Allan
Baltimore,#2Consumer Comment
Tue, January 20, 2004
A number of points. First you do NOT have to pay the bill since it was allegedly incurred by a minor without your permission. Any statement otherwise is not true.
Second, The court order requires Merchants to provide SPECIFIC proof that an adult authorized the viewing. Something in writing or agreed upon at the web site.
Thirdly, while Merchants claims you should have used some sort of parental control lockout on your computer, Alyon has purposedly BYPASSED these controls when they allowed minors to view the pornagraphy. In other words, the parental controls would not have worked in any case.
Fourth, They will not report you to a real credit agency since knowingly filing a bogus report is an actionable offense under THe Fair Credit Reporting Act. Both Alyon and Merchants can be sued, it is not that hard to prove. NO ONE on this website, in the 17 months complaints have been made, has indicated their credit has been affected.
Fifth, Merchants has, in a short time, received an unsatisfactory rating after many complaints. by the Better Business Bureau and is well known on this site. Who would believe them?
Finally, collection agencies are there to get money, whether a bill is valid or not, Certain firms will lie outrageously and threaten you to do so. These agencies should be put out of business as soon as possible.
Complain to the FTC (who regulates collection agencies), send a note to Judge Story of the Fifth District Court in Georgia and another complalnt to the License Bureau in your State . Ask that Merchants' license to do business in your State be revoked.
John
Memphis,#3Consumer Comment
Mon, January 19, 2004
The moment they threatened to list this on your credit report as a porn site they committed blackmail. They were attempting to coerce you through the threat of release of embarrassing information. This is a (censored) in all 50 states. Contact your local police and make a criminal complaint against the caller. The police will get the call records from your phone company and get the calling number, date and duration of call. If Alyon records their calls it's a slam dunk case. The local police will contact the local police department where the callers phone was located to continue the investigation. Even if the caller denies making the threat the police report will remain on file and can be accessed for any future complaints.
Keep in mind that since there's no legal contract between you and Alyon they cannot legally report you to any credit bureau for anything.