Tim
Grand Haven,#2Consumer Suggestion
Sun, June 22, 2008
Wow, this company has some serious issues. I would not be surpised if they are shut down in the near future, file Chapter 7, and have all of their assets seized and used to pay off people like yourself. I have a litany of issues with your dealings, so I may as well put them in list form. Copies of your statements are in quotes: 1) "She said the normal collection fee is 35-40%." My partner does collection work. I'm not sure what the industry standard is, but I'm sure he's charging at least that. On contingency claims (such as yours), the charge is 25% of what we collect outside of court. If it goes to court, we take 30%. Lie # 1. 2) "The next day she called back to tell me they had located the debtors bank accounts and there was over 50,000.00 in the account." There is NO WAY they found this information in one day. In fact, it is HIGHLY unlikely that they could even obtain this information until AFTER receiving a judgment. Lie # 2. 3) All of the business about pusruing a judgment is not only false, but is also a violation of court rules. It is illegal to sue somebody, or to take actions within a pending lawsuit, merely for the purpose of increasing the costs that someone will incur. As regards the interest, yes, there is "POST-judgment" interest. But this does not begin to accrue until AFTER the judgment is rendered. PRE-judgment interest is only allowed in certain cases and in cases where the contract leading to the debt allows for it. Additionally, the statement that the debtor would have to pay the attorneys fees is only accurate if your contract with the debtor allowed for attorney's fees or if the judge, in his discretion, orders attorney's fees. Even in that case, the judge gets to decide what the attorney fee award would be. It would not necessarily be the actual amount that you spent. In fact, in most cases, it's less. The same thing applies to the 18% collection fees. Lies ## 3, 4, 5 and 6. 4) Finally I speak to a Heather, then a Tiffany, and a Melissa, and Brenda and am told that they received a judgement in our favor. This may not have been a lie. Read further for an explanation as to why. 5) The next statements about how it took you 30 days to get a copy of the judgment, which was actually entered several weeks after they stated they received the judgment, and the ensuing statements by the attorney tell me exactly what happened. They likely received a default judgment initially but the debtor hired a lawyer who filed a motion to have the default judgment set aside. This basically re-opens the case and puts a halt to efforts to collect on the original judgment. But, apparently, the motion to set aside the default judgment wasn't successful and, $1400 in legal fees later, you actually had a judgment. 6) "The funds were released." The funds were never obtained in the first place. Lie # 7. 7) "I could not understand the difference between frozen and levied." And they were trying to confuse you as such. "Frozen" means that the funds are secured by the entity holding them (i.e. the bank); "levied" means, at least, that you have asserted a legal right to the funds to the point that they have to be turned over to you. Until the account is "levied," all you have is an assurance that the debtor can't access the funds. Basically, they enticed you to utilize their services by use of deceptive advertising; they lied to you about the necessity and propriety of litigation, apparently to increase their own take; they lied about actually having your money; etc. Thanks for alerting your fellow creditors (the non-scumbag ones at least). I hope all is well. Best regards.
Leslie
culver city,#3Author of original report
Wed, June 18, 2008
Thank You Greg Askay at the Ventura County DA's Office for your help in resolving this matter. After 2 1/2 years we are finally concluding this unpleasant and unfortunate relationship. I would strongly urge anyone considering using the services of JSA to reconsider unless you are into throwing away money, enjoy being treated rudely and out right lied to then this is the company for you. They will take you on the ride of your life.! I just would never go through that again. Again, thanks Greg! L. in Culver City
Leslie
culver city,#4Author of original report
Wed, June 18, 2008
Thank You Greg Askay at the Ventura County DA's Office for your help in resolving this matter. After 2 1/2 years we are finally concluding this unpleasant and unfortunate relationship. I would strongly urge anyone considering using the services of JSA to reconsider unless you are into throwing away money, enjoy being treated rudely and out right lied to then this is the company for you. They will take you on the ride of your life.! I just would never go through that again. Again, thanks Greg! L. in Culver City
Cynthia
Brewster,#5Consumer Suggestion
Thu, June 12, 2008
Months ago I had a 2 year battle with this same company, finally ending up with Greg Askay Ventura Cty DA office after I filed complaint with them...I read your story and was pleased to see that you are in contact. I have NO DOUBT, despite JSA's posts all over here about being committed to dispute resolution, that I would STILL be experiencing what you have. He was great and I am just urging anyone with a problem with JSA or one of their other company names, to contact the DA as well. Nice job.