Complaint Review: Associated Recovery Systems (ARS National Services) - Escondido California

ARS did something similar to me. The debt is actually my husband's and in attempts to get things paid off, I entered into a settlement agreement. I paid the first payment using my Visa check card. The representative swore to me they would not hold that number (lie #1). For 30 minutes or so they bullied me into providing my bank routing and checking account number, which I refused to do. They did email me a settlement agreement with specific payment dates (8/8 and 8/20) and amounts. I told them I would call on those dates to make the payments which they were not happy with.

I had told them they were NOT authorized to use my card for anything other than the first transaction in July and I refused to provide my bank information as the settlement letter did not require it. Not only did the company keep my check card info on file, they ran BOTH the payments due on 8/6 in violation of the agreement and without authorization to use my card.

I filed a complaint with the FTC online and later called. The FTC said they would only monitor the company but would do nothing unless a trend appeared. I suggest everyone who deals with this company and their illegal activity file complaints with the FTC. Unless there is a trend, the FTC will not do any sort of investigation. Visit www.ftc.gov and file your complaint online! Obviously there is a trend if we are all reading similar stories on Rip-Off Report.

I also suggest, like me, you cancel any card information you provided and immediately make changes to your bank account if they have any of that information. For my account, it is as easy as changing the last 2 digits of my checking account number. Thankfully they don't have that and I only had to cancel and request a new check card. Only one of the payments processed for ARS on 8/6 and cleared my account on 8/8. Because I have the letter stating the payment is due on 8/8 and I didn't have any authorization provided to ARS to use my card, I disputed the payment with my bank and Visa. Additionally, the settlement agreement is to my husband and the company used MY card information without permission. My funds will be put back into my account within 48 hours.

I spoke with several people there and even have a voicemail recording that they reversed the charges and put the money back (which they didn't do). I also told the company that because of their illegal activity, they can consider the account paid in full and close the account as we will not pay them another dime.

I will be sending off a notice to the CA Attorney General as well for their tactics and their illegal abuse of bank account information.

Never, ever, give your bank account information to any creditor or collection agency! Burned once, and I will never do it again.

they got your banking info.  These crooks are known for sending a check thru

and seeing if they can get some more money.  Never send checks or provide

debt card numbers etc to this company.  Close your account.

If you do not close it they will overdraft your check with a check without your signature

trust me.  Find another bank.

I personally use checks to pay utilities etc. not companies or individuals etc.use money orders to pay thing like this.  I would not pay them a penny.  They will never stop.

They sell this info.  I would also file a complaint with your attorney general consumer protection division.

They may be able to help.  provide a copy of the check.  Record calls this is evidence

Aaron,

Please contact us at [email protected] and we will try and help resolve this situation. We look forward to hearing from you.

Tim

×

1 / 0

❮ ❯