Nelson Cruz Associates LLC

2018-07-20

Warrenton, VA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: I do not know

Debt is not yours
Complaint: An update to my case : I received a suspicious notification from " Nelson, Cruz & Associates '' attempting to collect on a non existing debt. They sent a physical letter to my residence on XX/XX/2017 attempting to extort {$990.00} for an " outstanding balance unpaid to XXXX XXXX XXXX ''. Like any well informed consumer, I understand that when an allegation like this is presented, you have a right to know : contact info for the original debtor and proof of money owed. Unbeknownst to this fraudulent entity, I know very well who my creditors are and have always been. I contacted XXXX XXXX myself and they confirmed verbally and in a written letter ( as I knew they would ) that they have no record of my SSN, name, DOB, account etc. They also informed me that they do NOT outsource their collections, but instead have a collections department in house. It was also mentioned that notices from " collections agency '' usually reference the original account # for the money owed, as well as complete contact information for the original debtor. When I spoke to a rep from Nelson, Cruz & Associates, he did not provide any of this information so I could substantiate the claim myself. Instead, he tried to negotiate down the debt and commit me to paying it immediately over the phone. I immediately hung up on him and reported Nelson, Cruz & Associates to the Credit Bureau, Attorney General of Texas, XXXX and the Federal Trade Commission. I attempted to file a police report in XXXX, TX but was unsuccessful as I live in VA. The only advice I can provide is DON'T pay them a cent. Contact the State and Federal authorities and place a lock on your SSN because they posses personal information that they are using nefariously. IMPORTANT TO NOTE, the Nelson Cruz & Associates collection letter said the " client '' was XXXX with no reference whatsoever to XXXX XXXX. XXXX is FALSELY asserting that XXXX is the client of XXXX on this debt, when they are NOT. That has to be illegal.
Company Response: Company believes complaint caused principally by actions of third party outside the control or direction of the company Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-05-02

Houston, TX

Communication tactics

Debt collection: Credit card debt

You told them to stop contacting you, but they keep trying
Complaint: I told agency to stop contacting me regarding. They stated that they will take me to court and put me in jail. And also mentioned my house and vehicles and my credit card information. Now i am afraid that they know where i live and what vehicle i have
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-04-17

Plattekill, NY

Threatened to contact someone or share information improperly

Debt collection: Private student loan debt

Talked to a third-party about your debt
Company Response: Company believes complaint represents an opportunity for improvement to better serve consumers Closed with explanation

Untimely Response

2018-04-05

Billerica, MA

Took or threatened to take negative or legal action

Debt collection: Private student loan debt

Threatened to sue you for very old debt
Complaint: Received several voicemails for past month from this company since I never got anything in writing from XXXX associates it sounded like a scam. Plus my family members phone as well, one person said I won a cruise?? Another saying somone taking me to court XX/XX/2018 XXXX contacted at me at my job in regards to a debt from a student loan account, representative contact me saying it was a personal issue, explained they are a law office not a dept collection agency working for XXXX XXXX trying to contact me on my cell. When I asked not to call me at work there response was, since we are a debt collector we will take it into consideration but we can contact you at work if you wil not Work with us. Asked representative for a call back number which she provided. Advised I will call in 15 mins when Im on break. Called back at XXXX, a little later since I am at work! Reach another rep who said she was a supervisor this final landed on her desk today and the company they are working for is getting ready to take me to court. I got upset and asked who are they she explained, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX not a collection company a law office they have lawyers so they are able to call my job, phone or family members if they need to reach me at any time ... then went on to say she can settle a debt over the phone if I give a credit card. I explained I dont feel comfortable 1 ) I never heard about this debt. 2 ) I want something in writing 3 ) Im going to contact company before I pay anything. Her response during conversation, we will garnish your wages if we have to, asked for my social security number which I didnt provide since I have no clue who they are, said she will get a lawyer on the line. Asked for my job info, my response was the other representative just called my job why dont you know information? No response. And no they can not mail a letter but can email it including a settlement amount. If I dont pay today it will go up.i never agreed to an amount since I wanted to see something in writing. There is no company license number on letter. Took 30 mins to email letter. I explained once I receive letter and contact XXXX XXXX I will call back.
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-21

Batesville, SC

Written notification about debt

Debt collection: Private student loan debt

Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-03-12

Camden, NJ

Threatened to contact someone or share information improperly

Debt collection: Other debt

Talked to a third-party about your debt
Company Response: Company believes the complaint is the result of a misunderstanding Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-02-20

Coral Springs, FL

Took or threatened to take negative or legal action

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Threatened to sue you for very old debt
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-02-20

Coral Springs, FL

Took or threatened to take negative or legal action

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Threatened to sue you for very old debt
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-02-08

Coral Springs, FL

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Debt was already discharged in bankruptcy and is no longer owed
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-01-31

Mercer, PA

Threatened to contact someone or share information improperly

Debt collection: Auto debt

Contacted your employer
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-01-16

Scottsdale, AZ

Took or threatened to take negative or legal action

Debt collection: I do not know

Threatened to sue you for very old debt
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-01-07

NY

Took or threatened to take negative or legal action

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Threatened to sue you for very old debt
Complaint: On XXXX XXXX, I received a phone call from Nelson Cruz and Associates, advising that if I do n't pay taxes on an old debt that was written off over 7 years ago, that they would garnish my social security wages and freeze my credit cards and bank account. They represented themselves as being associated with the IRS. The total they were looking to receive was {$1700.00}. I was not home at the time of the phone call, so I called them back and they started threatening me. I was not going to pay them, since the initial debt was written off, but they kept calling and harassing me to the point that I gave them a credit card to pay this debt. When I realized what I had done and that this was a scam, I called my bank ( XXXX ) to put a stop on the payment, and they froze the account. They later unfroze the account and made payment because they found out that I had unwittingly given them my account information. I spoke to XXXX Bank fraud department and they told me that I was not informed of my right to cancel under the cancellation refund policy and I should make a formal complaint against the company. I made this payment under duress, since I am living on a fixed income and could n't afford to have any of my income frozen. I am, therefore lodging a formal complaint and am looking for a refund of the {$1700.00} from this company that should not have been paid in the first place. Please look into this and advise how I can proceed. Thank you. XXXX XXXX
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-12-22

Yeagertown, PA

Took or threatened to take negative or legal action

Debt collection: I do not know

Threatened to sue you for very old debt
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-12-18

Oxford, GA

Took or threatened to take negative or legal action

Debt collection: Auto debt

Threatened to sue you for very old debt
Complaint: I received a call from a debt agency called XXXX XXXX and XXXX based in XXXX Texas. The debt collection agency stated that they will garnish my wages for a debt over XXXX XXXX XXXX. A vehicle that was repossessed 10 years ago. The number that called me is XXXX which is from XXXX New Jersey. The person told me I will be arrested if debt not paid.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-12-09

Big Lake, MN

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: I do not know

Debt is not yours
Complaint: XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. calling for my son who has not lived at our house for 20 years. I have continued to tell agencies to take my # off list and I still get calls. they stated that if my son did not call back they would put a lien on property owned my another son and his wife. my # is a do not call # on the registry and has been for many years and these agencies keep passing a collection around and calling. We settled all claims over 20years ago but a hospital had not filed claim with insurance company properly for an accident in which a drunk driver crashed into our son. I have been hounded long enough and when someone threatens I can not stand silent. FGM
Company Response: Company believes the complaint is the result of a misunderstanding Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-08-24

Scottsdale, AZ

Communication tactics

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Frequent or repeated calls
Company Response: Company believes the complaint is the result of a misunderstanding Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-06-26

Northdale, FL

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: I do not know

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

Timely Response

2017-06-20

Centreville, VA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: I do not know

Debt is not yours
Complaint: On XXXX/XXXX/XXXX, I received a physical letter, dated XXXX/XXXX/XXXX, via USPS notifying me that I owe {$990.00} to " Nelson, Cruz & Associates '' for an outstanding balance unpaid to " XXXX XXXX XXXX ''. They requested I remit the total balance owed via a bank wire to XXXX XXXX XXXX or by check to " XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, XXXX, TX XXXX ''. I spoke to XXXX XXXX and someone named XXXX from Nelson, Cruz and Associates. XXXX claimed the original debt dated XXXX/XXXX/XXXX was sold to them in XXXX by XXXX and then mentioned it was somehow related to a XXXX through XXXX XXXX. He also refused to give me any contact information for XXXX. After this refusal, he mentioned I could clear my debt today by paying only {$500.00} as a settlement and then asked if I would commit to paying it today. This was very suspicious to me, so I did my own internet search and contacted XXXX immediately and they had no record of my social, account or name. The XXXX rep informed me that they do NOT outsource their collections, but instead have a collections department in house and also mentioned it was strange that the XXXX account number was not referenced in the collection. XXXX recommended that I report this incident to the Credit Bureau, Attorney General and BBB, which I plan to do immediately. After much strife, I did another search for Nelson, Cruz and associates and it appears I am not the first they have attempted to scam. I am attaching the scam letter from Nelson, Cruz & Associates to warn everyone to how bold these scammers have become. Apparently we have to beware of not only phone scams, but also mail scams.
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-04-26

Spg Valley Lk, CA

Took or threatened to take negative or legal action

Debt collection: I do not know

Threatened or suggested your credit would be damaged
Complaint: My name is XXXX XXXX . Nelson, Cruz & Associates debt they claim I owe, but I have been unsuccessful trying toget a proof of their claim. Please find below a copy of the letter I 've sent them : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX , CA XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX , XXXX Nelson, Cruz & Associates and XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX , TX XXXX Filed Dispute to XXXX XXXX XXXX Nelson, Cruz and Associates In regards to my previous conversation with your company regarding : File No : XXXX Debtor Id : XXXX Client : XXXX XXXX XXXX Creditor : XXXX Current Balance : {$7000.00} Client Claim : XXXX Reference to your pdf email XXXX , XXXX XXXX . I did not agree to any such paymentnor authorize you or any company you represent for a payment of {$2000.00}. Your request seemfurnished anddeceptive. And I do perceive your business practices as unfair. Your business practices is aggressive andviolated federal law. Im hereby asking you again for PROOF of your claim. Additionally, I have found grounds to conclude that your company is misrepresenting itself and making up threatening actions that are illegal. None of these practices are lawful. Validation of debts and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act You did mentioned the validations of your claim by anexecutive order and that XXXX was under auditboth documents asreasons you claim validates your claim. I asked you for both documents which you have refused to address. None of these intentional frequency and persistence of noncompliance practices by companycomplies XXXX XXXX XXXX Practices XXXX by federal trade commission in reference to you letter dated XXXX , XXXX XXXX . In this regards I am hereby asking your company or the company you claim you represent to once againadresse myprevious request. Please send me a documented PROOF of your claim. Acquisition of location information Your Company Email letter heading is confusing and in regards to this I also want to know if your company i s Nelson, Cruz and Associatesor XXXX XXXX XXXX or both? Thank you, XXXX XXXX .
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-03-09

Washington, DC

Taking/threatening an illegal action

Debt collection: Credit card

Threatened arrest/jail if do not pay
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with non-monetary relief

Disputed: No Timely Response

2017-03-07

Reno, TX

Taking/threatening an illegal action

Debt collection: Credit card

Threatened to sue on too old debt
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Disputed: Yes Timely Response

2017-02-23

South Florida, FL

Taking/threatening an illegal action

Debt collection: Credit card

Threatened to sue on too old debt
Complaint: Today I received a call from Nelson Cruz & Associates XXXX where they left a voicemail regarding a " pending legal matter ''. They provided a case number of XXXX. I returned their call to ask for more information and they committed several violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Here is the list of violations that they committed : 1. They told me I had a " legal case number '' ( listed above ). I asked if the lawsuit was filed in Federal, State or County court. They then said there was no lawsuit filed. 2. They also allegedly recorded the call without my consent. 3. They attempted to re-age my debt. Specifically, they told me the last activity on the account was in 2011. This is untrue. Also, they stated that the statute of limitations for a breach of contract is 7 years. This is also false. The SOL in XXXX is 5 years, XXXX is 3 years and XXXX is 4 years. The statute of limitations has expired and the debt is not collectable. 4. They stated that they were going to garnish my wages. I asked if they filed a lawsuit again and a man named XXXX XXXX proceeded to scream and harass me and threatened to garnish my wages. He said they 'd see me in court but would not provide me any information. 5. I asked for their address to serve them written correspondence via certified US mail and he refused to provide the address. He then proceeded to make more false and misleading statements and misrepresented the details of my account in an attempt to intimidate me. Based upon the threatening tone of XXXX XXXX, I am now in fear that this company may use my personal information to exact " revenge '' on me and possibly even try to steal my identity or use my personal information for other nefarious purposes. I also did an online search of this company and it seems that they 've been using illegal tactics to collect debts from many people in various states. From my search of the XXXX Comptroller 's website, here are some of the people involved : 1. In house counsel/registered agent : XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX. ( XXXX Bar No : XXXX ) 2. Managing Member : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX , XXXX XXXX Please look into this company as I am sure they are victimizing many good hard working people with their deceptive practices. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2017-01-26

Tyler, TX

Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Auto

Debt is not mine
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Untimely Response

2016-10-10

Grovespring, MO

Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed

Debt collection: I do not know

Debt is not mine
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Untimely Response

2016-08-25

Jupiter, FL

False statements or representation

Debt collection: Credit card

Impersonated an attorney or official
Complaint: I received a threatening voice mail which I have recorded. This firm called me and stated they were the Law Firm of XXXX XXXX XXXX and that I missed a court appearance. I was very concerned as I have had financial problems in the past. I was told I was paying a judgment and it was a major discount. There were threats made to me if I did not comply.I have all of the paperwork to support this. I became very alarmed when I received a call and a letter from a firm stating that my account had been " recalled '' from Nelson Cruz and Associates and that my account was a simple collection matter. I was alerted that the payment made to this firm was not reported to them and they were shocked to see the evidence I had. I have read about this firm and have found nothing but negative statements and complaints. They are clearly a fraud and a scam. It is run by a man named XXXX XXXX that I have found out has been arrested XXXX.
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief

Disputed: No Untimely Response