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Guest

Message left on my machine today by a person named Steve from Ascension Services. Asked me to call 800-822-1311, x-230. Left a file number. My caller ID came up as “Private Caller”.

Called back, a person named Randy answered the phone (who suspiciously sounded the same as “Steve” who left the message). Asked for the extension. Steve answered; I gave him the file number. He asked me to hold while he retrieved my file.

Instead, I was transferred to “Ashley” who claimed that this was in reference to an old credit card. She claimed she was ready to seek a judgment tomorrow against me. I told her I was unaware of this account, and NEVER received anything in writing from her company. She asked me to verify personal information such as the last 4 digits of my social, but I refused. She became nasty and told me this call was a courtesy to ME; to pay now before legal action. Ha! I know my rights! I must be notify of a debt in WRITING, and MUST be given 30 days to dispute such debt.

Again, she asked me to verify personal information. Again, I refused. She then claimed she would contact my employer tomorrow to arrange for wage garnishment, and she hung up. This statement is FALSE- she must obtain a court order for wage garnishment. And, I must be notified of the court date, and given the chance to respond.

I called back, and “Randy” answered the phone. I asked for a manager and he claimed he was. Randy Johnson was his name. I described the conversation I had with Ashley, and he began to get ugly. Made insinuations that I was a moron and a deadbeat, etc. I love how he did it in a round-about way. I asked for the state his company is located, he said Texas. I then told him that I was recording the conversation. As per my state, it is my legal right to do so and I did not need his permission to do so. I stated twice, rather clearly, that I was disputing this debt. Further, I told him twice that I never received anything in writing from his company. Additionally, his company was not allowed to contact me via phone and all communication must be done in writing (again, my legal right). I then wished him a very good day, and hung up.

Because of the way the conversation turned, I had to speak up over Randy and not allow him a chance to speak, or threaten, etc. I stated my legal rights, and hung up.

Googled them up and found their website by searching "ascension inc"

Their address:
1550 Norwood Dr. Suite 305
Hurst, TX 76054

**NEVER BE INTIMINDATED BY CALLERS!**

OK...now to go draft my DV to these people. Rolling Eyes

Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 4:49 pm Subject:

But scammers count on people being ignorant. Most people they call don't know their rights, and don't know how scam artists work. I wish they would mass-educate people on how scam artists work. Heard of the "Pigeon Drop" scam?? A lot of people, especially senior citizens fall for it. Ignorance is a scam artist's favorite thing.
And some are VERY CLEVER. When it doubt, don't fall into their trap.
Never give out sensitive info to someone that contacts you. And be careful when giving it to someone you contact.

Guest · Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 6:51 pm Subject:

It's not only scamers, but debt collectors as well.

Until I found this web site, I thought I deserved to be treated like garbage from collectors. There was a time period when I would never answer my phone, because it was some collector. This site has given me such priceless knowledge!

Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 3:33 am Subject:

Welcome to the community Guest.
I would suggest sending them a debt validation letter, you can find a good template via my signature link.

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 5:46 am Subject:

I would suggest going to Radio Shack and buying a tape recorder and record all future calls from this CA. Send your DV but also file complaints with the TX AG, your states AG, the FTC and the ACA if they are members. Also, you can request all communication be in writing but that is unenforceable under law. The FDCPA has no provision for a "limited C&D", only a full cease communication.

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 5:50 am Subject: reply

good idea by nascar,but check your state laws.you could be a two party state.thar means you would have to inform and get consent from the other party before recording.

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 6:24 am Subject:

When the CA calls, if they have a "all calls are recorded...." in their intro, that gives you permission to record in a 2 party state. I also add "all calls to my home are recorded" to my DV's. If they call after you have confirmed they have received your DV, record away. I live in TX so don't have to inform them at all.