Complaint Review: Focus Receivables

Years ago, I had cell phone service through Alltel Wireless. My service was terminated and the account was given to Focus Receivables. At the beginning of 2006, Focus contacted me for payment and I provided them with my debit information and authorized them to draft the $124.83.

Instead of taking what was owed, $124.83; they took $249.66. My bank account became overdrawn and I obtained a statement from my bank. I noticed that Focus had taken an additional payment of $124.83. I have been contacting Focus for at least 5 months and I have gotten nowhere. I have been speaking with Mr. B.A. Blake. He is very unprofessional and he knows nothing about settling disputes.

After numerous phone calls and faxes, Focus agreed to refund $159.83 ($124.83 & a $35 overdraft fee). I was told that I would receive a check. I have received nothing. I contacted Focus and I was then told that the refund had been credited back to my debit account.

I didn't understand how this was possible because my account had been closed months before. I obtained a document from my bank stating that Focus tried to deposit the money, but it was returned to them due to the account being closed.

I have faxed this statement to Focus and the Better Business Bureau. Focus assures that I received payment and the complaint has been closed by the BBB.

Focus responded to my complaint by saying that they would give me the refund if I provided a tracking number. I obtained the exact same statement from the bank. The statement has the tracking number, the amount, and it also states that the account was closed at the time of the transaction.

I received an email from the BBB, stating that it was nothing more that they could do about the matter, and I would have to pursue my complaint in court.

I don't want to go to court, but I will. I have also contacted Five on Your Side and Troubleshooter. I suggest that others call their local news consumer agent.

Freddie
Roxboro, North Carolina
U.S.A.