First Federal Credit & Collections Ripoff, Can't Reach To Settle Or Inquire About Claims, Wont Return Calls, Voicemail is Full, Out of Office for WEEKS due to hurricane, NO Opportunity to inquire or settle the collection! Miami Florida

My boyfriend, who has been battling credit fraud for over a year now, constantly receives collections notices. Usually, they are regarding the fraudulent activity. Sometimes, they are just for doctor's visits - those of us with HMOs know all to well.

About a month and a half ago, we recieved a notice from First Federal Credit and Collections of Miami Florida concerning a 10.00 copayment to a doctor. I called to pay the copayment, but couldnt get through. Their mail box was full.

This notice - the first we recieved - stated that they had made many attempts to recover payment and we had one week to pay in full or they will "proceed with collection of this account with out any further notice to you." I attempted again, and this time left a message. They did not return the call.

The next week, a hurricane hit South Florida and most of us did not have power and did not recieve mail for about a week. On October 31, we recieved another letter, dated October 18, 2005 that said:

"We have extended to you every opportunity to either arrange for Payments or settle this debt adn YOU HAVE REFUSED.

What happens next is you responsibility! You have left us no alternative but to close your file. This will indicate to the future parties where you apply for credit that you have ignored your obligation. this will remain of your credit for up to SEVEN (7) YEARS. Is this what you want?

This is your last change to show that you care about your credit and want to voluntarily satisfy the debt that currently appears on your credit report."

It went on to say we had 5 days from that date to arrange payment of the 10 dollar debt.

Since then, I have called at least 7 times. Their voicemail's current message is that they are out of the office because of the hurricane, but are checking their messages every hour. Only once have I gotten through to leave a voicemail (it was full all other times). Still, they have not called back.

Their unprofessional letter only exemplifies the unprofessionalism of this company. I am an accounts manager for a busy business. I undersand the importance of collections, but you must act with tact and provide opportunties for payment - especially to WILLING consumers. Collections agencies like these must be put to a stop!

Tabatha
Davie, Florida
U.S.A.