[JCEMT]

It still requests validation so they still have to provide validation before proceeding with any future collection activity.

[FloridaRon]

Seriously, I would be absolutely surprised if you actually receive a validation in writing from them. You have never received the first letter from them at all, have you?

Please keep us posted on what happens. I am really curious to see if they respond.

[ezrunner24]

Ron

I will definitely keep this forum updated!!!
Everyone who has replyied has been overwhelmingly helpful! as well as helped greatly alleviate a great deal of stress.

I only hope I can help someone else as I have been helped

[ezrunner24]

Am considering legal action. I am sure there are lawyers specific to these such thing what type should I search for?

[JCEMT]

You should seek out a attorney that has good fdcpa knowledge as well as FCRA (Those are the Fair Debt Collection Practices/Fair Credit Reporting Acts) naca.net is a good start.

[FloridaRon]

Yes, that's why I'm glad these forums exist and for all the people that post positively on here. It is a big help sometimes just to know you're not the only one going through a nightmare with a CA that loves to violate the law as much as Il-legal Mediation Practice appears to.

In addition to legal action, don't forget to file complaints with all the appropriate agencies: Your state's Attorney General's office, The Florida Attorney General's Office (LMP is located in Florida), The Federal Trade Commission, and the Better Business Bureau. That is, if you haven't already done so.

[JCEMT]

I wouldn't worry too much about filing with the BBB, their memberships are purchased, not earned. There are quite a few complaints that are not logged or are handled incorrectly so that they reflect in a quasi positive light on the business in question.

[ezrunner24]

VA state attorney Filed
FLA state attorney Filed
FTC Filed

[JCEMT]

Good deal ezrunner24.

[FloridaRon]

Yeah, I figured the BBB was probably a waste of time, but hey the more people that hear about these jerks, the better. I'd even contact your local news, if you're so inclined. I know I e-mailed a local news station here in Jacksonville about them but never heard back from the reporter I e-mailed. I'm sure he's inundated with e-mails. I'll try again.

Received a message yesterday at 4:24 p.m. on my voice mail from Ms. Jackson of Legal Mediation Practice threatening jail, etc. She informed me that I've "waived a trial by jury and also mediation," "better get an attorney ASAP!" I explained to her that if I had the $2,000 for an attorney, don't you think I would have taken care of this debt! DUH! No brainer! I then told her I would go to the agency that I owe and pay them in person and she said she wanted the money now. But, also proceeded to tell me that as of 12:00 noon yesterday my time, I was in violation and they've already filed charges against me. If her message came at 4:24 p.m. my time and she is only 3 hours away, shouldn't she have called and warned me sooner???? Anyway, she got so riled up, she hung up in my face. I then went to the FTC website in my state (CA) and filed a complaint against them for their threats, intimidation and verbal abuse.

[goldenbast]

Do you have the threat on tape? That is a violation and you could slap THEM with a lawsuit..then you could tell her, "Better go get YOUR lawyer ASAP!"

[FloridaRon]

You know, every time I read a story like Roxanne0729's I'm just stunned! I cannot believe Il-legal Mediation Practice's stupidity and outright violations of the fdcpa! Do these people just think they are above the law?

I've said it before, and I'll say it agian: File complaints! With you states Attorney General's office, Florida's Attorney General's office, and the FTC!

You took the first step in filing with the FTC! Now follow up with the Attorney Generals' offices. Also, as GoldenBast says, do you have their voice mail message still? Can you copy it to a portable recording device or your PC? Also, not sure what the rules are in CA about recording phone calls; however, I would consider calling Ms. Jackson (if you're nasty!) back and recording your phone conversation. Make sure to check if CA is a one party or two party state when it comes to consenting to have your phone calls recorded! And as GoldenBast said, I would tell that hag you are going to get an attorney, but it will not be for the reason she thinks! You can start looking for one on www.naca.net, that specializes in violations of the FDCPA and/or consumer law.

Whether or not you owe the money is irrelevant, at this point, Il-legal Mediation Practice has severely violated the law and they need to be held accountable for it. You are entitled, under the law, to be treated with professionalism, honesty, and courtesy, not like they are some sore of organized crime thug that will come break your kneecaps!

[goldenbast]

They want to bluff and lie? Well, join her! Call her up and (if you can record secretly) get all upset and plead not to goto jail...string her along..she will violate left and right thinking she is going in for the kill.

[FloridaRon]

Well, I found the information on this site and it appears Roxanne0729, since you live in California, you need the consent and agreement of both parties when recording phone calls. You could always try calling them and letting them know you are recording the call, and if they continue to speak with then they are giving their acknowledgment and consent to this. Unless they are either absolutely unbelievably stupid (as I think they are) or that they are above the law, I'm sure they would definitely watch what they say. But it could be worth a try.

Here's the link where I found the information on recording your calls.

http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/record/

[ezrunner24]

but didnt they leave the voicemail? obviously Voicemail is recorded!! wouldn't leaving the voicemail be consent for that recording?