EEOC settles suit with Phoenix firm  http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/95874   by Jeff Burns, Tribune

The Phoenix office of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said it has settled a lawsuit alleging class sexual harassment, a discriminatory wage claim and an individual retaliation claim against Phoenix accounts receivable management firm MRS Associates for $157,500.

The EEOC suit claimed a MRS owner sexually harassed female employees by, among other things, calling them "baby" or "honey" and requiring one of them to go to a strip club.

The suit further alleged the owner fired a woman for complaining about sexual harassment.

Besides the settlement, the agreement requires company management participate in sexual harassment training.

December 2008    You'd think someone had put Exlax in the cookies the way management is tip-toeing around the office.  That unexpectedly closing of Elite has got this placed spooked - they had much better paper than we do.  It's only a matter of time here.  You can see the cutbacks in everything.

December 2008    They have been calling my home on a daily basis in regard to a WAMU credit card account. Despite sending a cease and desist communication letter, they continue to call my home. I do not answer. I have filed complaints with my state's Attorney General's Office and with the Better Business Bureau in New Jersey. Not sure what else I can do to stop their harassment. I am not in a position to pay the debt back at this time due to severe financial hardship

December 2008   They Just called us in a meeting yesterday to tell us that if we don't perform, they will re evaluate us in January and then get rid of us. And then I find this article on the web. What a way to boost morale Regina. I'm sure you enjoyed heading this meeting. I know you were just being told what Saul says to say. That's the usual M.O.

August 2008   These people have been rude to me multiple times, hung up on me. Call my in laws and leave messages for me, even after I told them to remove their phone number as a contact. Lord even knows how they got their number to begin with. They even called my husbands cell phone, again no idea how they got the number. I agree I owe the debt, however, I have made several offers to make payments, but because they do not feel it is enough they will not accept it, and tell me I am being listed as refusal to pay. They continue to threaten me with legal action if I don't pay. They even told me to get a loan or borrow money from a friend to pay the debt off, or take a credit card advance or make the payment with another credit card. When I explained I don't have any other cards other than my corporate card, which is used for work only, and if I used it for personal use it could lead to my termination, they said.. Oh.. I am going to send them a letter telling them to cease calling me and my in-laws.. This is CRAZY!!

August 2008    I am a Military Dependant and My Wife is serving in Iraq. This past Month i have been harassed by these people. I told them to not call anymore, but they continue to call with threats and Street attitudes

August 2008     At my place of business, I am the receptionist, so I answer the phones and do a lot of work, I am very busy. But every week for maybe two months, I have been getting automated messages for "James Brown." So I listen for my options, and the message says if you are not this person press 4. Okay, so I tried this a few weeks ago, and I got a very rude woman. I told her I don't know who the message is trying to call, but this is not a residence, this is a place of business. She asked me who the message was for, but the damn message can't say "James Brown" so I told her I wasn't sure who the message was trying to reach. So she got very upset with me, raised her voice and questioned me about the person. She asked for the number the message was calling, fine. I told her. She then told me it was "James Brown." She asked me if he lived here, I repeated my self "No, this is not a residence, this is a place-" She cut me off. "Do you KNOW "James Brown?" Nope, I don't. She hung up on me. I got the same message the next day. This time I did not press 4. Last week I did not get the message, but I did today. So, I pressed 4 in hopes of getting someone that might help. She asked me if I was "James Brown," no. Do I know "James Brown," no. Thank you. So hopefully it worked this time and they understand they have a wrong number for this "James Brown."

July 2008     This company's automated system has been calling my house and leaving messages on our machine. The message states the name of the person they are looking for and then goes on to say that by continuing to listen you are acknowledging that you are that person. I have never heard of the person they're looking for and there has never been one single piece of mail delivered here for that person. We have had this phone number for 8-9 years.

Finally they called on Sunday afternoon around 4:45 pm and my machine picked it up. When I heard who it was I picked up in the hopes of talking to a live person to tell them it's a wrong number. The message states that if you aren't the person they're looking for to call them back.... are they freaking kidding me!

So I didn't get a live person. I called back and was frustrated to find that they're only in the office M-F 8am to 9pm. So this means they're being a pain in my rear all weekend long and I have to call them when on their schedule.

I will call them on Monday and tell them very directly that they have a wrong number and if they so much as call one more time I will complain to every agency I can. I would also think that since we are on the Do Not Call list they shouldn't be able to continue after being told the person is not here... particularly because we have never done business with them.

July 2008   I am a former employee of this despicable company. I must say I am ashamed to say I ever worked for these people.. Looking back at what I went through as an employee, I myself am amazed that I am as sound as I am. I have read all about the way this agency treats individuals that owe money, and I am here to tell you that they treat their employees equally if not worse.. It is sad when the all mighty dollar gets in the way of human decency. One of the most concerning part of this organization (although there are many) is the rude, nasty and insensitive V.P. of Human Resources Regina Weir.. It is sad w hen the V.P. of Human Resources makes it her daily goal downgrade and belittle the staff.. She is the most hateful person I have ever come to know. I am happy to say my sentence with this company is over and hopefully soon forgotten. I would stay as far away from these guys as humanly possible... Warn others as well...... It is in the best interest of mankind!

July 2008   THIS IS MY EXPERIENCE AS A FORMER EMPLOYEE OF MRS ASSOCIATES...MY INTERVIEW WITH THE HEAD OF THE HR DEPT. "REGINA WEIR" WAS THE STRANGEST I EVER HAD, SHE WENT BALLISTIC WHEN I TRIED TO NEGOTIATE MY SALARY, HE CLAIMED THAT SHE WAS UNCOMFORTABLE AND SAID "WE'RE ON TAPE" AND POINTED TO A CAMERA AND SAID THAT SOMEONE ELSE WOULD HAVE TO FINISH THE INTERVIEW WITH ME, AFTER COAXING HER BACK TO THE TABLE SHE FINALLY STARTED TO CALM DOWN...AFTER TWO MONTHS I WENT INTO THE HOSPITAL AND CALLED REGINA WEIR ON THE PHONE TO INFORM HER AS TO MY HOSPITALIZATION, SHE WAS SWEET AS PIE, AN HOUR LATER MY INSURANCE WAS CANCELLED, WHEN I CALLED HR FIVE DAYS LATER A "JODY" TOLD ME THAT I VOLUNTARY QUIT!!! APPROXIMATELY SIX WEEKS AGO I CALLED MRS ASSOCIATES AND GOT MY OLD MANAGER" MIKE OWENS" ON THE LINE, I TOLD HIM THAT I HAD LEFT PERSONAL PICTURES THERE AND MY MRS W-2 FORMS ,MR OWENS WAS VERY HELPFUL IN LOCATING MY PERSON POSSESSIONS, HE SAID HE FOUND THEM AND THAT THEY WERE IN THE HR DEPT, HE ADVISED ME TO FAX PERMISSION OVER TO THE HR DEPT SO MY FRIEND COULD GET THEM FOR ME AS I HAVE SINCE MOVED HUNDREDS OF MILES AWAY, MY FRIEND NEVER HEARD ANYTHING SO I CALLED THE OWNER "SAUL FRIEDMAN" ON HIS PERSONAL CELL PHONE, SAUL ADVISED ME TO CONTACT "REGINA WEIR" AND SAID IT WAS HER JOB TO HANDLE SUCH THINGS, I LEFT A TWO MESSAGES FOR MISS WEIR AND NOTHING. I CALLED SAUL FRIEDMAN BACK AND GOT NOTHING BUT ARROGANT, SNOTTY REMARKS, HE HUNG UP ON ME AT ONE POINT, I CALLED RIGHT BACK AND SAUL EXPLAINED THAT THEY JUST MOVED AND THAT MY THINGS WERE THROW OUT,I TOLD HIM THAT "MIKE OWENS VERIFIED THAT MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS WERE THERE, HE THEN SUGGESTED THAT HE MAY BE ABLE TO GET ME IN THE BUILDING BY CALLING SECURITY, HE CLAIMED MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS MAY STILL BE THERE, WHEN I CALLED BACK SAUL HUNG UP ON ME AGAIN, I LEFT A VOICEMAIL LETTING HIM KNOW THAT I PLAN TO SEE HIM IN COURT IF HE CONTINUED TO HOLD ONTO MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS, THAT WAS OVER A WEEK AGO AND I PLAN TO TAKE MR FRIEDMAN TO COURT AND SEE WHERE THAT TAKES ME, I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED

July 2008   I am one of those debtors who cannot shake these people. I am used to their threats by now, but, what I want to know is, why are they all foreigners? Everyone who has called me sounds to be Iranian or close to it. Is this why the President is letting these misfits in to our country so we can be harassed and bullied by people who hate us anyway? I made a payment to settle an account and I hope it doesn't come back to haunt me. It's a damn shame, this country has been reduced to this. God bless Americans.  Don't know where to start here.  India call centers, not Iranian, and not on shore.

July 2008   MRS withdrew $100 without my knowledge or authorization. I've been going through extreme financial hardship and it was the last of what I had to count on. My account is now overdrawn and I don't even have gas money to get to work.

July 2008   I had 5 harassing phone calls in a row today from "Peter" at MRS regarding a payday loan debt that I have nothing to do with. There is a deadbeat in Phoenix with my name (different M.I.) that has been causing me problems for years. I told Peter that he had the wrong person and he said prove it. "Give me the last 4 digits of your social" I said tell me the last 4 digits you are looking for which he wouldn't do. He then said they had sent something to a Phoenix address and he knew I would deny it was my address. A minimal amount of due diligence on their part would show my different M.I and an address in Tucson.

July 2008   Well said in the previous comment. I too have spent two years with MRS before leaving the collection scene. Its tough enough to collect without having such bullies standing behind you dangling your job over your head every minute. Saul, take a step back and look at where you were and where you are now. Appears to me a lot has gone down hill since Eric has joined the MRS GANG. Regina, the only living woman without a heart. Breath Regina, life isn't so bad, stop trying to let everyone know who you are, and your title, we all know your a VP of HR. The only question we all have is, HOW? Eric, we have no idea how you came about, but If this was not a collection agency trying to keep clients, you may be good here, but it is. MRS has slumped since you came and tried to fix what was not broken. If MRS was a government, and this was politics, you would be asked to step down and leave office. Good thing you have friends in high places - (Jeff, Saul) I feel bad for anyone who walks into the doors of MRS thinking they have a job, they don't, they have a sentence and just hope they release you on parole before you get executed by Eric Hunn and GANG. Take it from me, I've been out for 4 months now and working in customer service now, wow more pay and I know I will have a job tomorrow. And for my friends who are still there, I hope you like the new office, hopefully big enough to keep the gang away from you.

July 2008     I'll keep you from guessing.  I am a bill collector. We don't publish email addresses, but we also don't publish your rants against your employer without them.

June 2008    I currently am employed at MRS Associates INC. They are the most unprofessional business that I've ever worked at. Saul Frredman (CO-CEO) is the absolute most unprofessional person that I've ever met. His bully tactics are a joke. He tries to threaten his employees with a junior high bully approach that is comical at best. He must think he is the only employer in the world. His ego is so big that it needs fed daily. Regina Weir HR VP is a joke as well. She thinks that her you know what doesn't stink and it's amazing to me that she hasn't been given the proper salute yet. The bird by everyone in the company. She says the absolute most idiotic things at times. I say this because she is the rudest person in the entire company. Get some manners Regina. Money isn't everything. Respect will take you a long way. The company right now is seriously going in the wrong direction. The owners think that this is managements fault. They couldn't be further from the truth. Their new micro-management approach is tearing the company apart. Eric Hunn and Bill Barnshaw is ruining the company the used to be a great place to work. Neither one of them has any common sense to run a successful business. Eric stutters when he lies, and Bill is a Capital One guy that has no idea how to run a day to day third party collections company. Neither one could close a deal if a debtor was in front on them with their checkbook out. Ever since they came on board the business has went down hill. Take a good look at your company Jeff. Your the smartest one of them all, however your looking dumber everyday by sitting back and allowing this to happen. Great Job on buying a building where none of your employees can park at. In a nutshell not a place I would recommend to your friends to apply for a job.

June 2008    I Was an Employee of M.R.S Associates. MRS is slowly losing Capitol One due to not hitting $ Number.. Also MRS is going bankrupt. They're bouncing Payroll Checks. They have been double charging debtors then making them wait 60 days for a refund just so they can pay there employees. I know for sure of 15 people Who were charged $750 or more just in my department. When they Try to call In to get there money back the managers avoid there calls. i.e (Jason Stang , Marcus Merrick , Tiffany Thatcher , James Brown , George Ortaga) James Hundley Is The V.P of operations. The New Albany Police Know That office by heart. (drug dealing , Theft, Assaults ) Half Their Employees Don't pay there own bills. FDCPA problems.

June 2008    I recently had the misfortune of being harassed by MRS Associates, INC. I had received a letter from them previous to the phone call stating that I owed a debt to Capital One (which I do). I, in turn, contacted Capital One AND MRS Associates and asked for a payment arrangement. By the way, as of this writing, Capital One STILL uses MRS as their collection agency. Instead of receiving a payment arrangement, I received a very nasty and hostile phone call from MRS. I wasn't sure what the guy's name was because he tried to talk quickly. From the very beginning of the conversation, this guy was rude, angry, hostile and downright nasty. When he paused to take a breath I jumped in and told him he was talking too fast and I didn't understand what he was trying to say. This made him even MORE angry! Because I love to 'mess' with these kind of people, I stayed very calm but assertive towards him. He began threatening me with a law suit, he demanded that I answer very personal questions (which I didn't of course), and he was simply out of control! I never answered any of his questions instead, I started asking HIM questions. I wanted to know WHY was he SO angry? I asked, "Why are you taking my past due debt so PERSONAL? It isn't YOUR debt unless you would like to PAY it!" Boy, this really ticked him off because I guess I caught him off guard and he began stammering. When he composed himself he told me that I needed to: "Obtain a credit card to pay off Capital One." I laughed at him. He then told me that I needed to use the credit cards that I have and pay off Capital One. I laughed even more! I told him (and this is true) that I don't HAVE any credit cards. He said this, "I have your credit information right here in front of me and I KNOW you have credit cards." Again, I laughed and said, "Well, IF you have my credit information WHICH YOU DON'T, you would KNOW that I DON'T have any credit cards!!"

He got REALLY mad and yelled, "DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I AM SAYING TO YOU?" I laughed again and said, "What are you calling about again?" He got so frustrated with me he just said, "I hope you have a nice day!"
I replied, "I AM!!!" Today I am mailing a Cease and Desist letter to both offices. They won't stop calling me and I'm sick of it. I suggest that others do the same. This company is totally out of control!

May 2008    These liars have called my mother in law and my home for my husband's ex wife of 13 years claiming to have him down as a reference at our home number. When I explained that there is no way they could have his information on her file that rude individual said, "well Mam I'm not going to argue with you, you have nice day." They apparently can't find the person they are looking for so they are calling people who were linked with her years ago and lying about how they got the information. This is harassment!

April 2008    I recently received a letter from this firm about a debt I thought I paid off. When I called their phone number to verify their claim, I got a recording that wanted to charge me five dollars for their current phone number. WTH!?! I went online, got their current office number, and spoke to a rep.

I no longer have a credit card. I told her that I would pay the full amount in a week after I was paid. The lunatic on the phone told me I had 48 hours to pay or else she'll be fired. I told her I was sorry but I can't pay right now, I
need a week. She then said, and I am not kidding, that she would PUT A CURSE ON ME.  I'm going to pay them in a week. Not because I'm afraid of being cursed, I'm paying so that I never have to deal with this firm and the mental patients they employ ever again.

March 2008  I have been dealing with "Will Adams" dodges my phone calls. Every time i dial his extension, I am sent to voicemail. These people need to be stopped."

Good luck getting your money back. I use to collect for MRS and Will Adams was my Director. When I worked for MRS there was all kinds of shady things going on. I am so happy and in better health since leaving MRS. When I was there a lot of people had double the money taken out of their checking accounts and MRS always avoids the telephone calls. Will Adams always dodged the phone calls and so does James Hundly the Regional VP. Again good luck in getting your money back.

  March 2008  I worked for this company from May '03-Dec '06. I must say not all debt collectors are created equally. I was able to satisfy my job duties in an ethical manner with out being degrading or ruthless to the individuals I dealt with on a daily basis. I was a trainer for over a year and made it my main priority to teach those reporting to me how to be successful with out being overly aggressive and non-compliant. A lot of the horrible collection skills you see from this company is the result of 'monkey see, monkey do' a collector hears another being completely not compliant on the phone and they see that that person is getting good results so they adapt to the same nature of collecting. A lot of the managers portray the same poor collection techniques and demand that their collectors adapt to being so overly aggressive and rude. I eventually took over a collection team of my own away from the training environment. The collectors that reported to me that we unable to tame their ugly phone behaviors were wrote up by me until they had enough infractions to be terminated. The current VP of the company, James Hundley, makes it a point to threaten and taunt collectors by basically holding a collectors job in front of their face. It is sadly true that the end of the month means any where from 5-10 collectors will be let go because of not hitting their numbers. The company allows and teaches these poor practices which is why I am no longer a part of the company. They are not at all ethical. I have many friends still employed with the company. Sadly, they are stuck in their jobs do to a poor job market in the area. But, management in general there is disgusting. I am very surprised that since Greg Scerba had the company sued and lost his job due to sexual harassment, that another case hasn't been filed. Not only sexual harassment, but verbal as well. Taunting and threatening employees seems to be the way MRS handles themselves. I am so thankful that I was able to get out of that industry entirely!

March 2008  MRS Associates are nothing but a bunch of liars and thieves. They sent my checking account into overdraft on Christmas Eve by pulling double what was agreed upon. When I called them and demanded they remedy this situation the denied they were in the wrong. Several "supervisors" and nearly 3 months later, they still have yet to return my money to me. In addition, after paying off my debt, they refused to send me my release of debt letter. To make matters even worse, every time I call which has become daily, the man I have been dealing with "Will Adams" dodges my phone calls. Every time i dial his extension, I am sent to voicemail. These people need to be stopped.

November 8, 2007  I just received a very disturbing call from MRS Associates looking for information on a granddaughter of mine. Let me state that I am almost 70 years old, at home, minding my own business when I get this rude, hateful, and strong arm phone call. Why are people like this allowed to call senior citizens and be so mean. Surely something can be done to make these people stop this tactic. I don't have information for them, they would give me no information as to why they are trying to "FIND" my granddaughter. I know that my granddaughter has had health, both mental and physical issues and has a hard time getting a job because of past drug use. This company using this tactic is WRONG and should be forced to stop. I don't know why they want to find my granddaughter, but if I knew where she was, I would not tell them as I would be afraid that this company would force her into "god knows what to pay her debt". This mafia type approach needs to be stopped by legal authorities.

2007     I first received a call from "Ralph Williams" last week telling me that I needed to call him about a matter that they were going to make a decision on that day with or with out my input. He gave me a number, extension and ref number. When I called him back I immediately asked for his extension and then when I got him asked for a supervisor. He told me that he was one. Not believing that, I asked again and was given to "Patrick Willis." After telling him that I don't want to be contacted at work, he said that he had every right to do this. I tried to talk to him, but he started yelling and then hung up on me. I called their QA department and left a message and then got a call from Lennon Moore. He said that he would look into it and see what disciplinary actions would take place and then call me and let me know. Needless to say I have heard nothing. He also said that he would take my work number out of their system. This was last Monday . I got a call from "Ralph" on Friday morning and again this morning, 7. I told Lennon that I would not pay anything with out a statement saying what was owed and for what. I don't have any of that and I am not going to fork over $600.00 because some guys in India (which is where Lennon said they were from) call me at work and harrass me. I have both messages saved from last week and when "Ralph" called me this morning, I told him that he was not supposed to be calling me at work. He then asked if I remembered him. I replied by telling him not to call me at work and hung up on him. These guys are bad. I still have yet to see anything in writing as to the break down of what I owe. I am not paying anything with out that.

2007     Very well written about MRS Associates. I am a current employee of MRS at the New Albany Ohio Office. Since "James" took over the office the office has been going to the "dogs". The debtor is "educated" to pay the debt because the MRS collector wants to earn his bonus. They lie to the debtor etc. End of every month they walk 5 to 10 employees out the door. During the month you don't know from one day to the next if you will have a job or not. What needs to happen the clients we collect for should study MRS and the b/s with MRS. Maybe if they do that they would go elsewhere for their accounts to be collected. Rumors are Capital One is pulling their work in March of 2008.

2007     Rick Adams called me at work the other day while I was busy assisting others. He first told me about a debt I owed and he would be willing to settle for much less. He gave me his phone number, which I wrote down. I told him I was busy and to not call me at work anymore.

About five minutes later he called back and asked a fellow employee for the number to my Human Resource Department. I had the call transferred to me. I once again asked him to quit calling me at work and asked for his supervisor. A person by the name of Pablo got on the line and started to verbally abuse me. I tried to speak with him but he kept talking over me and kept saying "You are trying to gain control over the conversation, I won't let you gain control". He also said "What steps are you going to take to get me to listen to you". He called me names and was very threatening. I ended his tirade by hanging up and reminding him to never call me at work again.

Today I received two more phone calls from Rick Adams. I was away, so I decided to call back and question him as to why he continued to harass me when I stated I did not wish to speak with him. I also stated that I was recording the call. He reminded him to never call me again and he stated to get it in writing and he would continue to call. I received at least three more calls in the next few minutes, two that resulted in hang-ups when my co-workers answered the call instead of me.

I have written the letter to cease and desist and am looking into filing formal charges against the company. These people are bad news.

2007     I have been receiving telephone calls from this company for many months now; both on my cell phone and home phone. I have sent them a cease and desist letter and was told that they never received it. I have argued with these people on the phone and they have told me I was a deadbeat t and needed to pay my bills. They went so far as to tell me that I had to return their phone calls. I explained to the girl that I was under no obligation to return anyone's phone call and requested that they send me verification of the debt. At that point, they hung up on me. Since that time, they continue to call my house but do not leave any messages. They are a real piece of work.

2007    I have been receiving phone calls on my cell phone for about 3-4 months now. The Caller ID is "1-000-000-0000".The recorded message is from a Danny Mars or Danny Norris (Can't quite make it out). These messages NEVER say WHO he is looking for, what it is reference to, NOTHING! They are always "Something important you need to be aware of" or "Decision s have to be made with or without your input", etc. (I have about 6 or 7 of these messages saved) On One occasion I answered the phone and there was a live person on the other end...Looking for a CARLOS somebody not me.  I told him this and said he must have the wrong number. He basically called me a liar and started harassing ME! I have since ignored their calls and keep saving the messages Danny leaves.

2007     MRS stands for Money Recovery Services. I used to work for this company. I was there for 4 years. And I have seen my fair share of horrible debt collecting. I do have to say that not everybody who worked there was a jerk. Only the money hungry ones who only cared about hitting their budgets. That is the main goal- to hit your budget, if not you would be getting fired after 3 months of not hitting. They also give you a pay cut! Is that even legal??? I was just on their website today and I noticed that they have taken down any mention of who is in charge. While I was employed there, the person running the show is Saul Freedman. Kelly Coia is no longer there, she started her own agency. Michael Peters is not there either, story has it he was fired for stealing money from the company. The things that some of the collectors would say to people would include: borrow money from a family member, have a yard sale, sell your TV. The worst one I heard was a former manager tell a woman that maybe she should become a hooker. Another supervisor used racial slurs while on the phone with a customer. I am glad I left there when I did.

2007     First off these guys are VERY VERY rude. I got a call today on my cell phone about a debt. I asked who they were collecting for, he first told me not to worry about and that I had to pay right that minute. I told him I cannot talk about it at work, but if he could give me his name and number I would call after work. He then got irate with me and said "Are you refusing to pay your Debt"? I told him that wasn't the case, but I was at work and I could get fired for calls like this at work. He said that he didn't care and for me to pay. I hung up.

Not even 10 seconds after that my phone rang again, I saw the number at let it go to voicemail. 10 seconds after that again, it kept up 5 more time before I finally answered. Again he went into harassing me and threatening me. I told him to stop calling, he said that he will continue until I pay. I then told him that he will then be harassing me and that I would contact my attorney. He then said "If you can't pay your $600 debt what makes you think you can afford an attorney and sue our company"? I told him not to worry about that and to give me his full name, number and Company. He reluctantly gave it to me, and told me good luck and you will not win, we will. I just hung up.

2007    I had been paying MRS Associates regular payments. The stopped sending monthly statements in October of 2006. I started paying online at that time (I refuse to provide them with my checking account information). When I tried to pay online my July, 2007 payment, I was unable to do so because the online system indicated that I did not have an account with MRS Associates. So, no monthly statements and no way to pay online, I just did not make a payment. Today I had a letter in my P.O. Box dated July 19, 2007, stating that since I did not make my payment on time that they would assume that I have no intention of paying them and that they would do all sorts of nasty things to me. I have sent them a certified letter stating that if they do not abide by the FDCPA, if they fail to provide timely statements, and if I make any attempt to pay online and discover that I do not have an account, then I will no longer make any payments. I also indicated in the letter that acceptance of the letter indicates agreement to the terms. MRS Associates is the worst of the worst.

2007    I was contacted by someone from MRS Associates this morning after a previous attempt to reach me by leaving a "cryptic" message on my phone about "something urgent" that "someone" needed to speak to me about "without delay". Since the person did not identify themselves, reference their company or even bother to say WHAT the phone call was about -- I ignored it. Of course they tried again today and I answered -- should have known better! When I asked, "WHO IS CALLING PLEASE?", I immediately got a question back about the person they were looking for. I tried again -- to no avail. Her tone got snippier and my hackles rose another inch or so. She was looking for someone who's last name was the same as mine (and that was the only coincidence) and I quickly shut her down by letting her know there was NO ONE in my husband's family by that name. She tartly replied, "WELL, that's all you needed to say!" and promptly disconnected. I WAS FURIOUS!! I called back the number on my caller ID and finally "choked" the company name out of the girl who answered the phone, who attempted to "soothe" me until I let her know that the only person I wanted to speak to was a supervisor. Got transferred to one of those -- WHAT A JERK!! Wouldn't even initially tell me what "type" of company they were. "We are a diversified business" -- that tells me a lot!! (Guy should run for an important political office, he's already well-trained at side-stepping the questions! I gave him a "piece of my mind", since he obviously didn't have much of his own and was told my number would be removed from their lists. Can hardly wait to see how long that takes and how many more times I get called because my last name matches with someone who has a debt.

2007   I am proud to say that I am a debt collector. It amazes me still in all the years I have been in the business how people have just a blatant disregard for the matter at hand. The job itself is hard enough , and you have people cursing at you ,calling you names and acting like children when the real problem is they are just frustrated. We know that. That's why we have ideas that may actually help you get your credit restored and back in good standing. Instead, you guys are taking advice from a website that is completely incorrect and you sound ridiculous. Sorry but you do. Some of the people listed above that they claim are working at Mrs. haven't been there in 4 or 5 years. And when you are quoting the FDCPA, learn it right and understand it before you start to rattle useless things off to us. It's good to know your rights, but read the ones that pertain to your state and situation, you just sound like a complete moron. I loved reading how the woman from P.A. was giggling when she was trying to trap a collector on the phone. Doesn't feel good not paying your debt? I'm glad you do. Because while the rest of us, me included are out trying to make good on bills and staying afloat. we are stuck with high interest rates and unfair plans now because you took money and won't pay it back. here's another one of my favorites, I'll sue you for harassment. Love that one. Play that back in your head a few times, you'll eventually see how stupid it sounds. Go ahead sue it up! While the economy crashes and goes boom. What happens when there is no one else to sue? What now? Very simple, DEBT COLLECTIONS=REVENUE=MONEY BACK IN THE POCKETS OF THE PEOPLE YOU WILL NEED MONEY FROM AGAIN. Kepps % rates down so your not paying through the nose for something. Look we know that things happen, and maybe if you hear us out before calling me a *%#*, you'll see that it's not so bad, and things can be worked out. Sorry study your laws and no them well, because when I call, you won't trap me. I follow them and follow them well. But i bet when we are done, your bill will get paid and all will be well. Night all, and don't forget to take your ski mask off before you go to bed. That only pertains to certain Debtors, not people in trouble.

 2007   Thanks. You displayed the email addresses of the MRS Associates and I sent an email to the Saul Freedman. They are and have been looking for a Jason and my name is Dale and they would not leave me alone. I had to change my home number (after 20 plus years) to an unlisted private number because MRS would not remove my number after NUMEROUS reply calls.

So this week they found my business number and began the calls all over again.

I sent Saul an email and within the hour received a reply from a Mike Peters that my number has been removed and in the event of future problems to email him.

This is one wasted company with low lives working for them as you are aware and if you ever need someone to testify to such---let me know.  Again thanks greatly,

2007   I used to work for MRS Associates, and let me tell you they are a bunch of scumbags. They do not care about their own employees why would they care about the people they call debtors? I had a family member who was dying so I needed off of work, and could not work certain shifts, they basically told me I better be at work when I was suppose to. I told them where to go, and just walked out and never looked back. The Cherry Hill office is Hell.

2007   I just received a call from them. Boy what fun I had with their customer service rep. Number 1 I have to remind her to read me the "debt Miranda". I giggled to myself. I then reminded her that I expected a written communication within 5 days under the FDCPA. She then asked me if I knew the FDCPA, and when I told her that I knew it cover to cover, she (gasp) became upset. I also told her that I knew the Fair Credit Extension Act of Penna. which extends my rights to original creditors also. She then had the nerve to ask me when I would settle the debt, I repeated to her as soon as I receive the written notice of my rights. I really enjoyed myself.

2007 This company has called me 3-4 times since yesterday. I have been speaking with "Shawn" who repeatedly demanded I either settle the debt with him immediately or tell him the name and number of the Debt Settlement agency I am working with. When I refused and told him they will contact him he accused me of "playing games" and being "difficult". I then told him I was faxing a Cease and Desist letter for him to stop calling me and he informed me that "until he personally sees it" he will continue to call me, and that my debt must be settled by the end of today. I did advise of my understanding of the FDCPA and also my knowledge of his company's reputation he advised me this is irrelevant to my debt and that I have to settle with him today. I ended up terminating the call after being called "difficult" one too many times. These people are horrible!  Debt Settlement Company, MRS, hmm, why does an image of a fire and frying pan come to mind?

 2007  I received a call from some guy calling himself Russ Atkins and after tracking the number he was calling from MRS Associates. His tone was very threatening on the voicemail he left saying that he had an important matter to discuss with me and also had "an important decision to make with or without my input." They haven't sent me any kind of debt collection letter or anything. I then read on the Budd Hibbs site that these guys will often threaten people and are pretty much scum.

This Ross Atkins guy also didn't even leave an extension # so it's obvious he's just one of many nasty people that work for this company. They also seem to be one of many of debt collection companies that use mafia like tactics to get people these to talk to them and pay up. It's pretty clear these are nasty people.

2007     These guys have been calling me for a while, just hanging up when i answer the phone, that's really annoying. not only that but when they do respond, and they ask for me they wont tell me who they are or who they are calling on behalf of, until I admit to having debt. Anyways today was the weirdest call of all, when i answered Larry Kinkade? ex 3054) told me that they have attempted many times to settle this debt and that today was the last day to pay it off. He told me that my due amount was $640, 100 more than previously told. After telling him that i had no money to pay this as to me just getting a new job and being unemployed for a few months he continued to say that I could pay it off before the 25th of this month. Then he said again that I had to pay it today because they are holding a hearing on behalf of my account. He told me that if i were to pay it today i would only have to pay 410. I told him again i had no money, he then told me that he would give me 24 hours because on top of the hearing today on my account they would have another tomorrow. All this trouble over 640 bucks? All the time they've spent on my account they have probably spent over that amount! Any ways, when talking to Larry, he told me many times to get the money to him, he told me to ask family members, co-workers who ive known for 5 days and anyone else to not only give me money but also allow MRS to run their credit to make a loan on behalf of me. I told him that was ridiculous, and that i would make a payment on the 25th as he told me i could do then he said I would have to call him back. I was on the phone with him for 20 minutes while im at work and could have gotten fired in my first week for talking to him. i told him I didn't trust anything about how any of this sounded so i told him i was going to do some research on his company before i called him back. These guys are horrible.

2007     I was paying on a debt. When I reached a certain level, they ceased sending monthly statements. I called to say that if they wanted me to pay that they would have to continue providing monthly statements. That is when the conversation turned VERY ugly. I was threatened with legal action if I did not pay without further bills. I told them I would NOT pay without monthly statements and they told me that they are under no obligation to send monthly statements and threatened me again. I told them where they could put their threats. These clowns are abuse and they claim that if you are one day late, even when they don't send a bill, then they have the right to abuse you.

 2007     MRS is obnoxious. In the past 41 days they have called me 21 times. Most of the time, they just hang up without leaving a message. When they did leave messages, they were totally unprofessional. They did not identify themselves and just said something like, "You must call us immediately. We don't want to make this decision without you..." I never called back because I had no idea who it was. It sounded like a scam. This morning I was so mad because they called on a Saturday morning and woke me up when I have guests in my home and my husband is out of town on business.

I called and found out it was "MRS Associates" calling. I was on hold for about 10 minutes before I gave up. I called about 5 times and finally talked to a Derek Moore who asked for a relative of mine (who has not lived with me in over 10 years). I asked what this was about and he just said "a personal matter." I think this group is very unprofessional, obnoxious, and bordering on criminal. He lied to me and said that my family member must have given my phone number as their contact number. I hope to never deal with this agency again. If they call my home again, I think I will have to report them for harassment.

2007    I had a car with Nuvell CREDIT Corp and lost my job and couldn't make payments. I was working with Nuvell on arrangements that wouldn't start until after I got my first paycheck 2 weeks later. I received a call the following week from "UNKNOWN ID"  I later checked my messages from a man named Derek-saying that he had forms on his desk that he was going to send to the state if I didn't return his call. So I'm thinking this has to be someone with the wrong number. So the next day I was going to call and the same "UNKNOWN ID" called and I answered it was Derek and he said that he was looking at my file and that I needed to set-up payment arrangements today. I was confused. I had never heard of Derek and didn't even know what he was referring to. So I asked what was the call about and he told me that I needed to pay my bills and stop running away from my responsibilities. I immediately got upset. I told him that I wasn't running away from anything and still had no idea what he was referring to. I then asked to speak to his manager he then told me that his manager was in a meeting and that she would call me back.  I asked him again what this is referring to he then said my manager will have to speak to you and hung up.

I was very upset and disgusted. Mrs. Pines called a day later. She was pleasant at first and then ended up being so unprofessional. She explained Nuvell was trying to collect a past due account. I made her aware that I had already spoken to someone at the company and we set-up arrangements. She told me the company sold them my account and she could offer me a settlement right now of 2500 of the 4800 however I didn't have that type of money lying around. She said you don't have anymore time this has to be taken care of my 5pm today or this will go to the state. I had no idea what that meant.

I called Nuvell and was told they sold my account and I had to deal with MRS.  Mrs Pines asked what my account number was and I couldn't give it to her because I never received anything from anyone. She then said you know you have a bill that you haven't been paying and we need our money.  She what can you pay today. I told her I couldn't pay anything until I got paid a week or so later. She then asked could I pay $1000 to them!!

She just stated when we first spoke I shouldn't have gotten credit cards that I couldn't pay and here she is telling me that I need to use them. I got very upset and asked her for the money... She hung up! I had no problem working with the company that had my account at first I think it was a shame that they sold it and didn't inform me... But MRS ASSOCIATES... They are horrible people.... I have been receiving calls from them at work and at home... She even told my mom that she was going to have me arrested for fraud! 

They demand these outrageous payments they assume you can pay because you look at getting out of debt easier but they are giving you hell in the process. She also asked me if I had friends that could lend me the money and even went as far as saying I needed to ask my employer for a check advance. I think that's very unprofessional and I have filed a complaint against them.

2007     I started getting calls  from an individual by the name of Johanna Lane (unsure about the last name) from 1-800-440-0406 ext. 6107. My husband and I just got back from my baby's ultrasound, and our joy was ruined by the yelling and screaming of this lunatic over the answering machine. Of course she didn't leave her company's name, only her name.

When I called her back and specifically asked for Johanna, the agent said that she would be able to "help" me, so I gave her my ref. no. so she could look at the information. When she told me what the collection was for, I was about to tell her the reason for me not paying the debt, but she started yelling at me and I could not get a word in edgewise. My husband was listening in and was more angry than I was; he gave the look like he was going to rip the phone from my hand and tear into her. I told the agent she really didn't want my husband to get on the phone, and she said that I was making threats against her!! What threat? "Stop yelling at me or my husband will blow your eardrums off"?? Um, ok then! My husband got on and told her to "blow it out of her a**" and hung up the phone.

By this time I was so mad that I was shaking and felt like I was going to have a miscarriage (well, not really, but I did feel like crap). I cooled down for a while and called them back to let them know not to contact me again, or at least notate or relay to their client that I was not planning to pay the debt; but then more yelling and screaming and excuses. She said that "we don't care, we're just here to let you know" to which I replied, "if you don't care, why are you calling me? talk to your client and have them call me if you don't care so much, because obviously they do."

A day later I tried to give them one more chance. I talked to Diana at ext. 6016. She was more reasonable than the other agents, so I proceeded to let her know my intent. She told me that she would knock off a percentage of the debt. The amount was still unpayable, and even if I did have the money, I still would not pay it based on principle. I know that sounds irresponsible to most of you, but there is a long story behind this debt. I told her that once she gets down to a reasonable amount, she could call me...and *only* her, because she knew how to talk to people without yelling at them. I even gave her a specific day and time to call.

We went out of town for the weekend and came back Monday evening. When we checked the messages, there was *another* call from MRS, but instead of Diana, it was Johanna! Diana didn't listen to a word that I said!

As I am writing this, Johanna called me back again! She finally listened to why I wouldn't pay and did her little spiel about "this is an attempt to collect a debt...bluh bluh...our client is going to proceed against you...yada yada" I told them they can proceed all they want; in the state of Texas, the only people who can take anything away from me is the IRS and the US government. I was going to let her know to cease all telephonic communication with me, but she hung up!!

2007     My husband's cell phone has been ringing off the hook for a couple of months; first, from Capital One. It was a bogus # left via an automated calling system. Saturday, it was a human who did not identify themselves as being w/ a company called MRS but "an attorney's office for collection purposes"! This morning, I called  back and was quite surprised that it was NOT an attorney's office. I never did get to speak with the person who left an "offer" with my husband to relay to me but went through four (4) representatives who SCREAMED, referred to me in an unflattering way, LAUGHED, proceeded to try to be HIGHER THAN THOU, I could continue but you get the idea. The WORST one called himself an "Account Supervisor". I am THRILLED their calls are monitored, as it was definitely HE acting like an ass (that's a donkey, I'm not cursing) and it got so bad, I HAD TO HANG UP. By the time 45 minutes of my life had elapsed with this agency, I was shaking, crying uncontrollably and mad at myself for even trying. I am not usually emotional over "business stuff". Heck, it's only money (which I obviously do not have). But I need to get the word out: MRS does not treat you as a human being but as an animal that they would rather see die than help. I am NOT going to continue negotiations with MRS after reading through all of these other comments. May MRS rot!

My mother used to say "If you don't have anything nice to say, you must be talking about MRS."

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