Wary of unknown phone callers collecting personal information, I wasn't sure this solicitation from Bay Area Credit Service was legit. And given that this matter was related to my very elderly & disabled father, whose affairs I manage entirely, my antennae are set quite high. But to be sure to clear any outstanding debt on my parents' behalf, I carefully went about submitting the requested Power of Attorney (to proceed with finding out the details re: this issue), reading reviews on this and other sites, and contacting the company/source of the debt. Everything checked out, therefore I proceeded with taking the next steps in resolving this outstanding debt.
It did feel like a "catch" to have to pay with my credit card in order for the accrued interest charges and $5 processing fee to be waived. But I decided to do so, given all the "homework" I had done prior to calling them back. (My husband and I will be keeping a closer-than-usual watch on our accounts in the near future.)
Regarding the complaints of other previous reviewers, it isn't difficult to understand those reactions. No one enjoys being interrupted by an unknown stranger and called out with "Hey, you owe money to so-&-so?!!" It is intrusive. And for those who don't have an outstanding debt with "company X", it's insult to injury! Then add to that the struggle to communicate with others who speak with an accent and/or relates to others outside of American/Western cultural norms.
All of that was true for me, as well, yet I was fortunate. The gentleman who called was polite, respectful and businesslike. But it was business...nothing more or less. He didn't "schmooze" as we're so accustom to in our American culture. And I admit it, I kinda like schmooze in the marketplace. But there was not even a hint of connection (or the pretense of) in his demeanor, although he did express appreciation for my cooperation, which was likely scripted. And some business people are just better at their reading their scripts than others. read more