Phillips & Cohen Associates, Ltd. Cashed my check 2 months before I authorized, overdrawing my bank account Wilmington Delaware

I returned a call to Phillips & Cohen Associates, Ltd. to settle a debt for a gym membership that I forgot about. I was scared to return the call for a while because I knew that I didn't have the money to pay but I finally returned the call because the fear of what would happen if I let this go to long trumped what I was feeling about not having the money.

I spoke with an agent named Pat Gaetano. I explained my situation to him. I explained that I am a musician and that my current job was scheduled to end but I have another one scheduled to begin in September. I further explained that I had recently had to put a lot of money into repairing my car which left me financially strapped.

I offered to set up a payment for 9/15/09 and added that I could call back if he could not post a payment so far in advance. He contacted a supervisor to make sure and told me that it would be fine. I gave him my banking infomation and asked him once more to make sure that the money would not be taken until September. He reassured me that it would be fine and we ended the call.

I just checked my bank account this morning, 7/17/09, and my account is overdrawn. When I looked at the details of my online statement I saw a check from Phillips & Cohen Associates for the amount I had agreed to pay in September.

I am, of course, extremely frustrated. This frustration is compounded by the fact that aside from the overdraft fees I was going to use that money to go home and be with my sister who is having some serious medical issues.

I intend to find out if I have any recourse but remain angry and stuck until I can call them tomorrow.

John
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.