IC Systems ripoff harassing and illegal collections practices St Paul Minnesota

Dear Carrie,

It's been a while since you submitted your rip off report. So I hope you get to view this response.

I was once an employee of IC System. (November 2001-May 2002). Not only that, my supervisor was Darlene Wing, whom you mentioned in your report. I think that most of what you said is correct, but I thought I'd add my own comments from my experience.

Let's start with the name game. "Jason" may or may not have been the collector's real name. Nevertheless, if he can be consistently identified by that name, then he is not in violation of the FDCPA. My name is Kevin, and I never revealed my last name, but I gave my I.D. number. This prevented distraught debtors from looking up my home address/phone number. It still gave a debtor the means to identify me. A collector is also allowed to use an alias. So if I called myself "John Wayne," it was okay, as long as I registered that alias with the company and used it all the time.

Again, you couldn't call me at home, but if you called with a complaint about John Wayne, my bosses would come to me. If Jason is the only person named "Jason" in his department, then it is suitable for him to go simply by "Jason." It was however rude of him to tell you that he does not know his last name. He should have said, "I'm sorry, but I do not give out my last name. However, if you have a pen and paper, I can share my I.D. number with you for future reference."

Now for the supervisor conversation. Jason was right: You do NOT have the right to speak with a supervisor. You were dealing with a Minnesota State Licensed Collector, and that is all the company is obligated to provide you. Granted, Jason was inconsiderate, and either dishonest or unfamiliar with the FDCPA.

Darlene is actually a good supervisor with about 20 years experience in collections, but her job is to perform administrative functions in the department. She is a licensed collector, but her purpose at IC System is NOT to take calls. Heck, Jason doesn't even have the "right" to talk to her...though she would not refuse him a conversation. Furthermore, you do not want to talk to Darlene. She would either convince you to pay the bill (and yes, she's THAT good), or simply tell you to talk with another collector in her department. She would be honest and fair, but you would probably not be any more satisfied after talking to her than anybody else.

Also, collectors are required to identify themselves, but they are forbidden to identify another collector. So, identifying Darlene was not something he is obligated to do, unless Darlene gave him permission to do so. It was rude to say that he does not know the supervisor's name. Rather, he should have said, "My supervisor is not available to you. I am a state licensed collector and capable of handling this account."

Jason was very much incorrect in saying that you had no right to produce a request to cease and desist. The FDCPA is very clear that you have the right to break communication by furnishing a written dispute or a written request to C&D. It surprises me that Jason refused the information to you. When I was there, we were quick to provide that information...if for nothing else but to get you off the phone and move on to the next paying debtor. However, if a collector refuses such information, just remember they are obligated to send you a written notice either as the initial communication, or within five days of the initial communication. That written notice will most likely have the address and phone number in it.

Your best bet for making complaints is not with anybody's supervisor, but with the Better Business Bureau or the FTC. IC System is a member of the Better Business Bureau so it is an easy contact. The State of Minnesota has also licensed "Jason" personally. So you can make a complaint with the state, not just about IC System, but also about Jason himself. He can be held personally accountable for his misconduct and probably have his license revoked. Given the turnover rate for collectors, I would bet that Jason doesn't work there anymore. I only lasted six months.

One final note. You said that the amount of your bill was in dispute. If this hasn't already been resolved, then pay what you believe you owe. For example, if your bill said $500, but you believe you only owe $300, then pay $300. That way it doesn't look like you're just avoiding payment. Stand your ground if you're in the right, but don't get too proud. Pay your part, and dispute the wrong part.

Thanks for reading. Good Luck!

Kevin
Former Collector for IC System