On the 8th of November, I contacted GC Services to settle an outstanding debt with the County Of Los Angeles, Metropolitan Court for a traffic violation. The debt amount was in excess of $700.00 and GS Services had previously sent me a letter offering a settlement of $181.00. I spoke to Mrs. Anthony, and asked as I was 3 days past the settlement date, which was over on the 5th, was there anyway I could still qualify?
She informed me that if I paid right there and then, that yes, it would still qualify. I had just opened a new back account and had run out of temporary checks. Mrs. Anthony said, "No problem, we make up a number, you call the bank and it'll go through." Great!" I said, and this will end the debt, for sure?" "Absolutely, " she replied. So that's what we did and I have just downloaded it from my bank and printed it out.
A few days ago I received a new bill from GC Services, for an additional $250.00. I called them and informed them of their mistake.in fact, I spoke to Mrs. Anthony who them promptly denied making the deal with me. So I immediately asked for her supervisor, and was connected with Mr. Macias. He called me a liar and said if I didn't pay, he would have my license suspended. There was no debating it.
I asked for a new court date so that I could tell the judge. He said as I had paid the $181.00 I had voided my ability to see the judge. I angrily told Mr. Macias that people get put in jail for fraud, to which he offered me the number for a local TV station, Channel 7.in complete disbelief and frustration I hung up. A half hour later I called back and asked if there was any way that we could amiably resolve this. He told me, "Pay the $250.00 and don't call back or I'll have the police arrest you for harassment."
To say that I am angry and frustrated beyond belief would be an understatement. I'm going to go down to the courthouse and try to get a new court date. Although I am not hopeful. If anybody wants to email directly, please feel free to do so @ [email protected]
The moral of the story? Never trust collection agencies. Get them to put any offer or acceptance in writing, even if it's an email.
Thanks
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