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Viking Collection Agency Harrassing phone calls to work AND home many times a day Minnesota Nationwide
Carrie Turner from Viking Collection Service contact my husband at work. He is a teacher & so he told her to call me at home since I stay at home with our kids. She was nice enough the first time that I spoke with her & told her when to expect payment. (the end of January)
While we were on the phone the first time she wanted to know how much all of our bills were, How much my husband made, and how much our tax return was. I dodged each question because it's none of her business. If she wants to take us to court, go for it. There's nothing here to take. I explained to her that they would be getting their money at the end of this month.
She called the following Monday at my husband's work AGAIN! However there are 3 schools in this district. She left a message with EACH school telling the secretary that she just needed to leave a message for my husband & then went on to tell them that we owed 2K from a credit card and they needed to be aware of it. It's not 2K (it's approx 1700.00) & since when are creditors allowed to divulge personal information???
I called her back & she was out to lunch I left her a firm but polite message that she knew as of Friday that she was to call ME at home NOT my husband at work b/c he can't talk at work. I reiterated when she would be recieving her money & that I didn't not want to talk to her again until I called to pay off the debt.
She's since called me 3 more times. I'm beginning to think she wants to be friends. For now I am ignoring her phone calls because I have stated TWICE to her when she would be recieving payment. Unless she's willing to reduce the amount I really have nothing to say to her. Her messages just say that she wants to know how we're coming along with getting the money. It's NONE of her business!
I've seen them be brutal before but this is just asinine. I've told them when they are getting their money why don't they just leave us alone? If I don't come up with the money THEN I can see them calling & harrassing all over again. I just hate dealing with these people they drive me insane!
Lisa
Bloomington, Illinois
U.S.A.
5 Updates & Rebuttals
Lisa
Bloomington,Illinois,
U.S.A.
Heard back from IL Atty General
#6Author of original report
Tue, February 06, 2007
Here is the letter that we recieved yesterday! I filed with the FTC--they wouldn't take it. Filed with IL Atty General & this was their reply!
Dear Mr & Mrs xxxx,
The Consumer Protection Division, Of the Office of Attorney General has received your consumer complaint. A copy of your complaint has been forwarded to the above named business for their review and response.
The business may contact you about a possible settlement after they recieve our letter. We encourage you to consider any reasonable offer. If the business responds directly to your office, a copy of their response will be mailed to you.
This is an informal mediation process. We are unable to represent private citizens in legal disputs.
Then there is an addy & a person we are supposed to send any correcspondence that we get back to them!
I consider this a win. I just want Carrie Turner Reprimanded! They screamed & screamed for their money so I paid them on 1/26/2007 & they just finally pulled it last night. I also could not go through Capital One. I tried & they directed me back to Carrie Turner, I promptly hung up on her. :)
I also requested for a statement saying that we had paid them off in full. I'm still awaiting that statement.
This is the latest news that I have! Thanks for all the help I really appreciate it!
Lisa
Bloomington,Illinois,
U.S.A.
I have filed reports today
#6Author of original report
Wed, January 24, 2007
Hi guys I just wanted to update.
I have decided to call Capital One on my own & pay them directly. If anything is owed to Viking after I've paid Capital One then the can sue me for it.
I filed with the MN Atty General's Office.
The IL Atty General's Office.
I also filed online at the FTC website.
Thank you guys for all of your help!! I'll keep you posted!
Steve [Not A Lawyer]
Bradenton,Florida,
U.S.A.
Liz, This is why you NEVER speak to any debt collector on the phone!
#6Consumer Suggestion
Wed, January 24, 2007
Liz,
There is no reason to ever speak to any debt collector on the phone. It will never do anything positive for you.
The actions of this collector were clearly illegal, and you have recourse. First, go to ftc.gov and file a separate complaint online for each abuse. Then find a lawyer and sue them.
A debt collector must stop the calls if you request it. This is you right under FEDERAL LAW, as per the FDCPA.
Send a CEASE COMMUNICATIONS request by certified mail, return reciept requested. Be sure to put the certified# on the letter itself and keep a copy for your records. This is very important.
Now, when they violate, you can get paid. i wouldn't even pay them now. I would cut off all contact with them and sue the hell out of them when they violate the law again.
NEVER pay a third party collector.
Allen
St. Paul,Minnesota,
U.S.A.
Don't pay them until they verify the debt!
#6Consumer Suggestion
Wed, January 24, 2007
The Minnesota Dept. of Commerce has taken action against this company:
Licensee Name: VIKING COLLECTION SERVICE INC (DBA: VIKING BILLING SERVICE )
Licensee Address: 7500 OFFICE RIDGE CENTER , STE 100
City State Zip: EDEN PRAIRIE , MN 553440000
License Number: 8000075
License Type: Collection Agency
License Status: ACTIVE
License Effective Date: Jun 9, 1989
License Expiration/Renewal Date: Jun 30, 2007
Enforcement Action: Yes. This individual or company has at one time had formal administrative action taken against one or more Commerce-issued license. For further information please contact Commerce Investigation Unit at 651-296-2488 or 1-800-657-3602 (phone hours 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM CST).
Call the above number and ask them the circumstances of the administrative action(s). Also, make a complaint with the MN and IL attorney generals' offices.
Then, send them a verification letter and a cease communications letter (google both and it will bring up lots of samples). Send them Return Receipt Requested. They cannot legally contact you by phone once they receive either of these letters, except under certain circumstances. Google the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and read all about your rights before you do anything at all.
Also, I can't find a Carrie Turner registered to this company so she's not telling you her real name, which is really common.
Good Luck!
Lisa
Bloomington,Illinois,
U.S.A.
They continue to call & then hang up on you
#6Author of original report
Tue, January 23, 2007
My husband was again contacted today at work after we told Carrie Turner that she wasn't allowed to call his work. I then called her & told her when to expect payment. She had turned the whole story around of when I said that we would pay. Stating that I said that I would pay 2 weeks ago which was incorrect.
She then started screaming at me & then hung up. Is there any recourse for this? I HATE this company & wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy!!!
I feel bad for ANYONE who has to deal with this woman!