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Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 11:17 am

I Googled them, and they appear to be a collection agency, but they didn't come up under that name with the BBB or my state's attorney general office.

They refused to provide anything in writing when I asked, and they called that a stall tactic on my part. They actually called me at work, and gave veiled threats of arrest for felony.

The following is pretty much what the woman Veronica Masters said to me: You have been noted as a key element in an investigation of fraud and bank theft. Imperative you pay now, or in the next 20 minutes we will be forced to have you "identified by the State you live in as a felon". Do you remember Martha Stewart?

She said I should leave my place of business right away if I don't want extreme embarassement in 20 minutes. She said if I have children, I should start making arrangements for their care. She said if I am married, I should contact my husband ASAP. She said that they will have everything taken away from me. Take me for everything I have, I think she put it.

Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 11:27 am

ah yes,she is familiar to the forum.please don't take it seriously.the more over the top,the more unlikely it is they can do anything.

Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 6:14 am

I think that deserves complaints filed with your state Attorney General's office and the Federal Trade Commission.

Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 6:54 am

I think that deserves legal action, myself. But, then, we all know what a nasty, suspicious character I am.

If BethMinOH has documentation of that call, I'd think that an aggressive consumer attorney would jump on this case like a hobo on a hamburger. BTW, BethMinOH, Ohio is a one-party state as regards recording telephone calls.

Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 12:44 pm

For further clarification a one party state means that only one party involved in the phone conversation need be aware of and grant consent to the recording of said call. If you are the one speaking to them then you can grant your own consent while the other party need not be aware of it.

TM greene · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:54 am

Sound a lot like the infamous Bass & Associates in Florida, with several lawsuits and the Attorney General's Office inquiry. They then moved to Georgia, don't know the name they used there. Extreme scare tacticts, never known anyone to post that they followed through

crawf · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 9:17 am

This people are very rude, they called me at home and on the job. I told Ms. Roman (name given to me) that I didn't like the way she addressed me then she hung up. Rude

Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 10:53 am

Wow how many violations can we find with that story? Sounds like Bass and Associates!

tnincey · Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 7:20 pm

they actually sent me an email spellman.roman@yahoo.com now what reputable business do you know has a yahoo address. I responded by letting them know that I have already reported them to my State's Attorney Generals office as well as the FCC I also let them know that the address that they provided is to a strip mall to a beauty supply store, Mr. Winston Law can kiss my debt and my ass!!!!

Mom of 6 · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 6:28 am

I received a call from the yesterday and she told me I was going to be embarassed at work and she hoped I couldn't pay by her deadline, when I asked questions she hung up, I called back and spoke to her again and she told me that because I was asking her questions I was being difficult. I was home sick and she really shook me up, I almost paid them until I thought about it. This woman is a demon spawn fromt he 9th level of hell. The funny part is she doesn't know where I work... AND I have already paid this debt to another agency. She gave me a Bank of America account number and told me to fax my receipt to her. She also told me if I wanted to turn myself in to have the police call her when I got there. She refused to give me any information on who the client was or anything like that. I'm going to fax them and advise them to stop all contact except in writing and give them the number to a Consumer Protection Attorney I'm acquainted with.

Guest · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 6:41 am

I think harassment, including threats of any kind, should be a felony, and those making said threats should be charged. Extortion comes to mind. I think calling a person at one's job should be illegal, too. There might be a chance the boss will get mad and fire that person, then that person won't have money to pay the debt. Except for decent, legit bill collectors, the rest are lowest form of scum on the earth. But until people demand the laws be changed, these horror stories will continue. (I think those bad bill collectors should be horsewhipped)

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 6:47 am

Welcome to the community Mom of 6.
At this point I would suggest sending them a debt validation letter. You can find a good template for one via my signature link, be sure to send the enclosure with it, certified mail/return receipt requested. This includes with it the written request to cease communication aside from USPS as required under the FDCPA. Until they provide validation they must cease all collection activity including reporting on your credit report.

Additionally what she told you in regards to the police, embarrassing you at your job (mainly) are violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and does give you cause for civil action if you wish to pursue it.

amber handy · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 1:01 pm

Did you pay them off?

amber handy · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 1:13 pm

THEY SCARED THE LIVING SHIT OUT OF ME. SINCE I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN TROUBLE AND WHEN THEY STARTED THREATNING ME WITH GOING TO JAIL - I COUGHED UP THE MONEY...NOW i AM REGRETTING IT!

Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:06 pm

You could at least get them back for $1,000 via civil suit for violation of the FDCPA. Since the funds were obtained illegally, not only under violation of the FDCPA but through a method that would be considered extortion you may even be able to make them pay you back.

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