Both of the debt collectors below appear to collect on payday loans, share the same M.O. threatening arrest with implications of physical harm, and both are located in Jacksonville FL.
Note the case below where even though payment was made, the original payday lender claims they received no payment.
Note that in a number of cases threats extended to the employer or other employees.
"Legal Mediation Practice" appears to be located in Jacksonville FL. They are reported to collect on payday loans, and to threaten arrest of people they call at their place of work.
Legal Mediation Practice, Inc. 1919-4 Blanding Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32210 Duval County
www.debtconsolidationcare.com/legalmediationpractice-1.html "In January 06 I took out a payday loan, shortly after that, the company closed the office and left no phone numbers or any way to contact them. I let it go and waited for them to contact me. June 07 I was called by LMP and told that I would be arrested at my job if I didn't pay within 24 hrs. I did, but now I'm being contacted by a collector from the payday company saying that the debt was never paid. "
"This place has been calling my office looking for 1 of my field associates for 2 weeks atleast 20 times a week,Threating to have me arrested and sueing the company I work for.When I got there number and called to speak to his manager he screamed at me and threatened me over and over again.Stating that it is a law office and there is no manager. "
"mad mom - 16 Oct 2007 This man Kevin peterson called my work several times and each time getting bolder and nastier. He had everyone at my job thinking that I was going to be arrested for banking fraud. He even had our assist. manager believing that if I didn't answer the call that some how my work place would be involved in this matter. He was telling whoever answered the phone that they were liars and to quit protecting me. At first after I talked to him I was real scared because of the tone and some of the stuff that he said. That next Monday when he called I tried to tell him that I couldn't come up with the $$ He said that I was going to be sorry and that only God could help me. Well, then I got mad. I called a lawyer and the police. I changed my phone # also. The police told me about this web site. and the lawyer told me that he had broken at least 10 laws just by the little that I had told her. That night I went home and listened to all the messages on my machine before the new #. Every message from him was from a different number. Each one was worse then the one before. The last one said "You have done it now and not even God can help you now". This person and who he works for are total jerks. They say not to worry but when someone calls you at least 4 times a day at home and at work, well you tell me???"
"Betty - 31 Oct 2007 I got a message today on my answering machine saying he was Kevin Peterson, and I was being sued and was going to be arrested--he never stated why. The phone number he gave was 312-422-5133, but my caller id said 321-422-5133. I got a similar phone call two months ago, and it really freaked me out and had me scared. Now I get another phone call, so I googled it--and ended up here. This guy is scary--saying even God can't help me. What do you do about this? Caller ID: 321-422-5133"
"Sasha - 23 Oct 2007 Well Office Kevin Peterson called me also and i really got scared in the beginning. After awhile i researched online and found this blog. I contacted the Economic Crime Unit. If you guys are still getting calls you have to contact the Dept. of Financial Services(1-800-342-2762) and also www.ftc.gov. This guy is impersonating a police officer when he is not and the is illegal. He is just a bill collector. Does anyone have a mailing address on this guy? Please let me know. If i should get the mailing address i will post on here for you. I'm sure his name is not kevin peterson by his accent. Caller ID: 321-422-5133"
"Caller: Office Kevin Peterson Caller Type: Collection Agency
Rating: 0 Sasha - 23 Oct 2007 Ok Guys here is the mailing address to this guy in case you guys want to write him a "certified letter" saying that you want him to stop calling you. 101 Century 21 Drive # 107 Jacksonville, FL 32216. Keep me posted on what happens. I spoke to someone just now and asked me to file a complaint online at www.myfloridalegal.com go to contact us and then hit go and the form will come up. GOOD LUCK TO ALL"
0
tj
Florida Attorney General just reached a settlement with a Jacksonville debt collector employing the above tactics. Call the Florida AG to see if you are dealing with the same parties.
Ok people, I have been researching this company for the last two days and here's what Ive learned. My idiot husband took out a payday loan while we were seperated. These idiots called my cell phone looking for him, telling me to have my husband wait, that he would be arrested. The moron that called me identified himself as "officer nick" Now I immediately smelled a rat, so I had a little fun. I started recording the conversations, and even hung up on him several time. He called back. I asked for validation of the debt, he said he didn't have to do that, I asked him what he was an officer of, he said "the law." He kept cussing and calling me "stupid lady stupid lady" Now I have already contacted the FTC and the Texas AG's office. Now below are the things I have found out, and I hope they can help you out.
1. The originaly payday loans company, Midland Marketing is based out of Nevis, West Indies so there is a STRONG possibility that United Pay Services or United Processing are located over seas as well. 2. United pay services is a fake name. There is a legal document on file with Floridy stating that the name is fake. 3. These people are not officers of anything exceept maybe the tooth fairy. 4. Just about the whole conversation that you have with them will be full of illegal statements so record if you can. 5. The phone numbers are static, and stolen, meaning they're using fake phone numbers, some of which actually belong to reputable businesses. 6. DON'T SEND THEM MONEY, you'll just be falling for a scam, and probably not even relieving the original debt. 7. I am still trying to find an address for these people and so far the best I have done is a po box for midland marketing in the West Indies.
0
tj
There was a cluster of "officer impersonator" debt collectors operating out of Jacksonville FL, including one who was recently shut down by the FL AG. There appeared to be at least 3 or 4 separate debt collection companies, but with some apparent links.
The "fake name" document you refer to may be a "fictitious business name" filing, often called a "DBA" (doing business as). It is often required to operate under any name other than your own, often as part of getting a local business license, or opening a bank account under a name other than your personal name. Wherever that was filed in FL might indicate where they are doing business.
Have you called the Florida AG?
You would want to check on Florida licensing requirements for both the original payday lender, and for debt collectors.
0
tj
Here is a recent report on one of the companies listed above, located in Jacksonville, and threatening arrest to collect alleged debts.
"United Processing Posted: 2007-12-19 by Mickey Harassment!
Company information: United Processing 101 Century 21 Dr Jacksonville, Florida United States Phone: 904-723-3175 www.unitedproc.com
This company is very low when it comes to calling my number. They called my job and threaten to take me to jail for a worthless check. I am very upset because I work for a banking company and worthless checks is unacceptable here. I have never written any checks. I don't own a check book at all, for them to call my job and disclose information to my boss, is unlawful. So I took off work for that day and since I live right here in Jacksonville Fl. I went down to their physical address at 101 Century 21 Dr. and called a police escort, to escort me inside and have them stop calling my home and job about an untruthful matter... I am very pissed and angry with this company. This is truly a Scam. I sat and watched the building for about an hour... they come and go as they please... If they had known that I was coming to their business today. They can just pack up and leave the office like nothing is going on in the building. So what type of job you know that can shut down business like a drop of a dime! Its A SCAM!! If they call you try recording the call and advise that you are recording the call at every chance... They will hang up on you and stop calling once you mention the call is being recorded.
Very Pissed, but satisfied for the look on their faces when I walked into the office. "
0
darlene
I recieved a phone call at work today for a payday loan that has had payments made on. The person calling said his name was Nathan Brooks from Legal Mediation Practice. He threatened that if I didn't make a payment of 590.00 by noon I would suffer consequences at work and/or at home. I explained that I didn't have 590.00 and he told me to borrow it from someone. I took his name and # 800-201-0565 ext 274. He then transferred me to a female whom also threatened me with consequences at work and home if I did not make this payment in full. She then hung up on me. I called them back on lunch break and asked Mr Brooks for the name of the female he had connected me to and he wanted to know why I wanted to know. Was I trying to find out where she lived? I said No I want to file a complaint about the harrassing phone call I recieved at work. He hung up on me. I hope that is the end of their crap. I'm glad I came across these complaints so I know I'm not imagining the harrassment they made. I will print this and show my boss in case they try to notify him.
How funny! I got a call from the SAME # "and" EXT., but the guy's name given was ROBERT TAYLOR??? Basically same threats and like you, I've paid off the so called payday loan back in 2007. NOW they're calling my place of employment , leaving messages on my ext. Then , like you, I GOGGLED the phone # Mr. TAYLOR left and BEHOLD! I find ALL this out , just by doing some "research myself". I can tell you all, that the NEXT time I get calls like this , i will DEFENITELY mention about "my research on their company" on the website, that I 've made a complaint on them as well and let the ATTY General for their area contact them, see what they have to respond?
Thank you SO much for the info. on these " scam artists ".
0
jg wentworth
thanks for the info-some militant [***] fom united left some hateful messages regarding me going to jail on my parents answering machine-thanks for confirming what i already suspected -i have nothing to worry about-peace! j.g.
0
tj
File a complaint with the Florida Attorney General.
They went after a couple other debt collectors pulling the same crap also in the Jacksonville area. Here is one:
Yesterday morning I received a phone call from a company called united processing, I spoke to a man, stating that I owed money for a payday loan totalling 700.oo, He advised me that I wrote a fraudulent check and that I needed to pay him the money now to prevent myself from going to jail. I advised this man that I don't write fraudulent checks and that I don't want to discuss this at my job. He then stated that If I don't pay him via western union by the end of the day, He will have a sheriff come to my home or job to arrest me. I hung up the phone on him, he called me right back and asked to speak with my supervisor about this issue, I hung up on him again, he then called back stating that If I hang up on him again, he will call every employee he can reach within my job and tell them about my situation. I told him that this is harassment and to stop calling me. He called a total of 20 times. Later on, This lady by the name of Kimberly Jones called me attempting to collect money via western union as well, I advised her that I am aware that this company is a fraud/ I advised her to stop bullying me and to not call me again. Once they realized there scam wasn't gonna work with me, they started calling and asking for my minor child and mentioning distant relatives but, I just laughed and hung up, luckily I have a private office and I don't work in an open area because, If I did that would have been horrible, I was able to tape 3 of the conversations and I have a pending court case. Also, if anyone else plan on sueing them, It would be great to tape some of the conversations if you can, just make sure you let them know the call is being recorded but, either way they should be sued because they are breaking every fair debt collection act. The company showed up on the caller ID as united processing out of jacksonville, FL. 904-727-7116. Please do not fall for the scam.
0
tj
Claiming that the post-dated check provided to payday lenders becomes a criminal offense if it bounces is a common tactic used by debt collectors to pressure payday loan borrowers. It is generally false. I take it that since you don't write "fraudulent checks", you also don't owe any "payday loan", and these jerks have contacted the wrong person. They have already shown that they are using skip-tracing to identify your relatives and minor child, but with tactics like this, you would hardly expect them to be any good at it.
Contact the Florida Attorney General. They are investigating several companies engaged in this behavior in the Jacksonville area.
Also, since their calls are crossing from just harassment, to the implied threat of arrest, including implied threats against your minor child, file a complaint with your local police, and your state Attorney General.
Although telling them you are recording may help stop them from calling, keep in mind that even in states that may require two party notification of recording, there are likely exceptions for calls involving threats and extortion. Threats of immediate "arrest" if you don't wire them money by Western Union, particularly when you don't owe them anything, and never even had any contact with any payday lender, would appear to fit under "extortion".
The issue with recording is not about whether some outfit like this could somehow get you prosecuted if you didn't notify them you were recording a threatening call you were a party to, as that is hardly likely. It is primarily about whether the recording could be excluded as evidence against them in court. Federal law is only one party, so this would primarily be an issue if you sued them in state court. In addition, states may have an exception to two party recording for calls involving threats and extortion. California is one state with case law supporting this position, and a recent case specifically involved threats to or endangerment of a minor.
You cannot know what actions individuals might take when they have already indicated they are willing to blatantly violate law and engage in threats, including physical threats. Therefore take all actions that you need to in order to protect yourself and your family.
0
Ted
I don't know where to start with all this. First of all, one of my friend just informed me that she just received $20,000 from fbi1westernunion@aol.com ( officer robert ) all after she sent him $600 through Western Union. So, I asked her where he's coming from. She said he's from Nigeria ( she said he works in U.S. ). I told her I think it is totally scam. I beleive so. Can you please report to Federals or something ? I don't know what to do with this since I am deaf.
Your sincerely,
Ted
0
tj
What you are describing is known as a "Nigerian" scam, possibly wrapped to look like an advance fee loan, or even the old "bank investigator" con.
The $600 she send via Western Union was real (Western Union only takes real money), while the $20,000 she received will probably turn out to be fake. If any money showed up in her account, the bank will probably take it back once whatever cashiers check or account number is found out to be forged or phony. If she goes out and spends the $20,000, the bank asks for it back, and she can't pay them back, she is in deep [***], since in the bank's eyes she owes it, or worse, they may claim she tried to steal it from them.
0
tj
FBI agents don't use e-mail addresses like "fbi1westernunion@aol.com"
If you want to report this, start by calling the FBI, since that is who these jokers are impersonating. Just don't expect this to be high on their list.
Also file complaints with your local police, since she has already been defrauded out of the $600. Contact your local TV station, so they can warn others that this variation of the scam is going around.
0
Krissy
They have a local addresss in Jacksonville, FL it is:
101 Century 21 Drive Jacksonville, FL 32216 904-723-3175
I filed a police report today and am going to the media. Never talk to these people. They are not even using there real names.
0
Krissy
I had the same thing happen to me. I was wondering if you could tell me the name of your attorney as I too would like to file a suit.
0
DB
A friend IM'ed me and told me that he was very happy and now rich because he was getting money from the US government. He asked if I wanted information on that, and I said yes, because I can smell out those scams and wanted more information to warn other deaf people in the community. I was told to IM IRS1WesternUnion, and this person tried to solicit information from me, including my SSN. When I refused and asked for his full name, he gave me "Robert Mueller", the director for the FBI. The english used was broken and sounded like a deaf person struggling with english skills or a foriegner was communicating with me. I reported this to the FBI, and have spread the word to those in the deaf community. Other screennames being used by Officer "robert" include AAmericanLotto4U and deaflotto1, and Fbiwesternunion1. Please spread the word!
Comments
Note the case below where even though payment was made, the original payday lender claims they received no payment.
Note that in a number of cases threats extended to the employer or other employees.
---------------------------------------------------
"Legal Mediation Practice" appears to be located in Jacksonville FL.
They are reported to collect on payday loans, and to threaten arrest of people they call at their place of work.
www.debtconsolidationcare.com/legalmediationpractice.html
Legal Mediation Practice, Inc.
1919-4 Blanding Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32210
Duval County
www.debtconsolidationcare.com/legalmediationpractice-1.html
"In January 06 I took out a payday loan, shortly after that, the company closed the office and left no phone numbers or any way to contact them. I let it go and waited for them to contact me. June 07 I was called by LMP and told that I would be arrested at my job if I didn't pay within 24 hrs. I did, but now I'm being contacted by a collector from the payday company saying that the debt was never paid. "
---------------------------------------------------
"United Processing Legal Headquarters" / "United Processing Group" / "Kevin Peterson" also appears to be in Jacksonville FL. Same threats of arrest.
101 Century 21 Drive # 107
Jacksonville, FL 32216
www.800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-321-422-5133
"This place has been calling my office looking for 1 of my field associates for 2 weeks atleast 20 times a week,Threating to have me arrested and sueing the company I work for.When I got there number and called to speak to his manager he screamed at me and threatened me over and over again.Stating that it is a law office and there is no manager. "
"mad mom - 16 Oct 2007
This man Kevin peterson called my work several times and each time getting bolder and nastier. He had everyone at my job thinking that I was going to be arrested for banking fraud. He even had our assist. manager believing that if I didn't answer the call that some how my work place would be involved in this matter. He was telling whoever answered the phone that they were liars and to quit protecting me. At first after I talked to him I was real scared because of the tone and some of the stuff that he said. That next Monday when he called I tried to tell him that I couldn't come up with the $$ He said that I was going to be sorry and that only God could help me. Well, then I got mad. I called a lawyer and the police. I changed my phone # also. The police told me about this web site. and the lawyer told me that he had broken at least 10 laws just by the little that I had told her. That night I went home and listened to all the messages on my machine before the new #. Every message from him was from a different number. Each one was worse then the one before. The last one said "You have done it now and not even God can help you now". This person and who he works for are total jerks. They say not to worry but when someone calls you at least 4 times a day at home and at work, well you tell me???"
"Betty - 31 Oct 2007
I got a message today on my answering machine saying he was Kevin Peterson, and I was being sued and was going to be arrested--he never stated why. The phone number he gave was 312-422-5133, but my caller id said 321-422-5133. I got a similar phone call two months ago, and it really freaked me out and had me scared. Now I get another phone call, so I googled it--and ended up here. This guy is scary--saying even God can't help me. What do you do about this?
Caller ID: 321-422-5133"
"Sasha - 23 Oct 2007
Well Office Kevin Peterson called me also and i really got scared in the beginning. After awhile i researched online and found this blog. I contacted the Economic Crime Unit. If you guys are still getting calls you have to contact the Dept. of Financial Services(1-800-342-2762) and also www.ftc.gov. This guy is impersonating a police officer when he is not and the is illegal. He is just a bill collector. Does anyone have a mailing address on this guy? Please let me know. If i should get the mailing address i will post on here for you. I'm sure his name is not kevin peterson by his accent.
Caller ID: 321-422-5133"
"Caller: Office Kevin Peterson
Caller Type: Collection Agency
Rating: 0 Sasha - 23 Oct 2007
Ok Guys here is the mailing address to this guy in case you guys want to write him a "certified letter" saying that you want him to stop calling you. 101 Century 21 Drive # 107 Jacksonville, FL 32216. Keep me posted on what happens. I spoke to someone just now and asked me to file a complaint online at www.myfloridalegal.com go to contact us and then hit go and the form will come up. GOOD LUCK TO ALL"
http://myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsrel ... 52573A100703D53
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/061107/met_176207561.shtml
1. The originaly payday loans company, Midland Marketing is based out of Nevis, West Indies so there is a STRONG possibility that United Pay Services or United Processing are located over seas as well.
2. United pay services is a fake name. There is a legal document on file with Floridy stating that the name is fake.
3. These people are not officers of anything exceept maybe the tooth fairy.
4. Just about the whole conversation that you have with them will be full of illegal statements so record if you can.
5. The phone numbers are static, and stolen, meaning they're using fake phone numbers, some of which actually belong to reputable businesses.
6. DON'T SEND THEM MONEY, you'll just be falling for a scam, and probably not even relieving the original debt.
7. I am still trying to find an address for these people and so far the best I have done is a po box for midland marketing in the West Indies.
The "fake name" document you refer to may be a "fictitious business name" filing, often called a "DBA" (doing business as). It is often required to operate under any name other than your own, often as part of getting a local business license, or opening a bank account under a name other than your personal name. Wherever that was filed in FL might indicate where they are doing business.
Have you called the Florida AG?
You would want to check on Florida licensing requirements for both the original payday lender, and for debt collectors.
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/united-processing-c39608.html
"United Processing
Posted: 2007-12-19 by Mickey
Harassment!
Company information:
United Processing
101 Century 21 Dr
Jacksonville, Florida
United States
Phone: 904-723-3175
www.unitedproc.com
This company is very low when it comes to calling my number. They called my job and threaten to take me to jail for a worthless check. I am very upset because I work for a banking company and worthless checks is unacceptable here. I have never written any checks. I don't own a check book at all, for them to call my job and disclose information to my boss, is unlawful. So I took off work for that day and since I live right here in Jacksonville Fl. I went down to their physical address at 101 Century 21 Dr. and called a police escort, to escort me inside and have them stop calling my home and job about an untruthful matter... I am very pissed and angry with this company. This is truly a Scam. I sat and watched the building for about an hour... they come and go as they please... If they had known that I was coming to their business today. They can just pack up and leave the office like nothing is going on in the building. So what type of job you know that can shut down business like a drop of a dime! Its A SCAM!! If they call you try recording the call and advise that you are recording the call at every chance... They will hang up on you and stop calling once you mention the call is being recorded.
Very Pissed, but satisfied for the look on their faces when I walked into the office. "
was ROBERT TAYLOR??? Basically same threats and like you, I've paid off the so called payday loan back in 2007. NOW they're calling my place of employment , leaving messages on my ext. Then , like you, I GOGGLED the phone # Mr. TAYLOR left and BEHOLD! I find ALL this out , just by doing some "research myself". I can tell you all, that the NEXT time I get calls like this , i will DEFENITELY mention about "my research on their company" on the website, that I 've made a complaint on them as well and let the ATTY General for their area contact them, see what they have to respond?
Thank you SO much for the info. on these " scam artists ".
They went after a couple other debt collectors pulling the same crap also in the Jacksonville area. Here is one:
http://myfloridalegal.com/lit_ec.nsf/investig ... 52572270076F487
Contact the Florida Attorney General. They are investigating several companies engaged in this behavior in the Jacksonville area.
Also, since their calls are crossing from just harassment, to the implied threat of arrest, including implied threats against your minor child, file a complaint with your local police, and your state Attorney General.
Although telling them you are recording may help stop them from calling, keep in mind that even in states that may require two party notification of recording, there are likely exceptions for calls involving threats and extortion. Threats of immediate "arrest" if you don't wire them money by Western Union, particularly when you don't owe them anything, and never even had any contact with any payday lender, would appear to fit under "extortion".
The issue with recording is not about whether some outfit like this could somehow get you prosecuted if you didn't notify them you were recording a threatening call you were a party to, as that is hardly likely. It is primarily about whether the recording could be excluded as evidence against them in court. Federal law is only one party, so this would primarily be an issue if you sued them in state court. In addition, states may have an exception to two party recording for calls involving threats and extortion. California is one state with case law supporting this position, and a recent case specifically involved threats to or endangerment of a minor.
You cannot know what actions individuals might take when they have already indicated they are willing to blatantly violate law and engage in threats, including physical threats. Therefore take all actions that you need to in order to protect yourself and your family.
Your sincerely,
Ted
The $600 she send via Western Union was real (Western Union only takes real money), while the $20,000 she received will probably turn out to be fake. If any money showed up in her account, the bank will probably take it back once whatever cashiers check or account number is found out to be forged or phony. If she goes out and spends the $20,000, the bank asks for it back, and she can't pay them back, she is in deep [***], since in the bank's eyes she owes it, or worse, they may claim she tried to steal it from them.
If you want to report this, start by calling the FBI, since that is who these jokers are impersonating. Just don't expect this to be high on their list.
Also file complaints with your local police, since she has already been defrauded out of the $600. Contact your local TV station, so they can warn others that this variation of the scam is going around.
101 Century 21 Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32216
904-723-3175
I filed a police report today and am going to the media. Never talk to these people. They are not even using there real names.