Consumer complaint received 2015-07-30
Product: Debt collection — Credit card
Issue: Communication tactics — Threatened to take legal action
Company: ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC. (VA)

After 2-3 years of receiving phone calls from this particular collection agency, I decided to call them and make payment arrangements. about 2 years prior to my calling, I shared with them that the reason why I could n't pay was because I was out of work, with no income due to a XXXX, but the calls continued every day. So on this particular day around XXXX XXXX, I called them to make payment arrangements because I was tired of the calls. The young lady quoted a high monthly figure over {$100.00}. I stated that I could not afford that. During this conversation, she used harsh tones that I made her aware of. She then stated that she could reduce the amount to {$100.00} monthly. I told her that was still too much. She stated she could n't go any lower. We had a verbal altercation and she boldly told me that the company had a lien on my house. There after the call ended with a payment due on the XXXX of every month. Around the XXXX of the month, I made a {$50.00} payment through my online banking, they received it XXXX XXXX, 2015. On XXXX XXXX, 2015, I received a phone call from the same young lady stating that I did not abide by the verbal agreement of {$100.00}. I told her that I could not afford {$100.00} monthly that is why I sent {$50.00}. She was extremely rude. About 15 minutes after that call, I called back, she answered and I asked to speak with her supervisor. I got a voicemail of a male. I could not hear his name because it was n't clear enough. I left a message. Moments later, I wrote a letter to the company about my experience with their rude employee. I then faxed it and sent a copy by certified mail. On XXXX XXXX, 2015 I called back looking for the supervisor but was unsuccessful. On XXXX XXXX, 2015, I received what I call a threatening letter from the company which had no signature. On XXXX XXXX, I received {$50.00} from a friend to pay to make another payment because I did not want them to put a lien on my checking account like I was told they could do. My bank showed a payment date of XXXX XXXX, 2015, so I called the company XXXX XXXX to confirm the payment. The young man said he did not see a payment posted. I then called my bank and it was stated that they mailed the company the check on XXXX XXXX. I called the company back and told them that they should have received the check. The young lady told me they did not receive it and that they do n't control the mail. I told the young lady I believed someone was playing games and to post my check. Words were exchanged. I told her that I sent a fax. She said " We did n't receive a fax. '' I told her that I also sent a letter. She said in a concerning way, " You sent a letter? '' I said " Yep '' she asked " What was in it? '' I told her if my check was n't found soon, I would be obtaining a lawyer. she said " That 's your prerogative. '' I said " When shall I call back? '' she said " In a few days. '' I said " What is a few days. '' She said " Just a few days. '' I said " What is a few days? '' she said " Wednesday. '' I called back on Wednesday XXXX XXXX and was told they received the check on Monday XXXX, 2015.