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Certified Recovery Systems ripoff, harrassment, falsifying claims, failure to disclose information Houston Texas
For the past two-and-a-half weeks I have been dealing with this particular collections agency about a supposed "past due" debt from United Cash Loans. A woman whom identified herself as Marie Alexander left a voicemail on my phone on July 26, citing a reference number and a phone number to call; and this was "not a solicitation or a sales call; failure to respond will result in further processing".
I wish to note said person did not identify the name of the company she was with. So, I called back only to get a different person whom not only failed to identify herself, but also failed to state the company she was with.
She then proceeded to state how this debt was owed from United Cash Loans, and how my wife owed a debt with them as well - furthermore, she made some very disparaging and damning comments about my wife as if to imply she was the type of person who refused to pay her debts.
I wasn't able to get a word in edgewise until she asked me if I had a credit card or a checking account - to which my response was neither. I also told her I work as a contractor, and my contract was expected to expire in the next few months.
I then offered to make payment arrangements, but she claimed her client "cannot accept any arrangements, they are demanding this be paid in full via Western Union". I was then told I had until the following week to have the payment ready or they would be calling me back for the name of my attorney.
I managed to contact an attorney's office in Chicago to explain the situation to her, but later in the day told me she couldn't get any information out of the collections agency, either.
Yep - they refused to give her any information. It wasn't until the following day I called a family member to check in when she told me someone had called in looking for me about a "complaint". I asked my family member to check her caller ID and found a "CRS" along with a number - the same number given in the original voicemail. I then asked her if the caller had identified the name of the company she was with; she did not.
I felt I had enough info by this time to start tracking down whom this person was with; I finally nailed it down to Certified Recovery Systems. Their website does give the option to make payment arrangements, but after I sent my initial offer I received an email back from a "JOHN@certifiedrecovery.com" thanking me for my offer, but it was declined and I needed to call their office.
A second phone call later that week landed me into their voicemail, so taking a cue from this site I asked for valid proof of the debt - in writing - before I made any payment. I also asked for a written agreement that should I make any payments, that would be accurately reported to the credit reporting agencies.
Yesterday I received yet another phone call from Marie asking me to once again call their office - once again failing to identify the company she was with. I normally don't get off work until 4:30 - the same time which CRS closes - so I called back and once again asked for written proof of the debt and documentation that my payments would be accurately reported. I had cited my consumer rights under both the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Suffice it to say, I am of a strong opinion Certified Recovery Systems has violated my rights under the following complaints: 1) rude and disparaging comments about my wife; 2) harrassing voicemails left on my phone and conversations with family; 3) calling during a time when it is not convenient; i.e. while I am at work and can't answer my cell phone; 4) failure to submit any letters or documents in the mail in regards to this debt, and the information will be accurately reported (even after two requests); 5) failure to identify the name of the company the rep is with, or calling on behalf of; 6) demanding payments be made in one particular manner (i.e. Western Union) and claiming no other form of payment is acceptable (something about an "empty payment" tactic I've heard used before by other collectors)
This is one collections agency I would definitely like to hear their side of the story - and also provide proof of this debt. I'm currently in the process of locating my bank records to show this was already paid off back in November/December 2004, and of the overpayment of the original debt which was reimbursed to us.
I'm also in the middle of disputing this debt with the credit reporting agencies; also I've filed a complaint with the Texas State Attorney General's office and the Federal Trade Commission. Personally, I'd like to see Certified Recovery Systems close their doors for good - these people are ruthless, and will do anything to swindle people out of their money!
Kerry
Overland Park, Kansas
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Quetta
Houston,Texas,
U.S.A.
Ignore these people as best as you can!
#3UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, August 08, 2005
I used to work for this company and not only are their collection tactics ridiculous, but the owner is extremely arrogant (he called one employee stupid to his face). I used to work for another "professional" collection agency and CRSI is by far the worse. We were trained to "get around" FDCPA laws in order to collect payment on payday loans that in some cases weren't even for the people we were calling. Some people would even send in proof that this was not them (i.e., ss card, birth certs, bank statements, etc.) and our boss claimed all debtors are liars and they are trying to avoid paying their bills.
This was very unfair and unjust because identity theft is REALITY and it does happen (I'm a victim)! Now there are deadbeats out there, but you cannot call someone's aunt or grandmother saying there has been a complaint filed against them. According to FDCPA you can only leave the company's name/caller's name and telephone number, THAT'S IT! They cannot leave a reference number, account number, file number or anything of that nature. As far as them saying, "There has been a complaint filed in my office and failure to return my call will result in further action" on someone's answering machine or with another person is indeed 3rd party disclosure.
They tried to brainwash me but needless to say it didn't work. When we would answer the phones we were told not to say the name of the company unless we had the debtor on the phone. We gave fake names (alias') to "protect" ourselves. We were not allowed to setup payment arrangements unless the account was in the hands of a particular collector. And as far as the company removing credit marks, yeah right, not even if your life depended on it. They say that so you will pay up. Anyone who cares about their credit will pay anything to clear negative items.
BEWARE! This company is money hungry and will do and say anything to make you pay for a payday loan that you probably didn't even know you had. These are loans taken out over the internet those payday loan companies rarely verify information, so anyone could have taken your info and gotten a loan. In some cases, the bank account could be in someone else's name.
As far as being an employee for this company, I have never heard of getting written up for clocking in 10 minutes early. Your kid could be at home dying and the owner would respond, "I can't make any exceptions regardless of the circumstances." There was one new girl that was so determined to keep her job she came to work with pink eye so bad, she could hardly see. He sent her home and when she came back the next day he fired her. She had only been there 3 weeks! I should have suspected something when I had to pay for my own drug test, I was there past my 60 days and I never got reimbursed!
For those who think I am a disgruntled ex-employee, trust me I'm not. I quit due to the fact that I am worth more than $8.65/hr and I don't have to put up with a business owner that talks to his employees like they have no high school or college education (yes I do have a degree). I finally landed the job I have been praying for and I have never been happier.
S.n.
Bucyrus,Kansas,
U.S.A.
Stay Off The Phone!
#3Consumer Suggestion
Fri, August 05, 2005
Do NOT talk to these people anymore on the phone. Do not email them. Do everything in writing, certified mail, return receipt requested. They MUST validate the debt. You don't owe them until THEY prove you owe them (legally). See the following websites for more information:
http://www.creditboards.com
http://www.artofcredit.com
The key is keeping a paper trail with this collection agency. Good luck.