Ever since I got into a new phone number 2 years ago, this collection agency has continuously called my number looking to collect debt from someone who I assume had my number before me. Despite my explanations that I am not that person and requests to be removed from their phone lists, I have been harassed by these people at work who have even insisted that I must have "dated or hooked up with him." They've also asked for my social security number and when I replied that I wasn't giving out my personal information they were complete jerks about how stupid I apparently was for letting someone get away with identity theft--I've researched, to be sure, if any identity theft has been going on and there is no trace. These people are aggressive, belligerent, and do not listen as I've been constantly interrupted and cut off. Of course I've stopped answering any 800 or unrecognizable number, but it's unfair that they're infringing on my privacy and keeping me from picking up when an institution that I might actually be connected to needs to contact me.

On Sept. 18th 2007

A rude and combative representative from this company called my residence and asked me if I knew one of two people. I did not confirm nor deny my familiarity with one of the names this person inquired about and instead asked what this was in regards to. She asked "Do you know them or not." This went on for quite a while. I spoke to her manager whose attitude explained the original callers bad behavior. At the end of this call he was now only rude and indigent he was speaking to me as if I had something to do with whatever they were trying to collect. Remember, I was listed as a reference according to them and I have nothing to do with the person who allegedly listed me as a reference. The manager, freely gave me his employees first and last name indirectly dared me to file a complaint. What recourse does a bystander have against this type of harassment. How can this type of bad behavior be legal. It is clear from the representative and the managers behavior that this type of treatment is a norm and not only tolerated but, in my opinion, encouraged. What rights does a bystander have against such terrible people.

Advise smb!

Joshua and Liza Akley @ Enhanced Recovery Corporation agreed to allow me to settle a debt for Direct Merchant for less than the full amount which I did so within the stated time period. I was told I would receive a faxed closed letter several times which I have yet to receive but I did receive a settlement offer letter. The balance of the debt was sold to another company within ten days of my paying the settled amount. The other company is harassing me for payment. I have written to the new company disputing the debt and asked for the 30 day verification that stated in their letter. I am now going to file a complaint with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) as well as the NYS Attorney General's Office and maybe if enough people have been wronged by Enhanced Recovery Corporation, we, the people, could get together and contact an attorney and start a class action lawsuit against Enhanced Recovery Corporation. If you are interested, please feel free to contact me.

Dawn

Criminal harassment. I am looking for a consumer protection lawyer because ERC has been calling me daily for 8 months going on 9 months. Today I got 2 calls.

They are looking for someone with a DIFFERENT: 1.) spelling of my first name 2.) spelling of my maiden name - not even the name I have gone by for 23 1/2 years 3.) ssn 4.) address. The only thing they had right is a phone number that they got from my elderly dad. I called them several times to say they had the wrong person and they needed to concentrate their efforts on letting the person with the correct ssn know they are being sued. They wanted me to fax them a stolen identity report. MY IDENTITY WAS NOT STOLEN, unless I were dumb enough to give them my ssn when they asked for it. Hmmm. Oh yea, if I were to fax an identity theft report they would have it that way.

They are not recovering debt -- they are harassing bystanders. I can't tell you how many times they interrupted me from important activities at work and home. It is just senseless.

Their website states that "The founders of ERC, John Schanck, Kirk Moquin and Mark Thompson have maintained solid reputations for performance and service throughout their careers in collections". If a reputation should be built on harassing the wrong people, then it is true. They are breaking the law. The website says that "discipline" involves being "persistent". I believe the courts need to explain the difference between persistence and harassment.

A local sheriff called them and told a supervisor that they had the wrong person and it only stopped them for a month or so. I am tired of spending day-time cell phone minutes on their useless messages.

Frustrated & annoyed,
tls.

Years ago I had a Spiegel credit card... And like most women I used it! However, I was in a dispute with them at some point for fraudulent charges... after some time and a never ending battle... the communication stopped... I had yet to hear back from Spiegel. Turns out Spiegel filed for Bankruptcy. After a couple years I forgot all about it... no contact... out of mind. Yes... stupid me! It recently showed on my credit report that I owed so much money and it stated it was recent.

I turns out, my account through Spiegel went to a couple different companies before ending up at Enhanced Recovery. It is funny, I have lived at the same address for about 8 years and not once received anything stating my account was turned over... Again stupid me.

I contacted Enhanced Recovery, spoke to a Mr. Abrams... explained my problem and informed him I wanted to rectify this ASAP. A offer was presented however I can not afford $800 in 3 easy payments in under 90 days... .I stated after much back and forth discussion I would have to call back later that day and try to resolve this issue. In the mean time when I informed Mr Abrams I have not received anything in the mail or any such phone calls, and could he fax, email or mail me some information to ensure they were indeed legitimate... Mr. Abrams stated and I quote... "We have already sent you enough information" OK... But I haven't received it!!!

After a couple hours I called back, my account was placed with a 'higher up'... why I asked? ... because I refused to pay up. WAIT A MINUTE... I DID NOT REFUSE TO PAY! I needed some time to figure things out. After then being lectured about checking my credit report and spending money and taking care of my responsibilities... .I then explained I wanted to rectify this... after again much back and forth Carla stated she could offer me a settlement of 50% of the balance... Fine. If this will make it finally go away... so in the midst of the agreement... I hear a "uh oh... I can not offer you this settlement" Ooookkkkkkk... now what... "

I asked for their clients name so maybe I could contact them and attempt to work this out since I was clearly getting NOWHERE! I was told I had no business to know the company and I could not contact them. But it is my account with them???

So after a minute I was offered a 'hardship' pay off the balance in 24 months... OK FINE, Let's just get this over with. So I asked if I could have something in writing explaining our agreement and what the payments would be... no not allowed. I was actually told it was not allowed. I am trying to work this out and I can't have anything in writing??? HAS ANYONE EVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING? OK, so I made a mistake, a big one but now I am trying to fix it. For my protection isn't it best to get any type of agreement in writing?? Anyway, I was told I needed to settle right now. I again stated I would have to call back. Why nothing in writing? Why such rudeness? Why? They were so rude, mixed my words and made me feel like I was a worthless piece of nothing because of a bad debt. You would think if they wanted their money, they would work with me a bit better. And get me something in writing.