McCarthy, Burgess Wolff, Inc.

2018-11-21

Lakewood Village, TX

Communication tactics

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Used obscene, profane, or other abusive language
Company Response: Company believes complaint represents an opportunity for improvement to better serve consumers Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-11-13

Halyoke, MA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt is not yours
Complaint: Today, XX/XX/XXXX, I received a call from XXXX XXXX ; employee from Debt Collection Agency McCarthy , Burgess & Wolfe. For the second time in two weeks, said employee has been attempting to arrange to collect an inaccurate and unverifiable debt on behalf of XXXX XXXX , XXXX On each call, the alleged balance differed. I advised Ms. XXXX, on both occasions, communication has been established with XXXX XXXX, XXXX to verify, validate and resolve the debt. Collection efforts should have ceased ; instead, she proceeded to state that collection efforts will continue. I requested a valid original instrument of indebtedness in its original form with my signature on it ; Ms. XXXX stated she will get an invoice and does not have to verify my signature is on it. At this moment, it was made clear, via Ms. XXXX own admittance, that she was attempting to collect an alleged debt WITHOUT valid documentation as per the FCRA and the FDCPA ; Federal Law. McCarthy, Burgess & Wolfe and XXXX XXXX , XXXX are both attempting to collect a debt for the same account number, with different balances. With beyond a reasonable doubt of information regarding and pertaining to the training, education and collection practices of McCarthy, Burgess & Wolfe, along with their employees ( which should each be held personally responsible for being unable or unwilling to comply in collection efforts of only 100 % accurate and 100 % verifiable accounts in accordance with 15 U.S. Code Sec. 1629e ( 8 ) and Sec. 809 ( b ) of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act via NOT ignoring or overlooking physical verification of a consumer contract with their signature on it in accordance with FCRA Sec. 609 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) ), I respectfully request an investigation of all accounts paid to McCarthy, Burgess & Wolfe to cease all improper collection practices. Should this matter end up in court, I respectfully request all consumers violated be reimbursed all accounts that resulted in paid status under obvious violations, like mine ; and pursue a Class Action Lawsuit for Improper Debt Collection Practices in pursuit of statutory damages plus attorney costs and any applicable fees in accordance with 15 U.S. Code Sec. 1692k ( a ) ( 2 ) ( A ), similar to the CFPB ordering XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX to pay $ XXXX for Improper Debt Collection Acts on XX/XX/XXXX.
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-11-09

Pacific City, OR

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt was paid
Complaint: Greetings, I signed a contract with XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX inXX/XX/XXXX and again inXX/XX/XXXX. I bought out of my contract on XX/XX/XXXX ( XXXX ) because I had sold the house with the security system in it. I received a debt collection notice notifying me that I owed them XXXX. When I spoke with the Senior collections person above XXXX XXXX ( McCarthy , Burgess & Wolff Collection Agency XXXX Extension XXXX ) she had said that I was suppose to notify XXXX in writing of the cancellation of the contract. The person at XXXX did not disclose this to me at the time of cancellation. I asked if I could get a copy of the recording of the conversation on XX/XX/XXXX with XXXX and the collections person said that I would need a ticket number, of which I do not have. I was never billed by XXXX to my new address, so I was completely unaware that this company was continuing to bill me. XXXX had my new address and they also had my husband 's credit card number, which was also not billed. When speaking with the senior collections person at McCarthy, Burgess, & Wolff, she stated that in one year and 6 months of working with this company only 2 complaints have been mistakes. When I did not read the contract in full about the cancellation process, that it was " on me ''. Which leads me to believe that this type of predatory collections is rampant and pervasive.
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-11-06

Salton City, CA

False statements or representation

Debt collection: Other debt

Impersonated attorney, law enforcement, or government official
Complaint: To whom it may concern. McCarthy, Burgess & Wolff keep sending collection letters saying that XXXX XXXX owes money to XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX has had payroll deductions for workers compensation insurance since XXXX, never used XXXX XXXX XXXX. The account number does not match either. They have been sending these letters since XXXX. We would like this to stop if they can't provide correct information.
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-10-30

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt is not yours
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-10-18

Avondale, MD

Took or threatened to take negative or legal action

Debt collection: Other debt

Collected or attempted to collect exempt funds
Complaint: On XX/XX/2018, XXXX was contacted about past due account and reason ; payment arrangements were made to restore service. XXXX stated account could not be restored until full amount is paid. On XX/XX/2018, XXXX was contacted about additional charges on the account, promise to pay arrangements were made, and the agent stated the account would be notated so that the account will not be transferred to collections. Another payment was made following the call. On XX/XX/2018 I received a collection notice from an attorney office via email at XXXX claiming they tried contacting my office to collect a debt on behalf of XXXX without a response which is a negative and false. The cellphone has been temporary suspended due to non-payment. XXXX was immediately contacted referencing the harassment and was unable to resolve.
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-10-15

Frederick, MD

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt is not yours
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-10-06

MA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt is not yours
Complaint: Billed by second of two debt collection agencies retained by XXXX XXXX, XXXX. Membership was canceled with written notice via the terms specified by the club membership. XXXX XXXX XXXX canceled billing agreement. XXXX XXXX continued to try and bill me after membership canceled. I owe nothing. They turned this matter over to a debt collection agency.
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-10-03

Arco, CA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt is not yours
Complaint: I received a letter from McCarthy, Burgess & Wolff ( A Collection Agency ) dated XX/XX/18 stating that I owe the amount of {$1600.00} to XXXX XXXX. Well, I have NEVER had an account with XXXX XXXX. I tried calling the phone number on the letter ( XXXX ext. XXXX ) to reach a XXXX XXXX, but that number was for a completely different company ( XXXX XXXX, I think ). It was NOT the phone number for the collection agency. Obviously, something is very fishy. I just sent a letter to McCarthy, Burgess & Wolff explaining that I never had an account with XXXX or XXXX XXXX. The account number they gave me : XXXX Reference # : XXXX
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-10-02

Heathrow, FL

Communication tactics

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Frequent or repeated calls
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-09-25

CA

Took or threatened to take negative or legal action

Debt collection: Other debt

Threatened or suggested your credit would be damaged
Complaint: A company by the name of XXXX provided an insurance rating software. The product was/is named " XXXX ''. For " years '' they would not apply my payments to the invoices that were the oldest despite my request both in writing, email and by phone. Then, on or about XXXX I contacted a marketing representative by the name of XXXX XXXX of XXXX about switching over to a different version of the rater. The product was called " XXXX XXXX ''. After trying to use the product XXXX XXXX I cancelled the subscription. Then, I received pages of invoices for the XXXX rater and for the XXXX XXXX. There errors were still wrong. No were did he stated I would be locked into a year subscription. I had been with XXXX and the prior owner of XXXX for over 20 years. Then, today I get a letter from an attorney stating I owe {$1300.00} plus ... I called and explained that I did not disagree that I owe some money but they need to get the errors correct. He then sent me a second email for nearly three times the amount and threatned my credit. The way XXXX structured and applied payments make me look badly. I am going to make payments for the months that I owe XXXX and the one or two for the XXXX XXXX. They are being abusive because I went to a competitor XXXX rater. Please help.
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-09-24

Royal Palm Beach, FL

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt is not yours
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-09-12

Arco, CA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt is not yours
Complaint: I was the XXXX XXXX at a company called XXXX XXXX from XX/XX/XXXX-XX/XX/XXXX, when I was laid off. In that time, I opened an internet account with XXXX on the company 's behalf ; XXXX XXXX is the account holder and I was listed as the contact person for installation. I was laid off in XX/XX/XXXX and suspended from all of my accounts. XXXX XXXX stopped paying the bill resulting in the bill going to collections. Over the past two months, I have been receiving daily calls from XXXX XXXX at McCarthy, Burgess and Wolf. I notified XXXX, who told me that as the contact person I am not responsible for payment. I also notified the finance department at XXXX XXXX and they paid the bill and closed the account. Despite all of this, I am still receiving daily calls to my personal cell phone from XXXX XXXX. As of today, he contacted my parents. I am being harassed about a bill that has been paid and is not my responsibility to pay.
Company Response: Company believes complaint represents an opportunity for improvement to better serve consumers Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-09-05

Spring, TX

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt is not yours
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-08-23

False statements or representation

Debt collection: Other debt

Attempted to collect wrong amount
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-08-21

Clermont, FL

Written notification about debt

Debt collection: Other debt

Didn't receive notice of right to dispute
Complaint: XXXX/XXXX- I have alarm services with that company when live in XXXX, in XX/XX/XXXX I contacted them because my alarm was disconnected for about two months due to a problem that apparently they could not fixed by telephone or their system and also did not offered any solution. When I called to cancel the services they offered me that a Tech could go to my home and fix the problem, the Tech came in XX/XX/XXXX but did not finish the job because at the time he did not have the correct equipment, a week after that we received the impact of two hurricanes in XXXX, I passed 3 months without electric power. In XX/XX/XXXX I called in order that the technician came back and end the unfinished work. The person came to my house and did not finished the job either, he wants to charge me {$75.00} as a new order and get very rude and hostile trying to charge me that amount before correct the equipment, I told him to leave my house and contacted immediately XXXX and told them what happened and that I was not interested in continue with their service, they told me that a account specialist will contact me, something that never happened. On XX/XX/XXXX I moved to XXXX and because I forwarded all my email to the new address, I received a letter from Monitronics charging me from XXXX to XXXX. I called XXXX explain everything again, told them that I moved from XXXX, my last conversation with their Customers Repr., they informed me that I have to call again at another time because they did not have an account specialist at that hour. Contact them again in XX/XX/XXXX explain all again and the Customer Rep. told me that she will send me an email with documents to sign in order to finally close the account and about the amount billed she was going to forward the information to an account specialist ( first time someone told something about the email the, the documents, a process that was never explained to me in my previous calls ), I received the email, sing the documents and sent it back. I received a letter on XX/XX/XXXX from a Collection Agency and called them, they told me that XXXX or now XXXX was trying to collect {$610.00} also told me that I could call XXXX to try to correct that amount. I called XXXX and asked to talk with a Supervisor, I explained her all again, but even thought she accept that the security service was not provided she said that she only could reduce {$150.00} from the total amount. Also told me that an email was sent on XX/XX/XXXX to close my account, information that I did not know or was informed when I called them back in XXXX ; I told her to verify that email and when she verified the email address from the XXXX message, it was totally incorrect, but the email that was sent on XXXX have the correct email address. It is totally unacceptable that companies are trying to collect money from their customer even when I called several time telling them that we were not receiving their services, when the customer service just said that they could not help you or don't have the personnel available at the time a customer call, does not forward the calls, messages, problems to the appropriate personnel or explain the appropriate process to help the customers. XXXX/XXXX accepted that they have record of my calls, have record about the information I just provided, about the equipment malfunction, about that they were not providing me any services, but don't care and have to charge me anyway or my credit could be affected if I did not pay the Debt.
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-08-15

Burlingame, CA

Took or threatened to take negative or legal action

Debt collection: I do not know

Threatened to sue you for very old debt
Complaint: I received a letter stating that I owe {$1800.00} from my business and I left multiple messages to ask what this amount is in regards to and I do not know what company that is being owed to. I even email the given contact information, no response in communication and can't get hold of a live a person. Only gives the option to pay. I received a second letter that if I do not pay by XX/XX/2018, further action by their office will take place. The collector claims on their letter that they try to reach me multiple of times, which is untrue since I am unable to speak to someone live, no party have emailed me back or return my messages. I have not received any proof of statements what I owe and just a letter stating that I owe {$1800.00}. Also, the business that I owned of which the debt collector is claiming Closed. I closed the business and no longer in business.
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-07-30

FL

Threatened to contact someone or share information improperly

Debt collection: I do not know

Talked to a third-party about your debt
Complaint: On XX/XX/XXXX at approximately XXXX the office of McCarthy McCarthy Burgess & Wolff contacted my mother on her personal cell phone about a " purported debt '' I owed. She asked them to quit call. They knew it was my elderly mother 's phone when they called. They had no reason to call that number were not given the number by me. She immediately stated the name of her company, which intentionally sounds like a law firm trying to make my mother think I was being sued. When my mother asked if she was a law firm she said, NO a debt collector. She is not suppose to be talking to my mother about debt collection. This is their tactic to embarrass me regarding the debt and harass my mother. They need to be punished to the fullest level that the law allows.
Company Response: Company believes complaint represents an opportunity for improvement to better serve consumers Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-07-16

Dos Vientos Ranch, CA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt is not yours
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-07-12

Newnan, GA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt is not yours
Complaint: XX/XX/XXXX I elected to get security for my apartment. I contacted what I thought was ADT but later found it was a third party company XXXX XXXX XXXX. The ad stated I would get a {$100.00} gift card for starting the service along with other equipment for the home. Prior to the installation of the system, XXXX had debited my account for services I had not signed up for, even after being told I would be debited until I had service. Then the technician came out and performed an overview of the apartment and his supervisor came by. Once the supervisor arrived, he called into the company to authorize another {$100.00} gift card because they would not be able to install a certain piece of equipment. So then that would have given me 2 gift cards in the amount of {$200.00} total. The technician informed me they would be mailed to me. I never received the gift cards and contacted both defender and the XXXX the gift card company, where they stated they would not resend me the gift card as I didn't mail in forms they state was sent to me, however, I never received the forms. So at that time, I told them there company was operating on false advertisement and that I no longer wished to have service with them as the basis for me choosing their service over the other available security companies. The representative at that time informed me, I could not cancel my contract without having majority of the contract paid. I told her until they honored my gift cards that I clearly did not receive I would not continue to pay. She said that is fine, we will simply send you to the credit bureau for failure to pay. Over the next 3 months they continued to contact me regarding this debt, and every time I repeated the same information. Finally on XX/XX/XXXX, a representative by the name of XXXX stated she would reactivate the gift cards and send me the information in order to receive them and that I would have to bring the payments current ( {$150.00} ) and pay {$9.00} for the gift cards to be mailed to me. XXXX confirmed that my account was still active surprisingly and the agreement would only be honored if I made the payment. I agreed and I got the mailing address from the representative XXXX transferred me to because I did not want this to go undocumented. I purchased a money order 2 days later and mailed it to the address provided and sent through USPS 2-3 day mail. I also stated in the letter mailed with the money order, if they cashed that money order they were honoring the verbal agreement made on behalf of their company to bring my account balance current and mail my two money orders. Failure to send the gift cards after cashing the money order would void the initial agreement/contract in XX/XX/XXXX and verbal agreement made on XX/XX/XXXX. On XX/XX/XXXX XXXX the gift card company sent out correspondence they said XXXX XXXX XXXX informed their company to send out to me to receive my gift cards, in which I did as I purchased the required 2-money orders for {$4.00} each to receive the gift cards. On XX/XX/XXXX, I went to use the alarm system and found they canceled my service after we reached an agreement on XX/XX/XXXX to bring my account current as it was not canceled. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX cashed the money order on XX/XX/XXXX, that I agreed to send in. I then informed the representative this voided our agreement/contract and I would not be responsible for any other charges/fees. Then I received a letter from McCarthy, Burgess & Wolff stating I owed {$1200.00} which the letter was dated XX/XX/XXXX, which further shows they had no intention of honoring the agreement made. This company is operating under false pretenses and misleading customers.
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-06-28

Detroit, MI

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt was result of identity theft
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-06-21

Belle Terre, NY

False statements or representation

Debt collection: Other debt

Attempted to collect wrong amount
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-06-12

Colville, WA

Problem with a credit reporting company's investigation into an existing problem

Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports: Credit reporting

Investigation took more than 30 days
Complaint: While going through a divorce, my exhusband stopped paying on the account even though he was assigned the debt in the divorce decree. I spent the next year attempting to collect the past due balance and was finally successful on XX/XX/XXXX, when the balance was paid in full. Because this account was not my responsibility, I filed a dispute on XX/XX/XXXX. Eleven months later, I still have not received any sort of acknowledgement from the collections agency that took over this account. This ongoing dispute is now preventing me from applying for a mortgage, so I am seeking outside help to have this dispute handled and closed.
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-06-05

Cheverly, MD

Communication tactics

Debt collection: Other debt

Frequent or repeated calls
Complaint: Please know that the complaint with MCCARTHY, BURGESS & WOLFF , INC. complaint XXXX has not been not resolved. They have not cancelled my account and the phone calls continue. MB & W have contacted me twice since the case was closed on XX/XX/XXXX. On XX/XX/XXXX, MB & W called me at home and left a message to contact them. On XX/XX/, @ XXXX I received a call from XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX from McCarthy , Burgess & Wolf , harassing me and stating that XXXX XXXX XXXX has declined both payments for {$30.00} and {$110.00} which is not true. She said that MB & W must now focus on the whole amount for {$690.00} and is requesting full payment. I tried to explain to her that per my claim with FTC Consumer Financial Bureau the account with MB & W was cancelled. But she rudely and abrutely stated that she " will make a note on the account of my refusal to pay and then she abruptly hung-up the phone. Afterwhich, I once again contacted XXXX and spoke with Representative XXXX from Pennsylvania who stated that no attempts were made under my account for either amount. She said that if the information that the company put in is incorrect such as the routing number or the payment amount is different then the payment will be declined. Therefore, I humble request that you please look into this issue again? Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.
Company Response: Company believes complaint represents an opportunity for improvement to better serve consumers Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-05-31

Cheverly, MD

Written notification about debt

Debt collection: Other debt

Didn't receive notice of right to dispute
Complaint: On XX/XX/XXXX, I contacted MBW after XXXX told me that my debt was sent to XXXX XXXX. I did not get a letter, email or anything in writing from MBW informing me of the debt owed. There was no validation in writing from MBW of the debt. When I contact MBW, Rep XXXX informed me that I owed {$690.00}. I informed him that I was on a fixed income and could not pay the debt owed. Afterwich, he transfered my call to Rep/Agent XXXX. I tried to explain to her that I didn't not owe the debt that XXXX is stating based on information from XXXX. XXXX is the representative for XXXX. XXXX stated that my account was credited for billing, therefore no debt was owed to XXXX. Needless to say, that didn't matter to her as she wasn't very pleasant. She was only interested in setting up the payment arrangements. She said she needed {$30.00} at the time to start the payment plan and keep it from going to the credit bureau. Afterwich an amount of {$110.00} will need to be payment monthly ( starting in XX/XX/XXXX ) for the next five months. Again, I stated that I was on a fixed income and could not afford it but it seems to not really matter to her. So I began the pain staking task of setting up payment arrangement by providing my bank information to MBW to keep my name from going to the credit bureau. She said that I will get a written letter starting in XX/XX/XXXX after each payment is made. I was not given the opportunity to resolve this issue with XXXX before MBW started the collection process.
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response