888-217-3212

Todd Pierce has called repeatedly and posed as a lawyer.  He talked to my 11 year old son  while I was at work.  Scared the kid to death talking about how he was suing me and I have to call back or else.  I have complained to the PA. district attorney about these illegal practices.  I am definately taking action.  He keeps saying I need to get my attorney to contact him......He might regret that.

THEY ARE NOT LAWYERS and it is ILLEGAL for them to claim they are
They are debt collectors - pure and simple and violating State and Federal FDCPA laws - which means they do not have a valid debt to begin with.


Make sure you also report to the ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL as well as the FTC.    Since you have already contacted the PA Attorney General.  You have to hit them in your state as well as their state


Brennan & Clark, Ltd.

721 E. MADISON
VILLA PARK, IL 60181
PHONE: 800.858.7600
630.279.7600
FAX: 630.279.7045


File complaints with

Federal Trade Commission  https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/FTC_Wizard.aspx?Lang=en

Your State Attorney General
State Attorney General is every state they have offices

Link to all State Attorney General Websites www.naag.org

If you or they are located in NY – use this SPECIAL Link  www.NYDebtHelp.com
This special website was created by NY AG Andrew Cuomo specifically for reporting illegal debt collection practices.  HE’S CRACKING DOWN AND SHUTTING THEM DOWN!

Also report your calls and contacts with debt collectors at http://www.budhibbs.com/index.html  If the company is listed under agencies – report there. If not on the list YET, click on Watchlist! and add to the list.   You can also post here http://www.collectorsexposed.com/forum2/index.php?board=2.0

Debt Collectors DO NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW THIS INFORMATION!    
The INFORMED CONSUMER IS THE DEBT COLLECTORS WORST ENEMY!

Dealing with Debt Collectors
http://www.budhibbs.com/start.html


Statute of Limitations by State – always double check YOUR OWN STATE Government Website
http://www.budhibbs.com/statute_of_limitations.htm


Recording calls from Debt Collectors - always double check YOUR OWN STATE Government Website
http://www.budhibbs.com/record.htm


From Federal Trade Commission Website – FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT
Debt Collection FAQs: A Guide for Consumers
If you’re behind in paying your bills, or a creditor’s records mistakenly make it appear that you are, a debt collector may be contacting you.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices to collect from you.
Under the FDCPA, a debt collector is someone who regularly collects debts owed to others. This includes collection agencies, lawyers who collect debts on a regular basis, and companies that buy delinquent debts and then try to collect them.
Here are some questions and answers about your rights under the Act.

What types of debts are covered?
The Act covers personal, family, and household debts, including money you owe on a personal credit card account, an auto loan, a medical bill, and your mortgage. The FDCPA doesn’t cover debts you incurred to run a business.

Can a debt collector contact me any time or any place?
No. A debt collector may not contact you at inconvenient times or places, such as before 8 in the morning or after 9 at night, unless you agree to it. And collectors may not contact you at work if they’re told (orally or in writing) that you’re not allowed to get calls there.

How can I stop a debt collector from contacting me?
If a collector contacts you about a debt, you may want to talk to them at least once to see if you can resolve the matter – even if you don’t think you owe the debt, can’t repay it immediately, or think that the collector is contacting you by mistake. If you decide after contacting the debt collector that you don’t want the collector to contact you again, tell the collector – in writing – to stop contacting you. Here’s how to do that:
Make a copy of your letter. Send the original by certified mail, and pay for a “return receipt” so you’ll be able to document what the collector received. Once the collector receives your letter, they may not contact you again, with two exceptions: a collector can contact you to tell you there will be no further contact or to let you know that they or the creditor intend to take a specific action, like filing a lawsuit. Sending such a letter to a debt collector you owe money to does not get rid of the debt, but it should stop the contact. The creditor or the debt collector still can sue you to collect the debt.

Can a debt collector contact anyone else about my debt?
If an attorney is representing you about the debt, the debt collector must contact the attorney, rather than you. If you don’t have an attorney, a collector may contact other people – but only to find out your address, your home phone number, and where you work. Collectors usually are prohibited from contacting third parties more than once. Other than to obtain this location information about you, a debt collector generally is not permitted to discuss your debt with anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney.

What does the debt collector have to tell me about the debt?
Every collector must send you a written “validation notice” telling you how much money you owe within five days after they first contact you. This notice also must include the name of the creditor to whom you owe the money, and how to proceed if you don’t think you owe the money.

Can a debt collector keep contacting me if I don’t think I owe any money?
If you send the debt collector a letter stating that you don’t owe any or all of the money, or asking for verification of the debt, that collector must stop contacting you. You have to send that letter within 30 days after you receive the validation notice. But a collector can begin contacting you again if it sends you written verification of the debt, like a copy of a bill for the amount you owe.

What practices are off limits for debt collectors?
Harassment. Debt collectors may not harass, oppress, or abuse you or any third parties they contact. For example, they may not:
    use threats of violence or harm;
    publish a list of names of people who refuse to pay their debts (but they can give this information to the credit reporting companies);
    use obscene or profane language; or
    repeatedly use the phone to annoy someone.

False statements. Debt collectors may not lie when they are trying to collect a debt. For example, they may not:
    falsely claim that they are attorneys or government representatives;
    falsely claim that you have committed a crime;
    falsely represent that they operate or work for a credit reporting company;
    misrepresent the amount you owe;
    indicate that papers they send you are legal forms if they aren’t; or
    indicate that papers they send to you aren’t legal forms if they are.

Debt collectors also are prohibited from saying that:
    you will be arrested if you don’t pay your debt;
    they’ll seize, garnish, attach, or sell your property or wages unless they are permitted by law to take the action and intend to do so; or
    legal action will be taken against you, if doing so would be illegal or if they don’t intend to take the action.

Debt collectors may not:
    give false credit information about you to anyone, including a credit reporting company;
    send you anything that looks like an official document from a court or government agency if it isn’t; or
    use a false company name.

Unfair practices. Debt collectors may not engage in unfair practices when they try to collect a debt. For example, they may not:
    try to collect any interest, fee, or other charge on top of the amount you owe unless the contract that created your debt – or your state law – allows the charge;
    deposit a post-dated check early;
    take or threaten to take your property unless it can be done legally; or
    contact you by postcard.

Can I control which debts my payments apply to?
Yes. If a debt collector is trying to collect more than one debt from you, the collector must apply any payment you make to the debt you select. Equally important, a debt collector may not apply a payment to a debt you don’t think you owe.

Can a debt collector garnish my bank account or my wages?
If you don’t pay a debt, a creditor or its debt collector generally can sue you to collect. If they win, the court will enter a judgment against you. The judgment states the amount of money you owe, and allows the creditor or collector to get a garnishment order against you, directing a third party, like your bank, to turn over funds from your account to pay the debt.
Wage garnishment happens when your employer withholds part of your compensation to pay your debts. Your wages usually can be garnished only as the result of a court order. Don’t ignore a lawsuit summons. If you do, you lose the opportunity to fight a wage garnishment.

Can federal benefits be garnished?
Many federal benefits are exempt from garnishment, including:
    Social Security Benefits
    Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits
    Veterans’ Benefits
    Civil Service and Federal Retirement and Disability Benefits
    Service Members’ Pay
    Military Annuities and Survivors’ Benefits
    Student Assistance
    Railroad Retirement Benefits
    Merchant Seamen Wages
    Longshoremen’s and Harbor Workers’ Death and Disability Benefits
    Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Benefits
    Compensation for Injury, Death, or Detention of Employees of U.S. Contractors Outside the U.S.
    Federal Emergency Management Agency Federal Disaster Assistance
But federal benefits may be garnished under certain circumstances, including to pay delinquent taxes, alimony, child support, or student loans.

Do I have any recourse if I think a debt collector has violated the law?
You have the right to sue a collector in a state or federal court within one year from the date the law was violated. If you win, the judge can require the collector to pay you for any damages you can prove you suffered because of the illegal collection practices, like lost wages and medical bills. The judge can require the debt collector to pay you up to $1,000, even if you can’t prove that you suffered actual damages. You also can be reimbursed for your attorney’s fees and court costs. A group of people also may sue a debt collector as part of a class action lawsuit and recover money for damages up to $500,000, or one percent of the collector’s net worth, whichever amount is lower. Even if a debt collector violates the FDCPA in trying to collect a debt, the debt does not go away if you owe it.

What should I do if a debt collector sues me?
If a debt collector files a lawsuit against you to collect a debt, respond to the lawsuit, either personally or through your lawyer, by the date specified in the court papers to preserve your rights.

Where do I report a debt collector for an alleged violation?
Report any problems you have with a debt collector to your state Attorney General’s office (www.naag.org) and the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov). Many states have their own debt collection laws that are different from the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Your Attorney General’s office can help you determine your rights under your state’s law.

For More Information
To learn more about debt collection and other credit-related issues, visit www.ftc.gov/credit and MyMoney.gov, the U.S. government’s portal to financial education.
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
        February

I think that a voice of reason should interject here.  I worked for an organization several years ago, and although some of the comments mentioned here have some moral validity, I think the individuals should distinguish between commercial debt and consumer debt before anyone goes off half cocked and puts their foot in their mouth, metaphorically speaking.

Got a call from this a guy saying his name is George Hunt (number- 1-888-217-3212 ext. 6116)  he was looking for the business owner (he called a business)- said it is in regards to "a personal legal matter"-  Shady!!

Yesterday H. Jones called trying to collect a non-existent debt for an insurance company we had never done business with.  He held himself out as a lawyer, but he is not, and he tried to collect something that was not due.  When he dunned payment, I advised him to file suit so that we can test his claim.  I am a lawyer licensed to practice in multiple states.  He would not commit and I told him that know he is not a lawyer and just using fear or ignorance to wrongly collect non-existent debts.  I'm not holding my breath waitiing on any lawsuit from this outfit.

Got a call from 888-217-3212 from "Robert Sterling" from Brennan & Clark.  Same fishy stuff about they've been hired by their client to resolve matters amicably.  I didn't call because of the 888 number and it sounded weird.  I'm not calling these guys back, no way.  Glad I Googled it.

An automated message was left onmy mother's metro phone. It was from Brennan and Clark, leaving 888-217-3212 ext 6125 "Robert Sterling". I called blocking my caller ID (because once they get your phone info they will get a whole of alot your information they an use to harrass you).  I asked where they where located, he refused. He asked if I owned any business in Chicago area, I told him I didn't, I don't even lie in that state.  Then he said it was probably a call made by mistake he couldn't do anything for me if I didn't give him my information in a very frustrating and demanding voice. Then he just hung up. I went on to doing a little research and everything points to being a SCAM. I mean if they are going to run a scam they should first get their area numbers right. They are calling from Chicago and making calls all the way to California. Refuses to give me their address, they only pick up blocked id calls, but don;t pick up the ones that do, why? Because they got what they wanted, plus more info from your message. The less you say the more protected you are. Everything you say will be used against you. SCAM. Don't try "talking" to them, they will eat you up and chew you, they work on the "shame" and "morality" of the people who they call. DOn't fall for it. ;)

Apparently you think you have high morals, and therefore, you get to "stand up" for this to prove how moral you are. Which proves how much of a liar you are, no one is prefect and if you think you can make jugments because "you are perfect", then,  what validity do your words have?. NONE. Shame shame shame.

Caller called and told me his name was Leonard Cooper and he was representing Brennan and Clark on behalf of M&M Stone Work.  He told me that I owed $144 for defaulting on a payment with Erie Insurance??  I haven't had Erie insurane in three or four years.  He said I needed to get this resolved or it would go to the Credit Bureau.  He gave me my case #. It sounded fishy so I went online and found this website along with several others.  They called with two different numbers (603) 279-7600 and (888) 217-3212.  Leonard's extension was 6117 and supposedly Frank was the receptionist I spoke to when I called back

you people are all idiots.  If you pay your bills.....none of you would have to worry about if people are going to call you.....LOSERS.  For those of us that DO pay our bills.....all we have to say is stop complaining.  I only wish there were harsher punitive consequences for all you deadbeats.

We that are complaining are not idiots.  We are a reputable company that are never late with our bills.  This Leonard Cooper gained enough information from somewhere to get account numbers and agents names.  They also wanted us to make a payment over the phone.  We even received a letter through the mail trying to collect something that was not owed.  I contacted our insurance agent to double check to make sure nothing was owed. They in turn contacted the insurance company which I will not name.  They also assured us there was no money owed.  Most of us are people that pay our bills and are trying to be scammed by no good losers.  If I didnt pay my bills I would care less who called me.  So before you start calling people idiots get all the facts!!!

I've received 2 calls so far from these people at 630-279-7600 claiming to be an attorney. Call number one:

"Clint Crystal with the offices of Brennan & Clark. The purpose of my call is to afford you an opportunity to resolve this matter with my client before I advise them to proceed to further protect their interest. Should you choose to do so, I will hear from you immediately. I can be reached at 888-217-3212 if my assistant is out my direct extention is 6119. The case is going be filed under XXXXXXX." Hung up.

Call number two:
"Clint Crystal with the offices of Brennan & Clark. I had previously left a message requesting a return call. Absent an immediate response from either yourself or your attorney, I have no choice but to advise my client to move forward. Again I can be reached at 630-359-6119. The case is going be filed under XXXXXXX." Hung up.

I got phone call from this guy Robert Stirling from Brennan and Clark.
The phone number to Brennan and Clark is 1-888-217-3212 Robert Stirlings extension is 6125. Do not call him back.

Same threatening calls says is lawyer...WHAT CAN WE DO!  THIS adam guy is he a real mental midget?

I do have my facts.  I have dealt with them and if you cant read an insurance policy and figure out that state law requires the carriers to continue to cover you if you dont cancel, then you are a bigger moron than I thought.  Also, those idiot agents dont know up from down.  Where do you think these people get all of that detailed information about you????  YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY IDIOT!!!!!!!  Maybe before following along like the sheep you are you should read up and get the facts on what is being presented.  If they are asking for $$ for an old insurance policy.....get off your lazy a##es and read it.......but I guess that would be way too difficult for you.  You would rather rely on some insurance agent, that really has your best interests at heart,  HAHAHA, remember, these are people that made $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ off of you.  Of course they are gonna tell you what you want to hear.  Just wait til it shows up on your credit report.  I can tell you from experience, it doesn't come off easy.

No, I just pay my bills.  Unlike the losers on here.

It is obvious that you work with Brennan & Clark because the tone of your emails is EXACTLY like the calls you make.  Legitimate debt collectors do not equal harrassment and false claims.  If B&C is so innocent and every one else is a deadbeat, why all the legal troubles and fines B&C has endured, poor things.  You stink to high heaven, not that you could ever aspire to that level.  Shame on you.

A woman named Laura called from this 888-217-3212 and "demanded" to speak to my husband when I asked what it was pertaining to she wouldnt tell me. Its my husband for christs sake! I told her that he wasnt home and she said "well give me a number that I can reach him at" I said absolutely not. So she hung up on me. What a b*tch!

we got a call from this number ,asking to call back. we call back and no one answer the phone

They keep calling me. Always saying that they are lawyers. One time told me they were bankruptcy
lawyers for the federal government. They disregard my requests to stop calling me. They call constantly
at work.