Complaint Review: SRS Associates Secure Recovery Services

I am documenting my experience with SMS for others benefit. I am NOT complaining about having to pay a bill I owe. I simply want to bring to attention the practice of unfair and illegal debt collection by this company. I hope this helps some of you and at the very least entertains the rest...

I received a voicemail a few days ago from "Marie Parks" ((856)691-3636) about a "pending claim" in my state. I ignored it due to the vagueness. The next day I received a voicemail from "Cole Turner" ((856)691-3636) about a pending civil suit. He went on to say that he was wanted to go over documents with me so I am not surprised by the events to come. I returned the call to (800) 801 0065.

I asked to speak with "Cole Turner". The man on the other end did not give his name but asked for my case # (referenced in the voicemail) and my name. He did not transfer me to Cole but asked if I could settle the debt. I told him not today but I could make a payment in 3 weeks. He then hung up on me. I did not get disconnected or drop a call. I actually head the phone hit the receiver.

I called right back and explained that I was hung up. This time I spoke with "Donna Fox". She told me unless I could take care of my loan today, I was going to be served with papers next week for a payday loan obtained a year ago. I explained my situation further and after pressing some more, she offered to reduce the debt as part of a settlement and to call her back in a couple of days to make the first payment. I agreed and hung up.

I then right away googled SRS and the only thing I found was this forum and a website "under construction". After reviewing these posts, I decided to perform some due diligence.

I called my original creditor - they informed me that the loan had been sold to AIS Services and they could not help me. I called AIS Services (888) 920 1300. "Kevin Kettles" told me that his company also had my account and they had never heard of SRS. I was then transferred to the supervisor, "Debbie Meyer". Debbie told me that my account was red-flagged and unless i paid it today it would be sold to another company for litigation. I asked what company and when and she could not tell me. I brought up SRS and how they said they have my loan and she instructed me to call SRS (although she'd never heard of them) - ask for my original account # to make sure it was the same loan. She then went on to say that the loan had "probably" already been sold and gave me an actual date. I told Debbie how SRS had threatened "civil" litigation against me and she said they cant do that because it was acquired last week and I have 30 days BY LAW to clear up the balance. (again, my intention is to pay back the loan in 3 weeks).

I called back SRS and asked for Donna Fox. I asked Donna for the original account number - she said she didnt have it. She then asked if she could call me back since she was going into a meeting. I said well I have one more question and she hung up on me.

I called right back - I asked the unnamed woman what the full name of the company was. She said she wouldnt give it to me until she knew who she was speaking with. I told her my name and asked again what the full name of the company was. She asked for my case number - I gave it to her and again asked for for the full company name. She finally replied "Superior Recovery Services". I then asked to speak to a manager and she rudely said "Hang on".

"Holly Cohen or Cowen" picked up the line. She said she was a manager. I explained the situation and said I have a couple questions. I explained to her how I was threatened with a civil suit and being served papers next week. She said no one would have said that to me. And I said that I had a voicemail saved that says otherwise. I then said that I had consulted with an attorney as well as the original creditor who both stated I had 30 days to pay a debt to the new company who acquired it and she said that is not true. she then raised her voice a bit and asked "Are you going to pay the loan or not?!" I said that is my intention but Im having some trouble with some your collection practices especially threats of a civil suit. When I told her I had consulted an attorney, she said to have my attorney call her. I explained that I was merely consulting and did not wish to pay an attorney for tasks that I could complete myself. She said then said "well I am my clients attorney". I said, "you're an attorney?". She replied, well no im not an attorney, Im a paralegal." She said she would "review the tapes" where it was alleged that someone threatened a civil suit and get back to me coz she had to leave to attend a meeting.

Not too much later, I received a call from "Marie Parks" - you'll remember her from the very first voicemail. She claimed that Miss Cohen asked her to call me. Marie had reviewed the tapes but couldn't tell what was said because they were "muffled". I said well I have a saved voicemail that is not muffled. She said "How can I help you?" After that I was able to make the necessary payment arrangements. I told her I would call her on a certain date and make a payment on the settlement offer and in the meantime I expected no calls from her firm threatening me with lawsuits.

So, here are some points I would like to make.

1) If you have a legitimate debt, be prepared pay it back or make arrangements to pay it.. Legitimate creditors will work with you and not threaten you. If you find you can not work with them contact an attorney.
2) companies like this will use any means necessary, push the limits of the law and sometimes cross them to get money out of you. The laws referred to here are the Fair Debt Collection Act.
3) A company like this will uses phrases like "case no." or say they are attorney's to make it sound as if they are authorized to handle legal matters or to seem like a law firm. They are not.
4) The last woman claimed that she would review the tapes. Never once was I told that these calls were recorded. They HAVE to tell you that or its not admissable in court. However, a Saved Voicemail Is.
5) The second company that the debt was sold too said they had over 180 affiliates. 180!!!!! the message is here, when in debt ALWAYS go back to the original creditor. Ask for documentation. They have to provide it. If they won't - contact an attorney.
6) If you are able to make payments to these collection companies. DO NOT give them you're credit/debit card number or checking account information. Arrange a wire transfer or a cashiers check. These companies will abuse the privilege and draw out funds without your authorization - claiming you owe additional fees etc etc.
7) Be Smart Everyone - I went through a rough time last year financially and unfortunately had to take out a loan. It happens.. When you can, pay your debts BUT do not accept mistreatment from collection agencies and research your rights!

sidenotes:
1) When you see a post on one of these consumer forums - who post insults to other posters or saying "don't shoot the messenger", "pay your bills", etc - assume they are most likely hired by the said company to rebutt posts by consumers who really don't understand the process. Another intimidation tactic on record.

Mystory
Columbus, Ohio
U.S.A.