Academy Collections

lost, what are they collecting for? What type of debt? Is it credit card? Medical? What is it they are collecting for? I found two listings for them on the BBB site.

Academy Collection Service, Incorporated
10965 DeCatur Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154

This one has had 229 complaints in 36 months.
And 77 in the last 12 months.

Academy Collection Service, Inc.
750 Pilot Rd. #A
Las Vegas, NV 89119

This one has an unsatisfactory rating with the BBB.

Which one are you dealing with? And what are they collecting for?

It is for an old credit card debt. Home depot. It is the company in Nevada. They said I had not a payment since 2004 which is probably right. I went into debt management but had to stop or other financial reasons. I know I included this one but I am so confused. They said there was no record.

lost, I just wanted to check. I did check Nevada state licensee base and this company is indeed licensed in Nevada. Okay. That's fine. So we know it's a legally operating business. However, by law, you have the right to ask them to provide to you a debt validation. Instead of them telling you to pay $1100 by 5:00pm, they need to validate this debt. Since this debt is so old, you have every right in the world to ask for debt validation. #1. You have the right to this by law. #2. It will buy you some time, as they have to give you something in writing to validate the debt. They shouldn't even be telling you to call your mortgage company and your car company and ask to pay them late. That's insane of them to even tell you to do that. Contact them back. Tell them you are disputing this debt and need debt validation. By law, you can do this. Okay?

Cannr- I can't do this. Everyone here has been to good to me for me to maintian this suplicity. I do apologize I am just so mortified to be in this situation and I am always cheering everyone on and I owe them and this site more respect than underestimating everyone. I am so scared right now. Isn't it too late for the debt validation request and do I use the same on I used for the PDL.

You use the debt validation letter that you used previously. You can see if someone with more expertise in the collections department has more sound advice. This is just my opinion here. I believe that you have every right to ask for debt validation. This debt is so old. And they are suddenly demanding payment in one day or legal action may be taken. If anyone has expertise regarding this matter, please post. We have a member in trouble here. Thank you for any and all help.

Once again my angel of mercy.

roxy, do not worry. You have many people here who will go out of their way to help you. Have faith. And do not be afraid. We will help you. :wink:

I know. I am just sick about the whole thing and I really do not need this right now. Just when I was finally getting my life together.

It's okay. Your life is coming together. Don't let this one thing throw you off. (Easier said than done.) Please do not be sick over this. I know they are putting pressure on you. Someone will come along and have information/advice for you. Do not fret over it until you get some feedback. That's what this site is for. Be calm until then. You will probably get great advice once the others see this post, okay? It'll be okay. How many members do we have here? That's how many people are behind you. Remeber that. We will help you.

You made me cry...thank you for holding my hand. My left one. The right one is in a nice big black and blue brace half way up my arm.

What state you in Roxy? I can try and look up your states debt collection laws.

In general, you can request validation anytime, but the CA's don't have to respond..but they DO have to stop collection activities until they validate. It is your right to ask for debt validation, as any low blow collector can come along and say you owe them money..by law they have to prove it.

Do not be afraid by the threats, that is all they are...just blowing smoke up your ****. :lol:

In the letter state this is not a refusal to pay, just that you want to protect yourself as is your right. Once you get the proper paperwork, you will be willing to set up a payment plan.

When you get to that part, don't sweat it. Even if they say they won't take it, send payments you can afford anyhow, they will cash them. Then, if they ever try to take you to court, you have proof that you are doing everything you can and they are being insufferable, unreasonable jerks.

So...what state ya in and we will see what debt laws you have working for you.

[color=Red]****Adult term removed - Jason[/color]

Roxy, if you didn't recieve any written communication, then the date of the phone call starts your 30 day clock for the dispute/validation process. Also Bast is right, you need to send out the DV, and if they submit the proper documentation, just start making payments that you can make that will not leave you neglecting other duties that are essential (e.g. mortgage, groceries, etc.) That's about all I can think of right now, if anything else comes up I'll post.

P.S.
Law student, if you come across this I need you to answer this question. When Roxy fires of that DV and the ceasation of collection activity begins while validation is being processed, would that automatically make them request continuance due to validation being in process if they have already filed?

Regards

JCEMT

My dear Roxy-

I gave a lot of thought to crafting you a laugh out loud letter to send to these jokers, but that will come later. For now, please tell them to validate the debt! Your home, family and sanity comes first. Send them the damn letter and also include cease and decist order too.

After 3 years, give me a break. The economy is bad and companies are scrambling to recover assets wherever they can.

The collector broke the law by setting such deadlines. Tell them to go ahead and "take it to the next level", if he wants to be a party to a law suit. In the meantime, send a letter demanding strict validation, and stating that you'll only do business in writing.

Thank you everyone. Golden, am in KY. I have a question. They have claimed they sent me letters. I did not receive any that I know however, in this house with three children and I do not get home until late, anything is possible. Do I just have to tell them I am sending a validation letter and then send it certified mail. DO they have to get it today? Since they gave me a deadline.

Roxy Sweetheart, I am so sorry for this situation. We are all here for you. I see that you have gotten great advice so I wont offer any . I am sory i didnt get to you sooner, but I have been having lots of problems with the site. I am here for you. I can hold you hand when Cannr needs a break

Kash, I have two hands and thank you :wink: . I have been having problems with the site too. I know you went through something similar and that you would understand. I am still scared not to pay them at 5:00 tonight. I did write a debt validation letter, I just hope t is ok. I am trying to locate a fax number for them. I am scared to call them and ask becuse I feel like they can smell my fear and will use it. I just do not know how much more of this I can take. The pdls are easy becuase I overpaid and know Iam in the right legally and morally. This I am not so sure of.

Everything is on your side, take a few deep breaths then let them out slowly...you will be fine. This deadline is nothing more then a scare tactic....see how well they work? Imagine how you would feel if you never found this place and thought these sharks were right?

Just remember, you have the right to make sure the party trying to collect has the legal right to do so. The fact these guys are pushing on you so hard should actually make you feel better, it means they likely have nothing more then your name, account number, stuff like that and are trying to strong-arm you into a payment quickly.

Let me look and see if I can find any helpful laws for you.

Trust me I understand, but paying them at 5 is just nuts. Whats the worse they can do?
Rox, we no longer have debtor prisons, so really there is not much they can do. They want their money , and if it is a valid debt, i am sure you will take care of it. something is better than nothing, so in the end I am sure they will take a payment plan

I'm not sure if this will help put your mind to ease but I was told by a collection agency it was end of the quarter and they must have my debit card to avoid it going to legal dept. He claimed when it will go to legal a sheriff would show up to my work and serve me. I told them they would not get my checking info over the phone and they told me good luck and hung up. No cops ever showed up to my work and they haven't even validated my debt that I sent over 45 days now. When I hear the "next level" and "its end of the quarter" I now believe it????????s them trying to secure something so they can get their bonus.

Ryan, thank you. I thing in some rational part I know that. And I do want to pay for this debt but I can not do it on their terms. I really want to get them the dv today so I am searching for a fax number. They were not very cooperative yesterday so I am trying not to call back today or do I need to tell them today.

I want to pay mine also but this collection agency inflated my debt with my orginal company by three times the amount. I refused to pay the amount the collection agency was saying and I wasn't giving out my checking account information to them. The funny thing is three days after my first phone call with them they called again and I asked where the sheriff was. Told them that I waited all day for the sheriff but I felt hurt I didn't get served. All what they could say is we didn't transfer it to legal because you said you would work with us. I never once said anything like that and I think it was them trying to make their commission. At times I wished I could record phone calls at home. This company violated so many FDCA laws it????????s not even funny. They released information to a 3rd party, they threaten to send it to legal and be served, and once after my DV and C&D letter they called (one day but two phone calls on my caller-id). I am thankful for this board because last year I would of gave everything they asked for to avoid legal dept and now its them blowing smoke.

I couldn't find any specific laws for Kentucky..it looks like KY just uses the FCRA and such. Just remember this is on your terms, not theirs.

SEnd the DV CMRRR, you want to have a good paper trail in this case. If it makes you feel better, call them and inform them that you have decided to exercise your right to request validation. You want to see the contract and a breakdown of exactly what you owe and how they computed this, especially if what they say you owe and what you originally owed are different.

They might try to say they are charging interest based on your contract. Wonderful! Then they should have a copy of that contract if they used it to base their computations on! (Tell them that and watch them sputter and stutter).

Look into your laws on recording...if it is one party or two party....and record the call and every subsequent call. Even if you are in a two party state, many times they will say to you they are recording the call...respond with 'I am as well.' and leave it at that. Or just simply tell them you are recording the call, if they object you say if they keep talking then that is acceptance, then launch into a few questions, get them on the defensive and forget that you are recording.

Oh BTW. They have no proof you ever got a letter since they didn't send it to you CMRRR it works both ways, we have to show proof we send these letters, well, so do they. :lol:

Right in your letter you put that since the telephone call was your first contact, that you are within your 30 days. Don't let them tell you they already send you letters. No they didn't. (tell them that - they have no proof they did).

roxy, I called them. They're fax number is:
1-215-632-7601. FAX IT!!

I ditto everything Golden has said! I actually have a hotkey on my cell phone set to instantly start recording (it was actually set for my ex-husband, who used to call me cussing me out for no reason, and lie to me about child support...one time he would tell me he would pay me when he got his pay check, and then just a week later try to tell me he hadn't been employed in 2 months). That is how I got my call with Genesee recorded...saved a copy off to my computer for safe keeping!

Make them validate before you pay a dime! Do not let them scare you! As other have said, this pay by _____ is a strong-arm tactic to get you to pay. They never sent you a letter...I have three kids, too. The chance of them losing one letter...okay....but multiple letters from the same place? Highly doubful! How do you know they are the ones you should be paying any money to? How do you know they aren't pulling a scam, and paying them will do nothing to resolve your debt? Make them validate before you give them a dime....it is your right!

roxy, need anyone say more????

Fax Number: 1-215-632-7601

If you need me to call them for anything, I will call for you.

Actually Cannr has the right of it...do send a DV fax.....THEN send one CMRR.
:lol:
Be a pest of the highest order; make them groan whenever they see YOU on caller ID.
If you are worried and stressed over this, make it amusing. You can be a royal pain in the rear and still be simply exercising your rights!

Fax the DV, CMRRR a copy of same DV.
Call them and inform them this is your decision.
Call them back the next day to confirm they got the fax.
Call them a few days later to follow up on the fax.
Do this again and again until they send you the proper validation.

When a month goes by and you got nothing, start phoning and asking what is the status of your account?
Send a new fax DV.
Send a new DV CMRRR
Start calling again, asking why they will not validate, that if you owe this money you want to get it taken care of as soon as possible.

Heh???????trust me, if they ever did sue you, show the judge all the piles of evidence???????..phone calls, letters, more phone calls, almost begging the CA to update your account so you can pay them what (if any) you owe???????.the CA would look completely incompetent???????or at worst be fully aware they are violating your rights and possibly nailed for deceptive trade practices and so on..

I swear I am about to cry again. Everyone here has been great. I have learned so much in the last couple of hours. I faxed my dv and printed off the log to verify it went through and will follow up with a phone call. If nothing else atleast i am good about keeping documentation. I am going to the post ofice on the way home.

I swear I am about to cry again. Everyone here has been great. I have learned so much in the last couple of hours. I faxed my dv and printed off the log to verify it went through and will follow up with a phone call. If nothing else atleast i am good about keeping documentation. I am going to the post ofice on the way home.

roxy, stop crying and using your hand! Quit! Treat them with the same strength you have treated your pdls with. You knew your rights and you stood up for them. This is the same situation. You have the strength. And you have us. And, please become the pest that golden suggested. For once, YOU be the one calling every other f'n day and asking what is going on. You can do this. We will help you. If you need me to call and ask questions or do anything, you know I am here for you. All you have to do is ask.

I know I need to and I am feeling a little better now. It is all just so ovrewhelming. And as you already know this week I have been in a little bit of an emotional state. I am going to have to work hard at becomming a pest. All my former training gets in the way. :lol:

Ask these crooks for their license number to collect in your state. They must validate, and they must conform to all licensing laws. Don't let these predators worry you, they can do nothing more than violate more federal laws.

Have you read this yet?: http://www.budhibbs.com/debtcollectorpages/academy_collections.htm

Here are other people who dealt with Academy: http://www.budhibbs.com/debtcollectorpages/academy_collections.htm

Thanks Anthony. I have been to Budd Hibbs web site but did not get to spend much time. I can't wait until everyone goes to sleep so I can thoroughly read the two links you posetd.

I have to say Anthony the posts on Bud Hibbs where people posted their experiences with academy sounded very familiar.

I have spent all day sick to my stomach. I drove home in a silent car praying I did the right thing. When I got to my car I checked my missed calls. They called today about 10:30 this morning, which I found funny because they know where I work and I told them I could not get to a phone until later in the day. I faxed them sometime around lunch. I did not even notice when 5:00 came and went checked my phone again, no calls. I am going to start bombarding them with phone calls in the morning. I am resolving to make them pay for making me doubt myself.

Thank you, anthony. Once again you have provided much needed advice and information! You're the best!
roxy, you need to be strong. Listen to anthony. He knows his stuff. Okay? You are the one in control. Do not doubt yourself. If you find yourself weakening, come back and post. We can get you through it. And I know everyone here, myself included, will do whatever we can to help you out with them. Hell, I'm not shy. I'll call the idiots again! LOL!

Thank you Cannr. You all are so great.

The best way to look at all debt situations is this: If a debt is valid, what is the worse a legitimate company could do? Get a judgement in court? That is all.

And poof there goes my job. When this appened to someone I know, they received a summons, worked it out with the attorney and is paying 100.00 per month. If he does not default, there will be no judgement...if I understand this correctly. I tried on the phone that night to tell them I wanted to see in writing what they were talking about. I couldn't pull the language out of the air but I basically was describing a dv letter. I know this is mine and I have no probelm paying it but I want to know what happened to the three years of payments I made while I was in debt management. They wanted to hear nothing of this. I asked who owned the debt before them and he would not tell me. Said it did not matter.

So...was the debt with another company when you were in debt management? Something here stinks....so basically this CA is not counting what you already paid before? They can't do that, legally.

Ok..you need to address the issue about the past payments, three years of payments is a lot to just suddenly decide they don't matter, that CA must be a few nuts short of a squirrel stash.

If you already sent your DV, send another letter, stating that you have some serious issues with their billing practices. You want a detailed accounting of how much exactly you owe, what interest they are charging,and an accounting of payments over the life of this debt.

If I were you I would pursue this aggressively. Take them to court if you have to, in court they -have- to give you the info you request. Three years of payments can't just suddenly go 'poof.'

I need to pull my paperwork withe the debt mgt company and find out who they were paying. And work backward. I was just so unnerved I could not think. ANd the fact that they would not or could not answer those questions for me really upset me. I will work on this. At this rate I am only going to pay on what I owe.

The burden of proof is always the collectors responsibility. If they say you owe a debt, they must prove to you, before any money is even mentioned.

I just want to make sure I actually owe what they say I owe. And given my treatement thus far, I want to be sure they jump through hoops.

Make them follow the law completely. They must validate. That is the bottom line.

I know I am getting ahead of myself. What do I do if and when I receive a validation letter?

Roxy if they validate properly and it is enough to prove the account,then they can collect the account. What I would do if they produce is setup some type of settlement agreement to remove reporting of credit bureau information in exchange for payment.Make sure everything is in writing.

Cajun, thank you. I am scared that I will not be able to afford a payment plan with them. They said I would repay 70% at 568.oo over three consecutive months. My car isn't even that much..for a reason.