On April 6, I started getting phone calls from a company called Tahkar Collection Services Ltd. 646-307-4309. My caller ID did not give a name it was being blocked. I looked the number up thru Google and discover numerous complaints regarding this company and an established relationship to Columbia House/BMG/Direct Brands. I called the number to find out why they were calling since I was not a member of either company. I reached a collector who gave his name as Roger, and spoke broken English. He advised me I owed for 2 DVD's I allegedly ordered in July. I attempted to explain to him that I had not ordered or received any DVD's nor was I a member of Columbia House (Tahkar's client). He quickly started the same strong arm tatics mentioned in the numerous complaints I've found on the internet. He said unless I agreed to pay the amount owed he would notify the Credit Bureau and ruin my credit. I advised him I have never defaulted on a debt, nor have I ever breached a contract. I asked him to send a copy of a statement so I could dispute the bill with Columbia House. I explained that I never got a statement and had not had contact with Columbia House in many years, probably since the 70' or 80's and I fulfilled my obligation and terminated the contract accordingly. He became very aggressive and rude, refused to give specific account information or a number to reach Columbia House. He called me an Asshole for not making the arrangement to pay by phone as he demanded. I bid him a good day at this point and requested he cease calling. He said he would be calling again the next day and until I paid. I asked for his address to send a cease and desist order to but he refused that as well and the call was terminated. I got more calls from them all going pretty much the same as the first. I found a number for Columbia House Customer Service (quite the oxymoron) 1-800-262 and reach a woman who gave her name as Alejandra who too spoke broken English. I attempted to get this matter straighten out but she would have none of that. There records were not available because they had refered the account to collections. I explained I never ordered or received any DVD's, nor had I ever received a statement. She had no answers to resolve this situation, and refused to transfer me to a Supervisor. I have retained an attorney and filed complaints with the BBB (NY, FL, and Canada) against Tahkar and Columbia House et al. Also sent a complaint to the Fl. State Attorney General's Office and the FTC, Consumer Affairs. I believe I have a Harassment suit against the collection agency and Unfair Trade Pratices againt Columbia House. There may be a possibility this may qualify under the Rico Act since there cleary seems to be a pattern between the trio. I understand Columbia House is shutting down operations, but is now involved in Yourmusic.com, all owned by Direct Brands. I suggest any one experiencing problems such as mine file your complaints accordingly and stop this abuse. Imagine the number's of people who are paying these people simply to avoid credit problems! Scam? RipOff? Lot's of Money!
C.R. Florida
Gibsonton, Florida
U.S.A.
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