A friend of mine recently started getting phone calls from this company and it got me thinking about a story of my own.
A few years back, I had recently graduated college. During my time in college, I had a credit card; I generally did well with it, didn't over spend, made payments on time, ect. Long story short, I got into a bit of trouble and maxed out the card (only $500) and was unable to pay it back.
I was stupid and just ignored all the warnings from the credit card company. Eventually the account was sold to West Asset Management (along with Gerald E Moore law firm) for collection.
One day I received a message on my cell phone. A person on the other end claimed to be from the "State Litigation Office" and I needed to immediately call back. I did and I was connected with a lady. She told me I needed to immediately pay or they were "going to go forward with the case". It's been a couple years, so I don't exactly remember what they said. But it was strongly implied that they were some sort of State Agency that was going to get me for the debt.
In a panic I agreed to work with them on the debt. They immediately demanded $1400 or they would have the "Sheriff" serve me with paperwork. I begged and pleaded to be set up on a payment plan. They would not work with me and told me if I didn't have the money, I should borrow from a friend. The lady even suggested that I skip a rent payment (she gave the advice that they probably wouldn't kick me out for one missed payment).
After me pleading for while, she spoke to her "manager" and agreed to get reduce the payment to $1000. I gave them my checking account information and thought I was done. They ended up taking out $1200. But I was so relieved I wasn't being sued, I didn't make a fuss about it.
Years later, I have wised up and know it was just all scam and they had no intention to sue. I am mildly embarrassed that I fell for it. My advice to anyone is to immediately speak with an attorney and only do business with these companies by certified mail (so you have a paper trail).
I don't mean to imply that I encourage people not pay their debts. I fully admit that I owed the debt and I should not have put myself in that position to begin with. But looking back on my experience, they broke several laws when dealing with me and took me for a sucker. I don't think anyone should have to go through that.
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