Contacted by Cavalry Portfolio? Here’s What to Do Next

If “Cavalry Portfolio” just showed up on your phone or credit report and your stomach dropped, you’re not alone.

You probably never opened an account with them — that’s because they often buy old credit card accounts from banks and then try to collect. The goal here isn’t to panic or pay on impulse; it’s to understand who they are, why they’re contacting you, and the smartest way to respond without making things worse.

Today we’ll quickly cover who Cavalry is, what happens if you ignore them, realistic settlement options, when DIY makes sense versus getting professional help, and a few common questions — so you can choose a plan that makes sense for you and get your peace of mind back.

Who Is Cavalry Portfolio?

Cavalry Portfolio Services, LLC (often appearing as Cavalry SPV I, LLC on paperwork) is a debt collection agency and debt buyer. In plain English, Cavalry purchases old debts from original creditors (like major banks or credit card companies) and then tries to collect the full amount from you. 

Lenders such as Chase or Bank of America bundle and sell overdue accounts for pennies on the dollar, and companies like Cavalry buy those charged-off debts cheaply. Cavalry’s business is then to collect on the debt — often seeking the full original balance plus any interest or fees they can add.

Are they legit? Yes, Cavalry Portfolio Services is a real, legitimate company, not a scam. They’ve been around since 2002 and operate across the U.S. In fact, Cavalry is BBB-accredited with an A rating.

However, “legitimate” doesn’t mean “loved.” Consumer reviews tell a different story – on the Better Business Bureau site, Cavalry averages only 1 out of 5 stars, and hundreds of complaints have been filed against them. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s database lists over 2,800 complaints related to Cavalry’s debt collection practices. Common issues include attempts to collect debts not owed, aggressive communication, and alleged misrepresentations. 

Also, don’t be surprised if Cavalry already reported the account to the credit bureaus. Debt buyers like Cavalry often add a collection trade line to your credit report as soon as they acquire the debt. This means their name shows up in the negative items section of your credit file, which can hurt your credit score. Seeing “Cavalry SPV” on your report can be alarming, but it’s a common tactic to pressure you into paying.

Now that you know who they are, let’s talk about why they’re reaching out to you specifically.

Why Are They Contacting You?

If Cavalry Portfolio Services is contacting you, it’s because they believe you owe a debt to them.

Remember, Cavalry likely bought your delinquent account from the original lender. Perhaps you fell behind on a credit card, personal loan, or other unsecured debt. After months of non-payment, your bank gave up on collecting and sold the debt to Cavalry. Now Cavalry is the owner of that debt and has stepped into the lender’s shoes as the collector.

This is why you might be confused to hear from a company you never did business with before.

Cavalry’s initial contact is often a collection letter or phone call informing you of the debt and demanding payment. By law, they should also send a written notice with details of the debt (amount, original creditor, and your right to dispute it).

Don’t ignore that notice – it’s an important piece of information. It can tell you who the original creditor was and how much they say you owe. It also starts a 30-day clock for you to request debt validation (more on that later).

Many people in debt describe these calls and letters as relentless and stressful. It might feel easier to avoid or block Cavalry’s calls. Before you do that, read the next section. Ignoring a debt collector can backfire badly, especially with a firm that’s known to sue.

What Happens If You Ignore Them?

Ignoring Cavalry Portfolio Services won’t make them go away. In fact, it could make your situation more urgent. Cavalry is known to escalate collection efforts if you don’t respond. Here’s typically what happens:

• Continued Contact: First, the calls and letters will keep coming. Cavalry might call you multiple times a week (or day), and they may even try reaching out to any references or past phone numbers they have, within legal limits. They’re persistent because they want engagement.
• Credit Report Damage: Meanwhile, that collection item stays on your credit report. The longer it’s there unpaid, the more it drags down your score. This can affect your ability to get new credit, and for some professionals, a poor credit report can jeopardize job prospects or security clearance status. Ignoring the debt doesn’t halt these credit consequences; the negative mark can remain for up to 7 years from the original default date.
• Possible Lawsuit: Importantly, Cavalry can and often will file a lawsuit if other attempts fail. Debt buyers like Cavalry frequently resort to the courts to collect, especially if the debt amount is substantial and still within the legal timeframe for suing (the statute of limitations). You might suddenly find a summons delivered to your door – a very real sign that ignoring has now turned into a legal problem.
• Default Judgment Risks: If you ignore a lawsuit summons or fail to show up in court, Cavalry can obtain a default judgment against you. This is essentially an automatic win for them because you didn’t contest the case. With a judgment in hand, they can then enforce it.
• Wage Garnishment & Bank Levies: Once Cavalry has a judgment, they have powerful tools to collect. They may be able to garnish your wages – meaning a portion of your paycheck is taken out before you even see it. They could also get a court order to levy your bank account (i.e., pull money directly from your checking/savings to pay the debt). This can cause embarrassment at work if your employer is served with a garnishment order.

Bottom line: Ignoring Cavalry is not a safe strategy. The longer you wait, the fewer options you have. Early on, you might have been able to negotiate or dispute. After a judgment, your leverage drops to near zero. We understand the impulse to stick your head in the sand – the situation is scary. But doing nothing often makes your worst fears (like garnishment or public embarrassment) come true.

PRO TIP: Never ignore a court summons. If Cavalry Portfolio serves you with a lawsuit, you must respond by the deadline (typically 20-30 days) or risk a default judgment. Even if you feel you owe the debt, you have the right to file an answer or seek legal help. Ignoring a lawsuit is one of the costliest mistakes – it basically hands Cavalry the power to garnish your wages or bank account without further debate.

Can You Settle with Cavalry Portfolio?

Yes, absolutely. You can settle a debt with Cavalry Portfolio for less than what you owe. In fact, negotiating a settlement is common with debt buyers. Remember, Cavalry likely paid only a fraction of the balance to purchase your debt. This gives them flexibility to accept less than full payment and still make a profit.

Here’s how a debt settlement generally works: you or someone negotiating on your behalf reaches out to Cavalry (or responds to their contact) and makes an offer to pay a portion of the debt in exchange for the rest being forgiven.

For example, if you owe $5,000, you might offer a lump-sum payment of, say, $2,500 (50%) as settlement in full. Cavalry, after some back-and-forth, might agree to, hypothetically, 60% of the debt or even less, depending on your circumstances and their policies (results vary).

When considering settlement, keep in mind:

• Get it in Writing: Always insist on a written settlement agreement before sending money. The agreement should clearly state that the amount you pay will be considered payment in full (or the account will be “settled”) and that Cavalry will not come after you for the remainder. It should also outline how they will report the settlement to credit bureaus (usually as “settled in full” or “paid for less than full balance”).
• Lump Sum vs. Payment Plan: Cavalry may prefer a lump-sum payment, but if you can’t manage that, they might agree to a payment plan for the settlement amount. Just be sure you can afford the plan; missing payments could void the deal. Also, clarify whether they will charge interest on a payment plan (ideally, negotiate no interest on the agreed amount).
• Impact on Credit: Settling the debt will update your credit report to show the account as resolved. It won’t immediately erase the record, but a paid/settled collection is better than an open, unpaid one. Over time, your score can recover once the collection is no longer factoring in. (Cavalry is not obligated to delete the account from your credit report upon settlement, and large agencies typically won’t do a “pay for delete.” They will mark it paid, and it will fall off when the credit reporting time window expires.)
• Tax Implications: One thing to note – if a portion of the debt is forgiven (over $600), you might receive a 1099-C tax form for forgiven debt amount, which could be considered taxable income. It’s not a reason to avoid settling, but something to be aware of come tax time.

Most importantly, settling is often a better outcome than being sued for the full amount. If you can negotiate a deal you can live with, you avoid the risk of a judgment and further legal costs.

PRO TIP: Don’t panic and pay the first amount Cavalry demands. It’s tempting to “just pay something” to make the scary letters stop, but rushing to pay can hurt you. First, verify that the debt is accurate and still legally enforceable. If the debt is very old (past the statute of limitations), Cavalry can’t lawfully sue to collect – so you have more leverage than you think. In some states, even a small payment on an old account could restart the lawsuit clock, so you need to be strategic. Take time to review any information Cavalry sent, and consider consulting a professional before committing your hard-earned money.

DIY vs. Hiring Help

When facing Cavalry Portfolio (or any aggressive debt collector), you have two main approaches: handle it yourself (DIY) or get professional help. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – it depends on your comfort level, experience, and the complexity of your situation. Let’s compare:

Doing it yourself (DIY)

If you’re a determined self-advocate, you can absolutely take steps on your own:

• Request Debt Validation: If you have any doubt about the debt, you can send Cavalry a debt validation letter. Under federal law (FDCPA), if you send a written dispute or request for verification within 30 days of their first notice, they must stop collection until they mail you proof of the debt. This might include a statement from the original creditor or other evidence that the debt is yours. This is a good idea if, say, you’re not sure the amount is correct or you don’t recognize the account.
• Negotiate a Settlement: You can call or write to Cavalry to negotiate a settlement agreement, as discussed above. Some people feel confident doing this, especially if they’ve researched negotiation tactics. 
• Set Boundaries: You have the right to ask Cavalry to only contact you in writing. You can also tell them not to call you at work or during certain hours. The law prohibits debt collectors from harassing you, lying to you, or calling at odd hours. If you feel a representative is crossing the line, you can file a complaint with the CFPB or your state attorney general.

Handling things DIY can save you money in fees, but it can also be stressful and time-consuming. Collectors are trained in persuasion, and you might find the pressure overwhelming.

There’s also a learning curve – each creditor and collector has its own “personality” and policies. As Donaldson Williams’ experience has shown, what works with one creditor might get you sued by another. For instance, some agencies might play nice with a payment plan, while others might sue if you ask for one. If you’re not sure how to navigate these nuances, mistakes can happen.

Hiring help

Bringing in a professional can level the playing field. There are generally two types of help: debt settlement companies (like us, Donaldson Williams) or debt defense attorneys. We’ll focus on what a debt settlement firm can do, since lawsuits aside, our specialty is negotiating with collectors like Cavalry on your behalf.

• Experience and Insider Knowledge: A firm that deals with Cavalry and other agencies regularly will know their tactics and likely what settlement percentages they typically accept. For example, we might know that “Agency X often settles around 40–50% if paid in one go” whereas “Agency Y never settles below 70% without a lawsuit.” This kind of insight comes from experience and can be hugely beneficial in negotiations.
• Reduced Stress: Instead of you fielding aggressive phone calls, we handle the communications. You won’t have to personally engage with pushy collectors; your representative does that for you. Clients often say this alone is a massive relief – you can focus on your job and family, and let us deal with the negotiation chess game.
• Strategy and Timing: Professionals will create a strategy based on your specific situation. Have multiple debts? We’ll prioritize which accounts to settle first (perhaps the ones most likely to sue, like Cavalry). Limited funds? We’ll aim to maximize relief with those funds. And if a lawsuit is a risk, we know how to act quickly to mitigate it. For instance, if Cavalry has not sued yet but is likely to, we might push to open settlement talks before it goes to court. If they have sued, we can often still negotiate a settlement to avoid a judgment, though you may also need an attorney to file the proper responses in court.
• Accountability and Guidance: A reputable debt relief firm keeps you informed. At Donaldson Williams, for example, you’ll receive regular updates on progress (no dark void of silence) and you can reach out anytime with questions. We also guide you through tough decisions – like evaluating a settlement offer or deciding if an offer is affordable for you. Importantly, we never make you accept a deal you’re uncomfortable with. You remain in control; we just bring options to the table.
• Contingency Fees: Our firm works on a contingency basis – no results, no fee. That means we don’t charge upfront fees to start negotiating. We only get paid when you get a settlement you approve, and typically our fee is a percentage of the money we save you. This model aligns our incentives with yours: we both want the best reduction on the debt.
• When Attorneys Are Needed: If Cavalry has already filed a lawsuit and it’s moving forward, you may need an attorney to formally respond in court or represent you. Debt settlement companies can negotiate in the background, but they can’t act as your lawyer. In such cases, we often coordinate with consumer law attorneys or advise you to consult one while we attempt to reach a settlement. Many lawsuits can still end in a negotiated agreement (out of court) if handled properly.

In summary, you can try the DIY route if you feel up to the task – just educate yourself on your rights and the correct procedures.

But you don’t have to go it alone. For many, the peace of mind and results achieved by professionals are well worth it. We have helped numerous clients facing Cavalry Portfolio collections, and we’ve seen the relief when that debt is finally off their shoulders.

Whether you DIY or hire help, the key is to do something to address the debt. Let’s tackle a few common questions people have about Cavalry Portfolio next.

Common Questions

Q: Is Cavalry Portfolio Services a real company or a scam?
A: Cavalry Portfolio Services is a real, licensed debt collector. They are part of a large debt-buying company and are even accredited by the BBB. However, they have numerous consumer complaints and even a few lawsuits alleging improper practices. Always verify any debt a collector claims you owe. But if you’re being contacted by Cavalry, it’s likely about a legitimate (though delinquent) debt that they purchased.

Q: Will Cavalry Portfolio sue me?
A: They could. Cavalry is sometimes considered a “litigious” debt collector, meaning if an account is large enough and within the legal time window, they might file a lawsuit to collect. Not everyone will be sued – sometimes they’ll focus on calls and letters if you’re responsive. But if you ignore them or refuse to pay, the chances of a lawsuit increase. Never assume they won’t sue. If you get an attorney letter or court summons, take it seriously and consider contacting a lawyer or a debt specialist immediately.

Q: What happens if Cavalry gets a judgment against me?
A: A judgment gives Cavalry legal power to enforce the debt. As mentioned earlier, with a court judgment, Cavalry can potentially garnish your wages or levy your bank accounts (subject to your state’s laws and exemptions). They may also place liens on property you own in some cases. A judgment will likely show up on your credit report’s public records section, which can further hurt your credit score. It’s best to avoid judgments by either settling the debt beforehand or defending the lawsuit if one is filed.

Q: How can I remove Cavalry Portfolio from my credit report?
A: If the Cavalry collection account on your credit report is accurate, there’s no quick fix to remove it besides time. Paying or settling the debt will cause the entry to be marked “paid” or “settled,” and your credit report will update to a zero balance (which future creditors prefer to see over an unpaid collection). The account itself typically will stay on your report for 7 years from the date of first delinquency (when the original debt went bad). After that, it should automatically drop off. In some cases, people have had success asking for a “goodwill deletion” or negotiating removal as part of a settlement, but big agencies like Cavalry often won’t agree to delete valid negative items just because they were paid. If the entry is not accurate (e.g., not your debt or reporting wrong info), you can dispute it with the credit bureaus. They’ll investigate, and if Cavalry can’t prove its validity, the bureaus will remove it.

Q: What should I do when Cavalry Portfolio contacts me?
A: First, don’t panic. If they call, you can choose to answer or let it go to voicemail – just remember to stay calm and keep the conversation short. You have the right to tell them to communicate by mail only. If you talk to a representative, avoid sharing too much personal info or making any promises to pay on the spot. Ask for a debt validation letter (if you haven’t received one) which they are required to send, detailing the debt. When you get any letter or notice from Cavalry, review it carefully – note the original creditor, account number, amount, and any instructions about disputing the debt. It’s wise to document all communications (keep letters, take notes of call times/content) in case you need records later. Once you understand the debt, you can decide on your next step: dispute if it’s not yours, negotiate if it is, or seek help if you feel overwhelmed. The key is to address it head-on rather than ignore it.

Q: Can I stop Cavalry from calling me?
A: Most likely, yes. You have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to request that a debt collector stop contacting you. If you send Cavalry a written cease communication letter, they must stop most forms of contact (except to tell you about certain actions like a lawsuit). But use this with caution. While it can give you peace from daily calls, it does not erase the debt. In fact, sometimes collectors respond to a cease-contact request by escalating to legal action sooner, since they can’t prod you by phone anymore. Another option is to request they only call at certain times or not call you at work – they must abide by reasonable requests. And of course, once a debt is settled or paid, the calls will stop naturally. If Cavalry is harassing you (calling incessantly, using threats or obscene language), that’s illegal and you can report those behaviors to authorities.

What to Do Next

Dealing with Cavalry Portfolio Services can be nerve-wracking, but remember: you have options and rights. Here’s a quick game plan for moving forward:

1. Gather Information: Make sure you know what debt Cavalry is talking about. Check any letters for the original creditor and amount. If something doesn’t add up or you don’t recognize it, consider formally disputing or requesting validation.
2. Check the Timeline: How old is this debt? Find out the date of your last payment or account charge-off. If it’s beyond your state’s statute of limitations for lawsuits, Cavalry might still ask you to pay, but they can’t force you via the courts. That’s important in deciding your risk level and strategy.
3. Decide on a Strategy: Will you try to negotiate a settlement? Set up a payment plan? Or maybe your situation calls for a different approach (like bankruptcy as a last resort, if the debts are truly unmanageable – though most people in the $30k–$60k range can avoid that with settlement). If you’re unsure, this is the time to consult with a professional. Many debt relief firms and attorneys offer free initial consultations where they’ll review your case and lay out options.
4. Take Action: The worst thing is doing nothing. Whether it’s sending a dispute letter, making a call to open settlement discussions, or hiring someone to handle it, do something proactive. Even setting up a modest payment arrangement is better than silence if you need to buy time – just be cautious and get agreements in writing.
5. Protect Yourself: While resolving this debt, keep an eye on your credit reports and document everything. If Cavalry violates your rights (for example, continues calling after you’ve asked in writing to stop, or threatens you illegally), you could have grounds to take action against them. But ideally, you’ll get this resolved without it coming to that.

Finally, remember you’re not alone. Thousands of people deal with Cavalry Portfolio and similar collectors every year. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad person or a failure; it means life happened and now you’re trying to fix it. Help is available. If you feel overwhelmed or just want expert guidance, consider reaching out to a debt settlement professional or consumer law attorney.

At Donaldson Williams, we’ve spent decades helping folks in situations just like yours – good people under financial strain, looking for a dignified way out. We can answer your questions and, if it’s a fit, negotiate with companies like Cavalry on your behalf to reduce your debt and take away the fear of lawsuits and garnishments. Our goal is to give you peace of mind and a plan to become debt-free without bankruptcy.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Take the next step, whether it’s a phone call to us for a free consultation or another action from the list above. Cavalry Portfolio Services might be loud and persistent, but with the right approach, you can be the one who ends this battle on your terms – and gets back to living your life with far less stress.