Asset Recovery Associates

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 11014616, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.Based upon the company's response stating the account has been closed and will not be resold in the future, we are completely satisfied with the outcome.
Sincerely,
John [redacted]

Dear Revdex.com, The account in question was a [redacted] credit card that Mr. [redacted] opened and kept active for quite some time until several months of non-payment prompted the original creditor to render it closed in February of 1999. Shortly following this default, the original creditor placed the...

account with many outside collection agencies for recovery of the full balance, at the time totaling $1,571.54. Of the three agencies to do so, it was noted that all efforts were exhausted and none were able to obtain any form of payment from Mr. [redacted]. Eventually, the original creditor was forced to sell the account in a last-ditch effort to recoup a small portion of the losses they sustained. ARA Inc. purchased the file as part of a larger portfolio of defaulted accounts. I thoroughly reviewed Mr. [redacted]’s file as well as interviewed Mr. [redacted], the representative with whom he spoke. Mr. [redacted] states that on February 06, 2017 he contacted Mr. [redacted] to seek resolution on his outstanding balance. Mr. [redacted] states that following identity verification, he relayed pertinent details of his account. He states that Mr. [redacted] stated that he had a [redacted] credit card many years ago, but nothing since. Mr. [redacted] states explained that he was calling to see if Mr. [redacted]’s had any interest in resolving the debt for a reduced settlement of the original debt. Mr. [redacted] states Mr. [redacted] became agitated, stated he had no interest paying the debt and ended the call. To address the alleged behavior of our representative, I must state it would be highly unlikely from him. However, I have placed Mr. [redacted] on a supervisory period lasting no less than 30 days. This includes random monitoring and weekly administrative reviews to ensure no incident similar in nature does occur in the future. As for the debt itself, I must state we believe there to be no error. Although it has accumulated significant age, the fact is that once a debt is generated, it is considered due until it is paid, was included in a Bankruptcy or cited as fraudulent. Furthermore, it should be stressed that the age of a debt does not alter the past, nor does it change the moment in time in which it was created. Nonetheless, due to the involvement of your office, I have been instructed to render Mr. [redacted]’s file closed. All associated contact information has been purged and it shall not be subject to transfer or sale. Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter.   Sincerely,   [redacted] Compliance Manager

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2015/06/19) */
Dear Ms. [redacted]
The account in question was a Providian Bank account that Ms. [redacted] opened and kept active for quite some time until several months of non-payment prompted the original creditor to render it closed in September of 2000....

Following this default, the original creditor placed the account with numerous outside collection agencies for recovery of the full balance, at the time totaling $2,357.22. Of the three agencies to do so, it was noted that all efforts were exhausted and none were able to obtain any form of payment from Ms. [redacted]. Eventually, the original creditor was forced to sell the account in a last-ditch effort to recoup a small portion of the losses they sustained. ARA Inc. purchased the file as part of a larger portfolio of defaulted accounts.
As for the alleged behavior of our representative, [redacted] I must state that I have placed him on a supervisory period lasting no less than 30 days. This includes random monitoring and weekly administrative reviews to ensure no similar behavior occurs in the future.
Although I cannot speak to Ms. [redacted]' memory of her debt, I must state that we believe there to be no error in contacting her. It should be noted that in order for a creditor to sell an account, they must validate it within the strict regulations of the FDCPA. This means, simply, that they must evidence the originator of the account as well as report as well as report the matter to the to the consumer's credit report, show some form of payment history, and finally ensure that the account was not included in a bankruptcy or cited as fraudulent. The account was deemed valid within these regulations and an Affidavit of Assignment was issued as a verification of this information.
We are in an industry that deals with recovering long-neglected debts from consumers who are often times less than thrilled to be reminded of said debts. Ms. [redacted] may not recollect her debt, but since the account was opened under her name and social security number, paid on for quite some time and never disputed, we must assume this is her debt.
That being stated, due to the involvement of your office, my administrators have instructed me to render Ms. [redacted]'s file closed. All associated contact information has been erased and it shall not be subject to transfer or sale.
Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Compliance Manager

Dear Revdex.com,We were unable to locate Ms. [redacted] file. If she could provide us with more information, such as an ARA file number or the original account number, we would be able to adequately pinpoint her file and properly address her concerns.Thank you very much for your assistance in this...

matter.Sincerely,[redacted]Compliance Manager

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
Sincerely,
[redacted]

Dear Revdex.com, The account in question was a [redacted] credit card that Mr. [redacted] opened and kept active for quite some time until several months of non-payment prompted the original creditor to render it closed. Shortly following this default, the original creditor placed the account with an outside...

collection agency for recovery of the full balance, at the time totaling $774.45. After several attempts, the agency noted that all efforts were exhausted and none were able to obtain any form of payment from Mr. [redacted]. Eventually, the original creditor was forced to sell the account in a last-ditch effort to recoup a small portion of the losses they sustained. ARA Inc. purchased the file as part of a larger portfolio of defaulted accounts. To address Mr. [redacted]’s assertion that he does not owe this debt, it should be stressed that prior to purchase of all accounts, we must be assured they have been validated within the strict regulations of the FDCPA. This means that the original creditor must evidence the originator of each account by verifying the name and social security number in which each was opened with. Additionally, they must report the matter to the consumer’s credit report as well as show payment history and finally ensure that it has not been included in a Bankruptcy or cited as fraudulent. Since the account was deemed valid within these regulations, we must assume it remains just and due. It should be noted that my records reflect that only one letter was sent to Mr. [redacted] regarding his outstanding balance. As to Mr. [redacted]’s assertion that he has no record of this debt, I must state that if he had afforded us the opportunity to explain the relevant details of the letter, he may have a different position on the matter. Unfortunately, Mr. [redacted] is still limited on the pertinent information regarding his account. At no point did he allow our company to justify or explain the nature of our contact. However, due to the involvement of your office, I have been instructed to render Mr. [redacted]’s file closed. All associated contact information has been purged and it shall not be subject to transfer or sale.  Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter. Sincerely,  [redacted] Compliance Manager

Dear Revdex.com,I must reiterate that Mr. [redacted] account has been fully closed since June 10, 2016. As stated before, all contact has already been purged from our system and it shall not be subject to transfer or sale. Additionally, we ensure that Mr. [redacted]hall not be contacted by our company in the future regarding this or any other matter. Sincerely,  [redacted]Compliance Manager

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. Although, I believe some of Mr. [redacted] statement to be inaccurate. 
Sincerely,
[redacted]

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2015/05/21) */
Dear Ms. [redacted]
After a thorough search of our system, we were unable to locate the file in question. Additionally, Ms. [redacted] cites in her complaint that she spoke to a representative by the name of Justin who had filed paperwork with a...

Jessica Coopers. I must state that do not have currently nor have ever had anyone by those names working with or affiliated with our company. This leads us to believe that Ms. [redacted] has confused us with another company. We regret the confusion.
Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
Jessica [redacted]
[redacted]
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (2000, 7, 2015/05/22) */
(The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)
I believe Ms. [redacted] and now believe that someone was calling using ARA's business name to attempt to extort funds from me. I thank you and Ms. [redacted] for your time on this matter.

Dear Revdex.com,   The account in question was a [redacted] Bank account that Ms. [redacted] opened and kept active for quite some time until several months of non-payment prompted the original creditor to render it closed in June of 1997. Shortly following this default, the original creditor placed the...

account with several collection agencies for recovery of the full balance, at the time totaling $2,021.21. Of the four agencies to do so, it was noted that all efforts were exhausted and none were able to obtain any form of payment from Ms. [redacted]. Eventually, the original creditor was forced to sell the account in a last-ditch effort to recoup a small portion of the losses they sustained. ARA Inc. purchased the file as part of a larger portfolio of defaulted accounts.   We understand that Ms. [redacted] does not believe she is liable for this debt. However, although I cannot speak her memory of her debt, I can speak to its validity. It should be noted that before a creditor can sell an account, it must first be validated within the strict regulations of the FDCPA. This means that the original creditor must evidence the originator of the account (Ms. [redacted]) as well as the social security number in which it was opened. Additionally, they must report the matter to the consumer’s credit report as well as show payment history, and ensure that it was not included in a Bankruptcy or cited as fraudulent. Since Ms. [redacted]’s account was deemed valid within these regulations and has no indication of any disputes for this account in the seven years it was listed to her credit report, we must assume it remains just and due.   It should be noted that we deal with the difficult practice of attempting to collect long-neglected debts from consumers who are often unhappy with the mention of a debt that might have been forgotten over the years. However, our attempt in contacting consumers is merely to offer a highly reduced settlement to close out the account.   To address Ms. [redacted]’s assertion that she entered into a settlement agreement pertaining to this account, I must state that I am at somewhat of a loss. I have checked Ms. [redacted]’s account as well as interviewed Ms. [redacted] the representative with whom she spoke, and can find no indication that a payment plan settlement was reached. Furthermore, there is no settlement or payment information of any kind on her file.   Due to the involvement of your office, my administrators have instructed me to render Ms. [redacted]’s file closed. All associated contact information has been purged and it shall not be subject to transfer or sale.   Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter.   Sincerely,   [redacted] Compliance Manager

Dear Revdex.com, The account in question was a [redacted] Card that Ms. [redacted] opened and kept active for quite over a year until several months of non-payment prompted the original creditor to render it closed in July of 1997. Shortly following this default, the original creditor placed the account with...

outside collection agencies for recovery of the full balance, at the time totaling $3,690.03. Of the three agencies to do so, it was noted that all efforts were exhausted and none were able to obtain any form of payment from Ms. [redacted]. Eventually, the original creditor was forced to sell the account in a last-ditch effort to recoup a small portion of the losses they sustained. ARA Inc. purchased the file as part of a larger portfolio of defaulted accounts. I thoroughly reviewed Ms. [redacted] file as well as interviewed Mr. [redacted], the representative with whom she spoke. Mr. [redacted] states that on March 01, 2017 he received a call from Ms. [redacted] regarding a letter she received on her outstanding balance. Mr. [redacted] states that following identity verification, he relayed the pertinent details of her debt. He states that Ms. [redacted] did recall the account per their conversation but stated it was too old to be collected on. Mr. [redacted] states that he explained that while Ms. [redacted]’s account was still just and due but could be settled for a reduced amount if Ms. [redacted] wished. Mr. [redacted] stated that Ms. [redacted] agreed to a settlement amount of $1,500.00; $150.00 to be processed that day and the remainder to be processed the next day. Mr. [redacted] states that the first payment went through and he relayed to Ms. [redacted] that he would be sending an email verifying the settlement. He states they ended the call amicably and on those terms. Later that day, Mr. [redacted] states that Ms. [redacted] payment of $150.00 was reversed due to insufficient funds. He states he attempted to contact Ms. [redacted] to inform her, but she could not be reached. No cleared payment was received from Ms. [redacted]. To address the alleged behavior of our representative, I must state it would be highly unlikely from him. Regardless, we do not take these allegations lightly and have placed Mr. [redacted] on a supervisory period lasting no less than 30 days. This includes random monitoring and weekly administrative reviews to ensure no incident similar in behavior does occur in the future Following review of Ms. [redacted]’s complaint, it seems Ms. [redacted] takes two different positions on this debt. Ms. [redacted] states that she never had this account yet in the same complaint states it has accumulated too much age to be collected on. It would stand to reason that if a consumer did not believe a debt belonged to them, they would not argue that a debt age’s nullifies its validity. We understand that Ms. [redacted]’s account has been neglected for a long amount of time. However, that alone does not render it invalid. A debt shall be due until it is either paid, the debtor is deceased; it was included in a Bankruptcy or cited as fraudulent. The age of a debt does not change the moment in time in which it was created. It should be stressed that Ms. [redacted] also agreed to a settlement arrangement to resolve this account. Although her check bounced due to insufficient funds, at no point in time did she attempt to contact any representative at our company to relay that she had changed her mind on her arrangement. However, it is with the involvement of your office that I have been instructed to render Ms. [redacted]’s file fully closed. All associated contact information has been purged and it shall not be subject to transfer or sale. Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter.   Sincerely,   [redacted] Compliance Manager

Dear Revdex.com,   The account in question was a Metris Card that Ms. [redacted] opened and kept active for nearly five years until several months of non-payment prompted the original creditor to render it closed in July of 2005. Following this default, the original creditor placed the account with many...

outside collection agencies for recovery of the full balance, at the time totaling $8,347.34. Of the six agencies to do so, it was noted that all efforts were exhausted and none were able to obtain any form of payment from Ms. [redacted]. Eventually, the original creditor was forced to sell the account in a last-ditch effort to recoup a small portion of the losses they sustained. ARA Inc. purchased the file as part of a larger portfolio of defaulted accounts.   I thoroughly reviewed Ms. [redacted]’s account as well as interviewed the representative with whom she spoke, Ms. [redacted]. Ms. [redacted] states that on January 29, 2016 she contacted Ms. [redacted] to seek resolution on her defaulted account. She states that following identity verification, she relayed the pertinent details of Ms. [redacted]’s account. Ms. [redacted] states that Ms. [redacted] did not recall the account, and demanded why something had not been sent in writing. Ms. [redacted] state that she indicated a letter had been sent out to her residence but Ms. [redacted] became agitated and ended the call.   Although I cannot speak to Ms. [redacted]’s recollection of her debt, I can state that we believe it to be nothing other than just and due. Before a creditor can sell an account, it must be validated within the strict regulations of the FDCPA. Simply put, this means that they must validate the originator of the account (Ms. [redacted]) as well as show payment history and assure that it has not been included in a Bankruptcy or cited as fraudulent. The account was deemed valid within these regulations and an Affidavit of Assignment was provided as verification. Additionally, in the seven years this was listed to her creditor report, there have been no indications of any disputes from Ms. [redacted].   It should be noted that is not uncommon for a consumer to not easily remember a long-neglected debt and to be irritated by the mere mention of its existence. Our intention in contacting Ms. [redacted] was to notify her of her outstanding balance and attempt to offer her a reduced settlement in accordance with her financial abilities.   I have presented this matter to my administrators for their consideration. Due to the involvement of your office, they have instructed me to render Ms. [redacted]’s account closed. All associated contact information has been erased and it shall not be subject to transfer or sale.   Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter.   Sincerely,   Ben [redacted] Compliance Manager

Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because: I am not contacting them, they have already threatened by dad and his name is [redacted] If they cannot find my file by my name then they need to quit calling my dad, his # is [redacted]
Sincerely,
[redacted]

Dear [redacted]
The account in question was a Providian Bank account that [redacted] opened in October of 2000 and kept active for quite some time until several months of non-payment prompted the original creditor to render it closed in February of 2003. Shortly following this default, the...

original creditor placed the account with outside collection agencies for recovery of the full balance, at the time totaling $2,160.90. Of the three companies to do so, it was noted that all efforts were exhausted and none were able to obtain any form of payment from [redacted]. Eventually, the original creditor was forced to sell the account in a last-ditch effort to recoup a small portion of the losses they sustained. [redacted] Inc. purchased the file as part of a larger portfolio of defaulted accounts.
Although I cannot speak to [redacted]'s recollection of his debt, I can state that we believe [redacted]'s account to be nothing other than just and due. It should be stated that not only was his account sold in a federally regulated sale, for which complete validation must be presented by the selling party, but the original creditor even made this a matter of public record following default. In the seven years this was listed to his credit report, none of the credit reporting agencies received any form of dispute from [redacted] for this particular trade line.
Additionally, as [redacted]'s file reflects, his social security number and name are attached to this debt and payments were received to keep this account open and active for over two years, an indication that the account was likely not opened fraudulently. It was only when said payments ended abruptly that the original creditor closed the account.
It should be noted that [redacted]'s account has been fully closed. All associated contact information has been erased and he shall not be contacted by our company regarding this or any other matter.
Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Compliance Manager

Dear Revdex.com,   The account in question was a Citibank account that Ms. [redacted] opened and kept active for quite some time until several months of non-payment prompted the original creditor to render it closed in October of 1998. Following this default, the original creditor placed the account with...

many outside collection agencies for recovery of the full balance, at the time totaling $3,125.51. Of the four agencies to do so, it was noted that all efforts were exhausted and none were able to obtain any form of payment from Ms. [redacted]. Eventually, the original creditor was forced to sell the account in a last-ditch effort to recoup a small portion of the losses they sustained. ARA Inc. purchased the file as part of a larger portfolio of defaulted accounts.   It seems as though Ms. [redacted] believes because her debt has accumulated significant age, it is therefore rendered invalid. I must state that we believe that to be a false impression. When Ms. [redacted] signed the contract to open up this account, she agreed to pay back in full the balance that was incurred. A debt shall be due until it is either paid, the debtor is deceased, was included in a Bankruptcy or cited as fraudulent. Although I cannot speak to Ms. [redacted]’s claims of identity theft as there are no records of such, it should be noted that in the seven years this was listed to her credit report, there have been no records of any disputes from Ms. [redacted] regarding this account.   However, due to the involvement of your office, my administrators have instructed me to render Ms. [redacted]’s file closed. All associated contact information has been purged and it shall not be subject to transfer or sale.   Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter.   Sincerely,   [redacted] Compliance Manager