The following was written by Consumer Advocate, Anthony Lemons:
Quote:
I am warning my readers of an online payday loan company and their so-called collection agency. The name of the collection company, which is based in Jacksonville, Florida, is BASS AND ASSOCIATES. This is not to be confused with the legitimate Bass and Associates. The company I am speaking of stole the name of two real companies located in Arizona, Iowa and Nebraska. You can not find the company I am writing about, through the Internet. Allow me to explain why the fake company are crooks. A friend of mine was short of cash a few months ago, so she applied for an online loan with a company calling themselves; ARROWHEAD INVESTMENTS, another company which can not be located on the web. They deposited the amount into her checking account. Over a short period of time, the loan was repaid, using a method allowing for the loan company to withdraw the amount owed. However, and this is where it gets crooked, the loan company continued to withdraw money, without authorization. Pretty soon, the only option, which the bank informed her of, was to close the account all together, to cease anymore stealing of her money. She thought that it was over at last. It wasn't quite over, since she received a call recently, at her work from Kelly, an employee of BASS AND ASSOCIATES, the fake company. This Kelly, who lacks a last name, went on to state that they were filing motions in a court of law, and that she better get an attorney, and that she will be arrested due to committing bank fraud, check fraud and an array of other white collar crimes, unless of course, she wire money within the hour to their account. I received a frantic, tearful call from my friend, relaying what was told to her. She left work early, in tears and in complete anguish. I personally called this company back to investigate their claims and to have them restate the ramifications which they stated to her. The 'boss', DAVID JACOBS, refused to repeat their threats to me. I then asked for their fax number so that I can send them a letter stating to never contact my friend again, unless it is through a mediation organization. This Mr. Jacobs, refused to share their contact information. During the conversation, he referred to me as a moron. Very professional? No way. So, today, I contacted the Florida Attorney Generals Office and shared with them the actions of BASS AND ASSOCIATES. I was informed by the A.G. office, that this particular company is already under investigation. If anyone is interested in calling this company, perhaps to just ask how the weather is in Jacksonville, the number is as follows: 1-877-281-2220. Also, ask for Mr. Jacobs or Kelly.I ask all readers to call at least once, and tell them how you read all about them on my site. If you have dealt with this company also, let me know. I am not a friend of organizations who intimidate or harass hard working people. If you have information to add to this story, let me know, even your own dealings with certain collection agencies. Your thoughts?
P.S. DAVID JACOBS, you are a loser who will one day get what is legally coming to you, and I will see that it happens. It won't matter how many times you change the name of your company, or that you know anyone from Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. I told Mr. Jacobs to Google my name, and so far, he has had my name Googled four times from New Jersey. I am recording the Internet Address, which is: 70.91.149. I imagine that these crooks use a router to throw people off of their trail. Trust me, the Banking and commerce regulators and Attorney Generals from two states are involved with this case. You crook.
Information on this 'company':
Bass and Associates (name stolen from a real company in Arizona, Iowa and Nebraska, not legitimate name)
Names given during calls: David Jacobs,Kelly, no last name given, and Paul Rodriguez (may also be alias names)
Known phone number: 1-877-281-2220 (Phone number may also change, for concealing and relocating purposes, well used practice of crooked companies)
David Jacobs mobile phone: 1-904-982-0091 (This number is on his answering machine voice mail)
Physical address of crooks, given to me by Florida Attorney Generals Office:
314 West 44th
Jacksonville, Florida 32208 (This address is the one on file in the state of Florida, subject to change, I'm sure.)
This is a link to many others who have had this same crooked company threaten them:
Forum which shares dealings with these thieves
The following information was obtained through the Better Business Bureau:
Quote:
Bass and Associates
9378 Arlington Expressway
Suite 323
Jacksonville, FL 32225
MAP
General Information
BBB File Opened September 27, 2006
BBB Member This company is not a member
Type of Business Collection Agencies
The information in this report has either been provided by the company, or has been compiled by the Bureau from other sources.
Customer Experience
Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau due to unanswered complaint(s).
Customer Complaint Data
The company's size, volume of business and number of transactions may have a bearing on the number of complaints received by the BBB. The complaints filed against a company may not be as important as the type of complaints, and how the company has handled them. The BBB generally does not pass judgement on the validity of complaints filed.
Number of complaints processed by the BBB since the firm's BBB file was opened in September 2006: 13
Number of complaints processed by the BBB in the last 12 months: 13
Complaints Concerned:
Service Issues (8 complaints)
5 Resolved
1 Delayed Resolution
2 Company did not respond
Credit or Billing Disputes (4 complaints)
2 Resolved
1 Unresolved
1 Delayed Resolution
Contract Disputes (1 complaints)
1 Delayed Resolution
Additional File Information
According to information in BBB files 9378 Arlington Expressway, is The UPS Store, and not an actual office for this collection agency.
Licensing Information
This company is in an industry that may require licensing, bonding or registration in order to lawfully do business. The Bureau encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.
Additional Information
This Business Operates under the Names Bass and Associates
Addresses 9378 Arlington Expressway, Suite 323, Jacksonville, FL 32225 MAP
Phones (877) 281-2224, x317
Reported on Thursday, January 11, 2007
As a matter of policy, the Better Business Bureau does not endorse any product, service or company. BBB reports generally cover a three-year reporting period, and are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information contained herein is believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy. Reports are subject to change at any time.
The Better Business Bureau reports on members and non-members. Membership in the BBB is voluntary, and members must meet and maintain BBB standards. If a company is a member of this BBB, it is stated in this report.
© 2007 BBB of Northeast Florida
UPDATE: Bass and Associates are sued by Florida Attorney General's Office. If you are still receiving threatening calls from these crooks, file an online complaint with the Florida Attorney General's Office immediately. Here is the newspaper article:
debt collectors sued for $1.3 million
A Jacksonville agency was probed after 130 complaints were filed.
By J. Taylor Rushing, Capital Bureau Chief
TALLAHASSEE - A Jacksonville debt collection agency was sued for more than $1.3 million Monday by State Attorney General Bill McCollum on claims the agency was impersonating attorneys and state officials, threatening arrests and collecting excessive fees.
A Times-Union special report: The lawsuit was filed in Duval County against Bass Prelitigation Services Inc.; a related company, Jackson Phillips & Associates; and the owners of both firms, Frank and Evelyn Jackson.
It seeks an unknown amount in restitution payments plus $1.3 million in penalties, or $10,000 for each violation of Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, plus dissolution of the companies and a permanent injunction against future collection businesses.
The Times-Union did not receive a response to two messages left with company receptionists Monday.
A total of 130 complaints about the company have been received by the attorney general's Economic Crimes Division since January 2006, with most coming since October. Investigators opened a probe in November. McCollum's lawsuit claims the company knew it was being investigated, yet continued its "abusive tactics."
"Consumers under financial burdens deserve our protection and consideration, not the predatory nature of these allegations," McCollum said in a statement.
According to the lawsuit, those tactics included sending employees to pose as government investigators; extorting money from consumers by threatening arrest; claiming and collecting excessive payments; and abusing or harassing consumers, such as calling them at work. All are illegal under state law.
(850) 224-7515
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