Van Ru Credit Corporation Rude, harassing, nasty people. Many violations of the FDCPA, ripoff Skokie Illinois

I find it amusing that because people cant be responsible and take care of the debts they have created, the debt they owe, they feel the need to bash others.  Obviously the company is doing something right bc they wouldnt have been in business for over 50 years.  Obviously they are doing something right yet again bc they continue to operate.  Apparently there are too many people that have gotten used to sitting on the couch all day, surfing the internet and living off of the government.  Yes, sometimes life throws curves but its how you deal with them that makes you the person you are.  You agree to contractual agreements when you finance a car or open a credit card account and if you can go crazy, living beyond your means buying extravegant items, than you should be full aware that you are responsible to pay for those items.  People, grow the hell up and take responsibility for your actions. 

The gentleman who filed this complaint against Van Ru stated that with a tape recorder you can make plenty of money recording all the FDCPA violations that Van Ru makes.

I'd be curious to hear how well he did. How many thousands of dollars he made and, of course, did he take some of the money and pay off his bills.

I'm sure no one called him 3 times an hour, but he sais it was so... of course he also took out a loan for his education which he promised to pay.

You can't believe everything you read, especially get rich quick schemes.
In order to make it in this world you need education and a good work ethic.

I'd be interested to hear how much he made~

Get real. A collector from Van Ru couldn't reach us in January, so he decided to take it upon himself to claim he had. In this conversation he "claims" he had with us on the 23 of January, he claims we had agreed to a settlement and had authorized a debit from my husbands bank account in the amount of $2200. The only one he talked to that day was our answering machine.

Luckily we received a letter informing us of his intent and we reported him to the FTC, and our bank, then called Van Ru to inform them we did NOT authorize a debit of any kind, nor did we talk with this man EVER about a settlement, nor offer to make one.

So tell me, who is the dishonest one here? Us for sinking 40,000 in to your pockets trying to repay our debts while being belittled, harassed ripped off and threatened. Or the guy who has a quota to meet and breaks the law by trying to debit someones bank account he has NOT been AUTHORIZED to debit so he can pad his pocket on payday?

There are many of us who do repay our debts. Some monthly, some in lump sums. It amazes me, the attitude you all have towards those of us who do, especially when most collectors who call are violating the FDCPA. And when we complain you come back with the same dung...that some how in someway we deserved it. That's like telling a woman she deserved to be rapped because she was a woman.

Being in debt is not a crime in this country, it's not fun, but it's not a crime. Unless you created it without the intent to ever pay it back. That is stealing.

We didn't steal, nor did we opt out and flush our debt down the toliet and pocket the 40,000 we've put out over the last 2 years. Instead it's going in your pocket one honest hard earned dollar at a time! To bad the same can't be said by all.

The warnings people are giving are right on key, anytime you deal with any of these guys always record every call, and every message, we do. Keep everything they send you in the mail, we do. That way when you need to use it in court you have a solid case.

Get real. A collector from Van Ru couldn't reach us in January, so he decided to take it upon himself to claim he had. In this conversation he "claims" he had with us on the 23 of January, he claims we had agreed to a settlement and had authorized a debit from my husbands bank account in the amount of $2200. The only one he talked to that day was our answering machine.

Luckily we received a letter informing us of his intent and we reported him to the FTC, and our bank, then called Van Ru to inform them we did NOT authorize a debit of any kind, nor did we talk with this man EVER about a settlement, nor offer to make one.

So tell me, who is the dishonest one here? Us for sinking 40,000 in to your pockets trying to repay our debts while being belittled, harassed ripped off and threatened. Or the guy who has a quota to meet and breaks the law by trying to debit someones bank account he has NOT been AUTHORIZED to debit so he can pad his pocket on payday?

There are many of us who do repay our debts. Some monthly, some in lump sums. It amazes me, the attitude you all have towards those of us who do, especially when most collectors who call are violating the FDCPA. And when we complain you come back with the same dung...that some how in someway we deserved it. That's like telling a woman she deserved to be rapped because she was a woman.

Being in debt is not a crime in this country, it's not fun, but it's not a crime. Unless you created it without the intent to ever pay it back. That is stealing.

We didn't steal, nor did we opt out and flush our debt down the toliet and pocket the 40,000 we've put out over the last 2 years. Instead it's going in your pocket one honest hard earned dollar at a time! To bad the same can't be said by all.

The warnings people are giving are right on key, anytime you deal with any of these guys always record every call, and every message, we do. Keep everything they send you in the mail, we do. That way when you need to use it in court you have a solid case.

Get real. A collector from Van Ru couldn't reach us in January, so he decided to take it upon himself to claim he had. In this conversation he "claims" he had with us on the 23 of January, he claims we had agreed to a settlement and had authorized a debit from my husbands bank account in the amount of $2200. The only one he talked to that day was our answering machine.

Luckily we received a letter informing us of his intent and we reported him to the FTC, and our bank, then called Van Ru to inform them we did NOT authorize a debit of any kind, nor did we talk with this man EVER about a settlement, nor offer to make one.

So tell me, who is the dishonest one here? Us for sinking 40,000 in to your pockets trying to repay our debts while being belittled, harassed ripped off and threatened. Or the guy who has a quota to meet and breaks the law by trying to debit someones bank account he has NOT been AUTHORIZED to debit so he can pad his pocket on payday?

There are many of us who do repay our debts. Some monthly, some in lump sums. It amazes me, the attitude you all have towards those of us who do, especially when most collectors who call are violating the FDCPA. And when we complain you come back with the same dung...that some how in someway we deserved it. That's like telling a woman she deserved to be rapped because she was a woman.

Being in debt is not a crime in this country, it's not fun, but it's not a crime. Unless you created it without the intent to ever pay it back. That is stealing.

We didn't steal, nor did we opt out and flush our debt down the toliet and pocket the 40,000 we've put out over the last 2 years. Instead it's going in your pocket one honest hard earned dollar at a time! To bad the same can't be said by all.

The warnings people are giving are right on key, anytime you deal with any of these guys always record every call, and every message, we do. Keep everything they send you in the mail, we do. That way when you need to use it in court you have a solid case.

First off I'm not here to insult my company or speak on their behalf, I'm here solely to help out the consumer, I understand some people in this line of work have no decency, and have made "Bill Collectors"into the spawn of satan. I'm here to say, not all of us are alike. I for one, will not sit here and harass you, yell, kick or scream or scare you into paying. You're an adult, I will speak to you like an adult. You know what you've charged, you know you owe this debt. I understand situations arise, but all the client wants is a payment arrangment.

Okay, now to the real tips.

The majority of collection agencies use an automatic dialing system, if you do not answer, or a third party says you are not there, you & your number will be thrown back into the pool. Sometimes it calls 10 minutes later, or 3 hours later. I don't know why, it's just the way the system is..we CANNOT control it. The only way to stop the calls PERMANTLY, is to write a CEASE COMMUNICATION letter, that is the only assure way to stop the calls. Do make sure you have the account number as well as your name, original creditor, and the words CEASE COMMUNICATION on it. By law, all calls & letter will be stopped. If you don't have the time or don't want to bother doing that, the only other way is to answer the phone on the first call and when they ask for you, say "this is", and tell them you have no intention, and hang up. Once again, by law, we can only SPEAK to YOU once a day. If we are speaking to a third party, we cannot say this is a debt, we cannot say we're a collection agency.. we can tell you the name of the company, our name, as well as the purpose ofthe call, meaning "a personal bussiness matter". Nothing more than that can be told, so don't ask, unless you're trying to catch the collector violating the FDCPA.

If you have not recieved a letter from the collection agency, verify the address, if the address is incorrect, it is not the responsibilty of Van Ru to keep up with your change of address. More than likely they WILL NOT send you another one. According to Van Ru as well as the Creditor, change of address is YOUR responsibilty to inform everyone that you have moved.

Well I hope this somewhat helps, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to ask me.

sorry I have to disagree with you on this one.

Just because a card agreement states thay can raise your interest rate, it should be reasonable and with cause.

you ever notice that when an interest rate is raised it alway when the person has a high balances.

Here's another interesting thought about credit cards. My wife had the same credit card for years, never late, never over the limit.

last mouth she received a notice from the card company that, unless she opts out within 30 days form the date of this letter, she must do arbitration, and that she can not have her case heard in court nor be involved in a class action suit against the credit card company.

Well we mailed a (RRR) to opt out, you know the credit card company cancelled her card without even telling her, she found out when she went to use it.

when we called the card company, they stated the account was closed and that a 20.00 a month fee will be applied to the close account until its paid for. I don't think so

credit card companies are the biggest offenders, to bad debts, if a person already has fair to bad credit DON't issue them a card, unless its a secured one, but the card companies want that all mighty dollar and charge high interest and a monthly fee. a monthly fee, that's just greed.

most people have false impression that they can rebuild there credit with these cards, few can most won't.

and why does a card company, that issue these card believe that if you request or they consider a credit increase, you pay a 25.00 fee that appears as interest, even it you don't get the credit increase.

Steve is correct, that the card companied, need to have more control.

If a person have a validated collection on a credit card, Don't issue one until that's taken care of or there is no longer a record on there credit report.

Why would I as a business, give someone that already defaulted on 2-3 cards or one very high card, a card. there only doing it to make a buck.

If i was a judge and a person came before me, over a debt, that is recent, and there credit report already showed several defauls and collection, I would not rules in favor of the creditor, they should of been more reasonable, in giving unsecured credit, that would stop the greed of these companis real quick

Don,

Your PRINCIPLE is correct. You have a valid point.

HOWEVER, unsecured credit is the real problem here in combination with PREDATORY and IRRESPONSIBLE lending practices.

As soon as these lenders start practicing RESPONSIBLE lending, I will start feeling soory for them.

They make their own bed. They CHOOSE to accept these losses as they are only a drop in the bucket as compared to the OBSCENE profits they make on unsecured credit.

Here's another idea. DO NOT extend unsecured credit! There, NO LOSSES!

Again, a CHOICE.

"There are some creditors (read the many posts) such as Citibank that don't choose to work with creditors." Why should a creditor work with you? If you signed an agreement which says that the creditor can change your interest rate when they want to, you gave them permission to do it. Also, regardless of what the interest rate is, if you spent a $1000 on a credit card, you owe at least $1000. Without paying back what was spent or borrowed, you have stolen from someone.
>>

Understood but there are some people who fall on difficult times for reasons not of their own doing. When they contact the creditor and advise them (job loss, 9-11, serious illness) and tell them payments must be put on hold until the situation changes or make nominal good faith payments, I would hope there would be some understanding on the behalf of the creditor. Raising the individual's interest rate to 35% like Citibank does AND then charges OVER LIMIT FEES and LATE FEES should be illegal.

It has gotten TOO EASY for the creditor to "write off" the amount and take a tax credit, sell it to a bottom feeder and be done with it. They changed the bankruptcy rules ON CONSUMERS making it difficult for them to write off the debt. The same should be there for big business. This is the goose and gander ploy ...

How come it seems fair to people that you can get a store credit card to buy a big screen TV, not pay on the card, and keep the TV, and only have damaged credit. If you went into the store and took it off the shelf, you would be arrested and not get to keep the TV.
>>

I agree there are numerous scams nationally and internationally that do that. These people are generally speaking criminals in the legal sense. There is a difference between THE INTENT to defraud the creditor and situations that occur which cannot be helped.

What should be the difference between a business getting into financial trouble (and continues to purchase items for the business) and not being able to pay their bills and closes the company owing hundreds of thousands of dollars to creditors and a private citizen? The business owners especially if it was incorporated walks away scott free to start another business. The private citizen has to have corrupted credit for years. How is THAT FAIR?

I will agree that companies take advantage of some people with high interest rates and different fees. But the principle balance should still be paid. With my company, the bare minimum settlement is for what was spent on the card, which seems fair to me.
>>> NOW THAT REALLY SOUNDS DESCENT TO ME ...

As for people who are disabled, laid off and other bad things happen, they still owe the money. Same as above, pay back what was spent. And from first first hand experience, there are people who are disabled who willingly run up bills too. Not all of them of course. IF anyone watched the 20/20 report a few weeks ago, there was a family of 5 that both parents lost their jobs, and they are still spending the same money, and took more vacations than ever. Yet some people would say they lost their jobs, so they should get leniency with bills collectors.
>> I SAW THAT ONE AND IT MADE ME ILL. Those are the situations that make everybody suffer. I understand and agree with yes the money is owed, but when you are forced to prioritize (roof over head, utilities on, health insurance, food) credit cards are low on the food chain.

Those that are able to go out and get another job should. There were times I worked two and three jobs to make ends meet. It may not be the job you want but those are the breaks. I (and probably you) have taken jobs we really hated but we had to support our families.

I am going to take issue with "disabled who willingly run up bills, too". Lets clarify this. We all have bills and being on a fixed income through social security or through disability is slightly different. An individual ends up on SSDI because the government has declared they are not capable of holding ANY JOB (this is NOT an easy process and is a type of game the government plays with people. The only way to assure (almost) you get SSDI is by engaging an attorney and going before a judge). All SSDI attorneys charged the maximum amount by law $5,300). Some times to get benefits can take years for the disabled. At least with SSI you apply the month before you turn 63 or 65 to get the process going ...

Are we talking about disabled or ssi people knowingly going out and buying a new car because it strikes your fancy? Are we talking about going out and eating several times a week? Are we talking about buying a new wardrobe or fancy presents? Hopefully not. Are we talking about charging medications because the US health care systems is so screwed up it is either that or not take medications? Possibly ... Was behind an elderly woman a couple of weeks ago at the pharmacy. The clerk was trying to explain the complex new rules for medications. The elderly woman finally said to the clerk - bottom line it how much do i pay for my meds under any of these programs. The answer - hundres of dollars a month. The elderly woman walked out with no meds. WITH THE US BEING AS PROSPEROUS AS WE ARE THIS IS CRIMINAL .... Although an inmate in any of our penal system gets the best care our tax month can buy ... go figure .... (sorry for this rant and rage )

I have issue with some of the collection agencies attaching peoples social security and disability checks - not only because it is against the law - but morally and ethically there are better ways. Lets take the dead beats off welfare who are able to work (and choose NOT to) and give it to the senior citizens who worked their entire life(sorry on that rant ....)

P, not complaining about part of your post, just offering a couterpoint to.

"There are some creditors (read the many posts) such as Citibank that don't choose to work with creditors." Why should a creditor work with you? If you signed an agreement which says that the creditor can change your interest rate when they want to, you gave them permission to do it. Also, regardless of what the interest rate is, if you spent a $1000 on a credit card, you owe at least $1000. Without paying back what was spent or borrowed, you have stolen from someone.

How come it seems fair to people that you can get a store credit card to buy a big screen TV, not pay on the card, and keep the TV, and only have damaged credit. If you went into the store and took it off the shelf, you would be arrested and not get to keep the TV.

I will agree that companies take advantage of some people with high interest rates and different fees. But the principle balance should still be paid. With my company, the bare minimum settlement is for what was spent on the card, which seems fair to me.

As for people who are disabled, laid off and other bad things happen, they still owe the money. Same as above, pay back what was spent. And from first first hand experience, there are people who are disabled who willingly run up bills too. Not all of them of course. IF anyone watched the 20/20 report a few weeks ago, there was a family of 5 that both parents lost their jobs, and they are still spending the same money, and took more vacations than ever. Yet some people would say they lost their jobs, so they should get leniency with bills collectors.

Finally, regardless of how a person has used their credit in the past, it does not mean that collectors should be calling them names, and breaking the law. Thanks for allowing me to vent a little.

Van Ru Credit Corp **
1350 E. Touhy Avenue Ste 300E
Des Plaines, Illinois 60018
Phone: (800) 468-2678
Fax: (513) 573-2962
Web Address: www.vanru.com


OTHER OFFICES:
4415 S. Wendler Drive Suite 200
Tempe, AZ 85282
Contact Steve Hatley at (800) 408-2678 or e-mail corporate@vanru.com.

8550 E. Ulmerton Road Suite 225
Largo, Florida 33771
Contact Jon Sheehan at (800) 708-2375, or e-mail corporate@vanru.com.

10024 Skokie Boulevard
Skokie, IL 60077
Contact Ray Eshghipour at (800) 477-0777 or e-mail corporate@vanru.com.

150 S. Sunnyslope Road Suite 108
Brookfield, WI 53005
Contact Mike Gerlach at (800) 723-1300 or e-mail corporate@vanru.com.

--------------

Bud Says...

Here is another gem in the pile of debt collection trash. They collect on student loans and other accounts. The collectors are not the smartest in the business, nor can they be trusted to tell the truth. I would rate this in the sleaze category and use the cease communication letter on them.
NEVER give them any information on your bank/credit accounts, or post-dated checks. YOU WILL REGRET IT!!

budhibbs.com

How people end up in their situations is as variable as the misreprentations of information and refusal to supply FEderally mandated information on debts that collection agencies give.

You have made a judgement call (refusing to pay debt) on the OP that she incurred the debt and knowingly and willfully committed fraud by now refusing to pay. While this does happen generally there are precipitating factors that complicate non-payment by a debtor.

There are some creditors (read the many posts) such as Citibank that don't choose to work with creditors. Instead, they raise the interest rate to 35% (they can because they incorporated out of North/South Dakota without usery laws) making the debt further unpayable. Funny isn't it how the US business machine preys on the consumers in this manner.

I've read posts where collection agency's have attached bank accounts of people who became disabled. Suddenly becoming disabled is not something an individual can anticipate. This is illegal (you as a collector probably realize this against Federal Law 42 USC 407(a). In the mean time these disabled individuals have NOTHING To live on until the problem is corrected.

Instead of damning the OP, and since you apparently work in the industry, why not act responsibily and offer constructive and insightful information to the OP to assist her which is what these boards are all about.

The OP's point is that the company has repeatedly violated her rights and Van Ru needs to be held accountable for such violations. I do not think that is unreasonable and encourage her to go forth with making them pay.

Penalties and extra interest are typically fictious amounts of money added on by the collection agency to pad their profits. Sometimes as much as to 50% of the debt or more claimed to be owed by a collection agency consisting of interest and fees. This is illegal, every state has usery laws (which dictate the maximum interests allowed to be charged. Junk debt buyer pay anywhere from 1 cent to 7 cents on the dollar, there is no way there is this much interest.

GENERAL INFORMATION FROM VARIOUS SITES ON DEALING WITH COLLECTION AGENCY'S

Tell them to validate by

. What the money you say I owe is for;
Explain and show me how you calculated what you say I owe;
Provide me with copies of any papers that show I agreed to pay what you say I owe;
Provide a verification or copy of any judgment if applicable;
Identify the original creditor;
Prove the Statute of Limitations has not expired on this account
Show me that you are licensed to collect in my state
Provide me with your license numbers and Registered Agent


1. NEVER talk to a collection agency on the phone. Period.

2. Keep good records. This can be the difference between a good and bad settlement. Don't expect them to remember you or what you agreed upon.

3. Send all correspondence via registered mail, receipt requested and put the registered mail number ON THE LETTER. DO NOT SIGN THE LETTER TYPE YOUR NAME

4. Keep a copy of every letter you send.

5. Penalties and extra interest are typically fictious amounts of money added on by the collection agency to pad their profits. Sometimes as much as to 50% of the debt or more claimed to be owed by a collection agency consisting of interest and fees. This is illegal, every state has usery laws (which dictate the maximum interests allowed to be charged. That is except North Dakota. There are no such laws which is why most credit card companies incorporate there.) Junk debt buyer pay anywhere from 1 cent to 7 cents on the dollar, there is no way there is this much interest.

6. Time is on your side. As time passes, the creditors will likely stop calling and the debt will be filed away for future attention or until the SOL runs out ..

How people end up in their situations is as variable as the misreprentations of information and refusal to supply FEderally mandated information on debts that collection agencies give.

You have made a judgement call (refusing to pay debt) on the OP that she incurred the debt and knowingly and willfully committed fraud by now refusing to pay. While this does happen generally there are precipitating factors that complicate non-payment by a debtor.

There are some creditors (read the many posts) such as Citibank that don't choose to work with creditors. Instead, they raise the interest rate to 35% (they can because they incorporated out of North/South Dakota without usery laws) making the debt further unpayable. Funny isn't it how the US business machine preys on the consumers in this manner.

I've read posts where collection agency's have attached bank accounts of people who became disabled. Suddenly becoming disabled is not something an individual can anticipate. This is illegal (you as a collector probably realize this against Federal Law 42 USC 407(a). In the mean time these disabled individuals have NOTHING To live on until the problem is corrected.

Instead of damning the OP, and since you apparently work in the industry, why not act responsibily and offer constructive and insightful information to the OP to assist her which is what these boards are all about.

The OP's point is that the company has repeatedly violated her rights and Van Ru needs to be held accountable for such violations. I do not think that is unreasonable and encourage her to go forth with making them pay.

Penalties and extra interest are typically fictious amounts of money added on by the collection agency to pad their profits. Sometimes as much as to 50% of the debt or more claimed to be owed by a collection agency consisting of interest and fees. This is illegal, every state has usery laws (which dictate the maximum interests allowed to be charged. Junk debt buyer pay anywhere from 1 cent to 7 cents on the dollar, there is no way there is this much interest.

GENERAL INFORMATION FROM VARIOUS SITES ON DEALING WITH COLLECTION AGENCY'S

Tell them to validate by

. What the money you say I owe is for;
Explain and show me how you calculated what you say I owe;
Provide me with copies of any papers that show I agreed to pay what you say I owe;
Provide a verification or copy of any judgment if applicable;
Identify the original creditor;
Prove the Statute of Limitations has not expired on this account
Show me that you are licensed to collect in my state
Provide me with your license numbers and Registered Agent


1. NEVER talk to a collection agency on the phone. Period.

2. Keep good records. This can be the difference between a good and bad settlement. Don't expect them to remember you or what you agreed upon.

3. Send all correspondence via registered mail, receipt requested and put the registered mail number ON THE LETTER. DO NOT SIGN THE LETTER TYPE YOUR NAME

4. Keep a copy of every letter you send.

5. Penalties and extra interest are typically fictious amounts of money added on by the collection agency to pad their profits. Sometimes as much as to 50% of the debt or more claimed to be owed by a collection agency consisting of interest and fees. This is illegal, every state has usery laws (which dictate the maximum interests allowed to be charged. That is except North Dakota. There are no such laws which is why most credit card companies incorporate there.) Junk debt buyer pay anywhere from 1 cent to 7 cents on the dollar, there is no way there is this much interest.

6. Time is on your side. As time passes, the creditors will likely stop calling and the debt will be filed away for future attention or until the SOL runs out ..

I have had dealings with Van Ru, and the original poster is absolutely correct. I, too, have requested they send information about the debt they claim I owe, but they flat out refused. (I never heard of the company they claim I owe the money to.) I told them until they supply that information, they are not to call me again. I now get about 4+ calls a day from them, all hours of the day and night. The people who call are either hard to understand or very rude. (One actually left a message on my machine and told me to have a blah day!) - Although, I do think this was an English translation error on the caller's part. Nonetheless, not appropriate.

As the original poster has stated, this company does violate many rules on collecting a debt. At one point my sister answered the phone and stated I was not available, and to my amazement, they proceeded to tell her details about the supposed debt! That's a BIG no-no for a collection agency!

My advice to anyone who receives a call from Van Ru is to NOT answer, or simply hang up. This company is about as shady as it gets!

It is not so hard to believe that this credit reporting agency did anything! It's amazing that so many people have let it go on so long. It is hard to say how many people have been dealing with these scammers. I agree with the original poster. As for the other, just because this person is having issues with a collection agency does not mean that any of the assumptions that you made were true. Debt happens to the best of us, and that does not leave the window open to be taken advantage of.

The gentleman who complained about Van Ru harrassing him had given his word to a creditor, perhaps the U.S. Govt., to pay a bill and has refused to pay it. The idea that someone would call him to request that he keep his word has become a form of harrassement to him.

Our laws protect people who refuse to pay their bills via the FDCP laws.

The idea that someone at Van Ru would call him repeatidly seems far fetched. One account isn't worth an FDCP violation.

Since this gentleman had given his word to pay back a debt and now refuses to live up to his promise, suggests that he views responsibility as a form of harrassement.

His comment "If anything, you can easily make a few thousand dollars and apply it to the balance of any debt you may have." shows that he is more interested in having his debt paid by others rather than through his own resources.

I'm sure if his comments were true he would have sued by now, and if he would have received a settlement he wouldn't have applied it to his debt. He doesn't view it as his responsibility.

I will offer a word of advice. The best way to avoid annoying calls from creditors is to make arrangements with your creditors before your debt ends up in collection.

If this gentleman would spend as much time seeking employment as he does avoiding his responsibilities he wouldn't need to go on-line to complain about being harrassed.

Respectfully,
Christian