JC Christensen And Associates, INC. Opportunists trying to bleed me dry Sauk Rapids Minnesota
My mother passed away almost two years ago and now this company working out of a post office box without a bonefide physical mailing address to speak of sends me a letter wanting over $11,000 dollars that my mother had acrued in a debt.
The letter mentioned that they are willing to make a "generous" offer of only wanting 70% of total amount due, which will then magically "clear the matter up". (in their own words)
The leeching debt collecting company states that they're located in Sauk Rapids, MN (printed on top of the letter head) however on the payment card at the bottom of the letter, there is an address at the top of a bar code of (PO Box 1952, Southgate, MI 48195-0952).
I may be the executor of my mother's affairs, but I don't think that I would then be responsible for any debt that was acrued by her because of her health care or any other purchases made by her after she has passed.
I have no plans on paying any of this debt that is not linked to myself.
What defense to I have against opportunists like these?
TS
Troy, Illinois
U.S.A.
6 Updates & Rebuttals
Steve in NY
Clifton Park,New York,
Wow where do I start.....
#7Consumer Comment
Fri, April 26, 2013
All I can say is WOW! What gumption from an organization that touts on their website "Employees at JC Christensen & Associates, Inc. have all attained certification under the Professional Management Practices System of ACA International, which testifies to their commitment to adhere to the strictest standards in their industry." What a Joke. Just look at their tactics and fines it they should tout that our "thugs are trained by watching several hours of Andrew Dice Clay prior to calling their victims"
It is obvious that you should not talk to them at all on the telephone. Send them a validation of debt letter as recommended by others in this thread. One caveat is that you don't have to ask for validation of the contract for "your mother" as once probate has passed there is no legal attachment to the heirs of an estate. These scummy guys will try to imply to all family members as described in this thread in order to get one sucker to get scared by their thug tactics. Send them a validation of debt letter that you as and individual are contractually obligated to the debt.
If they continue collection efforts against you not only should you follow the advice of others in filing complaints where they can get fines but you should also get a consumer lawyer and sue them for damages. Losing a loved one is traumatic enough and you should not be harassed by collectors who should know the law (trust me they do) and are causing you even more grief.
Bill ("a Cat's Full Nine")"
San Francisco,California,
U.S.A.
Here's the escape route
#7Consumer Suggestion
Mon, April 13, 2009
The following letter is the first step in disentangling oneself from the clutches of this outfit.
The next step if they are not thus dissuaded will be to appeal to the victim's State's Attorney General office and the American Collectors Association and his or her local State Bar Association for instructions as to how to file, the proper forms to do so, and what other information is pertinent .
The branches are itemized below this letter.
By Certified mail - return receipt requested
[Date] , 2009
[Name and address of elevant Christensen branch]
Re: [Name of creditor]
Account # ______________
To Whom It May Concern:
This will serve as your legal notice under provisions of federal law, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), to cease all communication with me in regard to the debt referenced above. If you fail to heed this notice, I will file a formal complaint against you with the Federal Trade Commission who is responsible for enforcement, the State's Attorney General office and/or the American Collectors Association or local State Bar Association.
You are also notified that should any adverse information be placed against the credit reports as a result of this notice that appropriate actions will be taken. Give this very important matter the attention it deserves.
Sincerely,
JC Christensen and Associates, Inc.
PO Box 519
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
320-534-4340
215 N Benton Rd
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
800-235-2731
http://www.jcccollect.com/jcc.php
200 14th Ave E
Sartell,, MN 56377
866-245-5344
PO Box 1952,
Southgate, MI 48195-0952
866-768-5813
10330 Regency Parkway Dr,
Omaha, NE 68114-3774
402-397-3009
Khowell
Tishomingo,Mississippi,
U.S.A.
2 fines in less than a year
#7Consumer Comment
Thu, March 26, 2009
These people also continue to call me for someone I don't know, on a daily basis. I went through the past actions just from the State of MN and found the following:
J C CHRISTENSEN & ASSOCIATES, INC Lic# CA8000173
Against: Collection Agency Location: SAUK RAPIDS, MN
Action: Other/Consent
Signed: 7/10/2008 $1000 Fine
File # CA 2801987 MJK
Allegation:
Allege dept collector engaged in the use of obscene or profane language or language where the natural consequence of which is to abuse the hearer or reader.
J C CHRISTENSEN & ASSOCIATES, INC Lic# CA8000173
Against: Collection Agency Location: SAUK RAPIDS, MN
Action: Other/Consent
Signed: 11/24/2008 $5000 Fine
File # CA 2802602 MJK
Allegation:
Allege debt collector engaged in unfair and unconscionable means in an attempt to collect a debt.
Angie
Brainerd,Minnesota,
U.S.A.
Ignore Them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#7Consumer Suggestion
Mon, December 15, 2008
I just thought I would inform you that JC Christianson was sued by the State of Minnesota for violations in collecting debts. I don't remember what month this happened in, but they were fined. I found the information on the Minnesota Department of Commerce web site and clicked on enforcement actions.
I guess if they want to persist, give them the address to where your mom is enternally resting and tell them that is where she resides now. They will need to collect from her since these are not your bills. I guarantee they will go away the minute they are told where this address is. Good Luck
Laurie
Haslet,Texas,
U.S.A.
Has the her estate been settled
#7Consumer Comment
Mon, December 15, 2008
Debtors are required by law to submit all bills to the estate before probate.
Once Probate has closed - the debtors can no longer collect on this debt.
When my father-in-law passed and about a year after the estate was settled, everyone in the family started to receive bills from one his doctors. Since they did not submit these bills during the probate period - the family had no legal obligation to pay them.
John
Louisville,Kentucky,
U.S.A.
RE:
#7Consumer Comment
Mon, December 15, 2008
When a debt collector first contacts you, your first step should always be to request validation of the debt per your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Send them a letter via Certified Mail + Return Receipt stating:
Per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, I am requesting written validation of this alleged debt, which includes a copy of the original signed contract with my/my mother's signature
Per this federal law they must provide written validation within 30 days and they must cease collection activity until they send you written validation. Do not let them scare you with bogus threats during this period. This will give you breathing time to explore your options.
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FYI: This issue should have been handled during the probate of your mother's will...