Amex changed collection agency on me-what does this mean?
Date: Tue, 04/14/2009 - 12:53
Submitted by scarecrowwinces
on
Tue, 04/14/2009 - 12:53
Total Replies: 3
Today when I called them to get the status they told me that American Express had recalled the account and referred me back to them.
Then I called Amex and once I typed in my account number I got a recorded message saying that it is now assigned to NCO.
What does this mean? I've had no contact yet from NCO yet but I'm sure it's just a matter of time. I thought I made a reasonable offer to settle, 50% of balance, and have communicated frequently with URS, so I'm not sure why Amex would just reject my offer when we were so close.
One of the things that worries me is that URS asked me to put my offer in writing and submit to them all my household financial information. This account is only in my name which I repeatedly verified with them - my spouse has no obligation to repay this - but they insisted they needed to know all household income and expesnes. So I did put together a 'financial statement' with as much information as I was willing to disclose and which I felt made our case for needing the settlement. Now I am worried how this info might be used against me.
From reading posts here about NCO it sounds like they are very aggressive. I'm a little worried.
Any comments from those who have dealt with NCO or URS are appreciated. (or Amex)
Hi. Hate to say it, but NCO are absolutely horrible. I poste
Hi. Hate to say it, but NCO are absolutely horrible.
I posted a question in the forums earlier today about how they contact my relatives despite the fact I've talked with them at my home phone number.
Yes, it's illegal to call my relatives if they already have my number, but they do it anyway.
Expect them to call your in-laws, siblings, parents, etc They are vicious. As for dealing with them on the telephone, - good luck. I've talked with their reps numerous times and they are abusive, threatening, and all-around horrible.
I don't know anything about settling with them. But please take my advice and get everything in writing! Don't trust NCO to do anything they promise over the telephone. And - no matter what - DO NOT share your bank account info or any personal information with them.
Also, your husband is not responsible for the debt (as you already know) so his salary, etc should not be involved in creating settlement plans. (I'm married and currently in personal bankruptcy so I know about this - DO NOT tell them anything about your husband / his job, etc)
NCO is also famous for the 'If you stay on the line, you acknowledge you are so-and-so, and you acknowledge you owe this debt. This is an attempt to collect a debt....' voicemail message.
Sorry for the rant. :) I just want you to be on your guard with NCO. I tried being nice and reasonable and talking with them and explaining my situation / bankruptcy. All I received in return were vicious / nasty comments and the harassment of my relatives.
Good luck!
-Charla
should I have not given my spouse's info?
Should I have not disclosed my spouse's financial information? United Recovery Services told me that they could not present an offer to Amex unless I answered all their questions. They started asking me a zillion questions about every part of my personal finances. I refused to give the rep any information because I continued to say my spouse is not responsible for this debt. My spouse was not an authorized user of the card, nothing.
But she transferred me to her supervisor who was very patient and reassured me that they simply need a picture of our financial info in order to verify that we're not sitting on some hidden money somewhere.
It seemed reasonable to me that in their position they would want to know things like what property we own, what we owe on that property, the total amount of all our other debt. I can paint a pretty bleak picture, which I did.
Was I not supposed to fill in anything with respect to my spouse? They made it sound like I had to or they wouldn't deal.
Amex wants all the info.... you can refuse it but it makes them
Amex wants all the info.... you can refuse it but it makes them push for harder deals. higher payments ... they want all liablity and assets. give them just enough info that your comfortable with and get amex off your back!!!