Here's a fun collection story.
A friend of mine lost her job and was struggling....somewhere in between employment and receiving unemployment she bounced a check. It happens.
The notice that she received in the mail was unreal. It actually cited a District Attorney's office and even had the name of the DA (and a correct name too...I'll give them credit for that) and cited that it was a "Check Restitution" program. The notice demanded payment for the check, plus fees, plus a 'mandatory' financial responsibility class. It stated that failure to make payment in the next 30 days would result in charges being pressed and jail time. Needless to say, she was freaked out. She called them up and they agreed to let her make the 'payments' over a 30 day time frame. She was given 45 days to schedule her 'class'. A 50 dollar check was now going to cost her 475 bucks..... Well, enter the trouble maker - me.
She explained this whole thing to me and showed me the paperwork....of course I've read the 'Fair Debt Collections Act" and knew that something was fishy. So, I did a bit of digging and had the growing suspicion that this was not right at all. I told her to call the number on the notice back and cancel her second payment (she already paid 235 bucks by credit card - DA's don't take Credit card payments or have 800 numbers!!!...). Of course they threw up a bit of a fit but agreed to do it....especially after she asked (on my direction in the background) to speak to a supervisor and asked point blank "who do you really work for?" THEN she received another notice in the mail reminding her of the remaining balance and again, the threat of incarceration! She had a fit and I died laughing. I had to explain to her that only a judge could order that class....and jail time for failure to comply. Off to the internet we go....there is no "District run" restitution program...which furthered my suspicion that this was indeed a collection agency.... So, I called their number and pretended to be a shop owner who has had a bounced check...they were WAY happy to tell me that I had "nothing to worry about"...their collections efforts resulted in a "98% success rate of collection"...of course it does....they frighten people and threaten them with jail....but in the process the noodle heads had given me access to the 'real' website. Oh you bet it's a slimey collection company.....!!!
So, I got the bright idea to actually email the District Attorney and verify this program. Two hours later, an email shows up from her that says she has referred the matter to her Chief Investigator. One day later, my friend receives an email from the investigator telling her that "she is correct in her suspicions that this company is employing strong arm tactics and does not have the authority to order any such class or payment for such." He told her that this company 'would not be bothering her further and that if they did she should contact him".
About two weeks later, she received a check from the "program" for $90.00. There was no explanation as to the amount...We were sorely tempted to go down to the community college where they were holding the 'mandatory class' and tell all the participants not to attend and that there was nothing that could be done if they didn't go......but I didn't want to be responsible for citing a riot.
A friend of mine lost her job and was struggling....somewhere in between employment and receiving unemployment she bounced a check. It happens.
The notice that she received in the mail was unreal. It actually cited a District Attorney's office and even had the name of the DA (and a correct name too...I'll give them credit for that) and cited that it was a "Check Restitution" program. The notice demanded payment for the check, plus fees, plus a 'mandatory' financial responsibility class. It stated that failure to make payment in the next 30 days would result in charges being pressed and jail time. Needless to say, she was freaked out. She called them up and they agreed to let her make the 'payments' over a 30 day time frame. She was given 45 days to schedule her 'class'. A 50 dollar check was now going to cost her 475 bucks..... Well, enter the trouble maker - me.
She explained this whole thing to me and showed me the paperwork....of course I've read the 'Fair Debt Collections Act" and knew that something was fishy. So, I did a bit of digging and had the growing suspicion that this was not right at all. I told her to call the number on the notice back and cancel her second payment (she already paid 235 bucks by credit card - DA's don't take Credit card payments or have 800 numbers!!!...). Of course they threw up a bit of a fit but agreed to do it....especially after she asked (on my direction in the background) to speak to a supervisor and asked point blank "who do you really work for?" THEN she received another notice in the mail reminding her of the remaining balance and again, the threat of incarceration! She had a fit and I died laughing. I had to explain to her that only a judge could order that class....and jail time for failure to comply. Off to the internet we go....there is no "District run" restitution program...which furthered my suspicion that this was indeed a collection agency.... So, I called their number and pretended to be a shop owner who has had a bounced check...they were WAY happy to tell me that I had "nothing to worry about"...their collections efforts resulted in a "98% success rate of collection"...of course it does....they frighten people and threaten them with jail....but in the process the noodle heads had given me access to the 'real' website. Oh you bet it's a slimey collection company.....!!!
So, I got the bright idea to actually email the District Attorney and verify this program. Two hours later, an email shows up from her that says she has referred the matter to her Chief Investigator. One day later, my friend receives an email from the investigator telling her that "she is correct in her suspicions that this company is employing strong arm tactics and does not have the authority to order any such class or payment for such." He told her that this company 'would not be bothering her further and that if they did she should contact him".
About two weeks later, she received a check from the "program" for $90.00. There was no explanation as to the amount...We were sorely tempted to go down to the community college where they were holding the 'mandatory class' and tell all the participants not to attend and that there was nothing that could be done if they didn't go......but I didn't want to be responsible for citing a riot.
Bankruptcy Wizard
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