|
|
Collect America & scary bad lawyers
[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Credit Forum Index ]
Posted by anon
(12.211.14.118) on September 23, 2003 at 16:45:11:
I had a chase account I got behind on... REALLY behind on. Three toddlers (one with a severe developmental and physical disability and required continuous therapy and assistance), one new born, unable to work etc etc. When I did get in a position to start paying I called the Chase to make arrangements. Got a recording saying that BRONSON & MIGLIACCIO law firm was handling the account and a phone number to call. Wanting to take responsibility for my screw up I call. I get told "we will take you to court unless we get this much NOW, over the phone, immediately." I talked him down to half the amount, split into two payments via western union, and then monthly payments after that. I was scared of lawsuit & naive about my rights and stressed out enough already. I made the initial payments that added to over $1000, and struggled with the $350 a month payments after that. I missed one here, made it up as soon as I could, paid a little less there, then finally choked because I had further health complications of my own (ones that resulted in a drastic surgery on my eyes and kept me from work for several months).
At no time in the 2 years did I get ANYTHING in writing from Bronson & Migliaccio and they flatly refused to give me a written address, in fact they always accused me of delaying, refusing to pay and "we will get our money one way or another." Ignoring completely my request for a statement of my payments (which total over $3000, I owed $4,500) or promising to send one that I never recieved.
Then I started with a settlement negotiation program. I called after joining the program and was told by someone @ B & M that everything was cool, interest was piling up but they would wait till I could settle.
Then two weeks after we settle on two other accounts through the program B & M calls and says they are getting ready to file papers and I must pay $2,700 NOW to avoid suit. Of course I freaked and said I would try to do a settlement but $2,700 was impossible because I had just paid settlements to other accounts and had nothing left for a month or two. He then "talks to a litigator" who then offers $1,500, split in two payments, first one due three weeks later.
I request a settlement offer in writing, verify my address, and hang up.
I wait - two weeks and no written offer. I then figure out I have already paid 3000 or more and I have accepted a settlement of 1500 bringing my payments to possibly more than the total I owed anyway???????? I cry foul and send a letter of dispute to the address available on the Better Business website. As an after thought the next day I call the phone number listed on BBB and verify its the same company. It is, just a NY office. I tell them I am sending them some info but it is meant for their NJ office. They say they have no access to the account - yet that same day an inquiry from them shows up on my CR! They got the validation the next day. 34 days later I heard nothing, no validation, and not listed as disputed on my report. So I send off an estoppel letter to BOTH offices (I was finally able to get a receptionist to give up the NJ address). My next step is go to the CRA, I know, but I want to pay what I owe to who I owe and have it deleted from my report, CHASE - not some asshole lawyer in NY or CA in colorado with a really bad rep! Can I sue these guys and use the money I originally payed them to give to Chase???? HELP me, I'm new to standing up for myself and these guys do still scare me.....
Follow Ups:
Post a Followup
|
