UCB, United Collections Bureau Phone threats and harrassment Ripoff Ft. Lauderdale Florida

Just for the record... I have just received two voicemails from UCB, I'm assuming to collect a $75 emergency room fee that I've simply forgotten to pay. I have had quite a few life changing events occur in the past four months and admit I was distracted. I am fully prepared to pay this debt.

Collecting my debt is not the problem. I understand these people have a job to do. However, I do not appreciate the threats I've received. And I feel that something needs to be done about the way this company deals in business.

The first voicemail I received was from a girl named "Lauren" w/ "UCB" and she said "You need to call me back so that we can work out this file I have on you because I don't think you want me to work it out for you." She also advised me to call 800.394.7572 xt 6821, and gave me a reference number to keep.

Well I called the number back and you know what's funny? It doesn't even work! It will prompt you to stay on the line for the next available representative it does not give you the option to enter an xt #, and then a different voice comes on the line saying "xt # 5035 please hold..." then, "xt # 5035 is invalid" and then it automatically hangs up on you.

I can assure you I never punched in 5305 at anytime while on the phone.

They obviously don't want to speak w/ anyone unless it is on their terms. They have sense called 5 times, at odd hours, and every time from a blocked number. Well I am sorry, but I do not answer phone calls from numbers that are hidden.

I thought debt collection agencies are supposed to be helpful, and wanting to resolve the situation with both the debtor and the company trying to collect the debt?!

After thinking about the threat on the call and the fact that I can't reach them but they can reach me... I started wondering if the business practices w/ UCB I've experienced were a one in a million or if this was a company notorious for harassment... so I got on line and found this site, as well as a few others who have list upon list of complaints about UCB, some much worse and severe than my own. I am shocked this company is even allowed to still operate under such scrutiny. How dare they?

In some cases they have even gone to the extent of flat out lying about who they are, and contacting family members to divulge personal information about the debtor. In any event, these are ALL violations of the FDCPA.

I would encourage a class action lawsuit against this company. Not really even for my own cause, but because of the harassment people must endure from this company in every day life. IT is just ridiculous, and I hope that they can be stopped. I am disgusted with UCB and the way the go about collecting debt. It doesn't have to be so evasive and threatening!

Jess
ORANGE PARK, Florida
U.S.A.