i was treated with disrespect and called names by a collection…

I will forward you the inormation i provided to all the other agencies I have filed a complaint with. and i will add that this happened in early march, I made complaints in april and they have not made any attempt to resolve issue.

On February 24th at approximately 3pm I contacted Valley credit services by phone in an attempt to pay a debt. I gave the operator my social security number to identify my account and was then routed to person (Vi) who was handling my account. I asked her if I could settle my account for less than the full amount (I was advised to start at 25% by a friend who works in the industry) I requested 50% reduction. Vi laughed and said "call me back when you are ready to pay your bill". I called once again was given back to Vi she again laughed at me once again "oh, you again" then hung up. I called again and asked to speak with Vi's supervisor, Jodi identified herself as Vi's supervisor, I explained the situation with Vi, she proceeded to tell me that if it were her that had taken the original call she would have laughed at me too. My conversation with Jodi was unproductive (during the conversation I asked for her to send out verification of debt, which never happened) and ended with her telling me I "stop being trash and just pay your bills". On March 1st around noon I called Valley Credit Services again to attempt to resolve the issue of my debt. The operator forwarded my call to Jodi once again. I asked if the call was being recorded and was informed it was not. I very politely and calmly informed Jodi that I was not going to speak with her due to the way she had previously treated me. She began to argue with me denying she had ever treated me poorly and that she had a room full of people that would back her up. When I refused to speak with her to resolve any matter she then hung up on me. I attempted to call back four times asking to speak with anyone but Jodi, the operator continually put me through to Jodi and she continued to hang up on me. I also searched the internet and found that the owner's name Greg Hammack and asked to speak to him, I was informed he does not take "these" kind of calls. Jodi then threatened to call the police saying I was harassing them. In the final attempt to speak with anyone but Jodi I explained to her that if I were not allowed to speak with someone else to resolve my debt I would lodge a formal complaint, she sneered and replied "well I hope you get your wording correct" as if I didn't, nothing would come of it.
As I understand the code of ethics for ACA it reads that members are to treat customers with consideration and respect, to communicate with consumers with honesty and integrity.
The way I was treated was in direct violation and completely opposite of the Collectors pledge. I was treated like I was a low life or dead beat. The treatment was demeaning, undignified and completely disrespectful. I contacted this company to pay a debt, I was never once contacted by them, I obtained the information off of my credit report and was willing to discuss any resolution. The representatives of this company were unprofessional and unethical.
I was so distraught by the way I was treated I was unable to make fallow up calls in the proceeding weeks due to anxiety attacks at every attempt.

I do have one more question I filed a complaint with the states attorney, I was wondering what is their obligation under the law to see this matter through. follows email from justice dept.

Thank you for sending us your consumer complaint. We contacted the business to express our concern and we attached their reply.

According to their reply, it appears the business is willing to work with you to set up a payment arrangement.

You may wish to contact the business directly to discuss an agreement. You may also wish to contact an attorney to discuss your legal rights and options, or, on your own, file suit with your local small claims court. If you wish, you may obtain information about the lawyer referral service via their website at www.osbar.org or you may wish to contact them at
1-XXX-XXX-XXXX and receive a $35 office consultation.

We will keep your complaint on public record in case we receive similar complaints about this business in the future. If we can assist you in the future, please do not hesitate to contact us.


Alicia Suarez
Enforcement Officer
OREGON DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Financial Fraud/Consumer Protection SectionXXXXXNE
Salem OR 97310
Phone: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Fax: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
[email protected]

basically they responded with a copy of a letter they supposedly sent me, they did not. and it stated they follow the rules and that they attempted to recieve information from me i refused and that it is not their policy to accept less than total amount. this is not a resolution as well as they did not follow rules and guidlines.