I opened a Capitol One credit account approximately 2 years ago with a $500.00 balance. I paid the minimum payment satisfactorily up until April of this year. Due to changes in my finances, rising fuel prices and the recession that we are in I fell behind on this credit card and others. My over limit and late fees were outrageous and I honestly could not afford any payment arrangements offered. I honestly admit, I, like a majority of Americans am in debt over my head and am struggling to pay minimum monthly payments on my credit cards. I am not excusing the fact that I did not honor my financial obligation to this company, but I am trying to explain that Capitol One was not on my list of priorities when it comes to a $35 monthly payment to Capitol One or gas in my car to get to work.
I took a phone call from United Recovery Systems today (12/16) with Donna Lantz. Immediately I was informed that I needed to grab my checkbook or debit card and set up a payment for $930.46 to be auto-drafted from my account today. I explained that I could not set up a payment for that amount. She then asked me why. I replied that with the holidays approaching that it would be financially impossible. She asked me why I fell behind in the first place. I explained to her that my financial situation had changed and that, I like many other Americans are struggling in this economy. She thanked me for being honest and then asked when I could make a payment. I told her that I planned on using my income taxes to catch up
On my credit cards and start repairing my credit. I explained to her that I could work out something after the holidays in January. I also informed her that I would be willing to settle for the balance owed if some of the late fees could be eliminated. I was told that I needed to pay it off by the end of December or legal action would be taken. I explained to her that this was impossible due to the fact that the holidays are right around the corner. I mentioned once again that I would be willing to settle in early January. She then became very condescending and told me that if I had enough money to buy Christmas presents then I could pay the 930.46 owed to Capitol One! She also informed me that Capitol One loaned me money and that I should be responsible and pay the debt owed. I tried to reason with her and explained more of my financial situation than I should have. She would not listen to reason and was very rude. I then made it clear that I did not appreciate being talked to like a child, sarcastically wished her a Merry Christmas and hung up... All while she is telling me that if I had money set aside for the holidays then I could pay off my debt with Capitol One.
I was outraged when I hung up the phone, but I had taken the company contact info with her name and extension. I called back and spoke to the first representative who answered. I explained that the rep who called me, Donna Lantz was rude and I felt that I had been harassed. This rep was very understanding and apologetic and transferred me to her manager.
He answers and I explained that Donna Lantz was unreasonably rude overly disrespectful. He then became rude and told me, "Well, from what I understand you have enough money for Christmas presents, but not enough to pay off a debt that you owe." I explained to him that I live on a fixed income and that I would not compromise my children's Christmas to pay Capitol One. I then told him that I would make arrangements in January to settle the debt. I was told that Capitol One does not care about my financial situation or if my children have Christmas presents or not. I was also told Capitol One did not work around my budget. He told me that if I did not have the 930.46 by the end of December that legal action would be taken. I inquired about what type of legal action and he told me that Capitol One would sue me. He also told me that he pulled my credit inquiries and that I had applied for Capitol One Auto credit in April. I disputed that and told him that I would pull my credit reports. I explained that I wouldn't apply for auto credit from Capitol One if I was behind with them. He was very rude and would not listen to me, instead he accused me of being an idiot for trying to get more money from them and not pay them back. (I am going to pull my credit report and make sure I am not a victim of identity theft)
He then told me that he seen in my credit report that I had assumed a home loan and had money to make my mortgage payment. I told him that I prioritized my mortgage payment and that it comes first. He then told me that I didn't realize the severity of the situation and that I didn't know who I was talking to or who United Recovery Systems was. He told me it wasn't "registering" of how much legal trouble I am in. I told him to explain the legal action that would be taken. He was vague and informed me that I would be sued by Capitol One if I did not send money by the end of the month. He would never disclose how much of a payment would be needed. After threatening me with legal action he told me he was not at liberty to disclose what type of legal action would be taken. I guess I called his bluff on that one.
I tried over and over to explain my financial situation as he treated me like a lying, irresponsible idiot. He then asked why I couldn't just borrow the money a family member or friend. I explained that if I could borrow money from family that I would not have had to open credit accounts. He threatened me with legal action again if the money was not in by the end of December. I explained again that I did not have the money and once again he told me that I had money to buy Christmas presents.
He stated that he seen on my credit report that I had assumed a home mortgage in February and that stated that if I assumed a mortgage and could make that payment then I could also pay Capitol One. I again explained to him that my mortgage payment is my priority. He brought up legal action again, but yet would not explain.
He told me that I had assets and that he was not going to work with me anymore. He realized that I wasn't willing to pay so he was going to take "legal action." I explained that I could settle in January, but he would not listen. I finally told him that I would just have to go to court and settle the debt. He then threatened my assets and said that he would get in contact with Flagstar (my mortgage company). This idiot threatened to take my house! I then told him, "What, you are going to take my house over 930, ha!?" I then had to hang up.
I looked under Missouri law and am reporting them to the Federal Trade Commission for the harassment and threats. They made a big mistake by threatening to take my property, which is illegal. Really, I gave them more financial information than I should have and I was willing to settle the debt, just not by the end of December, but within the next 30 days. It's really none of their business what I spend my money on. If I have to, I will seek a lawyer and take my own, "legal action."
BEWARE OF THIS COMPANY. Google them and you will find so much crap on them it is unbelievable. Lawsuits and many consumer complaints. They are relentlessly harassing and abusive when they attempt to collect debt. Do not give them your financial institution account numbers or send them money until you check them out. Householdwatch.com/wp/03/01/united-recovery-systems
And before there is a rebuttal by another idiotic employee unfortunate enough to work for the company this is a consumer complaints because it is illegal under the FTC acts to harass, use abusive language or make illegal threats to seize one's personal property in an attempt to collect a debt.
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