For the past two-and-a-half weeks I have been dealing with this particular collections agency about a supposed "past due" debt from United Cash Loans. A woman whom identified herself as Marie Alexander left a voicemail on my phone on July 26, citing a reference number and a phone number to call; and this was "not a solicitation or a sales call; failure to respond will result in further processing".
I wish to note said person did not identify the name of the company she was with. So, I called back only to get a different person whom not only failed to identify herself, but also failed to state the company she was with.
She then proceeded to state how this debt was owed from United Cash Loans, and how my wife owed a debt with them as well - furthermore, she made some very disparaging and damning comments about my wife as if to imply she was the type of person who refused to pay her debts.
I wasn't able to get a word in edgewise until she asked me if I had a credit card or a checking account - to which my response was neither. I also told her I work as a contractor, and my contract was expected to expire in the next few months.
I then offered to make payment arrangements, but she claimed her client "cannot accept any arrangements, they are demanding this be paid in full via Western Union". I was then told I had until the following week to have the payment ready or they would be calling me back for the name of my attorney.
I managed to contact an attorney's office in Chicago to explain the situation to her, but later in the day told me she couldn't get any information out of the collections agency, either.
Yep - they refused to give her any information. It wasn't until the following day I called a family member to check in when she told me someone had called in looking for me about a "complaint". I asked my family member to check her caller ID and found a "CRS" along with a number - the same number given in the original voicemail. I then asked her if the caller had identified the name of the company she was with; she did not.
I felt I had enough info by this time to start tracking down whom this person was with; I finally nailed it down to Certified Recovery Systems. Their website does give the option to make payment arrangements, but after I sent my initial offer I received an email back from a "[email protected]" thanking me for my offer, but it was declined and I needed to call their office.
A second phone call later that week landed me into their voicemail, so taking a cue from this site I asked for valid proof of the debt - in writing - before I made any payment. I also asked for a written agreement that should I make any payments, that would be accurately reported to the credit reporting agencies.
Yesterday I received yet another phone call from Marie asking me to once again call their office - once again failing to identify the company she was with. I normally don't get off work until 4:30 - the same time which CRS closes - so I called back and once again asked for written proof of the debt and documentation that my payments would be accurately reported. I had cited my consumer rights under both the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Suffice it to say, I am of a strong opinion Certified Recovery Systems has violated my rights under the following complaints: 1) rude and disparaging comments about my wife; 2) harrassing voicemails left on my phone and conversations with family; 3) calling during a time when it is not convenient; i.E. While I am at work and can't answer my cell phone; 4) failure to submit any letters or documents in the mail in regards to this debt, and the information will be accurately reported (even after two requests); 5) failure to identify the name of the company the rep is with, or calling on behalf of; 6) demanding payments be made in one particular manner (i.E. Western Union) and claiming no other form of payment is acceptable (something about an "empty payment" tactic I've heard used before by other collectors)
This is one collections agency I would definitely like to hear their side of the story - and also provide proof of this debt. I'm currently in the process of locating my bank records to show this was already paid off back in November/December and of the overpayment of the original debt which was reimbursed to us.
I'm also in the middle of disputing this debt with the credit reporting agencies; also I've filed a complaint with the Texas State Attorney General's office and the Federal Trade Commission. Personally, I'd like to see Certified Recovery Systems close their doors for good - these people are ruthless, and will do anything to swindle people out of their money!
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