GC services limited partnership – has a bad reputation?

Also how do I find out if the company is licensed to collect in my state, or does that not matter if I am sending a debt validation letter to them anyway?

Be careful that you do not give them any info to "verify" your account. They could be a scam.

Go to this link to read about the slime you are dealing with!
http://www.budhibbs.com/debtcollectorpages/gc_services.htm

GC services is also a US Department of Education vendor.

what is the Dept of Education? I didn't know there was such a thing? I thought schools were run by each state seperately?

GC services is a large collection agency with a large bad reputation. American Exprees was one of their biggest clients. They have poorly trained staff that commit fdcpa violations on a regular basis and do not care as the average person will never follow up with a lawsuit.

Do you have a paypal credit card that you owe on? They now issue out ebay and paypal credit cards through GE bank if I am not mistaken.

Quote:

No I don't have a PayPal or Ebay Credit Card, just a regular old PayPal account? I will report back when (if) I get a response to my debt validation.

ah thanks for the explanation about the dept. of eductation.

I believe they are legitimate since T-Mobile hired them as a Collection Agency. I closed out my cell phone account a couple of years ago not realizing I had a small balance on it since the CS Rep told me I had a zero balance! Anyway, I did google them and noticed that there are some not so kind words being written about them and whether or not they have scammed customers? Is there any way you can contact PayPal directly to see if this is a mistake or possibly they are confusing you with someone else?

Just proceed with caution. T-Mobile is a pretty big company as you know, so I would doubt they would hire the services of someone really bad. I heard collection agencies can be all over the country (New York, New Jersey, etc.) I agree with the replies below. I would not send any personal info. or if so, get everything in writing to protect yourself as much as possible. Good luck!!

I also received a notice last week in the mail about owning Paypal $340.69. Don't know anything about this and I checked with Paypal and I have "NO" outstanding debt with them. Is this company on the up and up or a fraud. Tried calling number (866) 463-1419) and get two different recording either number has been disconnected or this number is no longer in service............... Sounds a little phoney to me. What the story here.

GC Services is not governed by FDCPA, in instances where they act, assume the name, or position of the original creditor. First party collections(acting as the original creditor) are not governed by the FDCPA. They almost have free reign unless an attorney can find other applicable laws that are being violoted. Breech of good faith and fair dealing, breech of fudiciary duty, deceptive practices and other violations are notable.

GC services IS most definately governed by the FDCPA....for the most part they handle 3rd party collections.

Yeah, "annoymous" (?!) is full of misinformation today, no?

They are *NOT* an original creditor, they do *NOT* extend credit to nor finance anyone. They merely collect debts for their clients - hence, are a 3rd party collector. Mr. A must be one of their employees...

GC Services regularly violate the law and have no respect for due process.
"http://www.budhibbs.com/collectorpages/gc_services.htm"

They have been sued a lot this year.
"http://dockets.justia.com/search?query=GC+Services+LP"
Apparently they don't mind passing out $1000 here and there, because they just see it as the cost of doing business.

(I mentioned this for other people that may bump into this thread...)

I just received a letter from GC services on a chase account. I know it's mine and I owe on it however I do want to settle. Has anyone been able to settle with them? I have read several threads and no one has mentioned settling with them. I can settle for half the total amount due but want to tread cautiously

Contact them with a settlement offer. Start lower than you want. Try 25%, which they will surely reject. When they see that you want to settle, they may be more willing than if they start the process. Make sure that you get any agreement in writing, and that they agree to Paid In Full. If it is only settled, then they can sell the remainder of the balance to another collector. You will also receive a form 1099c for the forgiven amount of the balance if it is over $600, so there will be a tax liability that goes with it. It would still be a better deal than paying the full amount, but you don't want any surprises at the end of the year.

You can settle with them i just finished doing a settlement with them make sure you get a letter saying that theyre going to settle for that acct with the amount and date thats what i did good luck

GC Services is legit because they are the collection agency used by the courts in California

I recently closed my account with sprint as their rates were outrageous. I have a balance with them and intend on paying them. Gc services contacted me and said they have the account. I don't trust them. Too many complaints with this company. I had an experience with a woman from this company a week ago. The woman refused to give me her name, name of the company and address. She said why do you want the address, you won't be mailing anything. She said she was going to report that i refused to pay. I sent her to hell. I called the ftc and the bbb in houston tx. The bbb said there have already been 599 complaints filed and i was 600. I think i will try and work out a payment plan with sprint. Don't want to deal with these people. What i don't get is how companies like these are allowed to stay in business. The system is definately not for us working people. It seems to work just fine for the scammers.

I just got a letter from GC services regarding an overdue fix it ticket. I tried to call and explain that I had it signed off and returned the ticket. The ticket did not have a fee on it for a fix it ticket. He told me maybe I better look again and I dont know what Im talking about. I called the court and yes I owed $25 not the $492 they were suggesting. I am going to file a complaint with the BBB.

Do not give this company a dime. You should call original company you owe the debt to. If you can't come up w/ an agreement or you just get bumbed around to some call center in india then You should find a statement (old or new) or payment address for the company you owe the debt to and send them what you can. If you are no longer receiving statements from the original creditor just find the account # and send a note w/ payment. It is worth a try and they always (in my experience) take the payments - even if the "claim" has been made that "GC services bought your debt".This third party debt collection agency does not deserve to make any money from consumers. The people are super rude and unethical. Some of them sound like they are "prison inmates" running a call center or something. Do whatever you can to aviod giving this company any money-they may also screw up your credit report. Not sure how legitamate they are, but if ou have had a bad experioence go to the Attorney General in your state and file a complaint- it's free and worth it. I think GC stands for George Charlie

All collectors first party or 3rd party are subject to FDCPA. Any company that is trying to collect on a debt is subject to follow FDCPA standards. For those who don't know, FDCPA is Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. It is a federal act and must be followed or a lawsuit can be filed and the debt could be nullified. For example If you are ever told specific action will take place a collector must be prepared to tell you exactly the date that action will take place or they are in violation (ie: "If you don't pay you will be sued", if you ask on what date the law suit will be filed, they must answer you with a specific date).