Consumers Said...

Comments are from consumer emails. Personal data is redacted and some messages edited for brevity.

N E W S

June 2008

Someone called this morning and asked for me by my maiden name. That threw up a red flag as I have been married for seven years! The man told me that my 1993 Sears account was in collections, to which I responded that I did not know what account he was talking about because my Sears account is current. He hung up on me. MCG is trying to illegally collect on a time barred debt - the SOL in Texas is 4 years.

September 24, 2007

I received a letter from a company called Paragon Way about 1 week ago attempting to collect a debt that had to be over 7 years old, and was paid in full at that time. I couldn't believe it because I have never seen this on my annual credit report reviews, and never had any contact from the supposed company I owed the money to. I called Paragon very upset and told them they were mistaken, this debt was settled long ago, etc, I then googled Paragon the next day and saw a lot of references to Merchant's Credit Guide. Yesterday, I rec'd a letter from Merchant's Credit Guide saying they had purchased this debt from Paragon (within a week?)...by the way, we're only talking about $370, seems like a lot of purchasing going on for such a small amount that they'll never see a penny of. So I called Merchant's Credit Guide and I hope I didn't screw up...they asked me to verify my identity and gave me my last four digits of my ssn...I acknowledged that was correct. Then I told the guy that the debt was invalid, don't call me and feel free to sue me, which I will defend and counter sue if they don't have their facts correct (which they can't possibly). He pretty much just chuckled and said "okay". I am sending them a cease and desist letter today and copying Iowa Attorney General. The web is full of bad news on these guys. In case anyone is wondering as to my credibility, I can only tell you that at one point in my life my credit was less than stellar. I have worked exceptionally hard over the last 7 years at keeping my credit in good shape and have EVERY year reviewed my credit reports. I can't prove I paid the debt they're referring to, because after I got married I got rid of any of my old receipts etc, not thinking I'd ever need them. I KNOW I paid what they're trying to collect. What a hassle.
 

August 27, 2007 

I thought I was done with this last year when I last spoke to NCO Collection Agency or NCO Portfolio Management, Inc or what ever their name is this week that if they can't validate this supposed debt that I have that they need to stop contacting me. They said that I should call a number and talk to the supervisor. I did and even he couldn't or wouldn't send me any type of validation! Heck they just stopped calling or sending me any letters at all. But today I get a letter from this Merchants' Credit Guide Co. telling me that THEY are now representing NCO PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT, INC. I thought I took care of this? I thought it was over and done! So now I will send them a certified letter and have a hard copy of it for my records. I'm pretty sure I have never owned a card from Sears and besides that they once told me that I supposedly used it last back in 1997. Isn't there a time bar on something like this? Sheesh! You almost HAVE to sue them to stop hounding you!

August 27, 2007 

I saw that Merchants Credit Guide had made an inquiry on my credit report last month. I have no debts remaining within the SOL, having really gotten serious about my credit in the past 6 years. Today I get a call from 866.352.0237. I answered, not knowing who it was. There was a recording asking if my name was *****, I stayed on the line and a man spoke to me, asking my name. I asked HIS name. He said it was CRISTON, I had him spell it. Then I asked what company he was representing. He ignored that and asked me to confirm the last 4 digits of my SS#. I replied that I would not confirm anything to him until I knew who he represented and why he was calling. He then said he was noting that I refused to confirm my SS# and that he was terminating the call. I said good bye and he hung up.

Afterwards I checked the number online, found it is Merchants Credit Guide and visited this site. I'll be mailing a DV and a demand that they contact me only by mail. I don't know what the debt is for, but if it is mine it is well past the SOL.

June 25, 2007 

Just got my first rule-breaking call from these people a few minutes ago, ironically taking over a debt from Wolpoff and Abramson. (Has anyone heard what has happened with W&A? They suddenly quit calling; don't know if they finally got their come-uppance nationwide, or just here in Texas.) They left a message on the machine asking me to call them, which I'm taking notes for and will turn it over to an attorney I have, once I'm able to pay his $750 retainer fee (which I don't have yet; meanwhile, I'm keeping logs...)

Have fun while you can, boneheads, as it's funny that THREE companies and/or law firms that have attempted to collect on this debt have broken laws. Yes, I owe the money, and I'm paying off debts as I go, but it looks like I'll be owing less and less as more and more firms keep on screwing up!

June 15, 2007 

I was sent a letter by this company demanding over $3000. Since I was a little naive at that time (over a year ago), I did begin to pay them (big mistake, I've heard). Then I decided to send them my own letter requesting a debt validation. After that, I did not pay & they ceased contact with me. My guess is, the debt was old or bogus.

June 5, 2007 

I received one of the infamous "Ken Hughes" fraudulent collection notices from these people for an account I have never had and am not aware of with AT&T Corporation.

Here is the response I sent to them. I also filed formal complaints with the FTC, FBI, US Postal Inspectors, the attorneys general of Missouri and Illinois, and the ACA International.

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is being sent to you in response to a notice dated May 18, 2007 and received May 29, 2007 regarding file #xxxx, which alleges that I owe INOVISION, A MARLIN COMPANY, LLC the sum of $118.73 for an account I am not aware of with AT&T. This is the first communication I have ever received from AT&T or any other company, including yours, regarding this alleged account.

I also did some research and, based on my findings, am convinced that this “collection notice” you sent is fraudulent. My first thought was that I was a victim of identity theft, but complaints about your company are numerous and fraudulent collection notices appear to be your modus operandi. A google search for “Merchants' Credit Guide Co” reveals plenty.

In light of this, I—and I'm not the first person, apparently—have now filed formal complaints about your company, detailing this incident with the Federal Trade Commission, the US Postal Inspectors, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the offices of the Attorney General in Missouri and Illinois, and the American Collectors Association. I will be documenting and publishing all communications I have sent or received regarding this alleged account on my website. I will also be reporting you to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. I also intend to further expose your company and its fraudulent, bottom-feeding, criminal practices through any means I can. And I'm a person with means. And you have given me a crusade.

That said, pursuant to my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 USC 1692g Section 809(b), I wish to formally dispute your claim and request full validation of this alleged default account.

In particular, I demand that your company provide me with competent, cohesive, and complete written evidence describing and detailing this alleged debt. To start with, please provide me with the following:
Proof that your company owns or has been assigned this debt;
When this alleged debt was originally incurred, and by whom;
A full description of how this alleged amount was calculated, and how you ascertained that it was owned by me;
A description of what this debt is for;
Complete payment history, from the original creditor up to and including charge off;
Copies of any written agreements that say I am to pay what you say I owe;
Copies of any judgment(s);
Identification and contact information of the original creditor;
Proof that the statute of limitations has not expired on this alleged account;
Proof that you are licensed to collect in the state of Missouri;
Your company's license numbers and registered agent in Missouri

Please note that if your offices, agents, company, or affiliates have reported any invalidated information to any of the credit bureaus regarding this alleged account , it is in violation of federal and state laws and I will not hesitate to pursue legal action against you, including but not limited to:
Violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Defamation of Character
Fraud

If your offices are able to provide the documentation requested, I will require 30 days to investigate this information and during such time all collection activity must cease.

Also during this validation period, if any action is taken which could be considered detrimental to any of my credit reports, I will not hesitate to file suit. This includes posting any information to a credit bureau that could be inaccurate or invalidated or verifying an account as accurate when in fact there is no provided proof that it is.

If your offices fail to respond to this validation request within 30 days from the date of your receipt, all references to this account must be deleted and completely removed from my credit file and a copy of such deletion request shall be sent to me immediately via registered mail.

I have yet to receive any other communications from you, but I will be proactive and am now formally requesting that you cease communications. In particular, no telephone contact should be made by your company, agents, or affiliates to my home, my cell phone, to my place of employment, or to any of my family members. If your offices attempt telephone communication with me, including but not limited to computer generated calls and calls or correspondence sent to or with any third parties, it will be considered harassment and I will have no choice but to file suit. All future communications with me must be done in writing and sent to the address specified in this letter via USPS registered mail.

Warmest regards,

ME
cc:

Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20580

Federal Bureau of Investigation
J. Edgar Hoover Building
935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20535-0001

US Postal Inspections Service
Criminal Investigations Service Center
Attn: Mail Fraud
222 S. Riverside Plaza, Ste 1250
Chicago, IL 60606-6100

Attorney General Jay Nixon
Missouri Attorney General's Office
Supreme Court Building
207 W. High St.
P.O. Box 899
Jefferson City, MO 65102

Attorney General Lisa Madigan
100 West Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601

ACA International
P.O. Box 390106
Minneapolis, MN 55439

May 14, 2007 

The initial call was from phone number: 866-352-0237 to my mobile phone. A message was left on my voicemail with a lady's voice instructing that, "It's important for you to contact Ken Hughes at 888-249-1037.

This is in connection with an 8 year old debt THEY HAVE AN IN AT VERIZON that is the ONLY way they could have gotten my NEW cell number I questioned the collector where they got the number they then insisted they must have the wrong person and they hung up. I called their compliance department they were a bit spooked that I was coming at them so hard. (Compliance Department.  That's cute.)

I will pursue this further I may never be able to prove it but they could only have got that number from VERIZON.

May 5, 2007 

I Received A Letter From Merchandise Credit Guide On Mar 14 07. They Claimed I Owed $3917.48 On A Wells Fargo cc that I Have Never Had, They Are Willing To Settle For 1175.24. I Contacted The Company And Advised That I Was Not Aware Of This Credit Card Debt And They Said I Made My Last payment To Them On the Account 12/99 - I Advised " LANA" That I Would Have To Investigate This And Get Back To Them. Having Reviewed All Of My Past Credit Cards And Obtaining A Copy Of My Credit Report, There Is Nothing Even Listed With The CC # In Question Or Anything With That Amount. I have Not Called Them back , However They Have Been Calling Me. AS I Read Through All Of You Letters I Saw An Insert On KEN HUGHES - From Credigy Receivables Dated June 24 06, Well This Just Happens To Be The Collection Agency Representative For This Company. I Feel This Is Some Kind Of A Scam To Extract Money From Me. It Appears That By The Number Of Rip-Off Reports I Have Read And Your Web Site That Fair Credit Reporting Act Has Created More Than 2.5 Million Families That Filed Bankruptcy Last Year And The Unknown Number Of Families In Debt Recovery - Our Country Has Created A More Criminals In The Form Of Imaginary Lawyers And Less Than Reputable Collection Agencies - What Has Happened To The United States?

April 4, 2007 

WARNING: MCM is sending out their own credit card applications in an sneaky attempt to get you to apply. Once you do, they will add the amount of any phony claim to the card and the whole process starts all over as they got you now on an unsecured loan.

March 20, 2007 

Just received a letter today from the infamous "MCG". It lists an account that was never mine, and a former married name from 20 years ago. How wrong could they be? Wrong person/20 years ago? It's signed by the fictitious "Ken Hughes". If you google around this Hughes fellow must be pretty darn busy making thousands of phone calls and letters. I think some people actually believe that he owns the place or is actually doing all this. So here I am with the best credit score of my life, minding my own business, and I've been hit by this scum. They haven't started calling me yet, but I expect that any day. I will send a Cease & Desist letter tomorrow to them. Just as I had to do with another agency last month. So, the fastest growing financial services business model in America now is this type of predatory collections on either incorrect or SOL-barred data. WHO exactly is looking out for the consumers, other than heroes like Bud? WHY are these people still in business? How many hundreds of complaints with the FTC and Attorneys General do they have to generate to be put of out business? I'm grateful that the new Congress is tackling predatory credit card issues this session, NOW we need some teeth into stopping this growth industry targeting innocent consumers. Oh, and MCG boasts on their website that they have experienced a "570% growth" in their business recently. ALL because they are legally able to purchase old debts, access our credit reports, and harass the uninformed. It's a crime.. literally. Thanks for being there! I'll send out that letter tomorrow! 

February 17, 2007 

Palisades Collection LLC Englewood Cliffs NJ has contracted Merchants Credit Guide Co of Chicago IL to collect a bogus $744 ATT Wireless debt from 2005 that ATT says I never owed & I had no knowledge of. I have a letter from the famous "Ken Hughes". I have sent a registered letter asking them to validate the claim and to only contact me by mail. Since then they have called me 3X but I will not speak to them.

I have reported them to the PA and IL Attorneys General, the FTC, the BBB. Merchandise Credit Guide is a 105 year old company, are they now in the wrong hands or what?

This appears to be a fairly widespread scam. I cant believe that they can operate like this with such a network of people complaining to so many consumer organizations.   Puzzled and Annoyed in PA

February 14, 2007 

I've been bugged by the bottom feeder's, to no avail on their part. Sent them a Cease and desist letter, and things have cooled down. Don't ever answer their calls, sign or volunteer anything. I would suggest that anyone harassed by MCG Co. return the favor to them by printing off a few sheets of address label's and sending them more junk mail than they can handle. We're talking the postage paid BRC's found in magazines and newspapers. The addresses and corporate offices for MCG are found on this forum. Can you imagine the volume of mail the MCG home office, as well as the home addresses of the corporate officers of MCG would receive if 50 - 100 people did this for a few months?

I'm sure that they would find it more irritating than the irritation they inflict on a daily basis.

Received a call from a Merchants' Credit Guide employee five or six weeks ago. It was in regard to a time barred credit card debt from 1987. I have pulled all 3 of my credit reports....excellent credit on all of them. Every single account is paid on time and 99% of them are paid off on all reports. There are no charge-offs, judgments or anything of this nature on any of the reports. The account that the lady was asking about is nowhere to be found on any of the reports. I told her I do not owe on that account, and hung up. I really disregarded the call until one evening I had time to do research on MCG and found you site.

I noticed that Merchants' Credit Guide has an inquiry on the Experion credit report....(No inquiries on the others.)

Have not heard anything else from MCG, however, my phone rings at least once a day from a "Unidentified Caller", which I do not answer. I never answer unidentified calls.....never have....never will.

Don't know what will happen next. Will keep you informed.  Thanks for you informative website!

Well.. I just got a letter from this Merchants Credit Guide, i called them up since I didn't recognized a sum $907.99!! (note the cents) by a United Credit National Bank from Genesis Financial Solutions. I just called and they told me it was a debt from 1988 and he couldn't tell me the name of the original bank since it had been sold so many times, he could just tell me that it was a visa and insisted on saying visa visa visa!!!! I told them exactly what you said about the 10 years illegal litigation and Mr Walker started to be aggressive and said that I still HAD to pay for that debt and it was my responsibility. !!! Needless to say I hang up on him. After I hung up I realized I was 15 years old on 1988!!!! of course I did not open that account at all.

An 18 year old debt.  Paper's getting awfully thin out there.  That only makes them more aggressive...

These bozos have been giving us "Ken Hughs" calls since May. They sent one letter. I called them back, gave the account number from the letter, and told them to go away. The alleged debt is over ten years past the statute of limitations. They hung up and now we get almost daily robo-calls from "Ken Hughs".

Here's some info. I gleaned.  Edwin S Burtis  760 Riford Rd, Apt 611  Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-3951
(630) 469-0975

For any one wanting these idiots bio and info, here's some I could find:

Michael Fromknecht   440 Wabash Ave   Chicago, Il 60611  (312) 644-1457 OR (312) 644-5021

Daniel F. Burtis Age 46  4317 Woodland Ave  Western Springs, Il 60558

budhibbs.com