Complaint Review: Phillips & Cohen Associates Ltd -

I had a credit card with Bank of America but I fell behind in payments. For years my credit rating was above 800, I am a doctor and make a good living. But even the most responsible are not immune to financial disaster.

My spouse had moved into our investment home during a trial separation and agreed I would continue the mortgage payment on our principal home, and my wife would pay the mortgage on the investment property. With no notice to me, she abandoned the property, abandoned her new car on the street, credit cards maxed and utilities delinquent. I found out when the bank sent me a notice that the house was is foreclosure.

I spent a lot of money trying to rescue the property and make arrangements and eventually lost the property anyway. I started to miss payments, send payments in late and then the late fees starting accumulating and taking on a life of their own. I've send 500.00 a month to Phillip Cohen but last month I could only send 250.00.

I called and was subject to a humiliating, berating phone call. The woman was abrasive, rude and demanded I send the 250.00. I explained I had been sued for divorce and had to pay an attorney or be in default. I live in California which is a 50/50 split state. I apologized and explained that I couldn't make up the difference but would continue the 500.00/mo - which I have.

The calls never stop - the last time they called several times in the morning. They called my cell, they called my work leaving messages with reception. I called and told them a payment had been mailed 4 days prior and the woman said "Well you better hope it gets here by the 25th, if it isn't then the bank has the right to recall this account and it will be a lot worse."

I lost my patience, and in an even, irritated tone I said "Do what you're company's policy dictates. If the bank takes the account and sues me or garnishes my wages I can't stop them." Then she said "It's your responsibility to mail the payment on time..." I cut her off "I know what my responsibilities are and as long as you get the payment for the month I don't see what berating and calling repeatedly is going to gain for either of us. I'm hanging up, we're not getting anywhere." And I hung up.

I have 17 other creditors - I rarely get a call from them and if I tell them the payment has been made, they thank me and tell me they'll call again if a payment doesn't post in the next few days.

Down but not out
Chino Hills, California
U.S.A.