Just about two hours ago, I received a phone call from a number that I didn't recognize. As I usually do in these situations, I didn't pick up, I just let them leave a message. The message was from a woman who identified herself as Miss Jones, and she had the same tone of voice as a mean teacher who thinks she just caught you cheating, or a master who catches a dog wetting the carpet.
Anyway, I called her back, and the very first thing I noticed was that she answered by saying, "Hello?" instead of something like, "Thank you for calling Rephen law firm, this is Miss Jones." In the voicemail, the name of the law firm was muffled, it could have been Rethen, Restin, or any number of similar names, so I asked her how to spell the name of the law firm. She mumbled R-e-t-h-e-n, and I didn't know it was actually Rephen until I came across this site.
At first she was somewhat polite, explaining what the claim was about and rattling off account numbers and check numbers. Well, that politeness changed quickly. I was informed that the check was for $22.00 to Pizza Hut in June. She claimed that after fees the total I owed them was $172.00.
I have been mostly responsible with my money, so I have only bounced one check in my life. It was in 2007 for the amount of $5.26. I was jobless at the time, and had recently changed my address, and didn't get around to paying until the fees and everything came to $228. This was perfectly valid, as the Marion county courts spelled out exactly why I owed what I owed. I ended up paying them off in installments and attending two mandatory 8 hour credit classes to resolve the issue. I have definitely learned my lesson about bounced checks, and I distinctly remember how the process went with that one.
I contacted my bank, and they had no record of the check or the amount, although Rephen did have my correct account number. I called Miss Jones back about 30 minutes ago and told her very politely that my bank did not know anything about this check, so I didn't feel comfortable sending Rephen any money. Miss Jones began to get angry and condescending, denying that my bank said that, then telling me they were wrong. I was on the verge of yelling and telling her what I found out online about her law firm being a scam, a fraud, a con, whatever, but I chose to remain civil. This is because I know they are recording, so I don't want them to have any ammo against me on the off chance that this backfires somehow.
Also, when I stated that I didn't remember ever receiving any communication from them or the bank or Security Check (the original creditor) Miss Jones pretty much called me a liar. She said they had sent numerous letters about this check. I have not changed addresses since the alleged date of the bounced check, so I know I am right about this.
Bottom line: This is a very unprofessional and crooked company. Do not send them any money.
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