I was doing some research online into this company which I had a VERY difficult time with, and I must say I was not surprised in the least to find all this information here on how disreputable ACC is.
Let me tell you about my interaction with them. I was enrolled at Penn Foster College, and was unable to complete my education with them due to time constraints, and so I withdrew from the program. I owed them $150. I began receiving calls from representatives from ACC, who stated they handle the collections for Penn Foster. I spoke with a man who identified himself as Paul Mack. Paul and I agreed upon a payment plan - $40.00 automatic deduction from my bank account to begin the program, and $50 each month subsequently until the debt was settled. Fair enough, and I agreed.
Then on 04/06, I see a deduction of $186 from my bank account from an AM Mortgage. I immediately dial the number listed on my bank statement, 570-504-0751. Right off the bat, I'm suspicious, as I am greeted by nothing but an answering machine for three-quarters of the day. What reputable company can't even answer their own phones?
Finally, I get to talk to Paul Mack, at extension 232. Paul tells me that the $186 was what I owed, and that they collected it. I asked Paul what happened to our payment arrangement, and he stated that he would have to go upstairs to find out. I then asked Paul who authorized the company to deduct $186 from my account, and he said that someone called in on 04/03 and gave authorization. Really? Someone. I only have one cell phone as my phone, and believe me, records will show that I did not call them. Paul then immediately became defensive, asking if I was calling him a liar. And yes, I said I was.
He then launched into what I know now was a perfectly rehearsed performance, stating that he wasn't going to stand me for yelling at him (I certainly was not) and insulting him. I then began to cry, telling him that I am recently divorced and because of such, in extreme financial peril, and $186 right now means the world to me. Paul then threatened to end the phone call, saying that he can't believe I'm crying and carrying on and yelling over $186. I cannot stress to you all how ignorant, patronizing and downright mean this man was. I SO wish I could have recorded the conversation for you all to hear. I have never spoken to anyone in the manner that he spoke to me talking over me, insulting me, raising his voice it was unreal.
I then asked to speak to a supervisor. Paul said he was one. Paul then said that his supervisor was now nearby, and he was putting me on the phone with them, because he couldn't deal with me any longer. I assure you all, I was not acting out of line in the least.
I then had the pleasure of speaking with a woman name Kim Roth. Before I could say a word, Kim informed me I just want you to know something we only have four months to collect these debts. FOUR MONTHS, that's it. Do you understand that? It boggled my mind as to how their time constraints justified their company withdrawing money from my account without my authorization. I explained my situation to Kim, who was just a snippy, condescending and nasty as Paul. I asked Kim about my payment arrangements. She admitted that she could see on the account how I spoke to their company on 01/17/08 and made arrangements for a $40 payment, and then $50 thereafter until the $150 was settled. I asked Kim what happened to those payments. She said she didn't know. I asked Kim why no one contacted me that they payments were not being made. She said she didn't know.
I then asked her about the someone who called on 04/03/08. She said someone who had your account number. Really. I asked Kim if all conversations were recorded. She said they were. I told her I wanted to hear the recording of the someone that called in on 04/03 and authorized them to deduct $186 from my bank account. Kim said it would take herweeks to get that information, and that I should call back, at which point the call was terminated.
I called my bank, which said they could petition the deduction. However, I had a few strikes against me. I did authorize the initial payments, and I did owe Penn Foster $150. However, the bank agreed that they did not have the authorization to take the amount of $186, and that they were blatantly lying. As I thought about it, I didn't want to put the wonderful employees of my bank through the trouble. ACC had won another one. Good for them. I hope they sleep well tonight.
Looking at all the problems the rest of you have had, I decided to close the bank account that ACC had access to, causing me even more grief. It is NOT good to give them direct access to your account, as they cannot be trusted. If you have to pay them, send a Money Order or Cashiers Check.
I will also be sending a letter to Penn Foster College, to let them know the kind of dirtbags that are representing them. I will NEVER business with Penn Foster College again, and sadly, I was looking forward to.
This company is a division of AM Mortgage, located in Scranton. I urge everyone to not do ANY business with the following:
ACC / American Credit Collections
P.O. Box 264
Taylor, PA 18517
Paul Mack
Kim Roth
AM Mortgate
921 Oak St., Scranton, PA 18508
570-504-0751
Toll Free: 866-760-6205
Penn Foster College
14300 N. Northsight Blvd.
Suite 111
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-947-6644
(They also have offices in Scranton, PA)
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