can persist while the collection stays on your report.

4.2 Duration; how long they can remain

Collections typically stay on your credit report for 7 years from the original delinquency (depending on credit bureau rules). Even if the collector changes, the “clock” is tied to the original date.

If the debt is invalid, inaccurately reported, or beyond the statute of limitations, you may have grounds to remove it.

4.3 Removing or correcting their entries

To remove or correct a collection entry by Hunter Warfield, you can:

Dispute with credit bureaus
Submit a formal dispute to Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Describe why the listing is wrong (wrong amount, not your debt, paid already, duplicates, etc.). The bureaus must investigate (usually within 30 days). If they can’t verify, they must remove it.
Send a dispute to Hunter Warfield
Write a debt validation or dispute letter. Request proof they own or have the right to collect the debt. If they fail, you can argue the reporting is false or incomplete.
Negotiate a “pay for delete”
In some cases, you negotiate with the collector: you pay (or settle) on the condition they remove the negative entry. Be sure to get the agreement in writing before paying. Note: not all collectors agree to this.
Seek legal action
If they violate credit reporting rules (e.g. by providing false information), you may have a claim under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Consult an attorney.
Use identity theft or fraud claims if relevant
If the debt isn’t yours, or is from identity theft, you can provide proof and file reports to have it removed.

4.4 Sample dispute / credit bureau letters

(I’ll provide a simple template.)

[Your Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
Experian / TransUnion / Equifax
[Bureau Address]
Re: Dispute of collection entry — Hunter Warfield
Account Number: [as shown on credit report]
Dear [Credit Bureau Name]:
I am writing to dispute the accuracy of a collections entry on my credit report. The entry is listed as “Hunter Warfield” with amount $X. I believe this listing is in error because:
( ) The debt is not mine
( ) The amount is incorrect
( ) The statute of limitations has expired
( ) I have already paid or settled this debt

Please investigate this entry, verify its accuracy with the original creditor, and remove or correct it if it cannot be verified. Also, please provide me with copies of all documentation used in your investigation.

Please send me written confirmation of your findings.

Thank you,
[Your signature / printed name]

Also send a similar letter to Hunter Warfield: request debt validation and proof of chain of title, date, original creditor, etc.

5. Your consumer rights & protections

When a debt collector contacts you, you are protected by federal and state laws. Knowing your rights is crucial.

5.1 FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act)

The FDCPA is the central federal law regulating debt collectors. Key protections:

Debt collectors cannot use harassing, abusive, or deceptive tactics
They must provide a validation notice — within 5 days of first contact, they must send you a written notice with details of the debt
You have the right to dispute the debt in writing within 30 days
After a valid dispute, the collector must cease collection until they provide verification
They cannot call you repeatedly, at odd hours, or call you at work if prohibited
They must identify themselves and not misrepresent who they are
If they violate FDCPA, you may recover damages, attorney’s fees, and possibly punitive damages

Be aware: FDCPA applies only to “debt collectors,” not the original creditor. But many states have their own laws that provide extra protection beyond FDCPA.

5.2 State consumer protection laws

Many states have additional rules. For example:

Some states cap fees or interest a collector may charge
Some require licensing or bonding of collection agencies
Some allow additional penalties for violations

Check your state’s consumer finance or attorney general’s office to see what additional rights you have.

5.3 What to do when they violate laws

If you believe Hunter Warfield or any collector violated your rights:

Document everything: calls (dates, times, content), letters, emails
Send a demand letter asking them to stop or to correct violations
File complaints with:
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Your state attorney general
- Industry regulators or licensing boards
- The credit bureaus (if it involves reporting)
Consider legal action: small claims court or attorney representation

You may be able to recover damages for emotional distress, attorney’s fees, statutory damages, and costs, depending on the violation.

5.4 What evidence/documentation you should gather

Original lease or contract documents
Rent ledger, payment history
Any letters or notices from landlord or prior collector
All correspondence from Hunter Warfield (letters, calls)
Call logs (dates, times, what was said)
Witness statements (if relevant)
Proof of payments

The more documentation you have, the stronger your position.

6. How to respond / deal with Hunter Warfield

This is the heart of the matter: what steps you should take, in order, when Hunter Warfield contacts you.

6.1 First contact: don’t admit or promise on phone

If they call you:

Don’t admit the debt; don’t say “yes, I’ll pay” on a call
Ask them to send you validation in writing
If they pressure you, hang up politely
Request they only contact you in writing
Keep your tone calm and firm

Always move to written communication as soon as possible — calls are riskier.

6.2 Send a debt validation / dispute letter

Within 30 days of first notice, send a written dispute/validation letter. Key points:

State you are requesting validation
Ask for proof: original creditor, chain of assignment, amount
Tell them to stop collection until validation
Send by certified mail with return receipt

If they don’t provide sufficient validation, they may have to stop or risk legal challenge.

6.3 Review their response carefully & challenge weaknesses

When (or if) they respond:

Check every documented proof: is their chain clear? do they show original contract?
Compare amounts with your records
Spot any discrepancies — dates, calculations, fees
If something is missing, send a follow-up letter insisting on additional proof

You may find they can’t substantiate certain parts. That gives you leverage.

6.4 Negotiate payment / settlement (if valid and you can pay something)

If the debt is valid and you wish to resolve:

Offer partial settlement (less than full) — many collectors accept less
Ask for “pay for delete” (i.e. they agree to remove reporting from credit report) — get it in writing
Ask for a payment plan with no further late fees
Insist that all terms be in writing before you send money

Be careful giving them anything until you have a signed agreement.

6.5 If they ignore you or act wrongly — escalate

If they:

Continue collection without validating
Report false info
Harass or use abusive behavior

Then you escalate:

File formal complaints (CFPB, AG, BBB)
Write a demand to cease and desist collection
File small claims or consult an attorney
Send letters threatening legal action if they don’t comply
Use public reviews and regulatory pressure

You don’t always have to pay immediately; sometimes pushing back makes them more reasonable.

6.6 When to get legal help

If:

The amount is large
They sue you
You believe they are violating laws repeatedly
You are unsure how to respond

Get an attorney who specializes in consumer law or debt defense. Many offer free consultations.

Alternatively, some non-profit legal aid or consumer rights groups may help you for free or low cost.

7. Tips, pitfalls & prevention

Here are practical tips to help you avoid making mistakes and protect yourself.

7.1 Don’t admit or agree verbally

The moment you say “yes, I owe this,” you may lose leverage. Keep communication in writing.

7.2 Always deal in writing when possible

Letters and emails create records. They help track promises, discrepancies, and protect you in disputes.

7.3 Use certified mail with return receipt

When sending dispute or validation letters, use certified mail so you have proof they received them.

7.4 Keep detailed logs

Track every call: date, time, who you spoke with, what was said. Keep copies of letters, emails.

7.5 Confirm statute of limitations

If your debt is very old, the statute of limitations may have expired. If they sue, you can use that as a defense.

7.6 Don’t overpay fees or interest

Make sure any requested amount is lawful under your state’s laws. Challenge inflated fees.

7.7 Monitor your credit

Check your credit report regularly (you can get a free report annually). Look for new collections, erroneous listings.

7.8 Beware of identity confusion or dunning errors

Sometimes they may misassign a debt or confuse accounts. Don’t assume it’s you — verify.

7.9 Avoid payment traps

Don’t give them your bank account info too early. Don’t agree to automatic withdrawals unless you’re sure of terms.

Conclusion

Dealing with a debt collector like Hunter Warfield can feel stressful. But it doesn’t mean you’re powerless. With knowledge, methodical steps, and documentation, you can protect your rights, manage the debt, and even get mistakes fixed.

To recap:

Hunter Warfield is a legitimate debt collector focusing largely on housing/debt from landlords
They must follow laws (FDCPA, state laws) when contacting you or reporting to credit bureaus
You have rights: to dispute, validate, negotiate, and (in some cases) force removal
Move communications to writing, keep records, and do not admit liability lightly
If they violate laws, escalate: file complaints, seek legal advice, or sue

If you stay calm, collected, and assertive, you greatly improve your position — even when facing pressure from collectors.

Feel free to review any of the sample letters provided here, tailor them to your situation, and adapt as needed. If you ever feel overwhelmed, consult a consumer rights attorney or legal aid.

FAQs

Q: Can Hunter Warfield sue me?
A: Yes, if they believe they have legal standing and the debt is within the statute of limitations. But you have defenses: you can ask them to show proof, raise statute of limitations, or argue they violated collection laws.

Q: How do I stop Hunter Warfield from calling me?
A: Send a “cease and desist” letter in writing (certified mail). After that, they can only contact you to confirm receipt or inform you of legal steps. If they continue, you may have a violation claim.

Q: Does paying a debt remove the entry from my credit report?
A: Not automatically. Payment doesn’t guarantee deletion. You’ll need to negotiate a “pay for delete” or dispute the listing if invalid.

Q: What if the debt they claim is not mine?
A: Dispute it in writing immediately, request validation, and provide proof that you did not incur that debt (ID theft, confusion, wrong person). If they can’t verify, they must remove it.

Q: How long does this negative entry stay on my credit report?
A: Usually up to 7 years from the date the debt first became delinquent. After that, it should fall off—or you can dispute if it remains longer.

Q: Should I hire an attorney?
A: It depends. If the amount is large, they sue you, or if you’re unsure how to proceed, legal advice can help. Many attorneys handle consumer debt cases and may work on contingency or offer free consults.