Williams Fudge, Inc

2018-02-08

Washington, DC

Threatened to contact someone or share information improperly

Debt collection: Private student loan debt

Talked to a third-party about your debt
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-02-04

Clermont, FL

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt is not yours
Complaint: I attended XXXX in XX/XX/XXXX and XX/XX/2015. I missed the first chemistry lab for my chemistry course and was dropped from that course, without any notice or mention whatsoever. Once I found out, I attempted to register for another chemistry lab at the student services office, where I was told it would cost an additional {$250.00}. I did not have this additional money available to me at the time, since a refund for the class they choose to drop me from had not yet been given, and I had yet to receive my student loan for that semester. This was on a Friday afternoon and since I could not get another {$250.00} to give them that weekend, they proceeded to drop me from ALL of my courses that semester, which totaled approximately {$3200.00}, which they then decided Id owe to them. Because they dropped me from all of my courses, I obviously could not get the student loan that I was waiting for and intended on paying for my courses with for that semester. I dont know if its worse that I couldnt ever go back to XXXX to pursue the second degree that I was pursuing or the fact that I couldnt pursue the degree I was pursuing and they claim I owe them for them taking me out of my classes. The whole situation is extremely unfair, and frankly, seems like a complete scam to make more money off of students who are simply trying to pursue higher education and dont have a lot of money to do so. If I had voluntarily dropped my courses, I would absolutely take responsibility for whatever monetary value Id owe, but they unfairly dropped me from all of my classes and keep claiming that I owe them. They would have easily made more profit off of me, if Id been able to continue my degree program. On top of all of that, the cost of the courses was just over {$3200.00}, yet this collection claim is now well over {$4300.00}. Correct me if I am wrong, but I dont even think it is legal to choose to add-on to a collection account. With all of that being said, and especially considering the fact that Ive made several attempts to dispute the legitimacy of this collection account, I want this completely vacated from my credit report immediately. Ive fought this long enough and the next step is to make it a legal matter.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-01-30

Charlotte, NC

Written notification about debt

Debt collection: Other debt

Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-01-24

Arlington, VA

Dealing with your lender or servicer

Student loan: Federal student loan servicing

Trouble with how payments are being handled
Complaint: All student loan payments were completed early XXXX. I moved to a new address mid XXXX. However, I am still receiving communication from debt collection agencies requesting that I send them more money. All credit card and student loan debt reported on my credit score should have been offset by my XXXX federal tax refund. But they were not.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-01-11

South Florida, FL

False statements or representation

Debt collection: Other debt

Attempted to collect wrong amount
Complaint: I was attending a university and when I needed to withdraw from a course was shifted from full time to part time status causing my expenses to increase. However, this occurred after disbursements for the semester. The University contacted me in XX/XX/XXXX and I attempted to set up a payment plan with the university and they were agreeable. However when I attempted to make the payment I was told I had already been turned into collections. Apparently, the person I had spoken with failed to notate my account. The debt to the school was {$940.00}. Upon trying to pay the collection agency I was turned into they said they will require {$1200.00} to absolve the debt. Today XX/XX/XXXX, I had an advocate call and attempt to settle with the company, they are are still unwilling to accept anything less than {$1200.00}. This is an outrageous increase- one third of the principal debt. However, when I contacted the school they said they are unable to assist in any way, the debt has been transferred.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-12-21

Las Vegas, NV

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Federal student loan debt

Debt was already discharged in bankruptcy and is no longer owed
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-12-21

San Diego, CA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Federal student loan debt

Debt is not yours
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-12-19

Corpus Christi, TX

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

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

Their investigation did not fix an error on your report
Complaint: Williams & Fudge is continuing to report an account to my report, even after requesting validation. They never sent me the proper validation but yet continues to report this debt to my report at all credit bureaus ( XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX ) after contacting them in XXXX of XXXX.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-12-19

Lewisville, TX

False statements or representation

Debt collection: Other debt

Attempted to collect wrong amount
Complaint: I had to leave the University I was attending due to an illness. The University then sold my account to this debt company for collection. They started collecting the debt in 2007, {$100.00} per month, and the total debt was only {$11000.00}. It has been 11 years, and this debt should be paid in full, yet they say that I owe more than 13,000. I have never signed any promissory notes or guarantees to pay any additional amount. They have never provided any schedule of fees or interest amounts regarding the account. This violates truth in lending, fair debt collection practices, and more. They need to report to the University that the debt has been satisfied, as I have paid more now than the original amount. They need to stop stealing money from my checking account that is not theirs, as I have fully paid the amount owed to the school. I will contact an attorney regarding their unfair and abusive practices. In regards to XXXX. Your policy does not allow for medical withdrawals after the fact. It has now been 12 years since I attended the school. I would like to be able to finish my degree, but I am unable to do so due to this school not releasing my records. I have paid more than due to this collection company. Also, I have paid for all the credits that I obtained from your University. There is no reason I can not even get access to see what credits are on there. You have sold the debt to Williams and Fudge. Therefore, you no longer have collection rights. You need to release my transcripts and remove the hold on my file. I have paid you {$40000.00} for the credits that I completed and I have a right to the credits I have paid for and earned.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-12-18

Woburn, MA

Written notification about debt

Debt collection: Other debt

Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-12-15

IA

Communication tactics

Debt collection: I do not know

Frequent or repeated calls
Complaint: In the state of Iowa, debt collectors are restored by law to state, " This is an attempt to collect a debt. Any information collected may be used for that purpose. '' This caller, Williams and Fudge, initially contacted me on XXXX/XXXX/XXXX, and did not state that legally obligated statement. Instead, they acted like they could not hear me and repeatedly asked if I was a certain person. I answered yes, and they immediately hung up. What has followed has been months of phone calls from spoofed local numbers ( including my own number calling me ), from Williams and Fudge : Dates and number of calls : XXXX/XXXX/XXXX - 3 XXXX/XXXX/XXXX - 3 XXXX/XXXX/XXXX - 7 XXXX/XXXX/XXXX - 2 XXXX/XXXX/XXXX - 3 XXXX/XXXX/XXXX - 1 XXXX/XXXX/XXXX - 1 XXXX/XXXX/XXXX - 1 XXXX/XXXX/XXXX - 1 XXXX/XXXX/XXXX - 1 XXXX/XXXX/XXXX - 2 XXXX/XXXX/XXXX - 1 They have now added a relatively small collection amount to my credit report without ever having notified me that such a debt was owed. I believe my rights have been violated by Williams and Fudge.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-12-06

Main Office, VA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt is not yours
Complaint: On XXXX XXXX, XXXX I register for a class ( ENSU XXXX XM ) at the University of Illinois, that same day I got an email from XXXX XXXX " XXXX '' Day that the class is no longer accepting enrollments for the spring term as the class began XXXX XXXX, XXXX. Early XXXX XXXX I got a letter from XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX that I owe {$1500.00} for the University of Illinois course I NEVER took. I sent a registered letter to them with the email attached and I also filed a complaint with CFPB ( complaint XXXX about XXXX & FUDGE, XXXX ) They put a negative mark on my credit report. They removed it and I also request them not to sell the fraudulent debt to anyone. XXXX and behold they did, they sold it to XXXX who just called me at my job XXXX/XXXX/XXXX XXXX. I request them not to call me at my job and to correspond in writing only, which I got a letter from them on XXXX XXXX, XXXX.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-12-04

Houston, TX

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt is not yours
Complaint: I attended XXXX XXXX XXXX University, located in XXXX, Texas, in the fall of XX/XX/XXXX. After attending the school for a little over 3 weeks, I decided to resign from the university simply because it was n't a good fit for me. I set up a payment plan with the university to pay for my tuition and paid the first installment while I attended the university. About a year later ( XX/XX/XXXX ) a collection agency calling on behalf of the university says I still owe the university {$2500.00} for the rest of my tuition and the months I did n't attend the university.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-12-01

Axson, GA

Written notification about debt

Debt collection: I do not know

Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Complaint: I had no knowledge of this debt until I tried to get a copy of my transcript. It was not on my credit report, and it was months before they could even locate my information to tell me a balance. I called the finance office at XXXX and all they could tell me was I had a balance but had no knowledge of an amount in their system. They told me to contact the listed collection agency, and when I called the collection agency repeatedly they also had no knowledge of this debt nor my information in their system. No one could tell me anything. Weeks later the collection agency called and just gave me a balance with no explanation and a week after that it appeared on my credit report.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-11-26

Killeen, TX

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: I do not know

Debt is not yours
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-11-13

Athens, GA

Written notification about debt

Debt collection: Other debt

Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-11-07

MO

Took or threatened to take negative or legal action

Debt collection: Other debt

Threatened or suggested your credit would be damaged
Complaint: School took additional actions to damage my credit and stop me from returning to campus .... Was in retaliation to other investigations presently going on. Providing Additional Details from Case - XXXX Information from Missouri Attorney General Website before rechecking XXXX XXXX and finding additional error in reporting, plus additional funds being misrepresented and attempted to be collected on : " Consumer Complaint The Attorney General works to protect consumers and ensure a fair marketplace by enforcing Missouris Merchandising Practices Act, as well as other laws. By filing complaints, consumers let the Attorney Generals Office know about unscrupulous businesses and individuals. We rely on consumers to act as our partners in rooting out fraud and helping us bring criminals and scammers to justice. In addition to filing criminal charges and civil lawsuits, the Attorney Generals Office also mediates complaints between businesses and consumers. Each year, this mediation process results in millions of dollars in restitution for consumers through an exchange of services, fulfillment of promises, and many other ways that resolve many disputes. Because the Attorney Generals Office brings enforcement actions on behalf of the state, not individual consumers, it is prohibited by law from providing legal advice to you. If you want to preserve any private legal rights you might have, you may wish to contact a private attorney. Information About Your Complaint Your Contact Information Name : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Address : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX Primary Phone : ( XXXX ) XXXX Secondary Phone : ( XXXX ) XXXX Email Address : XXXX Flood Victim : No Over XXXX : No XXXX : Yes Veteran : No Your Complaint Information Business Name : University of Missouri - XXXX XXXX Sales Method : Bait And Switch Complaint Category : Financial Payment Method : Loan Amount Paid : XXXX Date : XXXX/XXXX/XXXX XXXX XXXX Description : According to XXXX XXXX, I received an update in my inbox for the following, " XXXX/XXXX/XXXX XXXX XXXX ''. Upon reviewing the materials, previous complaints were sent regarding this same matter and retaliation being done by the school for an active investigation into their business practices regarding a Title IX complaint. When reviewin the information online, an option for a {$40.00} a month payment is indicated, however when speaking directly with the Cashier 's office for repayment, I was advised I could enter an agreement with them previously for around {$200.00} a month and/or payment in full, there never was offered an option to pay {$40.00} a month and the last time I spoke with the Cashier 's office was to advise them to speak to their higher up officials in their hierarchy before speaking with me in regard to these matters, due to the nature and Privacy issues concerns ( primarily with peoples sexual conduct on campus and files regarding such matters, but also with their private health records, consoling sessions and information regarding as federally classified according to HIPPA ). I did reach out to XXXX XXXX much later ( not in relation to this issue at all about payment as I was not aware of this update until checking my email today ) in regards to finding out what I would need to do to be able to re-enroll in classes on the campus and if we could setup a meeting, this phone call has not been responded to by the institution.The only means I understand the school to be acting presently is to show disregard for the HIPPA law, the active investigation, their internal procedures regarding the community as a whole on their school grounds, individuals safety including their private health information and they have provided at least at some point decent services, but a poor standard for aiding an individual that was being attacked by students and staff for reasons beyond their control. I myself was not the only student attacked in this way in the dormitories or on their campus and this additional insult of harming my personal financial means to payback any monies to them by damaging my financial status and financial reputation is additional retaliation on what they already advised was not available. In summary, I was advised I could n't pay {$40.00} a month and then on XXXX XXXX it is showing that they provided me that option and they did not. Business Information Business Name : University of Missouri - XXXX XXXX XXXX : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, MO XXXX Phone : Fax : NA Email : NA Website : NA Contact Name : Cashier 's Office ( previously ) & XXXX XXXX ( most recently ) Contact Title : Assitant Dean of Students Complaint Resolution Action Taken : Filed a complaint with another agency Other - Filed complaint with Missouri Attorney General and advised there was not any wrongdoing and/or it was not something they could assist me with, Additional Information : I 've already reached out to the company to handle payment isses and due to their stance, as well as the present nature of the active investigations that were going on, the matter has reached this point. Agencies contacted : Preferred Resolution : Refund Deliver Product Perform Service Repair Replace/Trade Investigate Businss Other - Review documents from Family Counseling regarding XXXX update, update XXXX office, provide rework of payment arrangement and clearing of error on credit report and months negatively impacted due to error on providing reduced monthly payment, proceed with reviewing Self Defense aid on campus for XXXX, provide updates to Cashiers office and Counseling office regarding appeal of negative information due to retaliation from staff and some students. Provide refund for time spent in dormitory for myself and other individuals effected by retaliation and services not rendered. If I was paying to stay in a dormitory where people could openly harass me and potentially cause harm because they felt it was okay to keep someone from sleeping, studying or defending their person when they are cornered and being mocked and gaslight targeted for things beyond their control, then such place is not habitable and refunds should commence for each student who was targeted by the Financial Aid office and also students doing the cornering and/or targeting according to the Office Of Civil Rights reports. Further mold conditions in dorms must immediately be replaced as they cause issues with studying and people being able to breathe properly, previous issue reported by XXXX XXXX and she was regularly ambushed by individuals already reported in the Title IX complaint I understand that the Attorney General is not my private attorney, but enforces state consumer protection laws. A copy of the complaint will be provided to the merchant against whom this complaint is filed. By submitting this form I agree to testify in court to the facts stated in this complaint, if necessary. Please note that in accordance with Missouri law, consumer complaints are public records, subject to disclosure upon request. Your complaint, including your name, address, and related documents may be obtained pursuant to a public records law request. " Williams and Fudge account, plus original XXXX amount in report being reported negative since XXXX XXXX need to be looked into. Missouri Attorney General previously stated this was not an error and/or they could n't work on the matter as it was not something they could deal with. Original Creditor is attempting to collect two separate payment amounts on two misrepresented amounts. The time I was away from school since XXXX XXXX I was not a student nor staying on the campus and additional account increments were misrepresented, further information noted in above reference to {$40.00} pay scale never took place, the option was never provided by the Cashiers office.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-11-03

NH

Dealing with your lender or servicer

Student loan: Private student loan

Keep getting calls about your loan
Complaint: Debt Collector: Williams & Fudge, Inc. Name of person: XXXX XXXX - XXXX I have been called 8 times in the past 4 days by this company, and they have contacted my mother several times as well. My mother was not a cosigner on this loan, and they should not have her contact information. These loans need to be rolled into the rest of my consolidated federal student loans so that I may fairly pay them off. It is relatively low balance and does not merit this type of aggressive harassment and collection. My current monthly consolidated payment is $XXXX due to a low income, so I should not be harassed for this amount. I have been given no options for monthly repayment, and instead me and my family are getting harassed. I am happy to figure out a low payment plan, but this is getting out of hand.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-10-28

Beaverton, OR

Threatened to contact someone or share information improperly

Debt collection: Other debt

Talked to a third-party about your debt
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-10-26

Beacon Hill, WA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Federal student loan debt

Debt is not yours
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-10-25

Simi Valley, CA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt was paid
Complaint: I have a collection on my credit report from Williams & Fudge. I paid the school directly and I called the collection agency to get this out of my credit report and I have n't seen this remove. I have called them and left a message and sent them emails about this as well.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-10-19

Brooklyn, NY

Written notification about debt

Debt collection: Other debt

Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-10-17

Indiahoma, OK

Communication tactics

Debt collection: Private student loan debt

Used obscene, profane, or other abusive language
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-10-02

Philadelphia, PA

Communication tactics

Debt collection: Private student loan debt

Used obscene, profane, or other abusive language
Complaint: On Thursday XX/XX/XXXX, I contacted Williams and Fudge in response to a letter I received for my outstanding loan with XXXX University. I spoke with an agent and explained that I could maybe pay {$10.00} per month at which point she offered a settlement for 50 % .The representative called my cellphone on XX/XX/XXXX and my brother answered the phone. My brother stated that he was me but the representative did not do anything to verify this was true other than feed my date of birth and ask for conformation. I believe this is a violation of 3rd party disclosure. I called back and spoke with a supervisor to explain my issues. I was told that I could not settle my account and re enroll. I would need to pay the balance. At that point I explained that I wanted to look at my options to to their violations as well as to see if my loan may have been affected by the recent lawsuit against the University. I also explained that I am a former member of the military experiencing a hardship but I would refrain from file a complaint against the agency as well as the University if they would accept my offer. He accused me of black mail and said " as a member of the military, you are saying this on a recorded line? '' This statement was made in effort to intimidate me into not filing my complaints as the representative had preconceived notions that I was making false claims in order to get my offer approved. My right to investigate a dispute and well as my right to privacy is protected under the FDCPA. Further more this representative proceeded to over talk me duding most of the conversation. I explained that I am a customer and he should n't speak to me this way. He stated that I am not a customer of the agency. My belief is that although that may be true, they are an extension of the University who needs to treat the customer the same as the University would. I was also told that my offer is ridiculous in his professional opinion. Nobody who has served our country and is experiencing a financial hardship should be told their offer is ridiculous, regardless of the opinion of the agent trying to collect. I am appalled that XXXX University would want someone like this acting on their behalf. I will be looking into my legal options regarding third party disclosure violations, false and misleading statements as well as refusal to acknowledge my option to dispute
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2017-09-30

Lake La, CA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt is not yours
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response