SC Associates Dba/ Southern Capital Associates, Inc.  Aka/Lockport Collections   6929 Williams Road, #127 Niagara Falls, NY 14304 Phone: 800-440-2296 716-297-3922 800-440-2295 Fax: 716-297-6668

www.scapinc.com

Head Debt Collectors:      Brian Peunic, 41, President Michael Cepeda, Office Manager   COMPLAINTS HERE

Quick Analysis                         Consumer Comments Below

Another WNY bottom feeder that pays his collectors $10/hr. to call and threaten legal actions on purchased debts with attempts at extorting funds. A debt collector who identified himself as ‘Mark Zito at ext.#111’ had the paperwork ready to be sent via Fed-X directly to a Texas courthouse, where he wanted us to believe that court actions were imminent. Mark’s attempt at extortion were defused when told he was a liar, then a check revealed that owner Brian Peunic has not yet filed his Surety Bond in Texas, which makes him illegal to collect from Texas residents.

Extortionist Zito bragged that SC Associates (Southern Capital Associates, SCA) purchased some of their debts from Platinum Investments, which means that they are worse accounts than previously thought. A check of court documents lends credence as four suits have been filed recently against Southern Capital Associates in federal court alleging threats of immediate legal action if payments were not sent to them. (Pacer) Peunic settled them and must expect a lot more as it appears the money he has already spent on legal fees has not taught him how to collect debt legally. Again, the good news is that he IS paying, so legal actions against his organization could prove fruitful for those who have a valid claim. Check your state records to see if they are licensed or bonded for a potential claim against them. Contact me for referral to a local consumer law professional.

Apparently debt collector Brian Peunic has been too busy to read the law because threatening consumers with legal actions and collecting where you have no license and/or bond is illegal and the extortion threats we heard from collector ‘Mark Ziti at ext. 111’ may get you sued by consumer law professionals. Unfortunately Peunic’s methods are typical in what has become known as ‘Buffalo Style’ debt collections, where collectors use harassment, intimidation and threats to scare consumers into paying.  These type debt collectors pay very little for old, mostly worthless accounts, much of it out of statute, void of all validation. If you find them on your credit files, you may have additional claims against SCA under a federal law called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

Our advice to anyone contacted by this organization is to stay far away from them. They are NOT licensed or bonded, have NOT responded to debt validation notices.  They are members of the American Collectors Association, which means they do have insurance. Save your money as you will get nothing in return for sending it to SCA.
 

CAUTION: I recommend you NEVER disclose your bank account or credit card information to a debt collector, as you risk them emptying your account, or maxing out your credit card. If you feel they are reporting on your credit bureau files in error or need assistance in dealing with them, email  the details w/your location.  Assistance and referral to a consumer legal specialist may be available.   Email for Assistance 

  Comments from consumer emails.  Messages edited for brevity.

  Consumers said... Southern Capital