Consumer complaint received 2017-12-29
Company: Populus Financial Group, Inc. (F/K/A Ace Cash Express)
State: OH
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Payday loan debt
Issue: Took or threatened to take negative or legal action
Sub-issue: Threatened to sue you for very old debt

Complaint:
On Friday, XXXX XXXX, 2017, at approximately XXXX., I received a call from my supervisor, stating that she received a call from a XXXX XXXX XXXX who was claiming to be a dispatcher from a XXXX XXXX XXXX , who was en route to serve me papers for a debt. I am off work sick, and am not at work. I found this to be odd, as payday loans do not use these tactics. I then returned the call to the phone number provided which is ( XXXX ) XXXX. 
I called this number and asked for a XXXX XXXX, which at that time, I was advised that that individual is not a representation of the company I called. I assumed at this time I was speaking to a rep from XXXX XXXX, but realized I was speaking to a rep from XXXX XXXX XXXX. I then immediately asked the person on the line what is this pertaining to? I expressed displeasure that this is the second time in about 2+ years that I received these types of calls. The caller ( who I never identified ), asked for my social, which I confirmed the last four. He then proceeded to tell me there is a legal case and that any information would be provided at discovery. I immediately stated that I do not wish for him or any of his representatives to contact my employer for any reason. I stated that I would have my attorney contact them as well with this request. The male caller, and I had a semi-heated discussion. He felt that I was rude and threatened to hang up and not help me. I may have become upset during the conversation, because the tactics of threatening to serve someone with papers is not only extreme, but not a practice Ohio uses in this manner. He also then stated that since I would need a lawyer, they can contact him. I stated I will handle my own affairs, and if I need representation then I would get it at that time. After repeatedly stating that I had no issue paying the debt with proof, and getting no where with the caller. He stated that I am a " Quality Debtor or " Experienced Debtor '', or some reference similar and hung up. I then called back wanting to speak to a supervisor, and got the same male on the phone. I then advised him, that I called, but since a person was hiding behind the phone, I could not get anywhere, I am calling back. He then stated " hiding behind the phone? '' and hung up again. I then called ACE Cash Express, and a spoke to XXXX at approximately XXXX XXXX., and advised her briefly of the incident. She did mention that my debt was sold to XXXX XXXX XXXX ( Account # XXXX for {$720.00} ), I had this similar experience about 2 years ago, where I received threatening calls from a " law office '', and upon dialing the number given, it linked back to XXXX XXXX XXXX. It appeared that they are one company representing themselves as attorneys instead of the collection associates they are. I have asked them repeatedly to not contact my employer, and if I had or was given and address or email, would request in writing. Also, while speaking to XXXX from ACE Cash Express, she stated that their company does not practice, or condone practices of legal or lawsuit threats, or any aggressive collection actions.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation