Complaint Review: Simmons Smith and Associates

A "new" collections agency by the name of Simmons Smith & Assoc just opened near my home and posted help wanted ads on Craigslist. I went and interviewed last Friday, at that point they told me to come in Monday for training. I show up and during training I realize that something shady is going on with this company, but I stick it out to see what happens. During training they tell us that we are to refer to the accounts as "cases" so that the debtor assumes we are a law firm. Also, we were taught to say things like "further legal action", "this case just came into my office", and many other unethical tricks.

The entire time we were "training" we weren't allowed to talk to the "veterans" (which have been working there for 3 weeks, exactly how old this "new" company was), and my guess was they didn't want us finding out how things really went there. Today we took our "test" to become collections agents and after our test we were supposed to start working these "cases". I pass the test and our group goes to the "calling center" which is a tiny room with makeshift tables haphazardly strewn around the office.

This whole time I am wondering when we were going to fill out our W-4 form so that we can be paid. Now that it is time to work the phones I want to make sure that my W-4 is in order. So I talk to the head manager Ken about it. I pulled him aside and said to him "I am not trying to be a troublemaker or anything, I am just not comfortable working without filling out a tax form." His response is, "We will do it on our time." To which I replied, "This is nothing personal, but I am working here on MY time and MY time needs to be compensated.

Without a W-4 I have no way of knowing I will be paid." He had the nerve to say, " We don't do W-4's until Friday, that is the rules. Either follow the rules or leave." My response, "You don't make the rules as to when W-4's are filled out. The government makes those rules, and I hope you have a great day." I left, just got home and did some research on the company. Apparently this company moved and changed its name to Simmons Smith and Associates from Dean Smith and Associates.

I am guessing because of unethical business practices. Do not work for this company! Please do not talk to this company if they call you, they don't have the authority to sue you or bring any legal action to you. Just hang up the phone, you will save yourself alot of trouble. And please spread the word about how they changed their name. Thank you.