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Associated Recovery Systems (ARS National Services) ARS Denied my payment had been sent, even though I have the copy of the endorsed check Escondido, California
ARS bought a debt from Capital One. They eventually sent me an offer letter for settlement. Two payments of $384 over the course of two months. So about $780 for a debt that is $1281.
I sent in the first payment and it was processed by my bank. I could see via my banks online portal that the check had been endorsed by ARS and that payment was deducted from my account for the amount stated on the check. I also called my bank and the agent confirmed the check had been withdrawn and that it was not returned.
I spoke with an agent from ARS and told him I had sent in a payment. He said he couldn't find a record of that, then put me on hold while he and his supervisor (Jason Olivas jason.olivas@arsnational.com) did some research. He got back on the phone and told me they still couldn't find the payment, but they would make me a deal and let me make two more payments for the same $384 amount and they'd call it good, which they said would ultimately save me $100 off the total debt amount.
I refused and told him we need to resolve this issue of my payment not being credited to my account. He tried to tell me to call my bank, but I told him I was looking at the check that THEY endorsed right as we were talking on the phone. I asked for the email address of his boss (above) so that I could send a digital copy of the ENDORSED BY ARS check to them. I did that about an hour ago and have yet to hear back.
So right now I am waiting to see how it goes down. No way am I going to make a payment with my CC as I don't trust these people at all. In fact, I don't feel like doing business with them at all, and am thinking about waiting until they decide to sell it to someone else and then just deal with them.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
Sandy
Riverside,California,
United States of America
ARS should be investigated by the FTC and the Attorneys General!
#4Consumer Comment
Tue, August 10, 2010
ARS did something similar to me. The debt is actually my husband's and in attempts to get things paid off, I entered into a settlement agreement. I paid the first payment using my Visa check card. The representative swore to me they would not hold that number (lie #1). For 30 minutes or so they bullied me into providing my bank routing and checking account number, which I refused to do. They did email me a settlement agreement with specific payment dates (8/8 and 8/20) and amounts. I told them I would call on those dates to make the payments which they were not happy with.
I had told them they were NOT authorized to use my card for anything other than the first transaction in July and I refused to provide my bank information as the settlement letter did not require it. Not only did the company keep my check card info on file, they ran BOTH the payments due on 8/6 in violation of the agreement and without authorization to use my card.
I filed a complaint with the FTC online and later called. The FTC said they would only monitor the company but would do nothing unless a trend appeared. I suggest everyone who deals with this company and their illegal activity file complaints with the FTC. Unless there is a trend, the FTC will not do any sort of investigation. Visit www.ftc.gov and file your complaint online! Obviously there is a trend if we are all reading similar stories on Rip-Off Report.
I also suggest, like me, you cancel any card information you provided and immediately make changes to your bank account if they have any of that information. For my account, it is as easy as changing the last 2 digits of my checking account number. Thankfully they don't have that and I only had to cancel and request a new check card. Only one of the payments processed for ARS on 8/6 and cleared my account on 8/8. Because I have the letter stating the payment is due on 8/8 and I didn't have any authorization provided to ARS to use my card, I disputed the payment with my bank and Visa. Additionally, the settlement agreement is to my husband and the company used MY card information without permission. My funds will be put back into my account within 48 hours.
I spoke with several people there and even have a voicemail recording that they reversed the charges and put the money back (which they didn't do). I also told the company that because of their illegal activity, they can consider the account paid in full and close the account as we will not pay them another dime.
I will be sending off a notice to the CA Attorney General as well for their tactics and their illegal abuse of bank account information.
Never, ever, give your bank account information to any creditor or collection agency! Burned once, and I will never do it again.
Sensei
United States of Americaclose your bank account and file a complaint
#4Consumer Comment
Wed, August 04, 2010
they got your banking info. These crooks are known for sending a check thru
and seeing if they can get some more money. Never send checks or provide
debt card numbers etc to this company. Close your account.
If you do not close it they will overdraft your check with a check without your signature
trust me. Find another bank.
I personally use checks to pay utilities etc. not companies or individuals etc.use money orders to pay thing like this. I would not pay them a penny. They will never stop.
They sell this info. I would also file a complaint with your attorney general consumer protection division.
They may be able to help. provide a copy of the check. Record calls this is evidence
Customer Service
Escondido,California,
United States of America
We can help.
#4UPDATE Employee
Thu, July 08, 2010
Aaron,
Please contact us at CustomerService@arsnational.com and we will try and help resolve this situation. We look forward to hearing from you.
Tim