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Report: #82131

Complaint Review: American Agencies - Torrance California

  • Submitted:
  • Updated:
  • Reported By: Lakewood California
  • Author Not Confirmed What's this?
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  • American Agencies 2158 W. 190th Torrance, California U.S.A.

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I was shocked to find an almost 7 year old report from Pac Bell on my credit report. I remember the day I paid this bill because I had a hard time finding the building. I seem to always live paycheck to paycheck. I can't keep a checking account open so I pay by money order.

Long story short, I call up SBC to see about this account that I don't think is correct. They tell me to call American Agencies in Torrance. I call and reach a rep. She tells me that I owe 377.57. Still in question if this is really mine, I ask her to verify the number. Sure enough it was a number I had 7 years ago. I figure that it was my stupidity for not following up 7 years ago to make sure this account was closed, so I should just pay it and be done with it.

The rep tells me that I have to use Western Union to pay this bill. I asked her if there was an address that I could mail it to. She said no, I have to use Western Union. So I drive to the only Western Union in my area and try to pay. The lady at the Western Union says she can't participate in payment to AA anymore. I thought that was strange. I called AA back and explained what happened. The rep told me the lady must be mistaken, that I should find another one. Mind you I am trying to take care of a bill on my lunch hour. I am a single parent working full time and going to school. I don't have alot of spare time to go driving around. I tell the rep that I have to get back to work so finding another Western Union was not going to work. I again asked her for an address that I could mail it. She told me again that I had to use Western Union, either walking in or by credit card over the phone. Then I would have to call her back to verify payment. I started getting irritated.

How hard should this be to pay a stinking bill. I tell her I don't have time to play around anymore, to please give me a mailing address so I can mail it on my way home from work. She told me that the account accures interest daily so it would be impossible to mail it, that I have to Western Union it to pay it. I then told her my cell was cutting out and hung up on her.
Later my friend told me that the reps get a commission for every bill payed thru Western Union.

What the heck!!!! I try to take care of something, that I am not even sure is correct, and she makes it impossible for me to take care of. Now I find out the corp is suspended.

The rep didn't bother to tell me that. Of course not.
I am guessing the Western Union wouldn't take the payment because of the suspension.

Now I am going to dispute the bill. My moment of pay it and be done with it is over.

How far do I have to bend over to pay a bill? I guess they'll never get paid.

Kristil
Lakewood, California
U.S.A.

This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 02/27/2004 02:41 PM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/american-agencies/torrance-california/american-agencies-ripoff-greedy-torrance-california-82131. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content

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REBUTTALS & REPLIES:
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#5 Consumer Comment

Statute of Limitations in California & Credit Reports, never pay this company a dime.

AUTHOR: Cyrus - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, April 04, 2004

Dear Friends:

I am the Executive Director of Credit Campany and a Consultant.

Epicenter works on consumer disputes with creditors, debt collectors, and credit reporting agencies like Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union.

American Agencies is a fraudulent collector that does not comply with the FCRA & FDCPA.

My recommendation is to never pay this company a dime. Debt collectors are required to validate their debts under provisions of Section 809(b) of the federal Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA).

The statute of limitations for delinquent debts is 4 years from the date of last activity on debts assumed under a written contract. Once the statute of limitations has elapsed, a creditor or debt collection cannot sue you for a judgment. The statute of limitation offers you an absolute defense.

If your credit has been damaged, which is very likely, you may have grounds for a small claim action for damage to your financial reputation. Keep all your documentation, including rejection letters for credit application.

Under the FCRA, you have the right to file disputes with each credit reporting agency (CRA) if you believe any of the information on your consumer profile is false or inaccurate. Information that cannot be verified has to be expunged from the credit report within 30 days.

Read more about FCRA & FDCPA on the Federal Trade Commission website. FTC also has a booklet, How to Dispute Errors On Credit Reports. Information is at no cost to you.

Consumers must be vigilant in their battles with the credit industry. The credit industry is a powerful lobby. Make smart and responsible decisions with your money. Do not support businesses that abuse and exploit, or lack quality customer service.

You are the customer, and business is here to meet your needs. Without you dollars if you are not receiving high quality treatment from a business or corporation.

Remember, be informed and make educated decisions about your personal financial affairs.

Please feel free to post below any questions, concerns, or comments.

I appreciate the opportunity to be at your service.

Sincerely,

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#4 Consumer Comment

Statute of Limitations in California & Credit Reports, never pay this company a dime.

AUTHOR: Cyrus - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, April 04, 2004

Dear Friends:

I am the Executive Director of Credit Campany and a Consultant.

Epicenter works on consumer disputes with creditors, debt collectors, and credit reporting agencies like Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union.

American Agencies is a fraudulent collector that does not comply with the FCRA & FDCPA.

My recommendation is to never pay this company a dime. Debt collectors are required to validate their debts under provisions of Section 809(b) of the federal Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA).

The statute of limitations for delinquent debts is 4 years from the date of last activity on debts assumed under a written contract. Once the statute of limitations has elapsed, a creditor or debt collection cannot sue you for a judgment. The statute of limitation offers you an absolute defense.

If your credit has been damaged, which is very likely, you may have grounds for a small claim action for damage to your financial reputation. Keep all your documentation, including rejection letters for credit application.

Under the FCRA, you have the right to file disputes with each credit reporting agency (CRA) if you believe any of the information on your consumer profile is false or inaccurate. Information that cannot be verified has to be expunged from the credit report within 30 days.

Read more about FCRA & FDCPA on the Federal Trade Commission website. FTC also has a booklet, How to Dispute Errors On Credit Reports. Information is at no cost to you.

Consumers must be vigilant in their battles with the credit industry. The credit industry is a powerful lobby. Make smart and responsible decisions with your money. Do not support businesses that abuse and exploit, or lack quality customer service.

You are the customer, and business is here to meet your needs. Without you dollars if you are not receiving high quality treatment from a business or corporation.

Remember, be informed and make educated decisions about your personal financial affairs.

Please feel free to post below any questions, concerns, or comments.

I appreciate the opportunity to be at your service.

Sincerely,

Respond to this report!
What's this?

#3 Consumer Comment

Statute of Limitations in California & Credit Reports, never pay this company a dime.

AUTHOR: Cyrus - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, April 04, 2004

Dear Friends:

I am the Executive Director of Credit Campany and a Consultant.

Epicenter works on consumer disputes with creditors, debt collectors, and credit reporting agencies like Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union.

American Agencies is a fraudulent collector that does not comply with the FCRA & FDCPA.

My recommendation is to never pay this company a dime. Debt collectors are required to validate their debts under provisions of Section 809(b) of the federal Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA).

The statute of limitations for delinquent debts is 4 years from the date of last activity on debts assumed under a written contract. Once the statute of limitations has elapsed, a creditor or debt collection cannot sue you for a judgment. The statute of limitation offers you an absolute defense.

If your credit has been damaged, which is very likely, you may have grounds for a small claim action for damage to your financial reputation. Keep all your documentation, including rejection letters for credit application.

Under the FCRA, you have the right to file disputes with each credit reporting agency (CRA) if you believe any of the information on your consumer profile is false or inaccurate. Information that cannot be verified has to be expunged from the credit report within 30 days.

Read more about FCRA & FDCPA on the Federal Trade Commission website. FTC also has a booklet, How to Dispute Errors On Credit Reports. Information is at no cost to you.

Consumers must be vigilant in their battles with the credit industry. The credit industry is a powerful lobby. Make smart and responsible decisions with your money. Do not support businesses that abuse and exploit, or lack quality customer service.

You are the customer, and business is here to meet your needs. Without you dollars if you are not receiving high quality treatment from a business or corporation.

Remember, be informed and make educated decisions about your personal financial affairs.

Please feel free to post below any questions, concerns, or comments.

I appreciate the opportunity to be at your service.

Sincerely,

Respond to this report!
What's this?

#2 Consumer Comment

Statute of Limitations in California & Credit Reports, never pay this company a dime.

AUTHOR: Cyrus - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, April 04, 2004

Dear Friends:

I am the Executive Director of Credit Campany and a Consultant.

Epicenter works on consumer disputes with creditors, debt collectors, and credit reporting agencies like Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union.

American Agencies is a fraudulent collector that does not comply with the FCRA & FDCPA.

My recommendation is to never pay this company a dime. Debt collectors are required to validate their debts under provisions of Section 809(b) of the federal Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA).

The statute of limitations for delinquent debts is 4 years from the date of last activity on debts assumed under a written contract. Once the statute of limitations has elapsed, a creditor or debt collection cannot sue you for a judgment. The statute of limitation offers you an absolute defense.

If your credit has been damaged, which is very likely, you may have grounds for a small claim action for damage to your financial reputation. Keep all your documentation, including rejection letters for credit application.

Under the FCRA, you have the right to file disputes with each credit reporting agency (CRA) if you believe any of the information on your consumer profile is false or inaccurate. Information that cannot be verified has to be expunged from the credit report within 30 days.

Read more about FCRA & FDCPA on the Federal Trade Commission website. FTC also has a booklet, How to Dispute Errors On Credit Reports. Information is at no cost to you.

Consumers must be vigilant in their battles with the credit industry. The credit industry is a powerful lobby. Make smart and responsible decisions with your money. Do not support businesses that abuse and exploit, or lack quality customer service.

You are the customer, and business is here to meet your needs. Without you dollars if you are not receiving high quality treatment from a business or corporation.

Remember, be informed and make educated decisions about your personal financial affairs.

Please feel free to post below any questions, concerns, or comments.

I appreciate the opportunity to be at your service.

Sincerely,

Respond to this report!
What's this?

#1 Consumer Suggestion

American Agencies can not be trusted

AUTHOR: Axiom - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, February 29, 2004

American Agencies has a very bad record with the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC is currently in the process of filing a lawsuit against American Agencies.

You stated the account was 7 years old. Considering a derogatory mark excluding Govt liens/loans, Bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for 7 years from the date of the last missed payment/activity. I would not bother with it and contact SBC Corporate office and pay them directly. PacBell is now SBC. SBC Corp is based out of San Antonio Texas.

The Statute of Limitations for SBC or American Agencies is 4 years. That has expired. Do not deal with American Agencies. If I was you, I would contact the Better Business Bureau and file a complaint online.

Next, I would contact the Federal Trade Commission-Western Region based out of San Francisco and file the complaint with them.

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