Complaint Review: Credit Collection Services

1) I disagree with the comment that sometimes the collection agency adds up to 50% to the amount due. My personal observation (and I've seen many letters from many agencies to many people) is that they add virtually random amounts.

2) When they do this, it is generally to get a reaction. To get you to call. If they get you upset and you call them, they have accomplished their task. They have no way of getting paid if they do not get YOU to send THEM a check. It doesn't matter how much you send, it only matter that you send them money.

3) I DO agree however, with the "Do not talk to them on the phone" protocol. When they call, instruct them to never call that number again. If they call again, immediately file a complaint against them with the Attorney General's office of the state in which they do business. If they call again, send them a registered, return recept, letter stating never to call again. And file another complaint. If they call again (under another name, normally), file a third complaint, and ask the Attorney General's office what they are doing to resolve this issue. They may send you to another state to file the complaint properly, but at that point they will generally contact the agency and speak to them in a way they understand.

4) I DO NOT agree that you should request all sorts of information from them when they call to annoy you. Do not bother unless they show up on your credit report. All you will do is encourage them. Ignore them. I do, however recommend that you contact the original creditor and try to pay off the original debt. Even if you make small payments. But only to the original creditor. If they refuse to talk to you or accept money, and they don't show up on your credit report, keep your money.

If they DO show up on your credit report, then you follow the steps given (demand documentation under the FCRA, etc.), and immediately challenge it through the credit bureau. Know your rights. Protect them. Each time someone steps on one of your FCRA rights, send a letter to the appropriate people demanding satisfaction. Eventually, they'll get tired of you (especially if you file enough free complaints to get their legal dept into a tizzy) and drop it or sue you.

But don't talk to them on the phone, and don't think a collection agency is actually going to sue you. That would normally be reserved to the original creditor unless you have truly done something unusual. Someone who actually has some standing. A signed document, a recording of an agreement, a demonstration of you making payments to satisfy an agreement.

But if you've never talked to them on the phone, you've never purchased anything from them or sent them any money and the only communication you've sent is "leave me alone" ... well, no relationship there.

Send them another letter stating that a screen shot is not validation of proof of debt and you want the following. send it certified (with the cert number on the letter as proof of what was sent) and return receive requested. They are sending you a screen shot because they CAN"T produce the documentation. If you really want to be a pain, tell them to produce EACH AND EVERY RECEIPT for what they say you owe ...

Tell them to validate by

. What the money you say I owe is for;
Explain and show me how you calculated what you say I owe;
Provide me with copies of any papers that show I agreed to pay what you say I owe;
Provide a verification or copy of any judgment if applicable;
Identify the original creditor;
Prove the Statute of Limitations has not expired on this account
Show me that you are licensed to collect in my state
Provide me with your license numbers and Registered Agent


1. NEVER talk to a collection agency on the phone. Period.
2. Keep good records. This can be the difference between a good and bad settlement. Don't expect them to remember you or what you agreed upon.
3. Send all correspondence via registered mail, receipt requested and put the registered mail number ON THE LETTER. DO NOT SIGN THE LETTER TYPE YOUR NAME
4. Keep a copy of every letter you send.
5. Penalties and extra interest are typically fictious amounts of money added on by the collection agency to pad their profits. Sometimes as much as to 50% of the debt or more claimed to be owed by a collection agency consisting of interest and fees. This is illegal, every state has usery laws (which dictate the maximum interests allowed to be charged. That is except North Dakota. There are no such laws which is why most credit card companies incorporate there.) Junk debt buyer pay anywhere from 1 cent to 7 cents on the dollar, there is no way there is this much interest.
6. Time is on your side. As time passes, the creditors will likely stop calling and the debt will be filed away for future attention or until the SOL runs out ..


From another consumer advocate site bud hibbs ...

Bud Says...

aka/ Credit Collection Services (CCS)/Credit Intl./Audit Associates Credit Control Services, Inc.
With that many names you may not be surprised to learn that they collect for insurance companies. My problem with CCS is they fail miserably at responding to consumer complaints. We all know that insurance companies are have a low tolerance for paperwork, so a lot of information that may be incorrect is sent to collections.
If you have a problem with CCS, contact their attorney; Michael S. Kraft to see if he can resolve it.

budhibbs.com