July 2008  General Revenue Corp.  11501 Northlake Dr. Cincinnati, OH

I am finding out this company is connected to Sallie Mae. My neighbor came over to tell me that he received a call on his cell phone from Robert Townsend asking if I was his neighbor, but didn't say what he was calling about, or what company he was from. I thought it was rude of him to call my neighbor I don't even know and now my neighbor is wondering what's going on. I called back asking what this was about and he said it was about student loans, but didn't say what years or what college. He said that we I need to fill out some papers he needs to send me so I can consolidate the loans. I said I am disabled with multiple sclerosis and I am on state disability and social security. He said they can take my social security to repay the loans. He also said I should get another student loan and go back to school, which I am unable to do. He suggested getting another loan would repay the existing loan, which I also thought was dumb. Then he asks for some references he can contact so I only gave him my sister since she works in collections too and knows how low they will go. I know the time on these loans are ticking away and the reason he wants me to sign these papers is to restart the loans and then sue me. He started asking about my parents. I live with my mom and he said he was unable to contact her with whom I live with. He then asked about my father. He said he found him living in an apartment with the same birth address as mine. I said that doesn't make sense because my father has been dead in the local cemetary for 22 years. This guy is an absolute idiot because this went on around in circles for almost 45 minutes. I feel sorry for anyone else who has to deal with this company.

July 2008  Williams & Fudge

Rauch Milliken is a friendly group of people from Metairie, Louisiana. During their correspondence with me, they have sent letters threatening to send private investigators to my house, my work, and also to follow me around town and seize anything they can to pay a bill I do not owe. When I attempted to discuss the issues I have with the original creditor, namely my recession right under Oklahoma contract law, which I did exercise to the letter, they refused to acknowledge that I even existed. Their position was simple. I would pay them $2,700 or they would come and beat me down for the money. When I stood up to them and told them I would be more than happy to serve them with a restraining order, they backed down quickly. Now, I'm just waiting for some sneaky move like suing me without ever notifying me I was sued.

July 2008  Williams & Fudge

They deal with student loans and other debts. No respect at all for collection privacy laws. Call my house several times daily. If I am not at home they ask my relatives for personal information like my cell phone number, where I work, my work phone number. I told my relatives to hang up on them and tell them nothing. "SOUTH CAROLINA" is what shows up in the caller ID box when they call. A rep named "Crystal" is annoying and deceptive, the first time she called I asked 4 times if she was a collection agent before she admitted it. They pretend to be lawyers. I am gonna send the Cease letter because they are really annoying.

July 2008  Rauch-Milliken International

Rauch Milliken is a friendly group of people from Metairie, Lousiana. During their correspondence with me, they have sent letters threatening to send private investigators to my house, my work, and also to follow me around town and seize anything they can to pay a bill I do not owe. When I attempted to discuss the issues I have with the original creditor, namely my recession right under Oklahoma contract law, which I did exercise to the letter, they refused to acknowledge that I even existed. Their position was simple. I would pay them $2,700 or they would come and beat me down for the money. When I stood up to them and told them I would be more than happy to serve them with a restraining order, they backed down quickly. Now, I'm just waiting for some sneaky move like suing me without ever notifying me I was sued.

June 2008 UNITED PROCESSING INC.  JACKSONVILLE, FL

WATERS, LISA  101 CENTRY 21 DRIVE #107  JACKSONVILLE, FL 32216 US
IVAN, CARMEN  12995 SILVER SPRINGS DRIVE N  JACKSONVILLE, FL 32246

SWICK, CYNTHIA  2527 TREEMONT ST  City-St-Zip: JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207

This company is in serious violation of the Fair Debt Collections Act, and uses EXTREME scare tactics; they misrepresent themselves as a "process server" or legal institution. They claim to be "on the phone with/ representing the state attorney's office". They threaten the debtor with felony charges and arrest. They have access to software that allows them to bring up a background on the debtor that gives them the names of relatives/ contacts as well as current employer. They will contact ALL relatives, employers, etc. associated with the debtor, telling them that the debtor is a felon with charges pending to be executed against them!

June 2008  Financial Accounts Services Team

The name, address and phone number of a VERY SLIMY collection agency who thinks they can go into people's bank accounts and arbitrarily remove funds when they feel like it:

Financial Accounts Services Team, Inc.   8300 Kingston Pike   Knoxville, TN 37919
Tel 865-693-7660   Fax 865-690-6777

I admittedly owed a debt and made an arrangement with these people (trying to do the right thing) -- STUPIDLY giving them my debit card number -- to take pre-arranged amounts out of my account on the 30th of each month until the debt was paid off. They took the first payment as agreed; but then took another $102 payment on the 19th of June instead of the 30th. They have caused me over $230 in NSF fees with my bank. When I saw what happened I called them up and spoke with one "Melvin Wright" who is supposed to be the collections manager. When I told him what happened and that I had things going every which way in my bank account, he stated that they would take care of any charges incurred as a result of them taking it out early. He admitted that a mistake had been made and promised to correct it and asked me to fax them a copy of my bank records showing the charges and that they would take care of it. After receiving the print out he stated "We aren't going to pay any of this. You will have to contact your bank to get them to help you with it." I was incredulous, and stated, "YOU are the ones who CAUSED the overdrafts and you're telling me you're not going to take care of your responsibilities?!" He repeated that they would not pay me anything. I told him that I would be contacting the client who hired them (Kroger's Supermarket) and would be reporting them. He told me to go right ahead. What a bunch of criminals. I have cancelled my debit card and there is a watch on my account. What can I do? My bank, of course, refuses to eat any of the charges (and why should they? It wasn't their fault) and these people need to pay for what they have done. I have also reported them to Kroger's who - to their credit -- appears to be taking my complaint seriously. Is there anything I can do aside from what I'm doing?

June 2008  Northland Group Inc

There's lots of complaints about collection agency NORTHLAND GROUP INC based in Edina MN. Please note NGI was recently acquired (April 2008) by Wisconsin-based private equity investment group MASON WELLS. See northlandgroup dot com and masonwells dot com . We too have several run-ins with NGI where we've both DV and CC NGI in timely manner but NGI fails to validate and NGI continues to phone ... return phone calls to them about this yield only moronic abuse. Please add NGI to your list of undesirables. I'm in South Carolina.

June 2008  MCT Group

Never heard of them until they filed suit against me in San Diego. I have not lived in San Diego since 2002.

Did some research on the court file and they claim I was served at a restaurant there. Funny, because I live in Miami now... found 26 other people who all had "service" at places they don't live or work at.

Further research shows they are owned/controlled and represented by Robert Susnow, attorney from Beverly Hills.

I'll be heading to San Diego soon to take care of business, but he's been real busy in Southern California.

June 2008  UB Collections

UB Collections is one of those nasty phone numbers that crops up in everyone's caller ID. I found out about them because they called my mother and when they could not get her, called all of her neighbors looking for anyone they could find. I called the number, told them that calling everyone in town was both unprofessional, told them to stop, and asked for their address. They responded by asking why I wanted their address. I told them to send a cease and desist letter. The little worm would not give me the company's mailing address. Instead, he said I would have to find where to send my letter on my own. In the meantime, they continue to call everyone in the telephone book, but I have vowed that I will find them and find how to get a cease and desist letter into their office.

June 2008  Professional Credit Services

My son (37) had several notices from this Debt buyer about a 2001 US Bank debt for $2700. He answered every request and denied the validity asking for proof of claim. The collection company through its attorney Wanderer Law in Las Vegas sat on the claim until 1 week before the statute of limitations would expire then filed suit in Washoe County Court in Reno NV. Every motion was answered as required by law and each of those motions asked for a hearing before the judge to dispute the action. Needless to say he never got his day in Court, the judge just issued a summary judgment for $6000 + which he paid but disagreed with. So this shows you that the Courts are useless in standing up for the individuals rights and that conspiracy exists at all level of the justice system. It's nothing more than legalized loan sharking and the irony is that they don't even know the facts of the debt. Whose is worse the Mafia or Debt buyers (RICO) - spit spit.

June 2008  Pioneer Credit Recovery

Pioneer Credit keeps calling my house and asking for my Holly (my 11 year old daughter) When we advise them that she is a minor and ask what it is regarding, they refuse to tell us saying that the need her "permission" to speak to us. How can an 11 year old grant permission, let alone have a debt that needs to be collected?

June 2008  Dominion Law Associates, Virginia Beach, VA

I noticed some people asking about this company, including one of the online help forums. I came upon it by mistake as an employee has an internet site with her employer listed.  Dominion Law Associates AKA pendercoward.com  Go to that site and look up the attorney profiles and look for the name David L. Horne.

You will find that he is president of Dominion Law Associates. They are running multiple companies under the name of pendercoward.com

June 2008  Apothaker & Associates, Philadelphia

These company filed a civil suit complaint last year. I filed my answer to the complaint. I also sent a copy requesting proof this debt belong to me. To date, I have not received a hearing date nor any documentation validating this debt. I am going to file complaints with the Pennsylvania Attorney General, the BBB, the FTC and PA Bar.

June 2008  Yellin & Goldner

I was originally contacted by Yellin & Goldner and lists their counsel as Mitchell N. Kay. I called the number provided to me by Yellin & Goldner (617) 964-0987, which is a Massachusetts phone number. To my surprise it said the Law Offices of Mitchell N. Kay. I looked up his name with the MA BBO and he is not an attorney in Massachusetts. He isn't an attorney in Washington D.C. as the letter stated and M.N.K.'s license expires in New York this year if he doesn't renew it.

I also noticed that the letters from Yellin & Goldner have a statement that says this information has not been reviewed by an attorney. I also noticed that the letters where sent from Royal Oak Michigan. I find it odd that an attorney only 60 miles from me would have his mail sent from that far away.

Now today after the phone calls from Mitchell N. Kay have stopped and the letters from Yellin & Goldner have stopped I am getting recorded messages on my answering machine from Plaza Associates AKA Mitchell N. Kay. I said it from day one that the letters where from plaza but was unsure and now I know.

I am wondering what laws have been broken if in fact Plaza used Yellin & Goldner attorney letter head to get me into paying something when Yellin & Goldner has no idea what is going on.

June 2008  Dominion Law Associates, Virginia Beach

I was sent a warrant to go to court from this company for a total of $219.00 owed. I called today and asked about what it was that I owed. Apparently this is due to a $35.00 check that bounced. (my mistake.) The $219.00 consists of $35.00 for the payment, $38.00 NSF fee, $105.00 civil penalties, and $41.00 court fee. Is this correct--can they fine me civil penalties or can I argue this? The person I talked to on the phone also said that I cannot avoid going to court unless I pay the full amount. From what I've read on this website that is not necessarily true but I am not certain.

June 2008  Solomon and Solomon PC  5 Columbia Circle Albany New York 12203

These low lifes are trying to collect on a bogus debt that I simply don't owe. They continue to contact me even after the first dispute letter was sent. Please list them here Bud as I believe they are new to this sleazy game. Let's stop them early in their slimy career!

June 2008  Diversified Consultants, Florida

Here's a group that might need to be watched. Received a voice-message from a Charles at 800-771-5361 ext. 1248 advising that there was a timely matter that my daughter may or may not be aware of and that she needed to call back immediately to take care of this timely matter.

He did not identify the company he was with or calling or, did not identify himself as a debt collector, and was pretty vague about the "timely matter"

My daughter does not live with me nor am I her answering service. I believe I heard at least two Fair Credit violations in his message by not identifying his company or telling me it was a collection call. After doing some goggling on his 800 number discovered it is Diversified Consultants, a group of collectors out of Florida with a reputation of not following the federal collection consumer laws.

June 2008  Windham Professionals, Salem NH

Perhaps you should be looking into this agency and those who run it. Chuck Harper, Terry Scott and Scott Swonger. This company is expanding all over the place. Tennessee, Las Vegas, Worcester Mass and the home office Salem NH ....with expansion plans. The collectors only do what management forces them to do as well as allows them to do. Do not be fooled the problems start and end with these Gentlemen. They are con men who are making this collection agency bad!

June 2008   Alligiance One

June 2008   National Asset Recovery (NARS) Jefferson, MO

I have been contacted by Applied Bank regarding a credit card account. I disputed the account with them because at the time, I believed it was in error.  I never heard back from them.

I was recently contacted by National Asset Recovery (NARS) in Jefferson, MO, regarding this. I disputed this with them. I sent a dispute letter via certified mail. I finally received a response from them about 60 days after they signed for the dispute letter.

These clowns at NARS took 60 days to respond to me, in a way they may have helped me, however they call and call and call and leave obnoxious messages on my phone.

June 2008   Empire Collection Authorities, Inc

I am just wondering if anyone has had an experience with Empire Collection Authorities, Inc. I have been getting phone calls from them, (I haven't answered them). I did a little research and cannot find anywhere that they are licensed to do business in my home state of Massachusetts. They have never sent me anything in writing as to what particular debt this is regarding.

Empire Collection Authorities, Inc.
5619 Lankershim Blvd. Ste. 117
North Hollywood, CA 91601-1723
Phone: (818) 980-2400   Fax: (818) 980-2409

June 2008   Richard J Boudreau

This collection agency began calling me at work. When told it was a work number and asked to stop calling, the person laughed and said "No, I'll keep calling until you pay". I told him it was against the law, and his reply was "No, it's not". They are not to be trusted.

May 2008   Pinnacle Financial Group

Pinnacle Financial Group is calling about a charged off Lane Bryant credit card of about $400.00. I told them we didn't have the $400 , they offered a settlement of about half , I told them I'll talk it over with the wife and get back to them. I later called back and told them I'll take the offer but with a few conditions, 1st, I want it in writing on company letterhead, 2nd, the payment will be made only with money orders, 3rd , It will be split up into two monthly payments. Needless to say they didn't like the deal , they said that they needed a checking account or credit card to secure the payments or a money order for the full amount of $400 , needless to say I told them I'm not giving out any bank information , then they tried to trick me into giving out bank info by saying that I give out that info when I make my truck payment and that they are an honest company and don't take more then what is owed , again I told them I'm not giving out bank information. I was told the deal was no longer valid , she was marking my account as a refusal to pay and that further action may follow.

May 2008   Roquemore and Roquemore

Roquemore and Roquemore called and threatened to send people to knock on my door at all hours of the night because they were looking for my brother in law. His mother's car was up for repossession, and they thought he might know something about it. In the process, they called people like myself that have nothing to do with any of it. They skip trace names of people that are not involved in any way, and they are not allowed to do that.

May 2008   J C Christenson and Associates

I received a call from a female (wouldn't provide a real or made up name) debt collector from this agency today. She told me the name of the company and that it was a debt collection agency- a very snotty tone of voice. She then told me how much the debt was for and that I needed to pay it immediately or it was going to go straight to the legal department and a judgment would be placed on my account! I told her that I was currently unemployed and unable to make a payment at this time, but that I could and would pay her on June 17th, 2008 (today is May 28th). She told me that wasn't good enough, and that a payment is not good enough either, it must be paid in full! Now, I know that is not true; by law they have to accept any amount of payment that you are willing to send them and they have to show that amount was paid on your account.

She then went on to ask how I pay any of my bills then, or am I just so lazy that everything goes to collection? Do I have parents? Have your parents pay the debt. I told her that they couldn't pay this debt right now either. She said, well then don't be surprised when a uniformed officer shows up at your door to take you to jail.

My mother works as a collection agent; I know they cannot legally behave this way. She didn't even read me the mini Miranda!  These so called "professionals" were anything but professional in dealing with me!

May 2008   I C Systems

I.C. systems has been showing up on my caller ID for the past six months. I've never been home when they call and they do not leave messages. I recently found out what the calls are for; it's an 3-year old dentist bill for $240 that I had paid down from $700 directly to the dentist. My husband and I both were laid off from work around the same time and the roof over our heads became more important payment priorities.

Now that I'm able to pay it in full I read on the budhibbs site not to pay them with a credit/debit card or by checking account. How do I pay it then? I've also read on many other complaint sites that the I.C. Systems people ask for social security numbers as soon as you get on the phone with them. Do I have to give my S.S. to them to pay the bill? Can't I just verify my identity with address and phone number, even the account number from the dentist?

I also will need a receipt of some kind that the debt is paid in full; do you think I will have problems obtaining such a thing? My credit union is asking for proof that has to come from I.C. systems that the bill has been paid and then we can proceed on a refinancing of our mortgage.

May 2008   Nelson, Watson & Associates, LLC

Alex Falcon from Nelson, Watson & Associates has called me and yelled at me, that I'm wasting his time. He said I will have my wages garnished beginning on Monday next week, for my debt. He called my mother-in-law and told her I am in a "dire situation" with an attorney. He called my parents and said that I "am aware of the dire situation and I am not cooperating, so, if I don't call Alex back, they will proceed with a judgment and garnishment.

May 2008   Jormandy LLC

May want to check out Jormandy LLC -- rude/threatening and other violations of the FDCPA...

Also, another response to the All Agencies Everywhere comment:

I would not be so quick to pass judgment on people about personal responsibility. There are plenty of people out there who are responsible who because of unfortunate circumstances in their lives just cannot pay their bills. They made the "right" decisions -- they did the "right" things -- but life happened to them.

As well, are we to just sit back and take the abuse from collection agencies who violate every state and federal law with impunity? Let's just face the facts here -- the debt collection industry is fully out of control. For every CA that abides by the law there are probably 10 (or more) that don't. If you want to talk about responsibility -- what about the ethical responsibility that these companies have towards obeying the law?

You want to talk about paying your bills -- take for instance a company such as Asset Acceptance, who earlier this year went into technical default on a loan (in the millions.) Although, because of a bit of wheeling and dealing behind the scenes -- they were able "keep the doors open" with only a slight interest rate increase. I can guarantee you that no average citizen would have been able to accomplish this feat -- let alone with a slight increase in interest! Yet a default is a default -- and in the case of Asset Acceptance -- they got away with it. Which, if you happened to be one of the unfortunate who Asset is trying to collect from -- I can assure you that at minimum that a hefty increase in interest would be the least of your worries...

May 2008   Alternative Revenue Systems 14707 E 2nd Ave  Aurora, CO 80011  1 303-366-5275

This agent is rude refuses to tell us his name and sewer served us, denying us a way to defend ourselves in court. The names we have for the head of this agency are fictitious. We have contacted the BBB and the state attorney. Why can agents like this completely violate the law? We made a mistake but our punishment is to be robbed, with the sanction of our own court system. Robbed by an abusive charlatan using an assumed name. We have been denied due process! Please find out the name of the owner-if you can.

May 2008 Response to  "All Agencies Everywhere"  April 2008

I believe the majority of the people who consult this site are genuinely interested in paying their bills. If the bill is fair, I say work out a payment plan.

However, what collectors are doing is taking advantage of people. Interest rates are insanely high. Collectors harass, harangue and bully people. Also, they add interest on interest and additional charges.

With the way the economy is, people are doing the best to survive. I saw a post on a similar site where some collector was trying to extort (that's what it is extortion) $11000 for a $2000 debt that was almost 20 years old.

The courts are jammed with cases like this. Just because a collection service has a piece of paper that says a debt is owed and no corroborating evidence. These collection agencies fabricate documents, make up charges and file lawsuits day in and day out. Do they have the right to collect, probably not. It wouldn't surprise me if some of these bottom feeders send out summons' saying someone is indebted to Santa Claus.

There is no middle class anymore. Those who are in the traditional middle class are falling thru the cracks and they are the ones who are making an effort to pay. The main problem, I think, is the insane interest rates.

May 2008 Pentagroup Financial

I just got a call from Pentagroup Financial stating they were representing Washington Mutual Credit Card. The first girl I talked to was very nice and stated the information to me about my address and account. They said they could offer me a 30% reduction based on a hardship from where my husband had lost his job. She then put me on the phone with the account manager who was very rude. She demanded payment over the phone. I requested that they send me letter stating who they were and who they were representing and the amount owed. She stated that a letter was sent to me on May 6th 2008. I never received this letter and I informed her that I had no idea who Pentagroup was until just now while speaking with her. She wanted $200 from me by the 29th of this month. I asked her to mail me a letter first. Then she got snippy and said that there was no way I would get the letter and have payment to them by the 29th. I again told her that I would not do a payment over the phone and to please send me a letter. She then said that she would inform her client that I am refusing the reduction and refusing to pay. I told her to inform her client that I was not refusing to pay on my debt and that I would like a letter stating the facts and that I would gladly send a payment in. She began to raise her voice at me, so I cut her off and informed her to send me a letter and that I was not going to argue with her anymore and I hung up. Needless to say I got an instant anxiety attack. These people called my brother-in-law and demanded I call them within two hours but neglected to say who they were. It's people like this that make me not want to answer the phone. My family is doing the best we can to get caught up on our debt. She even asked the stimulus payment. That money was taken for a federal debt. I am tapped out, financial and mentally.

May 2008  Paul Law Offices, Salt Lake City

I received a call from 866/507/5050 or 801-466-2130 today . A man stating his name as Chris Jones was calling to inform me of a lawsuit being brought against me by the Tracy Law firm of Utah. Curious because my number is unlisted and he used my maiden name and only after further conversation- he knew my married name and last 4 social digits! This scared me. It has to do with an old Providian Visa account of which I had forgotten about and which hadn't had payments on since 2002. In NC the statutes on a written account are three years, I believe. Now these people have my private home number and I am afraid of the harassing calls now. I googled the name and got info that this is a scam and was directed to this website. What are my rights and how do I fight these people. We do not pay third party people and will only pay the people that we owe directly which we can't do now that the account has been purchased. 

May 2008  Professional Recovery Associates, Inc.

Professional Recovery Associates, Inc., which sometimes inappropriately (and unlawfully) refers to itself as "PRA," is a mom-and-pop collection agency that rents an office in a small building owned by a lawyer in Levittown, New York. The company consists of Steven Castaldo, the CEO, who looks like a rodent and conducts his business and private affairs with about as much integrity as one; his wife, Cathy Castaldo, who suffers from some sort of weird arthritis that causes her to use her hands like lobster claws, and who comes in part-time to do some minor clerical work; three barely-English-speaking, intellectually challenged foreign women; and a 500-pound smelly man named Peter Sforza, who has one bowel movement per hour. This company specializes in medical collections and has no regard for the FDCPA, HIPAA, or any other laws. They routinely fail to validate disputed debts and continue to contact consumers who have properly disputed their debts. They also attempt to collect debts that they are prohibited from collecting by law, such as debts owed by Medicare and Medicaid recipients, and debts properly payable by insurance carriers. This company would rather pay for an FDCPA violation by writing a check than to have to hire a lawyer and go to court over it.

 A sufficient threat of litigation is all it takes to get Professional Recovery Associates, Inc., to write you a check. This company also routinely fails to remit collected moneys to its clients. They're so bad that they recently lost a major client because they couldn't pass a simple risk audit, mostly because they're too cheap to even maintain a basic errors and omissions insurance policy. If these people try to collect a debt from you, dispute it in writing pursuant to the FDCPA. When they call you again--and they will--have an attorney threaten them with litigation. They'll buckle and write you a check. It's a great way to make a couple of fast bucks at the expense of a shady and crooked collection agency that probably won't be around much longer.

May 2008  Sunrise Credit

Sunrise Credit first contacted me in regards to a debt they alleged I owed to U.S. Bank and Arrowood Indemnity. I immediately sent a Demand to Validate letter back in November 2007. In April they responded with a copy of the retail contract. The first time I have ever seen the contract.

The company on the contract is Student Loan Corporation in Delaware. A company that committed wholesale fraud. A fact that arrowwood asserted in federal court when they tried to get out of paying billions in insurance claims, since they wrote policies that strictly prohibited fraud from being a voidable action.

Sunrise credit threatens legal action. They refuse to show accounting for the aging of debt, which to my recollection has a DOLA of 10/2004. If, as the contract asserts, it is governed by the laws of Delaware, that puts it beyond the Statute of Limitations. Though Sunrise asserts the DOLA at 2006.  I am beating my head against the wall in dealing with them.

May 2008  General Audit Corporation  Jeffery G Williams  Fawcett Collections  Lima, OH

I have listed all three because there is some connection, however, GAC may be getting somewhat of a bad rap just because of its association with the other two.

General Audit does collections for many clients (primarily St Rita's Hospital in Lima, OH) and is generally professional. Fawcett Collections is a bottom feeder and Jeffery Williams is an outright thief -- but an impossible to stop thief. Part of the culpability also belongs to St. Rita's.

I had direct experience with these agencies due to  improper actions by the hospital. Three years following a divorce, my ex-wife took her son (born after our divorce) to St Rita's for an emergency visit. When she gave her name, St Rita's automatically filled in insurance information for her from when we were married. St Rita's then sent the bill to my insurance carrier (former carrier at that time) and it was declined for payment. St Rita's then turned it over to General Audit. GA contacted me and asked me to pay. Once I got the details and explained it to them, they stopped and sent it to Fawcett Collections. I received one call from Fawcett (Jeffery G. Williams) and he threw out every threat in the book -- destroy your credit, have you arrested, etc. I hung up on him. Six months later I found a judgment against me on my credit report from Jeffery G. Williams for just over $4000 (the original bill from St Rita's was $268). I got the original bill from St. Rita's, with date of service, got a copy of my divorce decree, showing the service was years after my divorce and the child in question was not one I was required to carry insurance on. I went to Jeffery G. Williams's office and presented these to him. His response was "You are right, this is not your debt. Hire a lawyer and sue me, that'll cost you at least $1000, and if you win, I'll just file another judgment and we can do this again. The statute of Limitations in Ohio is 15 years so we can play this game for a long time." Then he said "Just pay me $3000 and I'll get it off your credit report." I explained to him that I was not planning to pay a debt even he agreed was not mine and his response was "I don't care, you'll pay me now or you'll pay three times as much in fees and costs." He's a snake.

I mentioned earlier he's a thief, but an impossible to stop thief -- I'll explain that. Lima, OH is a relatively small town with just a handful of influential families. Relatives in key places allow some people to get away with just about anything. Local Magistrate (Williams family), local Sheriff (Williams family), Executive Management at St Rita's (largest employer in the area -- Williams family. Civic groups (Lions, Eagles, Elks, Rotary, Optimists -- Williams, Williams, Williams), Chamber of Commerce (Williams). Jeffery G. Williams is a snake -- and a well protected snake. If you ever find yourself in Lima, OH and need medical care -- keep driving. Honest practitioners are available near enough without exposing yourself to St. Rita's/Jeffery G. Williams/Fawcett Collections.

May 2008  General Audit Corporation

General Audit Corporation aka Revenue Management Group aka KeyBridge Medical Revenue Management. Debt Collectors for regional hospitals and medical offices in Western Ohio. Lawyer Jeffery G. Williams at same address sues without notice.

May 2008  FMS Services

This is regarding the post "April 2008 FMS".

I too received a collection letter from FMS Services, which had "been referred to FMS Services (FMS) by PALISADES COLLECTION LLC."

Here is part of what the letter contained: "Use Your Tax Refund To Pay Off This Debt!" (all underlined)
"You Are Eligible For A Special Compromise Settlement!" (again all underlined) "FMS, on behalf of PALISADES COLLECTION LLC, will accept a significantly reduced amount as full and final settlement on the debt listed above. This reduction may save you hundreds of dollars and could be as high as 45 percent based on the type, age, and balance of the debt." I am sending them a validation & P.o.C. letter today. Let's see what happens...

FYI- FMS Services is out of Schaumburg, Illinois. Balaji Rajan is the President and CEO. Here is their website: http://www.fmsdc.com/default.aspx

May 2008  Brady, Caruso & Associates, LLC  Amherst, NY

First call came to my work number on voice mail message left by a Miss Martin - stated she represented Brady and Caruso, and then stated the case was filed with my county and gave me a case number...stated it was important that I return the call immediately.  I happen to do work that involves lots of court filings and as she did not say it was a personal matter, I assumed it had to do with my work and did not immediately return her call.

She then called again and gave her name as Miss Martin with Brady and Caruso and asked if I had received the message she left the previous day. I told her that I had received the message but that the case number she had left was incomplete and I did not know which file she was calling about..I still did not realize this was a personal call....she stated that the file she was calling about was me....and spouted my social security number at me asking me to verify it....I asked her what this was regarding and she told me they were verifying my information as a summons was being served and unless I wanted the summons server to come to my work, I needed to verify information....I told her to have the summons server sent as I would not discuss personal business at work and on the phone. I told her I did not want her or Brady and Caruso contacting me at my work number and I hung up.

She immediately called back and left another message on my voice mail stating that a summons would be served the following Monday at my place of employment unless I contacted her by 9:00 am the following day.

I then checked with the Superior Court and verified that there has been no filing against me and the case number is not a good number.

On Monday around noon, my supervisor received a call from a Russell Barr @ Brady and Caruso. My supervisor also  did not realize this was not a business call and asked for the case number, which Mr. Barr was kind enough to give him, when he also told Mr. Barr that the case number was not coming up...he was then told that the case number was the legal filing number in a case against me in a collection matter over which I was being sued. My supervisor sent me an e-mail informing me of this and came to ask if there was a problem.

On Tuesday  Mr. Russell Barr (or Barrity?) left a message on my work voice mail identifying himself as the "Senior Partner" of Brady and Caruso and stated that he understood I had discussed my account with Household/Orchard Bank earlier that day with Ms. Martin. He then again repeated that there was a "lawsuit" and my case number..he then gave me until 9:00am New York Time to call.

Now today, I received at work an unsigned letter which had been faxed to my work fax machine (but addressed to my home address) which states they are a collection agency and are attempting to collect a debt. The letter is not marked personal and confidential and gives information which all of my co-workers using the fax machine were able to view.

The good thing about the fax is that it did come on their letterhead so that I can send them certified letters requesting they not contact me and that they validate this debt which I believe to have been discharged in a bankruptcy/divorce in 1996!

May 2008  First National Collection Bureau, Inc  Sparks, Nevada

I received a letter postmarked CA. But when I opened it it was from First National Collection Bureau, Inc in Sparks, NV. They said they were collecting a debt for Spirit of America, Inc/Fashion Bug. I have not had a card from Fashion Bug in over 7 or 8 years. I had financial difficulty in 1999. I went to an attorney. I paid whatever I could. I have not had any type of a credit card in 9 years. The time limit on collecting this debt is over in our state of WI. It says they have a settlement of 60% off the debt. I should send it to another company FNCB Inc. The weird thing about it -it says you can pay via a credit card. But if you do they will charge you a transaction fee of $5.00 per $150.00 of the settlement if you pay by MC or Visa. If you pay by American Express it goes up to $7.00 per $150.00. Have never seen this before have you? I learned the hard way about paying for a debt accepting a settlement and not contacting an attorney first. I paid several accts off that way not knowing the difference you didn't pay would be reported to the IRS and it would be added to your income. I wish I had known about you years ago. I wouldn't have had to go thru so much harassment from collection people. It is bad enough when you aren't able to pay a debt- and then have harassment by them is unbearable. I had phone calls to relatives, work, phone calls at midnight, rude, nasty collection people on the phone who would just cut me down mercilessly and demand money I didn't have. Sometimes they would call many times a day. Believe me if I would have had the money at the time I would have paid my bills. Unemployment can put a terrible toll on the household. I didn't know I had certain rights pertaining to this matter. I was very lucky to get an attorney who was very nice. She helped me out and let me know about my rights. She told me not to get too upset when I would get a letter threatening to sue me if I didn't pay up. I took her advice and calmed down. She told me let them try to sue you.

May 2008  Credit Bureau of the South, Shreveport, LA

I received a correspondence form from this place alleging I owed a very small debt. I replied within 30 days asking for Validation of this and asking them to cease contact with me. They never replied nor Validated this amount. Now I received another copied form letter from them advising me that they had instructed their attorney to recover the amount due via Legal Means and the alleged debt was under Litigation review by their their on staff attorney, David G Moore, and signed David G Moore, Attorney at Law. This was even a poor copy. This letter advised me the amount in question would be 5 or 6 times more when he filed suit. I did a little checking up on them both.

Credit Bureau of the South is owned by one Gregory Juneau. Their location listed as 600 Common St appears to be in the center of a parking lot. It's actually a hard core collection agency and not really a Credit Reporting Bureau at all. They have a website. www.creditbureausouth.com   The real Credit Bureau here is The Credit Bureau of Greater Shreveport. David G Moore is listed in the yellow pages as a Criminal Lawyer, sole practioner, and has an office across town. I checked with the Louisiana State Bar Association and their database doesn't list a David G Moore as being a member. Hmmn.  I can't imagine a Lawyer allowing someone like these people to rent his name and Law license to intimidate people as if they are Attorneys. There are several violations of the FDCPA here.  I've seen other complaints about this outfit but it hasn't made it to your list yet. They should. It seems this is just another Cheesy Collection Agency violating the Law, and posing as an Attorney and Credit Bureau.

May 2008  Ross & Newman

Adam Ross, of Ross & Newman, 918 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 10 Huntington Station, NY (866) 930-3060 says he is a lawyer retained by Providian Credit card/WAMU. I got a call from an unlisted number on my cell phone. They left a message asking I am being sued, and will be served tomorrow morning. They left the above phone number and said to call.
Adam Ross said he is a lawyer, and his company does not place calls. He was very rude to start with. He said he could follow up and find out who called and left the voice mail. About a minute later he came back on the line, and said some guy (sorry didn't write that name down) from his service department was calling to confirm the address where I will be served in (my county) tomorrow at noon. He then told me he was looking at my credit report...which I believe is true...and after some conversation about the long out of date debt offered to call "his client" to see if he could work something out to avoid court. He was back on the line very quickly, and had dramatically reduced the debt by thousands of dollars if I would give him a credit card number, or bank account number, or those of somebody else I knew to show that I could pay it. I asked him to send me an email. The email was unprofessional, from somebody named Tina Moloy in the "payment Department". I think I'd rather wait for the process server, this is too weird at this point.

May 2008  Nations Recovery Center, Inc.

I just wanted to pass on about a phone call I just received from a Nations Recovery Center (NRC) today. This is one collector that should be watched. It was my first time dealing with them and they demanded that I get my check book out to pay them right away.

I informed them that since they have made contact with me (I am not sure if the debt is valid) that they have five days to send all info they have to me to prove this debt. At this time they asked for a fax number and when I said I did not have one the person (her name was Hawa) asked for an email address, which I also refused.

When I asked for a mailing address she asked what for and informed me that I did not need one unless I was sending payment. At this time I informed her that I would send a cease and desist letter and she said what is that (playing dumb).

I kept requesting an address and she would never give one, I thought by law they were required to. She finally hung up on me.

At no time did she give me an account number or anything else just kept saying my name and what company the supposed debt is for. She did want me to verify the last four of my social which I refused to do.

I Googled the company after getting off the phone (I actually looked here first) and found the company website and that they are based in Atlanta.   If you would like to add these guys to your list to watch:

Nations Recovery Center, Inc.    6491 Peachtree Industrial Blvd   Atlanta, GA 30360   Phone: 800-935-1139

May 2008  A Collector Speaks

 I'm a bill collector. And believe it or not, many of us read your site and the comments here. Even though I'm a collector, I've been in debt. I know what it's like to be on the other end of calls. I know the feeling of dread and despair.  Contacting consumers to (hopefully) arrange payment of a debt is a valid job. And, as a single parent, it's all I have. But I approach my job as trying to help people, not hurt them.

I have had to sit back and watch non-compliant collectors get away with horrible actions. They get a slap on the wrist by the management. Nothing happens to them. And when I say non-compliant, I mean collectors who refer to themselves as attorneys (they are NOT), para-legals (they are not). I have listened to collectors leave messages that are so illegal that I am now resorting to reporting them myself, bypassing management.

I'm sick to my stomach. I need my job. But my company is protecting these collectors. We are in jeopardy now of loosing the client I work for because of a couple of collectors, and nothing is being done.

My personal estimate is that 95% of the people in debt I talk to are good people with bad circumstances... not "bad" people. Yes, there are, very honestly, people who run up debt and try to scam the system and not pay. But most are folks like you and me and most are simply working people. I treat people with the respect and care I'd treat my family.

I need my job, I really do. But I feel like I'm working for a disgusting bunch of thieves. And I don't know what to do.

Believe it or not, there are decent agencies out there, and some of them are even in Buffalo,  Hang in there.

May 2008  Burgess Law Firm -  updates at www.giovelawofficeexposed.com

I started receiving calls from Burgess Law Firm about two years ago regarding a debt belonging to my father. I am use to this because my father and i have the same name. The calls from Burgess Law became more frequent. After explaining to them i was not the person they were trying to reach they demanded contact information for my parents and told me that i would be party to a fraud investigation because they had recordings of me saying i knew how to contact them but refused to divulge the information. I explained to them that if there was indeed fraud i would be happy to talk to what ever law enforcement agency was handling this case and i would give them any information they need.

It was at this point the calls became more harassing. I was told they believe I AM the person they are trying to reach and if payment is not made immediately i would be arrested within 72 hours. This particular call ended with they guy screaming into the phone PAY YOUR BILLS YOU DEADBEAT.

Later that same week they called, My 14 year old son answered and told them i was not home. They wanted him to give them my cell phone number and when he refused they said if they could not reach me about this debt i would be arrested. They also told him if i get arrested it would be his fault because he would not give them my cell number. Needless to say i was furious. I never pursued the matter although now after reading this site i should.
They still call every once in a while but i usually just tell them they have the wrong person and hang up.

April 2008  Law offices of Stephen R Kopolow P.C

GE Money Bank charged off the balance. Their client is CACH LLc and yet when I called GE M B they said Arrow Financial bought the charged off. Never heard of either company or received any notification of this collection until last Friday when the collector called he never gave the name of the company he worked for, just said he represented GE Money Bank and wanted to settle on a balance. I said I could not pay the amount he requested and I told him that was not accurate. He then gave me the phone over to Stephen Kopolow. He really put on the pressure to pay right then an there. He said that he knew I had two credit cards that could hold the amount due. I told he I would not do that and that the credit card accounts were not mind, I was just authorized to give and pay on the accounts. He got very upset with me and said that he would report to his client that I was unwilling to take care of this account. Then they wanted me to post date a check and give them the information over the phone. I refused and he got angry. My the time I was through talking, which I hung up on him, I was in tears. He said he knew everything about me, and my accounts I have, that I was self employed, etc. My husband has been unemployed since Oct 2006, and I was taking care of my mother (who just passed away) and I really didn't care about talking to him about this. (He didn't care either. Approx 10 minute after this conversation the first man called back and apologized on his behalf. I felt like I was played between nice guy bad guy. I told him that too. Three days later I got a phone call from an attorney who says he represents this firm. I was not home but that was the message he left with the person answering my calls. I told him I received his letter on Monday and I would respond to it. He got angry.

IC Systems  April 2008

IC Systems was contacting me regarding a credit card account that I have past due. I have been on disability leave unable to pay any bills for a few months. They called my parents' house and never even tried my number. When I called them about it they said they didn't have my number, even though the credit card company had it. The guy wouldn't give me his name nor did he make any disclaimer about attempting to collect a debt. When I said I couldn't pay I got hung up on. I called back and told the lady, who also wouldn't give me her name, not to call my parents' house, and she said she had every right and hung up on me.

IC Systems  April 2008

I am receiving calls from a debt collector on two of my phone lines for someone with the same last name different first name they call 16 times a day 7 am to 8 pm. I told them they have the wrong number please stop calling me. They are looking for my husbands brother, I'm not giving an inch, they can go fish. They start asking me questions such as... Well where is he? MY answer is Stop calling me you have the wrong number. Now they call like they are this persons best friend. Hi is john There? nooo you have the wrong number again. So i threatened to call the police and the FCC it turned into a screaming match. they keep calling and asking for their friend john. This site shows how many problems people have with them. Please add them to your list and if you have any advice i would appreciate it. http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/ic-systems-inc-c8579.html

April 2008  Reed, Ryan & Reed, Inc.  (also dba Rawlins and Rivera, Rawlins & Rivera, Inc.)    

Here is Contact info on them   RRI: 1511 Kastner Place, Sanford, FL 32771 Phone to Office 888-239-7139

Or: Mr. Harris 800 722 2473 Tom Graham 888-239-7139
fax  at 888-239-7139
Their Lawyer or partner Robert W. Bird, P.A.
801 International Pkwy.
Suite 500
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Phone: 407-562-1891
Fax: 407-650-2729
Email: rbirdlaw@earthlink.net

I hired these dirt bags to collect bail money owed to me. Now that they have the files they treat me worse then they treat the debtors. They yell and swear at the debtors, which I do not approve of as they are my still clients, I just need to have my outstanding invoices managed.

When I called them to ask them not to be so rude and abusive to my clients they told to Shut the F---- up and mind my own business.

Nice huh? Well then I got a letter from the Lawyer Robert Bird telling me I am interfering with them. Imagine that, then this month they shorted me $2,900.00.

So Monday I will be at the Attorney Generals Office, the Sheriff's Office and Filing suite in Court and calling the FTC.

April 2008  United States Collection Agency  -

I have been receiving calls from McKelvey Law Firm about a debt from 2005 that I have no idea about. I have requested proof of this loan that they say I had and never paid back. after repeated request they finally sent a very lame document with the name of Unistates Credit Agency 2908 Wehrle Drive Ste.1 Williamsville, NY 14221. It also references the McKelvey Law Offices 4226 Ridge Lea Rd, Ste.1 Amherst, NY 14226. The letter is signed by Jack Sortino.

I sent an email response back to Michelle Crouse. She is the one that emailed me this letter saying I owed this money. In my response I informed them they had violated several of my rights under the FDCPA. First of all they called my house and left several messages. When my wife heard a message from a law firm she called the number back. They then proceed to tell her all about this debt that I supposedly owe. If this was a legitimate company they never would have discussed this with anyone but me. In my email I also stated that if they did not drop this matter I would contact the New York State Attorney Grievance Committee 8th Judicial District, the FTC and my state Attorney General.

Michelle Crouse emailed me back stating that they would cease and desist and that she would be forwarding the email to the attorney. Hopefully this is the last I hear from them.

Thank you for your website. I was able to find out the truth about the McKelvey Law Firm before I sent them any money. This whole deal seemed fishy. Also after doing more research I have come across Jack Sortino's name as well. Hopefully this group of thugs will get what is coming to them!

April 2008  Midpoint Resolution Group

A low down named Jeff Turner called my parents who are 80 years old and in very bad health telling them he was a Attorney representing Midpoint Resolution Group and if they didn't take care of the bill immediately owed by their grand-daughter that she was due to be picked up by the local police within hours. I am gathering all information I can on this sleazy outfit because I have hired a Attorney and plan on suing them because of the great distress they put on my aging parents. They had nothing to do with my daughters bills. My mom called me crying and hysterical because of the threat from these people. These people are very low down to prey on and threaten elderly people who don't even live near or see their grand daughter. I also am going to file a complaint with the Attorney General Office in Georgia where they are located.

April 2008  FMS

Has anyone had any dealings with FMS out of Illinois? They have now purchased an old debt of mine from Palisades and I fell into their trap when they contacted me. I should have not answered but I did and confirmed my last four digits of my SSN. I know that was the wrong thing to do. Haven't heard anything else from them since Saturday . Their phone nbr is 847-762-7682.

April 2008  Accelerated Financial

I've recently been contacted by this company:  http://www.acceleratedfinancial.net/

What a bunch of freaks!! These people must think that I fell off the turnip truck or was born yesterday or a combination of both. They called my roommate on his cell phone, which I never gave out to anyone so not sure how they reached him. He called them to find out what they wanted, and they wouldn't tell him anything, only that I was about to be sued. However, they did leave a message on his cell phone and practically told him everything about me and why they were calling. The message was ridiculous - they left it for him but then they said it was for me and then addressed his voice mail as if it was me who would be receiving the message. When he spoke to them, they told him that they couldn't get in touch with me. They referred to me as a 'deadbeat' and 'one of those people' and 'the type of person to skip and run' when I'm none of those things. Then they called my parents and thought that my mom was my wife. My mother's Italian temper flared, and she screamed at the woman, and she told my mother she would never call again. However, not before the caller practically divulged all my personal business to my mom on the phone. When I finally left work at 5pm, I had three messages from them, all left from 8am all throughout the day.

I wrote them an email, citing various sections of the FDCPA that they violated and attached a debt validation letter and then mailed them one. I have no idea what they want or for what purpose they are calling me. They're not on my credit report. In the messages left for me, they told me that they were planning on serving me with a warrant of debt. I don't live in VA (never have!!) and warrant of debts aren't valid in NC. This is an agency to watch out for!

April 2008  CBE Group, Inc. Waterloo

Here is the pitch on this scam collection agency; A computer voiced "Angela" call to a number, then the voice says, "Please call me back at 1-866-892-4708." The number seen on caller ID is really 319-274-1919. A "Googled" web search I did, found out alot of complaints through such sites as 800notes.com, whocalledus.com, consumerfraudreports.com, ripoffreport.com. They also have another number 1800-925-6686 and this company does the calling incessantly, day or night. Apparently they use college students in their scam to send out computer generated calls all across the nation--thereby MISLEADING themselves as who they are! I am filing police reports on them as I have done against the Portfolio and Allied Interstate scammers. I also filed online with the FCC, FTC, and mailed out complaint forms to the IRS against these companies! It works!

April 2008  All Agencies Everywhere

The comments on this site surprise me. Bud Hibbs is an advocate for those who have been wronged. However, most of the comments made here are simply from people who don't pay their bills. For some reason, they think that because a debt is old or sold its no longer valid. Where is the personal responsibility? If you owe money - yesterday or 5 years ago - pay it. You owe it, right? Do you teach your kids to duck responsibility? Of course not. Stop blaming others for your lack of responsibility. Pay your bills. If you can't, don't blame others for your poor decisions or life's misfortune.

April 2008  World Wide Recoveries

since Feb. 08 i have been harassed by world wide recoveries. I have been contacted by some guys named "Randall", Mr. Brown, Don Terry, Thomas Brown, and some woman who would not disclose her name. These people have yet to tell me what the debt is about and refuse to send a copy of the debt to my address. I am not sure how they got my work number but they did. I have asked them time and time again to not call me at work. My boss has told them the same thing and they refuse. They have disclosed all types of info about this debt to everyone but me. I don't know what to do. They have called me all types of derogatory names, they have belittled me and questioned my intelligence. They have also insulted my husband and my boss. These people have also misrepresented themselves, First they called themselves attorneys, detectives, investigators district attorneys, investigators, one even went as far as saying that they were a blood relative and that it was a state of emergency. I don't know how to stop these people. They have called me at all types of the night and the morning from a 714-380-5876, 714-380-5875, 714-380-5867, and 714-380-5861. what legal action can I take.

April 2008  DMK & Associates

Received phone message on Sunday evening from a Paul Williams at 1-866-716-1065. He asked for a call back on Monday. Did not identify who he is, what company he represents or what he is calling back about. I called the number and the recording answered "DMK and Associates".  Googled DMK and associates and found several complaints from consumers about rude calls, etc.  This company is probably an outgrowth of one of our other many friends in the industry.

April 2008  Roquemore & Roquemore, Dallas, Texas

Nationwide Collateral Location and Recovery Firm -they hire private investigators to track debtors down.Their motto "We'll get them before they get you!"  Skip Trak  Corporate Office: Garland, Texas 75043  info@roquemore.com

P.O. Box 743608  Dallas, Texas 75374-3608   972-226-9266      800-500-7855 Fax 972-226-9720

April 2008  Stillman Law Office, Michigan

I had this account with Western Michigan University that was turned over to RMS-Recovery Management. They in turn turned it over the Stillman Law Office with the information of RMS still on my credit report. I called them today to get the most updated information on my account and I was told that it was sent out March 28th. Today is APRIL 11! That is literally 2 weeks ago (can you say liars?)! The lady on the phone said "any day now." That's not an acceptable answer. After my dad checked the mail and said I have nothing for me from them, I called them back and talked to a floor manager and requested he send me information on my account. He told me I sent them a "Cease and Desist" letter in January of 2006. Mind you, I did send them something but it sure wasn't a cease and desist letter but think about this... if I sent a Cease and Desist order, why is it still on my credit report and the amount still going up? So afterward, I told them that I am prepared to put in an Affidavit saying I didn't send them that. He continued to tell me that they couldn't send me anything due to the cease and desist letter. I then presented to him that I had spoken to someone earlier who told me they sent something March 28th. He didn't know what to say. He then said to "keep an eye out for it." I then preceded to tell him that wasn't an acceptable answer. I told him to fax me the information today before 5pm or I'll sue him and that office for withholding information under the Freedom of Information Act (yes it's possible). Mind you people, these Lawyers and their offices LIE to you on a consistent basis. Learn to do things in a private matter and beat the system.

April 2008  Integrated Portfolio Management, Inc 800 Springer Drive, Lombard, IL

My mother-in-law received the first phone call from this "company" on April 10th. Kenneth Grayer, collector. Said they had been "retained" by Chase to collect this account, and that he would be getting back to them with his recommendations. The "account" was a trade account from a few years ago. This dispute was settled from the beginning. He told my mother-in-law that she was going to be prosecuted for fraud. She is 84 years old, in very poor health, hard of hearing, and was on her way out the door to go to the nursing home where her oldest daughter is now. This upset her beyond all reason. She gave Kenneth her son's (my husband) cell phone number. Kenneth called him. My husband was on a construction job, so he told Kenneth to call me at home. I had just been in my house about 10 minutes, I had just picked MY mom up from the hospital. She had open heart surgery last week. Kenneth proceeds to tell me that he has spoken with my mother-in-law and that she wants to press charges against me because I fraudulently opened an account in her name. He said that he had the authority to drop the fraud charges if I made a "down payment" of $1500 - $2000 and then set up a payment plan for the other $3000. He then asked for my checking account number.

He also told me that he had a recording of my mother-in-law stating she wanted to press charges. I gave him no information, and told him that I would have to discuss this with my husband when he got home. Told him to call me back the next day. He did. But I had researched his company and found out what they were. First of all, there was NEVER any fraud. Due to an unexpected illness, we were never able to get the business going and were unable to repay the debt. We have filed bankruptcy. (Oh yes, Kenneth was "very nice" and said he was willing to waiver the "down payment", but not to mistake his "kindness for weakness") When he called back the next day, I asked for his mailing address FIRST THING, and he asked why I wanted it. He hesitated, but eventually gave it to me. I told him then that my attorney would be contacting him. He exploded. Told me I didn't know the law, etc. etc. And yes, I DID TURN MY OWN TAPE RECORDER ON and taped the conversation, and I told Kenneth I was doing so. Don't think he believed me, but he's in for a surprise. Because I most certainly did. I have it just in case any REAL legal person wants to hear it. I have filed a complaint against the company and him as of this morning, and I WILL press charges against this company. ENOUGH!

April 2008  Norfolk Financial Corp.

I have investigated this "debt Collector" for about 1 month after finding them on my credit report.

First off, The owner's name is Daniel W. Goldstone. Do a Google search and see what you come up with. Read about him being Disbarred for 8 years by the SJC. He still is not licensed in Massachusetts to collect debt. He uses an attorney to collect to avoid licensing.

He has an address in RI on my credit report, BUT it has a Boston Massachusetts phone number. I really don't need to say much because a Google of his name says enough.

The Original debt they are suing me for is NOT on my credit Report. If it was delinquent 215 days on 1/16/06, you would think CHARGE OFF would of happened at 180 days for a credit card and late fees, Federal Regulation. Not according to the BOGUS credit card statement they sent me. If it was in fact charged off in 2006, it should still be on all 3 of my credit reports till 1/16/20013. His entry does not contain the original account number and it's what they call a "file number". Not to mention that what their credit card statement shows is a starting balance of over $1,000 and a late fee, on the SAME DAY.  I am seeking a lawyer as soon as I am through with this letter.

The following is a list of addresses for him and his attorney:

Norfolk Financial Corp. 1725 Mendon road   Cumberland RI 02864


Norfolk Financial Corp.  2130 Mendon road   Cumberland RI 02864

Norfolk Financial Corp. Forsyth Law Office   1208 VFW PKWY ste. 201 1208 VFW PKWY
Boston MA 02132 Boston MA 02132   1(617)323-1533

Norfolk Financial Corp. Forsyth Law Offices   20 McKenna Terrace 20 McKenna Terrace
Boston MA 02132 Boston MA 02132  1(617)553-0056

Norfolk Financial Corp.   P.O. BOX 320579   Boston MA 02132

Norfolk Financial Corp.   40 Westminster Street, ste. 201  Providence RI 02903

She is only registered to do business at one location according to her Federal Employer Identification Number and that is the McKenna terrace address. I am unsure of her REAL office location. More coming soon.

April 2008  Northeast Credit  AKA Commonwealth

This company called and called and my mother finally talked to them. She told them that I was not available and they proceeded to tell her that I "owed" them a lot of money and that I had to pay right away. They claimed that I had been ignoring letters from them for over a year. She challenged that statement and they told her the address they were sending the letters to. It wasn't my address. When she told them that they started to call her a liar, and swear at her. They then proceeded to threaten to sue me for more money than they claimed I owe because they can, and when my mom said it is illegal to threaten that, they hung up. She called back and was transferred to a supervisor. When she told what happened and called them out on using fake names, they started to threaten, swear, and yell at her. They got more and more rude and eventually threatened to come down here and break my neck. After speaking to her, the immediately mailed a letter to the correct address saying that they are filing suit within five days of the date of the letter, which was 2 days before the letter even was mailed. They say its because I ignored their letters for a year. It isn't even my account. I am sure of this because the personal info and the address was wrong, only the last four of the ssn was correct. Now I am worried about how to proceed and also fearful for my life.

April 2008  Vericore

My boss was contacted by a Tom Weigle, stating he was a P.I. investigating our company and needed to verify some information. He informed he had been instructed to do so by a Mike Spencer with Vericor. He stated he would need to come by our office and take some pictures (yeah, he's not gonna make it through the front door). He also verified information about me as well. We tried to contact Mike Spencer at the number provided (800-375-3186) which he answered but stated he had to get rid of a couple of calls before he could talk to us and that he would call us back. The only difference I can see between the other Vericor listings here is that we are located in Texas so it appears this company is branching out not only to other states, but also to tackle corporations.

April 2008   

I beat a lawsuit from these people! They sued me a few days before the SOL was set to expire on an old debt. I responded to the suit, sent them a ton of discovery, and then sent them a ton of interrogatories questioning the validity of the affidavit that they attached to the complaint. A week after I sent my discovery request, they dropped the case. They have a year to re file, but I doubt that they will. They'll probably sell my debt to someone else.
Bud is right. Challenge them. Play their game, and you'll see how quickly they give up.

April 2008    Farris & Utley PC - Tyler T. Todd

I have been in litigation with another Citibank Card, after 1st sending a Billing Error Dispute letter. 8 days after they received, United Collection Bureau sent me a Demand Letter. I sent them a Cease & Desist. I then get a letter from Citibank, they were now closing my account, they would not respond to anymore such communication etc. Shortly after I received communication from a Mikel M. Boley Attorney, which I have been battling.

In Oct. at Court we got a Discovery Sanctions Order signed due to Plaintiff's non appearance. Less than a week later, we get a package from Farris & Utley PC - Tyler T. Todd- and a Motion to Dismiss these Discovery Orders including the Discovery Sanctions.

They are NOT the Attorney of Record; we argued they had no right due to provision Utah Rules of Procedure 74(d) & 75 not being complied with, prior to the limited appearance / substitution. In Court the Judge signed their Motion Order.

How can this occur? Aren't they committing Fraud, representing a Company that did NOT retain them, to represent them!!!

On the day after of a time expiration to reply to our Objection to their Motion- we find a letter in our mailbox. No postmark, just pen scratches over the stamps! I feel these are illegal tactics, and they should be made to be accountable for their illegal Fraud Representation and USPS Fraud. Yes we have legible copies of the envelopes etc. Can you please help us nail them!!

April 2008    Just wanted to share my latest Letter with you.

AFNI, Inc.
404 Brock Drive
Bloomington, IL 61702-3097

xxxx
xxxx
Madera, CA. 93637

To Whom it May Concern:

Re: AFNI Account #xxxxxxxx

This will serve as your legal notice under provisions of federal law, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), to cease all communication with me in regard to the debt referenced above.

This notification is also formal notice to you that any filing of such action by you, or your representatives or assigns, is therefore Time-Barred.

As I am sure your legal department is aware, there exists a statute of limitations in each of the 50 states for a junk debt buyer or collection agency such as yourselves to report, collect debts and/or bring suit against debtors for alleged debts.

In my home state of California, the statute of limitations is as follows:

Open accounts – 4 years from date of first delinquency
Written contracts – 4 years from date of first delinquency
Oral agreements – 2 years from date of first delinquency
Promissory notes – 4 years from date of first delinquency

As you can plainly see from the date on the “billing statement” you provided to others but never validated to me, you are far beyond the statute of limitations for collection and or obtaining a judgment/bringing suit. Since this alleged debt is clearly past the legal time frame for continued collection activity, you will cease any further contact with me.

As a result I must insist that you:
-Delete any and all records of this alleged debt from your system
-Do not contact me any further by any means whatsoever
-Do not sell, transfer, assign, or share any information about me or this alleged debt with anyone else
-Do not provide me with a IRS form 1099-C
-Do not report this false information to any of my credit bureau repositories
-Send me a signed letter that releases me from further obligations

Thank you kindly for your “attempt to collect a debt.” I trust that I will not be hearing from you any further. If you do not comply with my requests listed above, I will have no choice but to bring suit against your company in the State of California, County of Madera.

Being the reasonable people that you are, I will assume that you will realize that a Time-Barred debt that your company probably paid less than $9.00 for is not worth the time and expense of a court case, and you will comply with my requests.

Thank you very much,
Concerned Consumer

NOTE: This is an attempt to make a debt collector obey the law. Any information obtained, will be used for that purpose.

Vincent P. Cignarale

For over a month now I have been receiving several phone calls a day from various phone numbers. They leave a pre-recorded message stating they are from the law offices o Vincent P. Cignarale, and that it is in regard to a legitimate debt (blah blah etc...)

Today I had the displeasure of actually answering a call because it came from a new number - 716-651-0256 - which I mistook as someone I knew.

The man who I spoke with identified himself as "John Wesson", and since I told him I wasn't home, he asked that I call back at 866-878-5796 x326. When I asked him to elaborate on the reason for the call he stated "we have a file here in the office that directly concerns him". He chose not to provide any additional information.

As far as I can tell this stems from my idiotic decision over a year ago to take out a "payday loan". As a result of that loan the alleged payday company began taking unauthorized amounts out of my bank account, forcing me to close it completely. Months later they began calling me at my place of work telling our receptionist that the FBI were on their way to arrest me, and so on and so forth.

Now apparently this has gone to Mr. Cignarale, as I can think of no other debt that would fall into his hands.

I just thought I would give you some updated phone numbers in the hopes you can continue to educate people about this psycho.  (Pete has his own page at www.giovelawofficeexposed.com )

Delta Group, Evans Law Associates and Quadrant Group

these agencies are all one company. A select few of the people there are decent and try to work within the law. Most are pressured into using tactics that would give the devil nightmares.

their hiring practices (firing practices) are just as unethical as their collection practices. Careful folks there are new names and offices in the works to cover their tracks.

CMS - PROLINE SOLUTIONS - NMC - NCO

 I am conflicted with your site. On the one hand, I have had financial problems in my past that caused me to deal with some pretty nasty collectors. Their tactics are aggressive, rude and many times intimidating. Most of us REALLY would prefer avoiding these types of people and their associated methods. BUT, people do borrow money (credit) and promise to repay and don't. Many times there are very legitimate reasons for default on credit cards, over-drafts on checking accounts and associated credit instruments. But, can we really blame the credit lender for attempting to recoup what was lent by them to the borrower.

Here is my conflict. It appears this site provides an open forum to say all debt collectors and their associated agencies are somehow infringing on a borrower's right. What does the borrower expect the lender to do when they default on a promise to pay? In very real terms, a lender provides MANY opportunities to the borrower for correction of debt before it is charged off and sent to a collector. Past due statements are sent by the original lender asking for payment and/or a request to the borrower to contact lender and discuss financial hardships. People do become resigned when their financial burdens seem too difficult to overcome and at that point the real problems start. The lender gets no response from the borrower over many months of attempted contact and charges off the account as non-recoverable. Now the collector comes in.

I wish people would manage their credit accounts responsibly. It is a given that banks and credit card companies "target" new clients on a variety of levels. Some of the target markets are first time credit borrowers with a lot of "backend" potential and others are past borrowers that defaulted and are offered new credit with significant upfront fees and REALLY high interest. It is a predatory business but people NEED to think before they act.

My message is pretty simple. LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS. If you are provided credit, accept it if you need it and can afford it AND make good on your promise to repay. IF YOU ARE OFFERED CREDIT AND KNOW YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO REPAY REFUSE THE OFFER. If you don't accept this advise, please stop complaining when the collection calls start coming.

I DO NOT CONDON THE PRACTICE OF RE-SELLING "PAPER", ESPECIALLY WHEN A "SETTLEMENT" OR "AGREEMENT IN COMPROMISE" HAS BEEN REACHED WITH A COLLECTION AGENCY ON SPECIFIC DEBT. I DO HAVE COMPASSION FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE DEALING WITH COLLECTORS AND CANNOT AFFORD TO SETTLE OR REPAY THE DEBT. THE FACT IS, YOU ARE A COMMODITY THAT CAN BE PURCHASED AND SOLD. NONE OF THE COLLECTORS YOU SPEAK WITH TAKE A PERSONAL POSITION TO YOUR PROBLEM. IF THEY COLLECT MONEY FROM YOU, THEY COLLECT A COMMISSION FEE. IF THEY CAN'T COLLECT YOU ARE A IMPEDIMENT TO THEIR WEEKLY BONUS. IT IS JUST A BUSINESS. PERIOD. AND IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN MIS-TREATED, CONTACT YOUR STATES ATTORNEY GENERAL TO COMPLAIN.

Student Loans

I must respond to comments that make the Dept of Education seem invincible. They are not. Since the Dept has decided to use private collection agencies to collect their loans, then the FDCPA law applies to them. So the Cease-Comm letter applies. Also the only contact with relatives must be only to locate alleged debtors who they cant locate. If they have your address and phone but you tell them to not contact you they cant contact anyone else claiming to look for you since they already know where you are. They also cannot contact your employer if you tell them this is not allowed at your place of business. As for wage garnishments, they must send a written notice and give you a specific number of days to respond and grant a hearing if requested. Allied Interstate has garnered a big contract with the Dept of Edu because they have previously been able to collect a large amount. But their collection tactics are typically outside of the law which the Dept claims they will not tolerate collectors who violate the law. Yet they do. Who is the real criminal here, the collector who violates the law or the govt agency which tacitly condones their behavior?

RGM & Associates

Rgm & Associates   5824 Library Rd   Bethel Park, PA 15102   Phone: (412) 854-5874 Please add these dirt bags to your list on your site.

Audit Systems Clearwater Florida

These boneheads...they've been calling my mom at her new residence now for several weeks trying to "verify" an address she used to live at. When she pressed them as to who they were, all "Latisha" would tell her was that she would discuss it as soon as my mom verified the address...btw, the address they were attempting to verify is MY home address. (I've since told my mom to accept the call, "verify" the information, get the account # and information and we'll send the Cease Comm.)

So without hesitation, I got the 800 # from my mom and called them on a Saturday. Their VM said they are in operation on Saturdays. NOT TRUE. Anyway...I managed to accidentally access their voice mail system and set up a VM account on their system ( I know...what a stinker.).

Anyway...I called them on Monday morning, February 18. I spoke to a girl who identified the company as Audit Systems. I asked her if they were a collection agency to which her reply was that was privileged information. I then advised her that under the FDCPA if she were questioned about it she needed to be forthcoming about who they were. She stalled for a moment then admitted that they were indeed a collection agency. She asked me for my name, and I gave her just my first name, Ray (you can print it...I have nothing to hide). I then asked her for their physical address. She began to stall again and asked me my name once again to which I replied that it was unimportant. I politely advised her that in Texas we don't have to advise the other party on a telephone call that the call is being recorded, but I was doing so and that it would be in her company's best interest to give me the address or risk being investigated by the FTC and FCC. She put me on hold...I thought she hung up...then she came back on the line and gave me an address of   Audit Systems   3696 Ulmerton Rd., Ste 200  Clearwater, Florida 33762

I thanked her for the information. She again asked me for my name...I told her it was Jerry Jones and then hung up.

Stick to your guns with these knuckleheads. Advise them your are an informed consumer and that you will not be intimidated by any of their illegal tactics.

Collector Speaks

I am a collector and don't believe in breaking the FDCPA. I do believe that you can make a career out of collections, whether you work for a bank or a collection agency. The bottom line is that people need to stop spending more money then they make. This is why are economy is struggling the way it is. Credit card should be used to establish credit but should be paid off every month. If you cant afford to buy it god forbid we as a consumer try to save the money and then buy it. I do understand that sometimes things happen, but then again if we save some money maybe that lost employment or what every did happen would be a softer blow financial. I think on you web site maybe show people how to get out of debt or show how to avoid getting into the situation at all. I also speak to people who file tax exempt all year and owe the IRS thousands of dollars and if you ignore them take what they want when they want. People need to get back to the basics like our grandparents did, which built our country to what it is today. The baby boomers are the one's who have changed the world to the materialistic world it is today. What is the difference between a shirt from Wal-Mart the cost $15.00 and the same exact shirt from Banana Republic that cost $90.00. Everyone needs to take a step back in life and see what they are doing and hold themselves accountable. If you want too help most people in this world try and help them identify the problem of spending and they don't need 10 credit cards, know your limits in life. I hope this does make it to your site, but I am sure it wont only the negative things do. That is what sells and that is what people feed on now. 

ProLine Solutions

Over the past few weeks, I have been receiving phone calls from "ProLine Solutions." The caller id shows it to be from an “Unavailable” at 716-304-6350. I checked the area code and SURPRISE! It’s from Buffalo, NY. The caller leaves messages in a strange, raspy voice and begins with slowly saying "this call is for you" (and then my name). He says his name is “Chris.” It's really kind of creepy. He then says to contact him at 800-518-4950. Each message is the same, and every time I can hear about a dozen people talking in the background and some are laughing. I have been waiting to receive some sort of correspondence from this company in the mail, so that I can send them a “Cease Communication Letter,” but I have yet to receive anything from this company other than odd voice mail messages. I checked online and I found quite a few reports of people who have dealt with this company over the telephone and they all say they are extremely rude, insulting and demeaning. So, I will definitely NOT be answering my phone when they call. My question is, can I send a “Cease Communication Letter” without having received any paperwork or other correspondence from them, other than phone calls? I just went through quite an ordeal dealing with Aurora Gold & Associates last year, and I just DO NOT want to start this again with another debt collector!

Tyler and Morgan   

Some new agency in Tampa, FL which I never heard of making the usual threats against my property and assets. Claims to be a Law office even left it on my machine. At first I believed them because I never heard of them and I live in the same area . They told me that Bank Of America was suing me. When I contacted Bank Of America they had no knowledge of it. I wish I wouldn't have erased the message or recorded the conversation. I got an attorney because of their threats. He told me they broke the law and I could have taken them to court and won big since I didn't have any evidence that there is nothing that can be done. I advised him that they even contacted my relatives he said that I needed proof. We did more research on them and found out that they aren't even bonded in the state of Florida to even do business these people are some low lives if they call you or leave a message make sure you document everything and record every conversation and sue their pants off.

FirstSource Advantage   

Oh my gosh! They are calling my parents too and I am over 40! My parents are elderly and it is in clear violation of the Fair Debt Collections Act as they told them it was to collect a debt or be sued! I filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, not sure what good it will do but I will continue to fight for my rights no matter what it takes. I met with an attorney and my next step is to file for harassment.

Financial Asset Management Systems   

Looks like Jerry Hogan, a former Nationwide Credit honcho, has taken over for a company called Financial Asset Management Systems with head offices in Georgia. Same tactics, different name. First contact is by phone. No mail from these folks. I will not answer the phone and I will not be intimidated into giving any personal information.

Black, Goldman & Associates, LLC    

This is an agency owned by an Edward Bednarz and supposedly his wife, out of the Ellicott Square Building in Buffalo, New York. He states he is an LLC agency and is licensed in the City of Buffalo and New York State and has pending licensure in other states. He has none of these. He has no LLC or licenses to collect anywhere. His company tries to collect by intimidation when they have no real power to do anything. He is a low-life, scum-sucking, bottom feeder who not only tries to bully people in the general public for money, but uses employees and fires them when he cannot afford to pay them. So when you do call there, there is never the same person to speak to. You are told they are no longer with the company. If you are a consumer - just hang-up on him and his goons. If you are a collector - BEWARE - this is an employer who makes empty promises of money and percentages of his company just to try to keep you working till he fires you without paying you at all. 

F.A. Management Solutions   

F.A. Management Solutions is represented by its corporate operative, Attorney Hugh Brett Shafritz.

Hugh Brett Shafritz    Address: Shafritz and Braten Pa    25 Seabreeze Ave Ste 400
Delray Beach, Florida 33483-7038     Phone: 561-278-7828
Fax: 561.2788658    E-Mail: hshafritz@aol.com

All you need to do is read on the internet about this firm, they are well noted for their fraudulent collections scams. They sent me a collections letter demanding 1/2 for a debt that was consolidated and paid back in 1999 early 2000.

Reliant Capital Solutions, LLC    

Bill Landis will call you and yell stating if you would pay the debt he would let you talk to anyone even the manager. he is rude and obnoxious and so is the owner, Margie Brickner. they are not willing to negotiate only pursue judgment if you don't have the entire amount due.

Pressler & Pressler    

I've been in a back & forth with Pressler & Pressler since mid-summer 2007. The first contact I had was a Subpoena for claim they filed on behalf of their client. A client I'd never heard of, heard from, dealt with. Having been a long-time reader of this site, and having been to this 'rodeo' before (1 loss, 1 win) I knew how to play the game. I responded to every single request (according to the Law), and cc'd the court each step of the way. Pressler & Pressler has failed to provide 'any evidence' of a legitimate debt they claim I owe, they sent the usual vague fax copies of blank 'debt sale' letters, etc. Nothing with my name, signature, date or account details on it. I've sent counter requests repeatedly asking them to VALIDATE their claim...they reply with the same docs , a different dollar amount being claimed, and more threats'. They have 'postponed' the original hearing date 3 times, needing more tiem for 'discovery', the court has approved each request immediately. The last scheduled hearing date was set at 11/29/07. Last week I got a new letter from Pressler & Pressler, a copy of a Motion they sent to the court requesting that they 'dismiss' my objection to their claim. I was preparing my reply when I received a postcard in the mail on 2 days later, from 'the court', telling me thay had already set a date to hear Pressler & Pressler's request to dismiss, and that I was 'not to attend' that hearing. Apparently they don't need or want me there to complicate their plans.
As has been reported here before Pressler & Pressler are in cahoots with certain judges and or attorneys in the State of New Jersey, so I was not totally surprised to get the 'quick' court notice telling me to stay away on the 14th. I still plan to send my latest response to the court, but I expect they will decide against me anyway, never even giving me the courtesy of hearing my side of this case. American Justice. isn't it grand!

Gault Financial     TN

This agency showed up on my credit report without ANY correspondence, calls or any communication on a debt from Household Bank over 4 years old. We weren't aware of any collection on this account until we were served by a process server for court. I immediately contacted an attorney , who has notified them of my representation, and they ignored that letter and contacted me to notify me that the court date had been postponed, which violates a client/attorney relationship. They have not responded to my attorney's requests for documentation of the debt and amount, now almost 2 months later. This agency is basically attempting to bully their claim. Beware!

National Recovery Solutions LLC

in august I was contacted by this company stating they are NRS and will sue me if i don't pay my radio shack bill from 8 years ago! I told the man a Mr. baker that it was past statute
and i don't have to pay this. he told me they own this and will sue me if i don't pay today. again i tell him that i don't have to. he says i will see you in court and hangs up. I go on the web looking for nrs. i find a company and call them about what Mr. baker said to me and they told me that they don't have radio shack or any thing like that. I get another call from a women who says her name is Kim and is telling me the very same thing about court. I tell her about Texas law and then she just attacks me telling me that i steel and even called me a bitch and hung up on me i have all ready contacted my attorney general and will be filing a law suit........thank you Mr.. Hibbs for letting me warn people about these dirt bags!!

National Recovery Corp  NRC

They said there would be a subpoena sent to me in 24 hrs if I didn't answer by a certain time. But they did say the judge but told me I could not get in touch with him though the telephone directory. They did leave this message on the telephone recorder.

Retrieval Masters Creditors Bureau Inc

Having sent request for verification ltr to Pinnacle Credit Svcs, Pinnacle has now turned this acct over to Retrieval Masters Creditors for collection. Have not received verification of debt as of this date. The account is for a Cellular 2000 wireless account that I have never opened. Am considering suit under US CODE TITLE 15 CHPT 41 CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION   Retrieval Masters Creditors Bureau Inc 2269 S Saw Mill River Road Bldg 3 Elmsford NY 10523 (914) 592-0055 (800) 666-8097   914-345-5023

Financial Crime Division of the Banking Institute

Seriously - that is who they say they are. The Criminal Financial Division of the Banking Institute.

I am not sure who these "gentlemen" really are - but my best guess is they bought an old "debt" of mine and are trying to collect. They leave messages with numbers to call back that are not valid and each of the men that call tell me (as best I can make out as they all have heavy foreign accents - Middle Eastern, I think) and speak very broken English - that I am being charged with three serious crimes - and best I can make out from the conversations due to their limited English, they have "submitted papers to my county to have my arrested" and ask me if I have ever been picked up. (Yes - have my arrested - not a typo!)

I repeatedly ask these "gentlemen" what debt they are trying to collect, what the name of their company is, etc., and they get irritated and ask me why I am asking them all these questions or they just plain refuse to answer. One time I did manage to get through by phone and they answered "Front Desk". When I asked front desk of what company, they replied that they were the front desk for many financial institutes and attorneys in the building - and all through the conversation you could hear others in the background threatening to "legally pick up" the parties they were speaking to.

I am just wondering if anyone else out there has gotten calls from them and if they have been able to find out who they are? The area code from most of their calls (according to the numbers they leave) is 517 - which in Michigan is the the area code for Lansing - also the state capital. I'm sure they are just another "bottom feeder" company but I would like to know who I am dealing with!

Westbury Ventures

William Davis has e-mailed me some of the nastiest e-mails I have ever read. He calls me a thief and says all kinds of things about my character. I have saved every one of them. He is trying to collect on a debt that is 4-5 years old he says. I don't recall the name of his company, Westbury Ventures, but recently I have read some really bad things about them. They say I have a payday loan of $200 but are now wanting around $1000. I sent him a cease communications letter three times. He leaves messages on my home phone. I have requested to see the original information on this loan but they do not provide anything. He says I am ignoring a debt I owe, but he can't even show me the proof. He continues to call anyway so I reported him. He even called my work after he received these cease communication letters. I don't know how he even got the number. He and his company need to be added to the worst collection agencies.

Sage Law Offices   

I just received a call from "Sage Law Offices". On answering the phone, I asked who was calling, and the woman just gave me her name, not stating where she was calling from until I told her it was the person she was looking for. I asked her if I could help her, and she started with "we are a law office that is trying to settle a debt". So I responded with, "so you're a debt collector?". To which she promptly replied "no, we are a law office". I asked for a validation of the debt to be sent to me to which she replied "so what are your actions going to be to settle this debt when you receive the paperwork? Are you just going to throw it into your pile of unpaid whatever?". I was appalled! The only thing I could say was "When I receive the paperwork I will decide on what to do". She was trying to be very intimidating and succeeded at being extremely rude.

Laurance A. Hecker    

I had a run in with this company in October. It was crazy. These people are awful. They called about a discover card  from 1991,last activity was April 2001. I told them I do not owe anything to discover and questioned why all of the sudden I was being contacted after 17 years. Susan Miller couldn't answer, so  Phillip Tide got on the phone and automatically said, you are not willing to pay this debt, I understand, then fine, we have the court papers drawn up and you will be served. While that is taking place we will have a sheriff come to your house and you will be arrested. He continued to yell at me louder and more vulgar and more threats of having me arrested, and taking my house, garnishing my husbands wages, etc.  He gave me 4 choices, full amount by phone with a check or credit card, or various payments. I asked him to let me call my husband about this matter. He said, i will wait. I said, I need to hang up in order to do this. He said I can call him right now and we can have a 3 way conversation. I said no. He gave me all my choices again and to make a long story short, I settled with the $2300 in fear for my husband. BUT the credit card in which I gave him only has my name on it but it is my husbands account. Anyway, he said he was going to send me something in writing stating that it was paid in full after receiving the money from the credit card but also another letter THAT I HAD TO SIGN FIRST saying that I let him use my credit card. Well i wasn't going to sign it and I told my husband about this and called the credit card company right away to stop any payment that will come up with their name to them. The charge went through already without the signed paper. My husband disputed it and told them that he didn't authorize this charge and they weren't aloud to take the money out until that paper was signed, told them the story about how I was threatened into this that they told me they were going to arrest me and go after my husband, and that he had the paper there that he had to sign and is not going to and so on. The guy told my husband, oh no they will not get this money and the money will be back on your credit card and they are disputing the matter.  NOW I have another company calling me about the same "so called debt" but this one is over $4000 for the same thing. These people that are calling now will not give me their name, will not give me the company name or anything. It comes up on caller ID not provided. But the number is 866-756-3912 and I can't find who it is anywhere. When I asked them who they were calling for the woman yelled at me and said stop yelling, I didn't yell at all I simply asked, who are you calling for? She hung up on me. These people are calling me 1 to 2 times a day and calling everyday. I have been logging all their calls and writing down if I answer the phone or not, and what was said when I answered the phone, and the time and dates when they called. They will not leave a message on the answering machine either. I wanted something recorded. 

IQOR    

I also just left this company I am a very good collector, without being abusive at all, I left this company because one of the companies team lead was making racial remarks about Spanish people. "Why do "they" come here and steal our money learn to speak English" this where her words not mine. I was greatly offended as, I have informed them of my own Spanish descent. I had only worked there a month and was sitting at an 8.1 in fee with just 26 hours this should say how good I am. I quit that moment and left. After calli