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Crosby and ellis and allen lewis and associates

Date: Thu, 01/05/2006 - 01:40

Submitted by anonymous
on Thu, 01/05/2006 - 01:40

Posts: 202330 Credits: [Donate]

Total Replies: 14


I worked at Allen,Lewis and Associates for a few years. Yes, it is true that Crosby and Ellis continue to do business in the State of Florida. I know for a fact they have changed the name and have actually opened 2 companies, located in 2 different places and the Officers and Registered agents's name differ as well. It is also true that most of the employee's worked prior for Allen and Lewis. However, they were mostly employees that were terminated for various fdcpa violations.
As far as the alleged drugs on the workroom floor, unfortunately every collection agency I've worked at (4 to be exact), it seems as if many of the employees of this trade are either drug addicts or drunks. However, there were many of us who were not. So, I dont argue the former employee allegegations, however, tragically so, the owners of the business are good hard working people. I personally know of employees suspected of drug use, were (according to company policy allowing drug testing of its employees) refused to be tested, and were terminated on the spot. I dont know this x-collector, but I tend to beleve he hit the nail on the head as far as this apparant disgruntled employee was terminated instead of quitting. That is however, just my opinion. I most likely was not there during her employment, but without doubt, the owners have always taken good care of their employees, they are people of principle, they stand for whats right, and her accusations is not only far from the truth, but tragic as well. Someone who would make these type of false allegations, very well might have similar problems herself.
As far as using the word arressted while talking to consumers, I never heard it used. They constantly monitor the phone lines and if a collector did make such a threat, he or she would also be terminated on the spot. The confusion may result from the fact that Allen & Lewis mainley collect on rent to own contracts. In every State, there is or are statues, laws governing rent to own property. If for whatever the reason, you breech your rental contract, maintain possession of the property, the property then is actually considered to be stolen. Review a case in Kansas City, where a professional football player named Andrea Rison, went into a music store, rent to owned an instrument, never made any payments after the first one, and the State did in fact go onto the practice field and did arresst him for Grand Theft. Although he returned to the music store the next day and paid his account in full, the State still pursued the charges. I do not know however its outcome. I can remember that story being told on every ESPN for almost a week. Although it is up to a Jury and Judge to decide in Grand Theft charges are warranted, i'm inclined to think, because of the seriousness of the situation, as well as the average consumer honestly having no idea of the seriousness of rental contracts, jumps to conclusions, and although many of those who have written on this chat room, their allegations are outright lies, there are some who believe the heard and or expect particular actions that were not and are stated, at least while I was employeed there. It is seldom known, but clearly defined, any and all property secured under a rent to own agreement, becomes the legal owner of the property only when the contract is fulfilled.
I read all the entries, in my opinion, 95%+ that has been alleged against Allen & Lewis are outright lies. I do believe, however, that the remaining small percentage truely believe that these NO-NO words not allowed by both State and Federal Laws, is what they think they heard, Its easy to understand based on the circumstances that some, as they jump to conclusions, simply and honestly misunderstood what they were told. As far the the 95%+, try to beat the system, dont like to be dug out from underneath their rock where the hide, as amoung you, commonly come out swinging. It is the DEADBEATS of the credit industry that make the working man pay more in interest. For those consumers who actually fell into financial hardship, or any other situation beyond their control that caused them to be where they are, Allen and Lewis always worked with them, allowed small arragments and in extreme cases, would often just tell the consumer that he or she would just close the account out.
In summary, there are several agencies conducting business in a very wrong and unethical manner. Unfortuntely, Florida (especially Jacksonville) has several. When there exposed,the simple close up shop and open up again aroung the corner. I am very pleased to see the Attorney General getting involved. However, shutting these overnight agencies down is not the answer. In this Great State of Florida, it is the State itself that has to create tougher laws for those who conduct business here as well as becoming much stricter in who the give liscenses to. Only then, which I support 100%, whether the consumer cooperates or not, their rights should not (DEADBEAT or not) be violated under any circumstances.
Best wishes to all
xx-collector.


XX Collector

Thank you for the information. The company Ellis Crosby & Associatiates is owned by Ted Crosby. When heat started getting hotter, he opened a new location (after filing bankruptcy) called "Interstate Collections". With all the threats going on, it is believed that only Jacksonville area collection companies (Taylor James, Allen Lewis, Ted Crosby) are making threats. Do all these owners go to one big conference to learn the techniques?

And to have the owners get onto this forum, as well as other collectors trying to defend them, is even weirder. For them to pretend to be the lendor and say "they're paying us", but when really the file gets sold to another agency soon as payment is made...as it seems to be happening to several consumers.

Thanks for the information you shared...

Regards-
Mike


lrhall41

Submitted by Teleport on Thu, 01/05/2006 - 04:30

( Posts: 1388 | Credits: )


I agree with XX Collector that most of the collection agencies doing illegal practices are based in Florida alone. Congress has to take strict actions and amend specific laws so that any new company does not start their business without legal documentation.

Most of the payday loan companies and collection agencies do not have their legal papers complete and don't have official records in the state attorney general office. I guess, it's easier for them to escape if they are caught with charges.

The government takes long time to stop such illegal companies from doing business in spite of knowing the facts. People need to file their complaints in bulk against them so that authorities take actions soon.


lrhall41

Submitted by david on Thu, 01/05/2006 - 12:50

( Posts: 1229 | Credits: )


Hi help03

Inform your counselor about these calls. Since you are under professional help, the counselor will be able to take care of this situation. I think a cease and desist letter will also help in stopping the calls. Keep a way open to do all the correspondences through mail only. This might stop the calls.


lrhall41

Submitted by ben on Thu, 01/05/2006 - 15:43

( Posts: 2034 | Credits: )


I have sent Allen Lewis & Associates a cease and desist letter and have also told them I am working with Town & Country regarding payday loan consolidation. They are telling us that the creditor they represent is not willing to work with Town & Country on payment arrangements. What other suggestions do you have and do they have the right to not work with Town & Country?


lrhall41

Submitted by help03 on Tue, 01/10/2006 - 09:24

( Posts: 85 | Credits: )


I was told yesterday that VIP Cash has demanded $50.00 payments after cashing the check for $33.00. Brooke told me that they have to accept $33.00 since they cashed the check, that shows that they accepted payment. She also stated that VIP Cash is hard to work with. The letter they sent stated either $50.00 or they will proceed with legal authority. Is there a judge that would side with them while we are paying them atleast something through debt consolidation? Brooke also stated that everyone else has cashed the check and accepted payment.


lrhall41

Submitted by Not so Lucky on Tue, 01/10/2006 - 09:55

( Posts: 3041 | Credits: )


help03, don't trust Allen Lewis & Associates on what they say. Your consolidation company must have negotiated with your creditors and have arranged a payment plan after which the program got started. Have you got the documentation from T&C about your creditors listed in the program? If you have these documents, how can your lender say different thing to the collector? It must be that they are making their own words and forcing you to pay them money. Do not trust Allen Lewis & Associates on anything!

Keep in touch with your consolidation company and get regular updates about your creditors. You should also document the monthly statements sent by the consolidation company after paying the accounts.


lrhall41

Submitted by david on Tue, 01/10/2006 - 11:37

( Posts: 1229 | Credits: )


As many others here, I also got the damn call from ALA. It was some time back when they were forcing me to pay them money. But I was well aware about the fraudulent activities of this company right from the beginning. So, while they called me over the phone, I asked them to prove me that they are having my accurate details. I was LMAO when the caller was shaken by my confidence and gave me a SSN# that never belonged to me. He actually never had my account so I thought why I should be worried. Well, if he would have given me the details properly, I would have preferred to contact my lender and seek more information on the account. Perhaps, I would have preferred to make arrangements with them.

help03, be sure to monitor your credit report regularly. You never know, someone can hit your file negatively without legal reasons. The damage will be done and the scores will get lowered because of the negative info. If you don't monitor your file closely and sometime later, visit your lender looking for credit, you will be shocked to see the fall of your scores. You will loose the opportunity of getting new credit on that particular moment which could have been totally avoided. Always think two steps ahead.


lrhall41

Submitted by david on Tue, 01/10/2006 - 13:09

( Posts: 1229 | Credits: )


Need Address for BAnk of America - so I can send a letter to them regarding my account - does anyone have an address for them?


lrhall41

Submitted by dduvall on Mon, 06/05/2006 - 11:46

( Posts: 69 | Credits: )