Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/17/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This company reached out 4/17 regarding a complaint in their office that was apparently filed against me. Stating a case of ******. They then followed through to call family associated with me with in minutes of missing me. I did my research and have no desire to speak or work with a company with predatory tactics and unprecedented procedures. Whatever they are reaching for needs to be marked as a refusal or this will be deemed harrasment.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/19/2024

  **************, When a consumer files a BBB complaint from a phone call or compliant phone message we are instructed to send this and all information back to the client as a refusal to pay for processing and all information will be removed from our office.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/19/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/16/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I had receive a call today by this company Southwest mediation. When answering the call, I was automatically told I owe a debt by a loan company and also told that I was going to be sued. I didnt verify anything but my name. I let representative know That I dont owe no debt or remember any obligations at all. I told the representative to submit over the original documentation that shows I owe that debt from the Original creditor. Representative is very Unprofessional, Rude, Not knowledgeable of any of the laws. I told this representative to stop calling my phone until I get the original documents that I supposedly signed this loan. The representative stated that she will continue to call my phone . I also was told that I must had a brain injury because how I didnt remember. I deal with chronic depression and anxiety that is nothing to play with. I also let them know I did record them being unprofessional stating these things to me and also not giving me the original documentation that I requested. I do not like being harassed and I do not like being talked to unprofessionally. I let them know to cut all communications off because the Original documentation from the original creditor was not shown or proven.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/17/2024

  ******************, Our office will answer a complaint vigorously as we have been instructed to make contact with you for a Bank Transaction loan you did not honor. The validation of debt was provided by two collection agencies who also mailed out ******* letters to two addresses on file. After those unsuccessful attempts they opted for mediation and our office received the account for processing on 04/04/2024.  This complaint will address the reason for the call not the back and forth between our mediation staff and yourself. Once we verified the debtor of this account with information you provided to this company in including your social security number, driver licenses, Bank information for  educators credit union and deposit of funds provided by the lender we in turn made the phone call to address this outstanding balance that you claim you don't remember. In closing we have sent this complaint and account back to the lender for processing per office procedure and you will not hear from SW Mediation again.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/18/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/15/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This company keeps calling about civil judgement about a debt. This business is calling other people to get information about me. Last year called my sister and left a nasty message about me. My sister is not involved in my life as far as finances. I do not live in the same state with her. The other day I am talking to someone this number called me ************ I was on the line with the other party. As I am speaking to her she put me on hold and advised that a number from ***** was calling her and asking about me. This company was able to spoof my number and know all about my conversations. That is illegal so I asked the person to take a picture of the phone number. Secondly my identity was stolen . Someone tried to open accounts on my name at Citibank and in Marlyland. I am sending the file to the company with no name so they can start civil action. Meanwhile you will not furnish information due to privacy however you can spoof my number to see whom I am having a conversation with. Violation of my privacy period. This company should be out of business harassing people. I want a company who is not underhanded .

  Business Response

  Date: 03/18/2024

  With regards to **************, We initiated a phone call on 03/13/2024 and never contacted her prior as this account came to our office on 03/12/2024. Reaching out to Consumers with spoof calls and switched phone numbers is not our policy and We are sure this office did not contact ************** prior to the dates mentioned in this complaint. This office is very transparent and do not block or spoof our outbound calls and don't fully understand how to use someones personal number to use as caller ID. Maybe ************** has us mistaken for another company and after a back and forth phone calls with ************** her identity was never verified with us and we ended the call. I personally took a call from ************** and explained without cooperation or verification of consumer information we cannot continue to phone call. ************** mentioned her identity was stolen and she is working on that situation so We have closed this matter in out office and she will not receive another phone call from our office.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/21/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was contacted by an agent named **** from Southwest Mediation Services. She claimed that I am being sued for $1,000.00 by Collin County for an alleged debt from 2017, related to a company with which I have never entered into an agreement, neither with my signature nor any other documents. I informed her that this constitutes a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), as well as 15 U.S. Code 1692d regarding harassment or abuse, and 15 U.S. Code 1125 concerning false designation of origin, false descriptions, and dilution forbidden. I requested that they cease all communication with me and remove me from their list due to these violations. Despite this, **** continues to call and harass me. This company has been calling from the phone number ************.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/21/2024

  Your information was removed from our system and this compliant will be forwarded to the creditor as a refusal to pay.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/20/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Business is harassing myself and my family. I wish to no longer have contact.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/20/2024

  We have removed all information regarding this account.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/03/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I received a call from *********************** stating that I owed a magazine company $200+ dollars for magazines I ordered in 2013 and that if I did not settled this debt now then the magazine company would *** me for thousands of dollars. I asked for her named and number and the company I supposedly owed money to. She said that I owed this money to URA. The number she gave me was ************. I dont agree with owing this money and dont fell that anyone should be harassing me about this. Thank you.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/04/2024

  Our office contacted ************** in December 2023 and after a brief conversation with ************************** agreed to see some paperwork first before commuting to a settle. This account was opened on 07/03/2021 for the following Magazines Better Homes & ******* **************** LARGE PRINT, Woman's Health and  Popular Mechanics. The account was delinquent by 06/01/2022 and after 2 attempts to collect URS sent this account to us for **********************. Fast forward to 01/03/2024 the day ************** instructed us to call back after paperwork was mailed to his home address (not received as of Yesterday)  and that and a phone call on 01/03/2024 generated a BBB complaint. We are still willing to work with ************** if he agrees to call *********************** after the requested documents are received by him.

  Please note all complaints are sent to the client immediately with full rebuttal and will not effect a possible settlement for less than owed.  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/12/2024

  The response from the business does not even pertain to me. My name is not *************. Thank you. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/12/2024

   
  Complaint: 21093013
  
  I am rejecting this response because: The response from the business does not even pertain to me. My name is not *************. Thank you.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Business Response

  Date: 01/12/2024

  Sorry about the miscommunication our apologizes 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/13/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have received a phone call on November 13 2023 by this company bullying and threatening me about court about magazine with $500+ . No written documentation just straight threats . I have not live at that address for over 10 years also I had other folks living there . Apparently I signed a verbal contract and to prove my innocence I have to get bank statements from 10 years ago

  Business Response

  Date: 11/14/2023

  *************************, Our office contacted you per a request from Untied Readers for an unpaid debt on a Magazine service contract. While residing on ************* in ************** ** you agreed to receive Woman's Health, Mens Health, ************************************* Girls, Sparkle World & Glamour for 48 months and pay $39.90 for the first 24 months and the last 24 months are paid in full. This contract had APO status on it in the event you wanted these Magazines over seas at any point for the life of the contract. Two collection agencies attempted to resolve this matter and failed to make contact. Our mediation service made contact on November 13th, 2023 and that generated this BBB complaint as aggressive in nature when we are acquired to explain the options you have as a consumer and offer a buy out for pennies on the dollar. At this point in time because a complaint was placed against our office and this contract we will send this back at the end of the month as a refusal to pay and United Readers can review this and contract for processing.

   

  Sorry we cannot assist you in this matter but you choose to file instead of smile.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/14/2023

   
  Complaint: 20862693
  
  I am rejecting this response because: First I don't have any knowledge of the situation; I have not lived at that place for over 10 years and I don't have any idea what they referring to.  2 they call me during my working hrs. while I was at my place of work to tell me they are not a bill collector but wanting me to give consent to something that I have no idea  about. In their response they claimed I was notified prior to them but this is my first call I have ever received. In this age of scamming and fishing  consumers are being cajoled , misguided into paying debts due to fear by this company. When consumers refuse and complain this company show their unprofessionalism just by their response to me and other individuals that have filed against them,. This Company does not reflect ethical responsibility through their actions then when called out on their practices are demeaning. I would like to not be harassed again by this 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************************

  Business Response

  Date: 11/15/2023

  *********************, Our office is are a third party mediation center with a B rating with the Better Business Bureau and per office policy this account has been sent back to the original creditor for processing. You will not hear from this office again regarding account URS - UP *********. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/16/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/18/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  South West Mediation called me posing as a "mediator," saying I was going to be sued for $2100 for a magazine subscription I allegedly had and supposedly didn't pay for. I don't recall receiving any magazines - I don't read them anyways becuase, you know, the internet - and they had my last name spelling wildly wrong. The caller spoke as if they were an officer of the court, and attempted to strong arm me into paying. They said I was party to a "contract" and that the subscription had gone to collections, which never happened. They said I would be sued if I didn't pay .This firm is clearly a debt collector masquerading as some kind of court-authorized official. They are trying to shake people down for debts they don't owe, threatening litigation that they can't even bring. They are perpetuating a scam designed to make people panic and pay. No one should pay this company. I'd be willing to bet that they've purchased really old, dubious "debt" at pennies on the dollar and they're just threatening people to get them to pay something.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/18/2023

  ********************** was contacted by our office on September 9th, 2023 regarding an outstanding balance for a Magazine service contract. After the conversation was over we received the BBB complaint and when a consumer files a BBB or any other complaint we must forward the contract back to the original creditor. We wish to make a note that the magazine sales office did in fact misspell ********************** last name and a Government search did correct that information. In closing ********************** will not be called by our office as of today's date  regarding AMS contract AC ******

  Business Response

  Date: 09/18/2023

  ********************** was contacted by our office on September 9th, 2023 regarding an outstanding balance for a Magazine service contract. After the conversation was over we received the BBB complaint and when a consumer files a BBB or any other complaint we must forward the contract back to the original creditor. We wish to make a note that the magazine sales office did in fact misspell ********************** last name and a Government search did correct that information. In closing ********************** will not be called by our office as of today's date  regarding AMS contract AC 010901

  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/18/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/24/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Company is threatening to put me in jail for a debt I dont owe. They are threatening my vehicles and when they called they told me the last 4 numbers of my SS#. Threatening that I have to pay now but all the addresses on the docs are different and they wont send an invoice for what they are claiming I owe.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/28/2023

  ************** was contacted on August 22nd , 2023 regarding a out standing balance for a Loan with a web Creditor. She not only agreed to the loan and gave her payment information over a recorded line with permission. At approximately 14 minutes and 14 seconds into the conversation MS. **** asked Ms. *********** ARE YOU SURE ON THIS DATE the funds will be available and ************** agreed to the august 25th date, September 15th and a final payment date of October 13th, 2023 dates. How can someone who acknowledges the debt agrees to payment dates and then place a BBB complaint as a way to out from under the debt owed. I personally believe this isn't the first BBB she placed against a company but used as a tool to evade payment. (again my option).

   

  *************************
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/26/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I received a call from "South West Mediation" from a lady named ***********************. I listened to her for a minute and then hung up It was about American marketing service magazines and that I breach of contract I know that i dont get any magazine contract because I dont even read them. She left me an voicemail saying this when she called me back hanging up on me is not going to make this matter go away, it'll just force the client to move forward with further action against you". She also told me I needed to secure legal counsel based on breach of contract. She even emailed me this document that I have uploaded and I think that its nasty for people to be fake and scammers like this person is

  Business Response

  Date: 07/28/2023

  ****************,

  After **************** contacted you and verified your information regarding this outstanding balance on a Magazine service Contract you agreed to review the documentation you received and uploaded to the BBB website.  The document states multiple payments as you told **************** you did not have the funds to pay in full. As for the magazines : ESPN, Car & Driver, ******************* & G.Q. they where delivered to the address on Sea Breeze  until payment stopped.  Two collection agencies tried to collect and failed and AMS sent this account to ********************** and that generated this BBB. We will send this account and complaint back to ****************** Service for them to review as see fit. You will not hear from our office again.