I left to go overseas in March of 2003. When I came home in November, I discovered that there were several unauthorized accounts openend under my name. I have resolved all but Chase Manhattan Bank account which has been turned over to Collect America, Pentagroup Financial. I have sent several packets to them including a police report and military orders showing that I was out of country when the purchases were made. They have continously harassed me over the past three years, not to mention my credit has suffered immensely, and I am only 22yrs. old. I have repeatedly asked these people to contact my lawyer and have had my lawyer attempt to contact them. The last call that I received was approximately a week ago. I spoke to a Ms. Jason Adrian who was very ugly to me. I tried to ask her what the address was, and she asked me what I was sending, I then told her that it didn't matter, I just needed the address. She then replied that unless I was sending money, she wasn't giving me the address. She said she had made her mind up about the lawsuit and hung up on me. I am not even sure if that is the correct address, because I have never gotten any documentation from them. I am asking for any help that I can get in regards to this. I am at my wits end. Thank you for your time.

Jade

St. Landry, Louisiana
U.S.A.

Click Here to read other Ripoff Reports on Collect America- Pentagroup Financial

15 Updates & Rebuttals

Robert

Buffalo,
New York,
U.S.A.

More proof of violations from idiot employees.

#2Consumer Suggestion

Tue, April 07, 2009

""pull your credit report on there you will see three listings for this debt you are referring too... one for the Original Client (ex. WaMu card services) one for the debt buyer (ex. collect america) and one for the collections agency your account is currently with (ex. pentagroup financial l.l.c.)"" PERFECT! Sue these bums!!! This is an absolute violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. You jackasses are not permitted to create THREE listings (only one listing per credit line) for the SAME DEBT! This is a violation of the FCRA and is actionable. ""my appologies best luck with your credit and THANK YOU FOR DEFENDING OUR COUNTRY!"" BS! If you really wish to express your thanks, try COMPLYING WITH FEDERAL STATUTES regarding debt collection and credit reporting!!! Are there any more idiot employees from this outfit who would like to provide MORE PROOF of this company's actionable activities?

Anonymous

Houston,
Texas,
U.S.A.

Let me try to help...

#3UPDATE Employee

Thu, March 05, 2009

I am sorry you reached one of my customer service lacking co-workers... above is the corporate address to which you can mail a police report, a cease and desist letter, and your military proof that you were over seas at the time of the purchases made on your credit... alot of people are not aware that every American citizen is eligible for 1 free annual credit report... i'd suggest checking it regularily to make sure activity is normal however im telling you this information because if you wish to not speak to Pentagroup Financial again you can avoid them... pull your credit report on there you will see three listings for this debt you are referring too... one for the Original Client (ex. WaMu card services) one for the debt buyer (ex. collect america) and one for the collections agency your account is currently with (ex. pentagroup financial l.l.c.) take the original client acct # (really long #)the current creditor account # (a little shorter than the first one maybe 9 digits) and the current account # (probably about 7 digits long )put all of this information on your cover sheet and your cease and desit letter including your name address and #'s you are being contacted at... once this information is sent it should be forwarded to the client and corrected... once the agency recieves your cease and desist letter they CANNOT contact you any longer... keep in mind every 6-10 months accounts get shuffled out of one agency to another... you will have to send your cease and desist again if they contact you however hopefully the managment team at Pentagroup takes the proper steps to correct the error at hand... my appologies best luck with your credit and THANK YOU FOR DEFENDING OUR COUNTRY!

-->

Pentagroup Financial, LLC 5959 Corporate Drive, Suite 1400 Houston, TX 77036 Local: 832.615.2100 Toll Free: 800.385.9060 Fax: 832.615.2399 -----------------------------------------> I am sorry you reached one of my customer service lacking co-workers... above is the corporate address to which you can mail a police report, a cease and desist letter, and your military proof that you were over seas at the time of the purchases made on your credit... alot of people are not aware that every American citizen is eligible for 1 free annual credit report... i'd suggest checking it regularily to make sure activity is normal however im telling you this information because if you wish to not speak to Pentagroup Financial again you can avoid them... pull your credit report on there you will see three listings for this debt you are referring too... one for the Original Client (ex. WaMu card services) one for the debt buyer (ex. collect america) and one for the collections agency your account is currently with (ex. pentagroup financial l.l.c.) take the original client acct # (really long #)the current creditor account # (a little shorter than the first one maybe 9 digits) and the current account # (probably about 7 digits long )put all of this information on your cover sheet and your cease and desit letter including your name address and #'s you are being contacted at... once this information is sent it should be forwarded to the client and corrected... once the agency recieves your cease and desist letter they CANNOT contact you any longer... keep in mind every 6-10 months accounts get shuffled out of one agency to another... you will have to send your cease and desist again if they contact you however hopefully the managment team at Pentagroup takes the proper steps to correct the error at hand... my appologies best luck with your credit and THANK YOU FOR DEFENDING OUR COUNTRY!

Anonymous

Houston,
Texas,
U.S.A.

Let me try to help...

#4UPDATE Employee

Thu, March 05, 2009

-->

Anonymous

Houston,
Texas,
U.S.A.

Let me try to help...

#5UPDATE Employee

Thu, March 05, 2009

-->

Anonymous

Houston,
Texas,
U.S.A.

Let me try to help...

#6UPDATE Employee

Thu, March 05, 2009

-->

Robert

Buffalo,
New York,
U.S.A.

I would ignore Mr. Penta.(Tatta).

#7Consumer Suggestion

Sun, June 08, 2008

""if it was fraud we would handle it correctly well after reading this report agenst my company (pentagroup financial LLC.) i have never heard of a company with higher reguard for all our countrys debters. well it does so happen that i work for pentagroup and for the client collect america. "" Please note the MISUSE of the language. Enough said. Trying to communicate (in English) with this employee would be very difficult. But wait, it gets better... ""If a debter state fraud we use all our resources to help disolve the situation but what need to be understood is we dont accept mail in or try not to after 09-11-01 with the fear of bio terrisom. "" They don't accept mail? I'm in Buffalo and the mail I get seems to be just fine! It's 2008 and I haven't contracted a sniffle from any mail I've received, yet these bozos claim they don't accept mail-afraid of bioterrorism???? PAAAHLEEEAASE! ""my name is mr. tatta my nmbr and pentagroup is 1-866-384-1985 direct line we can help u clear this matter up but we need your full coroperation also thank you MR.TATTA"" I wouldn't speak to him at all. Further, Mr. Tatta, once you folks were notified that the debtor was represented by an attorney in this matter, the FDCPA FORBIDS you to contact the debtor about this debt. This is a blatent violation of the FDCPA. The consumer is not obligated in any way to conform or comply with any "fraud proceedures" you prescribe. The burden of proof is on your agency!!! Already, we see several FDCPA violations that are actionable. Your agency is required by law to cease all collection activity until your agency provides the consumer with validation documents of the debt. The OP of this report should consult with a competant attorney and SUE your agency in District Court. Do not talk with this Mr. Tatta person or anyone else at this outfit. All communication should be in writting; certified return receipt requested mail. But wait, according to Tatta, they don't accept mail. WHAT A JOKE OF A REBUTTAL. All the more reason to sue these clowns.

Mr.penta

Buffalo,
New York,
U.S.A.

if it was fraud we would handle it correctly

#8UPDATE Employee

Sat, June 07, 2008

well after reading this report agenst my company (pentagroup financial LLC.) i have never heard of a company with higher reguard for all our countrys debters. well it does so happen that i work for pentagroup and for the client collect america. If a debter state fraud we use all our resources to help disolve the situation but what need to be understood is we dont accept mail in or try not to after 09-11-01 with the fear of bio terrisom. so if you would like ot claim fraud and you fax ur police reports and documentation on over sea travel we will send your case back to the client (collect america) and they will review the file it may take some time to dispute charger on credit report. but we can investigage this matter and update ur credit report as fraud but you need to file all suits and possibly change ur ssn due to identy theft,and as for what to do put personal infor in a safty lock box when traveling over sea or any where for a long period of time and this should prevent this from happening again. my name is mr. tatta my nmbr and pentagroup is 1-866-384-1985 direct line we can help u clear this matter up but we need your full coroperation also thank you MR.TATTA

Stacey

Dallas,
Texas,
U.S.A.

To Ryan the DEBT COLLECTOR

#9Consumer Comment

Fri, December 21, 2007

These bottom feeders will to anything to get you to pay a debt that is old and out of the statute of limitations That is the reason my attorney eats debt collectors like you for breakfast Ignore Ryan and listen to Steve and the others Do not let these bottom feeders bully you - FIGHT BACK! Stacey

Robin

Gold Canyon,
Arizona,
U.S.A.

Protect yourself from unscrupulous collectors like COLLECT AMERICA!

#10Consumer Comment

Thu, December 20, 2007

Most Americans that find themselves in a hardship situation and have been harassed by collectors need to know that they can file a formal complaint against these debt collectors with the FTC. Recently a very large Collection company was fined 1.5 million for the very same violations that I have been reading about on TheRipoffReport. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act of 2002 inacted by Congress prohibits harrassment! There are heavy fines that can be placed against these firms. Let's run them out of business! Every Credit card company has been sued for unfair billing practices so arm yourselves! It's about to get even worse because of the credit crunch and the minimums doubling again in 08!

Steve

Bradenton,
Florida,
U.S.A.

Info on PENTAGROUP, a COLLECT AMERICA franchise..

#11Consumer Suggestion

Tue, September 19, 2006

Pentagroup Financial, LLC 5959 Corporate Drive Suite 1400 Houston, Texas 77036 Local: 832.615.2100 Toll Free: 800.385.9060 Fax: 832.615.2399

Steve

Bradenton,
Florida,
U.S.A.

Jade, Here is the info you needed on Collect America.

#12Consumer Suggestion

Thu, July 13, 2006

Agency Details Collect America CACV & CACH (Separate Corporations, Subsidiaries) 370 17th Street, Suite 5000 Denver, CO 80202-3050 Ph: (303) 296-3345 Fax: (215) 281-7522 Phillip Scott Lowery Offices: (Private Law Firm Owned by Collect America's CEO) 4500 Cherry Creek Drive South Suite #700 Denver, CO 80246 Web Address: http://collectamerica.com/ Principles: Phillip Scott Lowery Brian L. Johnson (Financial Officer) David L. Michael James R. Wolf >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Here is some info from a good source: budhibbs.com.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Bud Says? One of the largest debt buyer organizations in America In 2005, Collect America owner Phillip Scott Lowery reportedly sold his operations for $350 MILLION to an organization called First Analysis Private Equity Fund IV, in collaboration with co-investor KRG Capital. The Collect America system is comprised of approximately thirty franchisee's across the country, with an attorney name on their door. Some of the attorneys such as Sam W. Streeter of Houston, have been dubbed ?Rent-A-Lawyers' due to their total lack of debt collection law and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) experience. *Collect America Franchisees: Law Office of Sam W. Streeter, Houston, TX Richard G. & Catherine A. Neuheisel Law Firm, Tempe, AZ Neuheisel Law Firm, Deborah Sue Harvego, Sacramento, CA Law Office of Thomas K. Bamford, Dallas, TX Harold E. Scherr, Attorney at Law, Longwood, FL Bronson and Migliaccio Attorneys, Williamsville, NY Bronson and Migliaccio Attorneys, Elmwood Park, NJ Phillips and Cohen and Associates, Westampton, NJ Law Office of Larry Roach, Copley Twp, OH Phillip Scott Lowery P.C., Denver, CO Law Office of Joe Pezzuto, Phoenix, AZ Law Office of J. Anthony Cambece, Boston, MA Workman Law Office, P.A., Jacksonville, FL Collect America, LTD, Denver, CO Gamache and Myers, St Louis, MO P. Scott Lowery, P.C., Tulsa, OK Law Office of Wilfred E. Briesemeister, Montclair, CA Harrison Ross Byck, Morrisville, PA Daniels & Norelli, P.C., Westbury, NY Davis Law Office, Russell A. Davis, Solana Beach, CA Richard DeJana & Associates, Kalispell, MT Dennis Michael Dendy Law Office, Gretna, LA (Houston TX) Daniel N. Gordon, P.C., Eugene, OR Mims, Jerry M., Attorney, Islip Terrace, NY Pentagroup Financial, LLC, James J. Thorpe, Attorney, Houston, TX (represents CACV & CACH) (*May not accurately reflect all franchisees) Since the sale of the main organization, Denver Attorney Phillip Scott Lowery and his collectors that include attorneys David L. Michael and James R. Wolf have relocated to the Cherry Creek Drive address. Scott and wife Texie were rumored to have moved to Vail, CO, however he reportedly still is involved in the day to day operations through brother Arthur Todd Lowery. CACV of Colorado, LLC. which stands for Collect America Collection Vehicle and CACH, LLC are the debt purchasing arms of Collect America. Lowery and associates reportedly purchase these accounts for pennies on the dollar, then attempt to collect on the full value. Collect America does place these accounts on credit bureau reports under the names CACV, CACH and Collect America. Under provisions of federal law, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), they may NOT stay past the date of last activity as stated by the original creditor and the information and amounts reflected MUST be accurate, as stipulated by federal law. The ONLY thing that can restart a ?date of last activity' is by YOU making a payment, Collect America cannot change it under any circumstances. You should always obtain copies of your credit reports directly from the credit bureaus to compare those dates. You have the right to dispute any debt buyer account found on your credit reports as ?Not My Account? with the credit bureaus. Always keep copies of credit reports for reference. If a date of activity has been changed in violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you may be able to take legal actions against whomever in federal court for violating the law. Contact me for referral to a local consumer law professional. If you are ever sued by a Collect America attorney it is VERY important that you respond to that suit. An attorney from the National Association of Consumer Advocates may be able to assist you, I recommend you visit: www.naca.net >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Jade, I hope this helps you see what you are dealing with here. Good luck

Steve

Bradenton,
Florida,
U.S.A.

Ryan...Get your facts straight!

#13Consumer Suggestion

Thu, July 13, 2006

Ryan, First of all, I have not worked for this collection agency or any other. Debt collectors are lowlife parasite scumbags. Your reply is exactly the one I would expect from a debt collector, but it is NOT the way to handle this problem. To the other posters. First to the victim, be sure an identity theft/fraud report was filed with the credit bureaus. You can still do it. Get the police report. Also send the fraud report to the collection agency along with another dispute of debt. NEVER provide any form of ID or even your signature to ANY collection agency. EVER! They will fabricate a document with your signature and personal info and then you are screwed. This is the way the law works. The scumbag has to prove you owe them the money. You do not have to prove to the scumbag that you dont. Therefore, just serve them a CEASE COMMUNICATIONS letter as per your rights under the FDCPA. If they think they have a case, let them sue you. Trust me, they won't. But, if they do, you are entitled to damages for frivolous lawsuit as you have already disputed it it and they have not validated. That is the way it works, and I do know EXACTLY what I am talking about. How do you think I walked away from $170k and beat every collection attempt and lawsuit for the past 5 years? I am now past SOL for colections. Proof is in performance.

Ryan

Houston,
Texas,
U.S.A.

Your best bet

#14UPDATE Employee

Thu, July 13, 2006

Your best bet Jade to get this whole situation resolved would be to # 1 call the office and actually speak with one of the reps because unless each of the people giving these rebuttals have worked for that particular client then they don't have a clue as to what they are talking about... As far as the act of fraud... 3 things need to be fax'd to their office... 1 a copy of the police report... 2 a copy of the narative of the police report(the statement that you gave the police)... and 3 some form of government issue id to verify the signature on the account... Now just as an afterthought, you pay for your phone bill so don't be afraid to pick up the phone and talk on it... it's embarrasing

Steve

Bradenton,
Florida,
U.S.A.

Jade, this is easy IF done right.

#15Consumer Suggestion

Fri, May 12, 2006

Jade, They are required by law to provide validation of the debt to you. You can DEMAND to see whatever was signed to create the account. You can put a consumer statement on your credit reports of up to 100 words explaining the situation, AND you can call the identity theft dept of each credit bureau. This blocks ALL access to your credit report without your express permission. Do not communicate with these collectors over the phone. Do EVERYTHING in writing, and ALWAYS use certified mail, return reciept requested. Good luck.

Mark

East Moline,
Illinois,
U.S.A.

Have you filed an Identity Theft report with the FTC?

#16Consumer Comment

Thu, May 11, 2006

Jade, If you have not done so already, you may wish to read what the FTC has to say about Identity Theft. You can find it at: ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/idtsummary.pdf Also, since it occurred while you were overseas, on active duty, you may also find this helpful: ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/dutyalrt.htm If you have any further questions about this, you may wish to get information from someone at the FTC. You can call them, toll free, at 1-877-FTC-HELP. I hope this helps you a little.

Reports & Rebuttal

Complaint Review: Collect America- Pentagroup Financial - Denver Colorado

Collect America, Pentagroup Financial Ripoff Unauthorized Account Harassment Threatening Phone Calls, Lawsuits Denver Colorado

*Consumer Comment: Have you filed an Identity Theft report with the FTC?

*Consumer Suggestion: Jade, this is easy IF done right.

*UPDATE Employee: Your best bet

*Consumer Suggestion: Ryan...Get your facts straight!

*Consumer Suggestion: Jade, Here is the info you needed on Collect America.

*Consumer Suggestion: Info on PENTAGROUP, a COLLECT AMERICA franchise..

*Consumer Comment: Protect yourself from unscrupulous collectors like COLLECT AMERICA!

*Consumer Comment: To Ryan the DEBT COLLECTOR

*UPDATE Employee: if it was fraud we would handle it correctly

*Consumer Suggestion: I would ignore Mr. Penta.(Tatta).

*UPDATE Employee: Let me try to help...

*UPDATE Employee: Let me try to help...

*UPDATE Employee: Let me try to help...

*UPDATE Employee: Let me try to help...

*Consumer Suggestion: More proof of violations from idiot employees.

15 Updates & Rebuttals

More proof of violations from idiot employees.

Let me try to help...

Let me try to help...

Let me try to help...

Let me try to help...

I would ignore Mr. Penta.(Tatta).

if it was fraud we would handle it correctly

To Ryan the DEBT COLLECTOR

Protect yourself from unscrupulous collectors like COLLECT AMERICA!

Info on PENTAGROUP, a COLLECT AMERICA franchise..

Jade, Here is the info you needed on Collect America.

Ryan...Get your facts straight!

Your best bet

Jade, this is easy IF done right.

Have you filed an Identity Theft report with the FTC?

Respond to this report!

Also a victim?

Repair Your Reputation!

More Related Reports about: Collect America- Pentagroup Financial

SUPPORT OUR WORK

Latest Ripoff Reports

Featured Reports

How To Feature Your Report Like Above

SUPPORT OUR WORK