Complaint Review: CBCS - Columbus Ohio

Stop talking to those people. Listen then hang up, politely. Mr. Richard Cordray Ohio Attorney General State Office Tower 30 E. Broad Street 17th Floor Columbus, OH 43215-3428 April 16, 2009 Dear Mr. Cordray: I am writing to file a complaint against CBCS, a collection agency doing business in Ohio. Their address is: CBCS 250 E Town St Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 222-4104 I believe that CBCS is committing fraud by making false and defamatory entries on consumers' credit reports in an attempt to extort payment for debts not owed. I am aware of many cases in which imaginary delinquent accounts are sold to CBCS, who then attempts to collect on these imaginary debts. But, when a consumer- who has often never had an account with the alleged original creditor- contacts the original creditor for information, the creditor agrees that there is no record of any such account ever existing. Ohio taxation office had written off the debt 20 years ago. The date was in June 1990. If CBCS is not creating false accounts, at the very least CBCS is making entries on credit reports without a shred of documentation to substantiate the existence of the accounts. This is of course a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Also, CBCS refuses to respond to consumers' requests for information, as required under the FDCPA. I have enclosed copies of my letters to CBCS to document this ongoing problem. CBCS has also talked with members of my family concerning this issue. They have repeatedly said they will file a lien on our property, attach our bank account and our car. I am concerned not only with my individual case, but with the very alarming fraudulent practice of creating fake accounts in an effort to collect small amounts from consumers. It is very telling that these fake balances tend to be small. I have no doubt that CBCS thinks that people will pay these small, un-owed balances just to be rid of the problem. Please look into this very disturbing practice as soon as possible. (Sign) cc to: Federal Trade Commission Room H-159, 600 Pennsylvania Ave Washington, DC 20580 Better Business Bureau 1169 Dublin Road Columbus, Ohio 43215 YOUR legal Council

~~>Calls that cross state lines become complicated legal issues especially when one state is a one party consent state and the other state is an all party consent state. What has happened is that you didn't violate the law in the one party consent state and violated the law in the all party consent state. Moreover, since the call went across a state line, the federal laws would certainly apply.<<~~ SO you are violating the law when you are calling across state line!!!!! And to BOB we cannot disclose any DEBT information to you, unless we verify that you are the person on that particular account.... If the last 4 dont match - good for you that means its another person with the debt, SO YOU are not responsible for it. YOu can write CBCS all you want but until certain things on your account are verified, there is nothing we can do for you.... And MANDY- the reason why the hospital did not have any record of it, is because CBCS PAID your DEBT to the hospital, so they CLOSED the account (on their end) - and now CBCS collecting the money THEY paid to the HOSPITAL... ANy time the DEBT gets sold to a collection agency, the ORIGINAL CREDITOR no longer has record of it... I was an employee of CBCS and i wouldnt say that my education level is lower than any of you, i graduated from College, and yes i no longer work for the Agency because i am now pursuing my career working for a law office, so its a lil harsh to make a comment that all Debt Collectors have lack of education... I was working there part time while going to COLLEGE, so i will not agree with that statement, and i have talk to frustrated, pissed off, and ignorant people who simply DO NOT want to pay the debt... And there are people like you (MANDY) who do not want to give info but wants to receive INFO... TRy calling your bank, or your credit card and see if they will give you ANY info about the account, without verifying YOUR IDENTITY.. Thank you for your time.

~~>Calls that cross state lines become complicated legal issues especially when one state is a one party consent state and the other state is an all party consent state. What has happened is that you didn't violate the law in the one party consent state and violated the law in the all party consent state. Moreover, since the call went across a state line, the federal laws would certainly apply.<<~~ SO you are violating the law when you are calling across state line!!!!! And to BOB we cannot disclose any DEBT information to you, unless we verify that you are the person on that particular account.... If the last 4 dont match - good for you that means its another person with the debt, SO YOU are not responsible for it. YOu can write CBCS all you want but until certain things on your account are verified, there is nothing we can do for you.... And MANDY- the reason why the hospital did not have any record of it, is because CBCS PAID your DEBT to the hospital, so they CLOSED the account (on their end) - and now CBCS collecting the money THEY paid to the HOSPITAL... ANy time the DEBT gets sold to a collection agency, the ORIGINAL CREDITOR no longer has record of it... I was an employee of CBCS and i wouldnt say that my education level is lower than any of you, i graduated from College, and yes i no longer work for the Agency because i am now pursuing my career working for a law office, so its a lil harsh to make a comment that all Debt Collectors have lack of education... I was working there part time while going to COLLEGE, so i will not agree with that statement, and i have talk to frustrated, pissed off, and ignorant people who simply DO NOT want to pay the debt... And there are people like you (MANDY) who do not want to give info but wants to receive INFO... TRy calling your bank, or your credit card and see if they will give you ANY info about the account, without verifying YOUR IDENTITY.. Thank you for your time.

...in most states you do need to notify a party that you are recording their conversation, just as the collection agency must notify you when they are recording a conversation. I don't remember what the laws are in the state of Maine. Also, mid-size to large 3rd party collection agencies such as CBCS have files downloaded to them from their customers and those accounts are called via an automatic dialer. It's almost completely automated. They don't "make accounts up." The collector sit there like drones all day waiting for the next call to come in so they can try to make their monthly goals. CBCS collectors don't work off of commission either, so it's not cutthroat. Collectors speak with people who try to talk their way out of paying valid debts all day, every day. Most people are quite rude. It's natural for a collector to be distrustful. Does it make it right? No. You should, however, be able to understand where it's coming from.

...in most states you do need to notify a party that you are recording their conversation, just as the collection agency must notify you when they are recording a conversation. I don't remember what the laws are in the state of Maine. Also, mid-size to large 3rd party collection agencies such as CBCS have files downloaded to them from their customers and those accounts are called via an automatic dialer. It's almost completely automated. They don't "make accounts up." The collector sit there like drones all day waiting for the next call to come in so they can try to make their monthly goals. CBCS collectors don't work off of commission either, so it's not cutthroat. Collectors speak with people who try to talk their way out of paying valid debts all day, every day. Most people are quite rude. It's natural for a collector to be distrustful. Does it make it right? No. You should, however, be able to understand where it's coming from.

...in most states you do need to notify a party that you are recording their conversation, just as the collection agency must notify you when they are recording a conversation. I don't remember what the laws are in the state of Maine. Also, mid-size to large 3rd party collection agencies such as CBCS have files downloaded to them from their customers and those accounts are called via an automatic dialer. It's almost completely automated. They don't "make accounts up." The collector sit there like drones all day waiting for the next call to come in so they can try to make their monthly goals. CBCS collectors don't work off of commission either, so it's not cutthroat. Collectors speak with people who try to talk their way out of paying valid debts all day, every day. Most people are quite rude. It's natural for a collector to be distrustful. Does it make it right? No. You should, however, be able to understand where it's coming from.

...in most states you do need to notify a party that you are recording their conversation, just as the collection agency must notify you when they are recording a conversation. I don't remember what the laws are in the state of Maine. Also, mid-size to large 3rd party collection agencies such as CBCS have files downloaded to them from their customers and those accounts are called via an automatic dialer. It's almost completely automated. They don't "make accounts up." The collector sit there like drones all day waiting for the next call to come in so they can try to make their monthly goals. CBCS collectors don't work off of commission either, so it's not cutthroat. Collectors speak with people who try to talk their way out of paying valid debts all day, every day. Most people are quite rude. It's natural for a collector to be distrustful. Does it make it right? No. You should, however, be able to understand where it's coming from.

Here is the contact information for you .... the bette business bureau will do you no good especially since they are not members and do not have a satisfactory rating. with employees such as above is it no wonder. You need to file complaints with the Federal and State levels in order to get resolution. and speaking of which keep a count of every violation they make because that is $$$ in your pocket ($1,000 a pop) every time they violate your rights. Take them to small claims court .... Also at the end of the post is how to make them validate the debt they say you owe. MAKE THEM PROVE YOU OWE THEM AND NOT SOME ONE ELSE .... since the paper trail (audit trail to those collectors reading this post) is probably cold, as Steve would say --- they made a bad investment in buying your claim ... you might tell the GM Brian Striker that Nairia suggested you write him ... (614) 222-4333 ? 236 E Town St Columbus, OH 43215-4633 ? PO Box 1358 Columbus, OH 43216-1358 (180) 054-0250 ext. 5 ? 250 E Town St Columbus, OH 43215-4631 CBCS 236 E Town St Columbus, OH 43215-4633 Telephone: (614) 222-4333 Fax: (614) 222-5497 www.cbc-companies.com www.innovis.com www.cbcinnovis.com Mr. Brian Striker, Gm Customer Contact: Ms Amanda Enderle, Clerical Supervisor TOB Classification: Collection Agencies, Credit Reporting Agencies, Credit Services BBB Membership: This company is not a member. Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record Tell them to validate by . What the money you say I owe is for; ? Explain and show me how you calculated what you say I owe; ? Provide me with copies of any papers that show I agreed to pay what you say I owe; ? Provide a verification or copy of any judgment if applicable; ? Identify the original creditor; ? Prove the Statute of Limitations has not expired on this account ? Show me that you are licensed to collect in my state ? Provide me with your license numbers and Registered Agent 1. NEVER talk to a collection agency on the phone. Period. 2. Keep good records. This can be the difference between a good and bad settlement. Don't expect them to remember you or what you agreed upon. 3. Send all correspondence via registered mail, receipt requested and put the registered mail number ON THE LETTER. DO NOT SIGN THE LETTER ? TYPE YOUR NAME 4. Keep a copy of every letter you send. 5. Penalties and extra interest are typically fictious amounts of money added on by the collection agency to pad their profits. Sometimes as much as to 50% of the debt or more claimed to be owed by a collection agency consisting of interest and fees. This is illegal, every state has usery laws (which dictate the maximum interests allowed to be charged. That is except North Dakota. There are no such laws which is why most credit card companies incorporate there.) Junk debt buyer pay anywhere from 1 cent to 7 cents on the dollar, there is no way there is this much interest. 6. Time is on your side. As time passes, the creditors will likely stop calling and the debt will be filed away for future attention or until the SOL runs out ..

I am having a similar problem with this collection agency. I filed a separate report. I was reading yours and I have to tell you, your postings were intelligent and honest. You do not have to defend yourself to the "ex-employee." It is sad to say that having an education is not a requirement at the company and in a way, I feel sorry for these individuals. By all means, you do not have to defend yourself to this person who clearly has no knowledge of work ethics, customer service, the English language or how to treat your fellow human being. Just ignore her posting. Nothing to get upset over. Just pity her and remember, reading is fundamental. I am sorry to sound harsh but I have been treated exactly the same and have cried over it at one point, but now I just feel sorry for them. I am proud of where I work and what I do for a living. Can you imagine them feeling that way? I think that's why they do not bother to investigate things before responding and their ignorance leads to their anger. You did nothing to be ashamed of so don't feel you have to defend yourself to these people.

When I filed this report, I had not heard any responses, so as time went by, I figured it got lost in the threads. I don't know why I am wasting my time to rebut to someone who is so insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but I will humor you. Also, thank you to everyone who rebutted to her as well, teaching her some valid points that she may be able to comprehend in the future. First, and foremost, I am the exact opposite of lazy. I have a medically ill child who has required constant medical care. I know all about how insurance agencies work, and am fully willing to accept and pay off a debt, if it is mine. As I had stated, I was more than willing to pay off this debt. No one contacted me, I CONTACTED THEM. Even after the first episode of being jerked around, I continued to investigate, through both CBCS, and Mercy Hospital. THE DIRECTOR OF THE HOSPITAL TOLD ME THAT WE OWED NOTHING! Why would I then call this collection agency and give my credit card number for a debt that I was TOLD THAT I DID NOT OWE?? I was not being "overly dramatic", just stating the facts. Secondly, please do not try to pick fun at people, when you yourself cannot spell to save your life, nor use correct English. I hope to God that you have a phone job, because you would make a horrible stenographer. I will sum this up by telling you that I eventually ended up hiring a lawyer, and it was found that CBCS's information was inaccurate, and they had to drop the debt. So you can call me lazy, overly dramatic, whatever you would like. The outcome to all of this is- I was right, you, my dear, are wrong.

To "Natira"--being a debt collector you know full well that a lot of the debts you harrass people for are either unable to be documented and proven, or are outright scams. Furthermore, the consumer is from the state of Maine, in which it is entirely legal to tape record a conversation as long as one of the parties is aware of the recording, namely, the one recording it. Brush up on your legal knowledge before making statements that are untrue. You clearly fit into the role of debt collector.

You have posted to every collection agency report I have read tonight. Reading this report, I knew who had posted before I ever saw your name. You are not only insulting to this person but you cannot even do it so it can be understood. Your lack of correct grammar, punctuation and spelling leave you looking the fool. You need to realize that most of the people posting here do NOT owe these monies. Low-life collection agencies have been know to make up bills, i.e., Verizon bills before Verizon existed. Other low-life collection agencies go to the phone book, look up a name, and bill anyone and everyone with a name close to the one they have, hoping to hook someone. Low-life collection agencies and their under-educated agents have broken so many laws and have had to pay for it. Just ask Steve. And, as far as low-life collection agencies and their under-educated agents, if the shoe fits........ Don't come roaring through here expecting everyone to take you at face value. There just isn't much value.

lady it is obvious your husband owes the money the was a "laps" in his insurance meaning he wasnt covered at the time you said it your self so why would you think for one sec they would backpeddle to pay a bill? this an insurance co were talking about here they are the liers and thats where your problem is thats right the only thing collection agys want to hear is the cc number so we can stop calling your dramatized self just unessesary drama we are merely the messagers letting you know you owe the bill. why would the hospital have it still in there office to just sit there and collect dust? you didnt think to pay it you thought insurance had it you are the consumer you need to be responsible and chk your credit every six months, chk with insurance on past bills to see what has been paid, keep bills that have been paid to avoid this and if it happens again youll have proof dont be lazy dont expect for someone to come behind you and take care of your business dont walk around in the dark and be surprised when the mess happens dont waste your ink on collection agys go after the book keeper at the hospital and if you didnt recive an invoice saying "this is not a bill" meaning insurance paid it but you didnt because (say it with me) YOUR HUSBAND WASNT COVERED!!!! DUH also it is against the law to tape some one over the phone without permission you dont want bush on your phone we dont you on our phones!!!!THE POWER IS YOURS PAY YOUR DEBTS GET DEBT FREE!!!

I have to begin by saying that what I wrote about the phone call my husband recieved above was condensed. I didn't think that I would find anything out that would contradict what the woman on the phone said, but I did today. At the risk of being long-wided, I will cut to the chase. The woman who spoke with my husband told him that he owed a debt from Mercy hospital that they turned over to the Thomas Agency, who then turned it over to CBCS. I contacted the Thomas Agency today, and spoke with a woman. I asked her to look my husband's account up, and she did. She told me that they did not have this debt on file, and since it was from Mercy Hospital, they should have recieved it. I then told her about the phone call, and she told me that they DO NOT turn their debts over to anyone else. The only company that they report to is Equifax. Not only has this company come right out and refused to give me contact information, they have now also lied to us once again!!

I was grocery shopping yesterday, and my husband called my cell phone. He told me that a woman called and asked to speak to him. She then told him that she was from the credit bureau, and wanted to let him know that he had a debt that is owed to CBCS.She then hung up the phone without saying goodbye.I told him that I would deal with it when I arrived home. When I returned home, the number was private on the caller ID. I then got to thinking about it, and remembered that one of my requests the past few times I spoke with someone was to have a supervisor call me back. I wonder if that was a supervisor, and she was trying to avoid a lengthy conversation, and questions. I could be wrong, but no harm in checking, right? I attempted to call CBCS at the number that I have used for the past 3 weeks. There was no ring, it was just dead air. I tried on my home phone,and cell phone. I then called my mother and she tried on both her home and cell phones, and got the same thing. I figured the lines could be out, so I gave them until this morning, and tried them again after I got my daughter on the bus. Nothing. I then called my phone company, and the service department attempted. They got the same thing. I am at my whits end. As anyone who reads this can see, I have made a good faith effort time and time again to resolve this issue, and they are willing to exept nothing but a payment. I have been berated, persecuted, and called a liar. I have a daughter with special needs who is going into the school system this September, a 3 month old son, and am looking for a house. I cannot afford to devote all of my attention solely to this, as I have for the better part of a month. I contacted Pine Tree Legal Services today, and spoke with a lawyer. I told her everything. She asked me if the letter they sent me said anything on it about responding within 30 days, and if I don't the debt is assumed valid. It doesn't. She told me that it was supposed to. I faxed a copy over for her, and she told me that she would be getting back to me. I will keep this updated. I know I can be long winded, and I am sorry. I will try to do better in the future, I just feel like there is so much to tell, and not enough space!

So, I called CBCS yesterday, and taped the phone call. I think she either must have known she was being recorded, or she is one of the only that might actually do her job the proper way. She was the first one out of the for times I have called there who gave me the obligitory initial speech about how this is an attempt to collect a debt. I then told her that I never recieved a call from a manager, and was supposed to. She looked up my file, and told me that the request was put in, but must not have been filled "For one reason or another". She said she would repeat the request. I of course did not hear from anyone today, but am not really expecting to. I then asked her if she could give me a contact name on the account She told me it was Mercy Pulmonary Associates, and I told her the above story. I asked if she had anymore information such as an address or phone number, and she gave me a street name, but said she did not have the street address, or the phone number. I then got off the phone with her, and did a search online for the street name, and weeded through the businesses, and found "Mercy Pulmonary Partners". This morning, I attempted to call the number, and got an automated system, saying that the number was no longer in service. I then called 411, and they had no company under that name on that street. So, here I am, once again back at square one. I am not sure what my next step should be, and would like some advise. The only thing I can think of is to call the BBB in Ohio, or the Attorney General. Any ideas, anyone?