RPM trying to collect a fake debt
Complaint
JP
Country: United States
On 4 Apr 08 I got a call from Receivables Performance Management (RPM) claiming that I owe $85 on a Verizon account from 2000. I know that I’ve never had a Verizon account, and that my phone account from 2000 (I forget which company) was paid properly. So I told the RPM rep that they were full of s**t, and that I wanted written proof that this debt is actually mine. They had the last 4 of my SSN and tried to pass that off as “proof” that their info was legitimate. I still didn’t fall for it and asked for everything in writing.
Fortunately I have records that go back that far. I also called Verizon to confirm that they don’t have any account information with my name on it. Surprisingly they have no record of me ever having an account with them. I then went online to find out if RPM is some sort of scam. They are a “legitimate” company, yet seem to be practicing what I would describe as predatory debt collection, or legal extortion. Unfortunately, there is not much information on the internet yet about RPM. However, there is a lot of information about AFNI, who seem to be doing the same thing.
So, after I found this web page, and read all of the information about AFNI, I downloaded the FDCPA and FCRA and read them. I’m sending RPM a letter in accordance with the FDCPA. I’m also sending the letter to my state’s AG and the WA state AG. (RPM is located in Bothell WA.) I also checked all of my credit reports to make sure that nothing has been placed on them. I’ll continue to monitor my credit reports very closely for the next few months. As this develops I’ll update this comment.
I’m considering contacting a lawyer to see if what RPM is doing is in any way actually extortion. It’s a crime that the max penalty under FDCPA and FCRA is only $1000 or actual damages. Obviously that small amount isn’t enough of an incentive to keep these companies from violating the law. I’m also going to contact my Congressmen about this. Maybe if enough of us complain the law can get changed?
Oh, and a huge thanks to the poster on this site TJ! His information and advice was invaluable!!
Fortunately I have records that go back that far. I also called Verizon to confirm that they don’t have any account information with my name on it. Surprisingly they have no record of me ever having an account with them. I then went online to find out if RPM is some sort of scam. They are a “legitimate” company, yet seem to be practicing what I would describe as predatory debt collection, or legal extortion. Unfortunately, there is not much information on the internet yet about RPM. However, there is a lot of information about AFNI, who seem to be doing the same thing.
So, after I found this web page, and read all of the information about AFNI, I downloaded the FDCPA and FCRA and read them. I’m sending RPM a letter in accordance with the FDCPA. I’m also sending the letter to my state’s AG and the WA state AG. (RPM is located in Bothell WA.) I also checked all of my credit reports to make sure that nothing has been placed on them. I’ll continue to monitor my credit reports very closely for the next few months. As this develops I’ll update this comment.
I’m considering contacting a lawyer to see if what RPM is doing is in any way actually extortion. It’s a crime that the max penalty under FDCPA and FCRA is only $1000 or actual damages. Obviously that small amount isn’t enough of an incentive to keep these companies from violating the law. I’m also going to contact my Congressmen about this. Maybe if enough of us complain the law can get changed?
Oh, and a huge thanks to the poster on this site TJ! His information and advice was invaluable!!
Comments
If they keep calling after receiving your letter, file complaints for FDCPA violations with FTC and your state Attorney General, and find an attorney with experience in FDCPA and TCPA litigation. Both allow courts to award attorney fees, FDCPA allows for actual damages plus $1000, and TCPA allows for damages of $500 per call, and even higher if "willful".
The talk-off they use, that they sent some letter to some other address, but that is was "your fault", is aimed at convincing people they have no right to dispute. It is a deceptive collection tactic in violation of FDCPA.
Deceptive collection is an indicator suggesting fraud.
They are evading their legal responsibilities under FDCPA to validate alleged debt. You cannot rely on or trust what they way on the phone.
" If I didn't pay they would seek legal action against me. "
If they do not actually sue, then they are making an illegal threat, again in violation of FDCPA.
Contact FTC, your state Attorney General, and the Washington State Attorney General.
Receivable Performance Management, LLC is an accounts receivable management company. The company was incorporated in 2002 and is based in Lynwood, Washington.
20816 44th Avenue, West
Lynwood, WA 98036
United States
Founded in 2003
They have been calling my 6 year old son's phone.
I spoke with a "Josh" and explained this was an incorrect number and please remove the number. After being told that was not possible, and being hung up on twice, and speaking to 3 or 4 different people I was able to finally remove the number, after being told repeatedly that a reverse look up was not possible.
Thanks to someone named Vladimir, who did the reverse look up and fixed the issue. Humm turns out it was possible. I HOPE!
This is another of the blood sucking companies that buy debt and try to capitalize on that debt, making the debtor pay more than the debt was really worth.
Please see these stories of other peoples issues with this company.
http://www.ripoffreport.com/collection-agency-s/rpm-receivables-perf/rpm-receivables-performance-e78ww.htm
It's an FDCPA violation for deceptive collection, a "con", and an attempt to fraudulently get money from people who don't owe it.
Several alleged employees have claimed this is legal, indicating they are probably being trained to do it.
I did, after several requests, get "Zane" to give me the RPM mailing address.
Now, after "Zane" refused to give his last name (as required by law), I told him to wait because I wanted to tape the call. "Zane" said he didn't give consent to taping the call, so I hung up.
Now that I have a mailing address, "Zane" will be receiving a nice letter from my attorney very shortly.
people like to know why and what's the purpose you need th info for. You didn't pay your bill so collectors calling is a small price you pay. Nobody forces you to answer the calls you just answer it like a Jack @ss and start going off to someone who doesn't know you or the situation. If you explained yourself maybe somebody would help but you want to be a wise guy about it!
to other countries.
File fraud complaints with FTC and your state Attorney General.
Since the remainder of this bill you didn't owe is now in the hands of a new debt collector, send a dispute and validation request letter, certified. If you send a validation request within 30 days of receiving their first letter, they are required by FDCPA to cease all collection activity until they obtain and send validation from the original creditor.
They will probably try to fraudulently claim your earlier payment is "proof" you owe it, rather than obtaining any proof from the original creditor. Insist in documentation from the original creditor, and sue them if they harass you or damage your credit over someone else's bill.
You might want to hand this off to a consumer attorney, as they are more likely to quickly settle when faced with paying your attorney fees on top of damages. You might try www.naca.net to find an attorney in your state.
Such problems are best dealt with by a good attorney, shifting the costs of illegal practices back where it belongs.
Those are violations of FDCPA, and have nothing to do with "not paying your bills". Similar complaints got Allied Interstate a record $1.7 Million fine.