Karen
Bloomington,#2Consumer Suggestion
Wed, April 03, 2013
Portfolio Recovery Associates appears to be a legitimate company from what I can find on them, but they are definitely using unethical tactics. You are not obligated to pay anyone who cannot produce proof of the services and charges they claim you owe.
I started receiving calls from Portfolio Recovery, too, from the numbers 412-235-6111 and 800-772-1413 (which was identified on the caller ID as only "TOLL FREE CALLER"). That raises suspicions when the caller does not identify themselves.
No one left a message, so I don't know why they were calling me. I know I don't owe any medical bills and I refuse to pay for services I haven't used. I will be reporting Portfolio Recovery Associates to the FCC (https://esupport.fcc.gov/ccmsforms/form1088!createComplaint.action) and the Better Business Bureau (http://http//www.bbb.org/norfolk/business-reviews/distressed-debt-purchaser/portfolio-recovery-associates-in-norfolk-va-51000164). I suggest that you do the same to get them to stop harassing you.
In your case, I would even request in your BBB complaint a refund of the money you sent to Portfolio Recovery Associates. The fact that they want to access your bank account or a friend/relative's bank account is especially disturbing. I don't know of any legitimate company that would make such a request.