The Nationwide Credit Abuse Videos, NationwideCreditExposed.com , By Robert Paisola

www.NationwideCreditExposed.com

WARNING: Viewer Discretion is Advised due to Graphic Content

If you are a victim of this Nationwide Credit, then you will want to keep following this series, because there is a lot more information that will be presented that will blow you away. This is what OCWEN FINANANCIAL and The Nationwide Credit CEO, Pat Carroll have created. This video is (c) 2009 Western Capital Multimedia Inc. and Robert Paisola, All Rights Reserved. Video provided to The Current.com Television Syndication Network for worldwide Distribution.



If you are a victim of this company, sent us your story at vip@mycollector.com and visit www.MyCollector.com , www.WesternCapitalVIP.com

If you are a member of the Media, please contact us at media.relations@mycollector.com

If you are seeking rights and clearances bot re-broadcast, contact us at 877-517-9555

Class Action Lawsuit Filed by Southern California Consumer Protection Attorneys Brennan, Wiener & Associates Against Debt Collector Mel Harris

Class Action Lawsuit Filed by Southern California Consumer Protection Attorneys Brennan, Wiener & Associates Against Debt Collector Mel Harris , Posted by Robert Paisola

On behalf of its client, David Youssefyeh, Southern California's Premiere Consumer Protection law firm, Brennan, Wiener & Associates, has filed a class action lawsuit against the large New York debt collector MEL HARRIS & ASSOCIATES, alleging fraud in service of debt collection complaints upon California consumers (Youssefyeh v. Harris, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC 398 315).



La Crescenta, CA (PRWEB) September 24, 2008 -- On behalf of its client, David Youssefyeh, Southern California's Premiere Consumer Protection law firm, Brennan, Wiener & Associates, has filed a class action lawsuit against the large New York debt collector MEL HARRIS & ASSOCIATES, alleging fraud in service of debt collection complaints upon California consumers (Youssefyeh v. Harris, Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC 398 315).

David Youssefyeh, a Los Angeles attorney, was understandably shocked and upset when his bank, Washington Mutual, levied his accounts in January 2008. As someone who minded his debts and had no outstanding judgments against him, he was mystified as to where this came from or how it happened. So, he began to pull the string back and found a lot more than he expected to find.

Mr. Youssefyeh learned that the judgment came from the State of New York. This was strange to him: other than perhaps a few short visits over the years, Mr. Youssefyeh had no business there, no property there, no family there--in other words, beyond stopping over there a few times, he had nothing whatsoever to do with the State of New York. And he certainly had never been served with a lawsuit there.

Being an attorney, Mr. Youssefyeh knew that creditors and debt collectors could enforce "sister state" judgments against a person in their home state. In other words, if a creditor or a debt collector had a valid judgment against a person in a court in, say, Virginia, that judgment could be enforced against the debtor in the state where he or she lives.

However, Mr. Youssefyeh also knew that the judgment had to be a valid judgment--served upon a defendant with valid service of the complaint and not with false or fraudulent service designed to hide, not reveal, the lawsuit to the consumer.

Mr. Youssefyeh dug further into the mystery and discovered that the plaintiff who had taken out the judgment against him was MEL HARRIS & ASSOC., a very large debt collection company operating in the New York metropolitan area.

A bit of research by Mr. Youssefyeh confirmed for him what he has stated in his class action complaint: that MEL HARRIS & ASSOCIATES allegedly has a business practice of somehow "serving" debt collection complaints on consumers who live outside of New York, within New York.

This practice is as old as litigation itself, and is known widely in legal circles as "sewer service," after the practice by some process servers of throwing the summons and complaint into the sewer outside of the defendant's home and then claiming to have served them with the complaint. The effect, of course, is to deprive the consumer of any notice of the lawsuit. The first notice many consumers have of such lawsuits is a levy on their outside-of-New York bank accounts, as happened with Mr. Youssefyeh.

As many debt collection lawsuits involve small sums of money, most consumers have neither the time nor the resources to hire a New York attorney to fight or otherwise straighten out bogus lawsuits or false attempts to serve debt collection complaints. Mr. Youssefyeh knew, however, that a class action in California against MEL HARRIS & ASSOCIATES could, if successful, put a stop this alleged practice, at least for California consumers. Each California consumer would have remedies through the class action which he or she would not have on an individual basis because of cost.

"I'm pursuing this lawsuit to teach MEL HARRIS & ASSOCIATES a lesson: consumers deserve proper service of complaints and due process just like large corporations do. Just because my name isn't Microsoft is no reason that I don't deserve protections under the laws of the United States and California. In my opinion, MEL HARRIS & ASSOCIATES seems to think that consumer debtors are second-class citizens who can be tricked in fooled, and I intend with this lawsuit to teach MEL HARRIS & ASSOCIATES that this is definitely not the case in California."

Mr. Youssefyeh has hired the La Crescenta, California firm of Brennan, Wiener & Associates ("BWA") to prosecute the class action in a California court.

"My clients are understandably outraged," commented Robert F. Brennan, lead counsel for the plaintiff class. So far, Brennan has collected much anecdotal evidence with which he intends to prove in court that what MEL HARRIS & ASSOCIATES allegedly did to Mr. Youssefyeh has been done to many California consumers, as well as consumers from other states.

The class members have filed a class action in the Los Angeles Superior Court, Afshin David Youssefyeh and Liza Youssefyeh v. Mel Harris & Associates, et al., Case No. BC 398 315.

Brennan offers some tips on handling "sewer service" situations when they arise. "If the amount of money is sufficient, then obviously hire a lawyer and fight it, or if it's local for you, appear in court and fight it yourself. Bring proof: if the process server claims he served you at 3 p.m. at your home on a certain day and you can prove you were at work at that time, bring this proof so you can show it to the judge. Consider setting up a website or a blog so that you can group with some other victims and perhaps be able to maintain a class action lawsuit against the debt collector. Also, advise your bank that you will sue them if they levy upon your accounts based on a fraudulent judgment. Mrl Youssefyeh did, and Washington Mutual removed the levy."

Brennan's websites, www.socaldebtcollectionabuse.com and www.socalcreditdamage.com, each give consumers the tools for handing abusive debt collection false credit reporting situations.

About Robert F. Brennan: Robert F. Brennan, Esq. and his firm, Brennan, Wiener & Associates, 3150 Montrose Ave., La Crescenta, Ca., handle wrongful and abusive debt collection, identity theft and wrongful credit report damage cases for residents of Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange and Ventura Counties. Contact Information: Robert F. Brennan, Brennan, Wiener & Associates, 3150 Montrose Ave., La Crescenta, Ca. 91214, (818) 249-5291. Mr. Brennan and his firm are the leading consumer protection, wrongful debt collection and wrongful credit damage attorneys in Southern California. Mr. Brennan has been selected as a "Southern California Super Lawyer" for three years running, for 2006, 2007 and 2008.

# # #

Brennan, Wiener & Associates
ROBERT BRENNAN
(818) 249-5291

What is a collection company? Posted by Robert Paisola

What is a collection company?

The two most likely scenarios are.

Some creditors will attempt to fool a debtor by using a separate company name, address, and phone number for their internal collection departments, in order to give the impression of an “outside” agency. This strategy is should only be used when the debt is recent (under six months past due.)

However, most debt collection activity is performed by a third-party collection company, These are separate from the original creditors, and “work” bad debt on behalf of various lenders and 1st party credit granters. They occasionally purchase bad debts which have been designated as charge-offs or write-off’s by the original creditor.

This article will spotlight 3rd party collection companies

How does a collection company get paid?

3rd party debt collection companies often work on 100% commission, where they only get paid when they recover funds. Collectors are usually paid a small hourly wage plus commissions and/or bonus based on results.

Many collection companies purchase substantial debt portfolios of charged-off accounts for a fraction of the total face amount (total amount outstanding) After a portfolio is sold off, the debtors now owe the entire amount to the purchasing company. The probability of collecting money decreases substantially over time, an agency might only pay 1% - 5% of face value. The agencies’ profits come from the difference between the purchase price and the amounts that are hopefully collected.

How does the collection company work?

The primary tools of a collection company are letters and telephone calls.

What are the dunning notices like?

The dunning letters are usually computer-generated. They are often in a standardized series which starts with a simple, “reminder” tone, and may buildup to a final demand. The letters are pre-written and sent to many debtors; they are not personal.

The first letter must state that the recipient has the right to dispute the validity of the debt (in writing), and the agency must send some confirmation after verifying it with the original creditor. Collection letters must also contain the statement that they come from a debt collector, and that any information gathered will be used for the purpose of collecting the debt. Collectors are legally prohibited from printing anything on the outside of the envelope which indicates or suggests the nature of the communication. Even the return address must be discreet, so many agencies will just use their company’s initials, or some other nondescript name.

The debtor’s reaction to the letters will affect which letters the agency will select from its repertoire. Cooperation (e.g. making payment arrangements and/or partial payments) may result in letters with a gentler tone. Evasive or hostile reactions from the debtor may result in a more threatening tone.

Collectors attempt to create a sense of urgency, to try and collect the debt within the shortest amount of time. This hopefully will encourage the debtor to prioritize that particular obligation. Deadlines may be set, such as, Pay this amount within 10 days. There may also be threats, such as, …Or we will proceed with further collection attempts. But most of the time, if a debtor fails to meet the deadline, all that will happen is that yet another dunning letter will arrive, making the same basic demand. The & further collection action usually just means more dunning letters.

Collection letters will always coax the debtor to call the collection company directly via the telephone. If the debtor doesn’t call within thirty days, then a collector will usually attempt to contact the debtor again.

What are the phone calls like?

Individual telephone collectors may be assigned a group of accounts, and spend their entire workday, every day, calling them. Their enthusiasm is fueled by frequent performance evaluations and personal commission payments. The size of a collector’s own paycheck is dependent upon how much money s/he extracts from debtors. Between that factor, and the relentless confrontations, this is a very high-stress job, with high employee turnover.

If a debt collector calls and reaches someone other than the debtor (e.g. a friend), s/he is legally prohibited from disclosing That this is an attempt to collect a debt. Every state is different but this may or may not include the debtor’s spouse. If the collector reaches an answering machine or voice mail, s/he will often leave a FDCPA approved message, but is prohibited from giving details for the call, since someone besides the debtor might hear it. The basic message goes something like, “I am calling for Jane Doe. It is very important that you call me back. My name is JR Rooney, and my number is 1-631-776-8109.” S/he will typically sound rather unemotional and stiff. Collection companies may be required to provide a phone number which is free for the debtor to call. They also may attach their toll free numbers to caller ID equipment which instantly identifies and logs the phone number the debtor is calling from, in order to call the debtor at that number at a later date.

When contacting a debtor, many collectors (especially those with very little experience) will use an approved script, which contains a pre-written introduction, demands for payment, and has various branches to follow. Based on how the debtor responds, rebuttals are also provided. If a particular debtor is wasting too much time, without agreeing to pay, the collector will be urged to move on to other accounts.

Any information obtained will be used for collection purposes. If the debtor gives information about his/her financial situation (e.g. income or current employment, etc.) it will be recorded on the debtors permanent record and used to estimate the probability of a successful collection and/or the advantage of legal action, and so forth.

Can the collection company actually do anything?

If they are working the debt on commission, they can send some more form letters and make some more scripted phone calls.

They can also mark the item as negative with the credit bureaus. If they are working on contingency, they can recommend filing suit, or if they own the account, they can file suit. However, the actual chances or intentions of this are often significantly less than they try to suggest to the debtor.

Collection companies can not legally seize a debtor’s assets, bank accounts, or paycheck unless there has already been a successful lawsuit with a judgment awarded to them.

Collection companies can not legally make any kind of public announcements or disclosures concerning the debt, except to the credit bureaus.

Collection companies can not legally get a debtor fired from his/her job.

Collection companies can not legally engage in any type of physical violence or threats to collect.

Why does the debtor pay?

Many times the reasons include fear, guilt, intimidation, and a lack of understanding of the legal remedies available. Plus it is the right thing to do.

The debtor may feel guilty and ashamed of being a “deadbeat,” and may perceive a judgment of his/her value as a person.

The debtor may have greatly exaggerated ideas about what collectors are (legally) capable of doing, and may have outdated stereotypes in mind.

The debtor may be overwhelmed by the aggressive and relentless demands, from companies that may seem so powerful. S/he may take it personally, and assume that great individual attention is being given to this particular collection file.

Consumers being contacted by collection companies are typically in serious financial difficulty, and under emotional stress about the general situation, so they may be confused and vulnerable.

Many debtors aren’t aware of their legal rights, and feel powerless.

There are two basic things that a collection company can actually do that a debtor should be concerned about. These involve negative info being reported to the credit bureaus, and the unlikely possibility of a lawsuit.

What about credit reports?

Third-party collection companies may report a debt to one or more of the credit bureaus, as a “Collection Account,” including the amount, and whether it was paid or not. Paying off a collection account will not result in the item being removed from the consumer’s credit reports - it will simply be marked “Paid.” Agencies can report both debts that they have bought, and also debts that they are working on behalf of the actual creditor.

Also, a collection company may request a debtor’s credit file, in order to get an idea of his/her general financial situation, and to get an updated address and phone number.

How long do collection accounts last?

Collection accounts are subject to the normal seven-year time limit for appearing on credit reports. As specified in Section 605 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, this time limit is based on the date of the original delinquency.

What are the chances of a lawsuit?

If the debt was placed on contingency, the 3rd party collection company cannot file a lawsuit. If the balance is large enough and the debtor is being resistant and if there are indications that the debtor has vulnerable assets, the agency may send the account back to the creditor with a recommendation to file suit. Every creditor has its own criteria for the final decision; for example, the amount must be substantial (often $1500 or more, at the very least.)

Collection companies tend to avoid sending too many accounts back, since it suggests that they aren’t very good at collecting. Also, letters and phone calls are much less expensive than going to court.

If an agency has bought a debt, then they have the ability to sue, but by that time, the debt is likely to be rather old, and the agency doesn’t have much invested in it.

Collectors tend to focus on fear and intimidation, since those things can work much more quickly, cheaply, and efficiently than legal action.

Suit is certainly brought against many debtors, but not as often as debtors think. There is a big difference between, “Pay up or we will continue with collection action,” compared to an actual Summons And Complaint.

If the debt is substantial and recent, and the debtor appears to be a good target (e.g. reasonable assets or income), a lawsuit is a real possibility. If you are served with legal documents specifying a particular court, hearing date, etc., you should see a qualified attorney immediately. That area is beyond the scope of this FAQ.

Who regulates collection companies?

The most important law is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which places many restrictions on collection activities. The FDCPA only covers 3rd party collection companies, not original creditors.

All the states have applicable laws regarding such things as telephone harassment.

Who enforces the FDCPA?

The Federal Trade Commission oversees the collections industry, and has the authority to impose fines or other penalties for violations. However, the FTC does not get involved with individual consumers’ cases. They accept a large number of complaints, and look for patterns of violations which could then lead to action against a particular collection company.

What if a collection company ownes the debt?

The agency then becomes the creditor for most purposes. The debtor will not be able to make any negotiations with the original creditor. The agency might be technically able to file a lawsuit against the debtor, (although this is not likely.)

However, the Federal Trade Commission has issued a Staff Opinion Letter which indicates that, even if a collection company has purchased a debt, it is still covered under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act as a “third-party debt collector.”

What about the relevant time limits?

The debt does not become some kind of “new” debt just because of being sold. For example, the seven-year credit reporting time limit is still based on the original delinquency date with the original creditor. The statute of limitations for filing lawsuits is also based on that same date. These limits can not be legitimately “reset” by a collection company that has bought the debt.

However, the statute of limitations may possibly be reset if the debtor makes a specific promise to pay, or a partial payment.

Can the collection company do anything after the time limit expires?

Yes. The statute of limitations only covers the filing of lawsuits, and the credit reporting time limit only covers bureau listings. There is no time limit on letters and phone calls.

A collection company that has purchased a bundle of “out-of-statute” debts (where the SOL has already expired, or “run”) is hoping that, either the debtors will feel guilty, or that they won’t be aware of that “out-of-statute” status. But if a particular debtor makes it clear that s/he understands the legal situation, then the collectors are likely to give up and move on to easier targets.

Can collectors call the debtor’s place of employment?

Yes, but there are limitations. For example, they can not legally tell your employer about the debt, or try to have you fired.

Is there any way to make them stop calling?

Yes. According to section 805 of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act:

“(c) CEASING COMMUNICATION. If a consumer notifies a debt collector in writing that the consumer refuses to pay a debt or that the consumer wishes the debt collector to cease further communication with the consumer, the debt collector shall not communicate further with the consumer with respect to such debt, except –

(1) to advise the consumer that the debt collector’s further efforts are being terminated;

(2) to notify the consumer that the debt collector or creditor may invoke specified remedies which are ordinarily invoked by such debt collector or creditor; or

(3) where applicable, to notify the consumer that the debt collector or creditor intends to invoke a specified remedy.

If such notice from the consumer is made by mail, notification shall be complete upon receipt.”

So the consumer can just send a 3rd party collection company a written notice (preferably citing the FDCPA), ordering them to stop the collection letters and calls, and the agency is legally obligated to comply. The only permissible contact thereafter is to notify the debtor of specific “remedies,” like legal action, but usually the collectors won’t even bother.

If the creditor hasn’t yet made a decision on whether or not to file a lawsuit, then that decision may be made at this point, rather than being delayed.

After a “cease and desist” notice from the consumer, the debt may then be returned to the original creditor, passed on to another third-party agency, or simply filed away, depending on the circumstances. The agency may still report the account to the credit bureaus.

From JR Rooney

Tim Rushing at Nationwide Credit Goes Down in Fire by an American Express Debtor, Robert Paisola Investigates

Note From Robert Paisola- This is one of the best phone calls that we at Western Capital have EVER received from a client. This goes to show how much effect that WESTERN CAPITAL is having on the American Credit System. Again, NEVER EVER EVER pay a debt collection agency. Also, EVERY SINGLE READER MUST LISTEN TO THE CALL made by our client. This is how YOU should handle any call with a debt collector. Absolutely amazing job sir!

Here is the recording of the call



Mr. Robert Paisola,

I was contacted by Nationwide Credit on Friday April 4, 2008 about a delinquent American Express account. They tried very hard to get me to pay the debt in full or make a large down payment and payment arrangements. I offered to pay them $8500.00 within 5 days to settle the account and that was unacceptable. When I asked for them to send me something in writing, they refused and told me I had to take advantage of their offer that day or my account would “go to audit”. They wanted my bank account information and a date when they could electronically transfer funds from my account. I refused and told them that I needed to research this further and they needed to contact me via phone today, April 7, 2008.

While doing research, I found your website with the recording and transcripts from past dealings with Nationwide Credit.

I am attaching a recording of the phone call I had today with Tim Rushing, a Supervisor in the Sacramento office. If you would like to contact me please use my personal email, zoominternet.net or call 724-XXX-XXXX

Earl