ARS - Associated Recovery System In short, I received a telephone call from ARS who, initally would not identify themselves. They wanted me to verify that "I" was "me" by giving them my personal information (address, DOB, or S.S). They said this was the law. I refused, took their 800 number and called them back and got the same run-a-round. I thought me calling back would be enough. Who else would call back other than "me"? Internet
I received a telephone call from a representatiive of ARS. Initially, the representative would not identify who was calling. She told me that I would have to confirm that "I" was "me" by giving either my address, birthdate, or social security number. I told her that she was calling, I answered the phone, and she should give me information to confirm. She went on to tell me that I only needed to provide the last four numbers of my social and that alot of the middle number but not the las four. I said that is fine but a lot of people do not have my same name along with my social security numbers. I asked if she had a number that I could call back. She agreed and gave me an 800 number along with the name of the business and her "bosses" extension. I said well it looks like you are trying to recover something that needs to be paid, and I am right here willing to take care of it right now. She told me that "by law" she could not give me any information. I explained that I have already had my personal information stolen from various institutions and I was not willing to give out my social security number, address, or DOB over the telephone. Then I agreed to call the 800 number and its ext. 2572. In doing so, I got a male representative who came across as very impatient and agitated when I tried to explain my position. He mentioned something about wasting his time and that is when I hung up the telephone. It comes across as very suspicious to me that if "I" I put them through all those questions and then go through all the trouble of calling back that they could think I am someone other than "Me". That kind of behaviour only makes me thankful that I did not give up my personal information. Now I am curious why they haven't just sent a bill if they have all of my information that they need me to verify. Hmmmm!
LeiLani~
Monterey, California
U.S.A.