just got a call from the 716-923-7405 number. The lady was very polite but did not identify herself. Stated someone with my last name had used me as a reference. I didnt know the person. She gave me the name of his business. What she didnt know is I live in a "one horse" town and I know all the businesses. This one doesnt exist. She was still polite and stated she would have to call the guy back to confirm.
I started getting calls from this number in August 07. After about 3 or 4 calls, they started calling my mother, and brother. I called back a phone number they left with my brother, and I found out they were calling me over a past due credit card, a couple of years old. I was upset and hung up the phone. They continued to call me for about 2 more weeks, and sent 2 letters in the mail. The first was a settlement offer, which I tossed right in the trash. the second was a letter saying they could take me to court if I didnt pay. I also tossed that letter as well.
I wish I wouldnt have done that. It turns out that this company purchased my old account from the bank(Providian). I didnt even know they could do this. They own all legal rights to it, and the overdue balance is owed directly to them. They had me served with a summons when I was at work, I almost lost my job. I couldnt believe that they could do this. I contacted a Lawer and he wanted $150 just to talk to him, and another $800 down if he took the case. He told me i was better off paying the bill and being done with it. I still didnt believe they could take me to court over a credit card. After talking to some friends and family, I decided to call this company back and try to settle this bill. They told me I could no longer settle this account, I had to pay the full balance($2500) with certified funds, or I would have to go to court. They ended up hanging up on me, and wouldnt even talk to me. When I called back Ms. Cook sd we cant help you and kept transfering me to voice mail.
I did some more research and found out that I didnt need a lawer, and that the Judge may grant a payment plan. I also found out that this company is in NY, so I didnt think they would come down to Fl over $2500.
So I went to court on 11/13/2007. They didnt even have to show up. They hired a Lawer to come to court for them. He had original contracts, statements, and even knew some of the things I used the credit card for. I couldnt believe it. The Judge was on their side. He didnt even listen to me, the whole thing was over in a couple of minutes. The Judge asked me if I was working, then ordered me to pay $3200 in 30 days. Now I have a Judgement filed against me, and I have to pay legal fees on top of the $2500. I was told that if I didnt pay the $3200 with in 30 days, they would garnish my wages and freeze my bank accounts.
This is the worst thing I've ever been through. I dont even know what to do.
Can anyone help me? Any advice would be appreciated, and much needed.
Had a call from a "law firm" wanting information on a relative. They said they were trying to help them to help them in a civil matter. They then cited several family members names. When I asked for specifics about information about what this concerned, they said they could not give it to me for legal reason. I then told them I did not give out personal information and they again indicated they were trying to help my relative. When I tried to call the number back, the line was busy.
Well i am in the same situation right now. I have a number for these people but it isn't Hoffman. It's Adelphia Business Solutions out of Buffalo New York. This company filed Bankrupcy in 2002 and the higher ups were arrested on Fraud charges. I guess i better call an attorny.
A lady called my parents house threating with a warrant. I called back and had my name all wrong but had my SSN and address. Me being an honest person, i wanted to take care of my debt. We had a recorded conversation and they would take said amount on the 16th - DEC-2007. They turned around and took it on 30th-NOV-2007. The gentle who called me on the 30th said he made a mistake and took the said amount and that it would be reversed in 24 hrs. 716-923-7405 isnt from Hoofman, Weinbergandr O'brian, it is from Adelphia Business Solutions in Buffalo New York. Hoffman has passed your information on to another agency. Adelphia filed for chapter 11&13 in 2002. Also the CEO and other officers for Adelphia were arrested on fraud charges. I will be taking legal again against both companies.
FILE COMPLAINTS WITH THE FTC PEOPLE!!! Complaining on a website isn't enough!! Do a search and you'll see that when the FTC gets enough complaints they investigate and eventually file suit and the agencies eventually pay millions in civil penalties for violations!!!
Also read of a lawyer that was disbarred for repeatedly violating the law on debt collections and an agency that can no longer collect consumer debts for repeated violations!!! So don't just complain do something about it!!!