ComplaintsforMcCarthy, Burgess & Wolff, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  03/22/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have no knowledge of this collection agency that is a third party non affiliated and they have purchased then debt from ring central under the FCRA they are to provide me in clear and conspicuous form of written notice within five calender days this was not authorized by me this transaction this is fraud and it ,must be removed from my file asap and I demand 2000 dollers for dameges they have clearly cured damage by leaving this debt on my report inserted is the addmentance of closeing the case the and they have still left the debt on my report wich I have no knowledge of this company they shall and must remove this account now McCarthy, Burgess & Wolff, Inc. (“MBW”) is a third-party debt collection agency. MBW was contracted and hired by *********** **** (“***********”) to collect on past-due balances. On January 15, 2024, CLIENT placed past-due commercial business account # 636162048 with MBW for third-party collections activity. MBW assigned internal MBW # ********. At the time of placement, *********** reported the balance to be $179.91 owed by ****** ********* ********* ***** *** ("BTLG"). Pursuant to standard MBW policy and procedure, MBW sent BTLG an initial notice to the address provided by *********** on or around January 16, 2024. *********** identified ***** **** as a contact person at BTLG. MBW's contact with *** **** is due to his capacity as the contact personnel at BTLG. On March 5, 2024, *** **** called MBW to voice his dispute. *** **** became agitated on the call and ended the call. On March 7, *** **** called MBW again, requesting the account be removed from his credit report. His dispute and request to delete were forwarded to the creditor, ***********. As *** **** has provided proof of payment in this complaint, MBW has closed its file and returned it to *********** for further handling. Since this account is a commercial business account and MBW has closed its file, MBW considers this matter closed.THIS IS RESPONS TO THE CFPD FROM MBW

  

  Business response

  03/25/2024

  McCarthy, Burgess & Wolff, Inc. (“MBW”) is a third-party debt collection agency.  MBW was contracted and hired by *********** Inc. (“***********”) to collect on past-due balances.  MBW does not purchase debt.  On January 15, 2024, *********** placed past-due account # ********8 with MBW for third-party collections activity.  MBW assigned internal MBW # *********  At the time of placement, *********** reported the balance to be $179.91 owed by ****** ********* ********* ***** ****  Pursuant to standard MBW policy and procedure, MBW sent ****** ********* ********* ***** *** an initial notice to the address provided by *********** on January 16, 2024.  MBW's contact with *** **** is due to his capacity as the contact personnel at ****** ********* ********* ***** ***.  *** **** has called MBW a few times asking about credit reporting (March 5, March 7, and March 15).  *** **** previously filed a CFPB complaint for the same account (March 8).  MBW has closed its file and returned it to *********** for further handling as of March 8. Since this account is a commercial business account and MBW has closed its file, MBW considers this matter closed.  Credit report updates can take 30-45 days to become available for viewing.

• Initial Complaint

  03/16/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I was contacted via email by MBW about a debt with ******* ********. Because ******* is still listed on my credit report that is who I’ll be dealing with about this matter. I won’t all contact from MBW to cease and desist. I do not plan on paying MBW I’ll just deal with *******. Please do not contact me ever again.

  

  Business response

  03/26/2024

  McCarthy, Burgess & Wolff, Inc. (“MBW”) is a third-party debt collection agency. MBW was contracted and hired by ******* ******** (“VZW”) to collect on past-due balances. On 12/21/2023, VZW placed past-due account #*************** with MBW for third-party collections activity. MBW assigned internal MBW #********. At the time of placement, ******* ******** reported the balance to be $150.38 owed by ******* *****. Pursuant to standard MBW policy and procedure, MBW sent ******* ***** a debt validation notice to the address provided by ******* ******** on 12/22/2023. A call was placed from MBW where ******* ***** was offered to settle the account in full for $106.00. While on the call, ******* ***** specified they were disputing the debt and wanted all further correspondence sent via email. MBW subsequently sent invoices and debt verification documentation via email on 03/15/2024 as requested. MBW received the BBB complaint on 03/17/2024 requesting a cease and desist. MBW has closed file and returned it to ******* ******** for further handling.  Please note there may be a delay between when MBW sends the file back to VZW and when VZW systems acknowledge the return of the file.
  MBW does not report to the credit bureaus on behalf of ******* Wireless and did not report on this account in particular. Any questions regarding credit reporting should be sent directly to ******* ********.
  To contact VZW about credit reporting or credit disputes, ******* recovery agents can be reached at ************. Please have your full VZW account number ready, and choose the option “starting new service,” then “asking a question about the balance.” This will reach a ******* recovery agent who can assist with credit reporting questions and disputes.
  
  

  Customer response

  03/26/2024

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  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. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ******* *****
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  03/01/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I was contacted by this company to pay a debt. I paid the debt on 12/28/2023. I paid the debt that day via credit card. I was told by ***** that I could call back in 14 days to request a "Letter of Debt Relief". I called back on 1/16/24. She said she would email it to me. I did not receive it, so I called back 1/18/24. I still did not get it. I have checked ALL my spam, trash etc. On 1/20/24 I sent them a letter. I have been watching my mailbox....So, yesterday I called ***** again and requested this letter. She said she would email it.....I still don't have it, so now I have to wonder if I have been scammed. ALL I WANT IS THIS " LETTER OF DEBT RELIEF" !

  

  Business response

  03/06/2024

  McCarthy, Burgess & Wolff, Inc. (“MBW”) is a third-party debt collection agency.  MBW was contracted and hired by ****** ******* ******* ********** to collect on past-due balances.  On November 27, 2023, Hughes placed past-due account # ************ with MBW for third-party collections activity.  MBW assigned internal MBW # ********.  At the time of placement, Hughes reported the balance to be $210.00 owed by Jennifer Jacoby.  Pursuant to standard MBW policy and procedure, MBW mailed *** ****** a debt validation notice to the address provided by Hughes on or around December 15, 2023.  On December 28, 2023, MBW received a call from *** ****** in which she paid the balance.  During this call, *** ****** asked for a receipt.  The MBW agent advised the customer that she would get a confirmation number and that if she called back 14 days later, a letter confirming payment could be sent.  The customer called on January 16 and requested that email confirmation.  The customer referred to the letter as "letter of debt relief."  The letter that MBW can provide is a confirmation of payment.  On January 18, *** ****** called MBW again regarding the letter.  On February 29, *** ****** called MBW to request a letter of "debt relief" again.  MBW can provide a letter showing the payment was made.  MBW is not the creditor or owner of the debt and cannot issue any letter other than confirmation the payment was made.  MBW apologizes for the delay in the letter, it appears that a technical issue prevented *** ****** from receiving the email.  MBW will be sending the email as soon as that issue is resolved.  The file is closed and marked as paid in full in MBW systems.

   

  Customer response

  03/07/2024

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  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. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ******** ******
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  02/28/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Repeated texts with false allegations of owing a debt with *******. Texts state "You have an outstanding balance with ******* ********* Call ************ or pay at ***************************** To opt you reply STOP." This text came from 37472. I have continued receiving texts even after using the 'Report Junk' feature through my Verizon phone.

  

  Business response

  02/28/2024

  McCarthy, Burgess & Wolff, Inc. (“MBW”) is a third-party debt collection agency.  MBW was contracted and hired by Verizon Wireless (“VZW”) to collect on past-due balances.  On DATE, VZW placed a past-due account with MBW for third-party collections activity.  MBW assigned internal MBW # ********.  At the time of placement, VZW reported the phone number ***** ******** as belonging to the account holder.  MBW attempted to contact the account holder on that phone number via text.  MBW has placed a cease and desist on this phone number for this file, as the address and other information provided in this complaint does not match Ms. Brown's.  MBW apologizes for any inconvenience caused.  MBW does not control VZW processes such as the "Report Junk" feature.
  

• Initial Complaint

  02/19/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I am getting constant automated texts from MB&W regarding a balance due to *******. It seemed fishy and I called MB&W directly and they could not find any record with the phone number I provided (which is my cell number that they keep sending me texts to) and requested I provide my Social Security number for them to look into it. I did call the phone number on the MB&W website just to be extra cautious, and I confirmed the phone number on the automated texts matches the number on the MB&W website. I have no recollection of any outstanding ******* balances, nor have I ever received an outstanding balance invoice from ******* or letter in the mail from ******* or MB&W. Whole thing seems like a scam to me. Would like them to either leave me alone, or bring me proof of any outstanding invoice for me to pay.

  

  Business response

  02/20/2024

  McCarthy, Burgess & Wolff, Inc. (“MBW”) is a third-party debt collection agency.  MBW was contracted and hired by ******* (“VZ”) to collect on past-due balances.  On January 23, 2024, VZ placed past-due commercial business account # ************* with MBW for third-party collections activity.  MBW assigned internal MBW # ********.  At the time of placement, VZ reported the balance to be $183.45 owed by *** ******* ***** **C.  Pursuant to standard MBW policy and procedure, MBW mailed *** ******* ***** **C an initial notice to the address provided by VZ on or around January 25, 2024.  MBW text messages to customers include the instruction "To opt out reply STOP."  MBW does not have record of *** ********** opting out of text messages prior to this complaint.  Per *** **********'s request, MBW has put a cease on texting the phone number indicated in the complaint.  MBW will send additional information, which may include invoices provided by VZ, to *** ********** separate from this response.
  

  Customer response

  02/20/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  Thank you for your swift response. *** ******* ***** **C is an entity owned by an employer I used to work at. My phone number was likely listed just as a point of contact if ******* ever needed to gain access to the property, but I am in no way involved or own the entity or the account with the outstanding balance. I have left that company over 3 years ago, and they must not have ever removed my number from the account. The business number for them is ************ or you can email **************************. Thank you for providing the information and good luck. Please remove me from this collection notice going forward. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ***** **********
  
  
  
  
   

  

  Business response

  02/20/2024

  As previously stated, McCarthy, Burgess & Wolff, Inc.  ("MBW") has put a cease and desist on the phone number indicated by *** **********.  *** ********** is not personally identified by ******* on the account and MBW has updated its records to reflect *** ********** is not a contact at *** ******* ***** **C.

  Customer response

  02/20/2024

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  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. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ***** **********
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  02/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have gotten numerous messages and phone calls from this company. I've asked to not be contacted because I've never had any dealings with the business they're attempting to collect a debt for. I've never had an account with this company and it is not listed nor will it over be listed on my credit report. I've tried to contact then debt collectors but all numbers have been disconnected and emails come back as an error.

  

  Business response

  02/15/2024

  McCarthy, Burgess & Wolff, Inc. (“MBW”) is a third-party debt collection agency.  MBW was contracted and hired by Verizon Wireless (“VZW”) to collect on past-due balances.  On DATE, VZW placed past-due account # *************** with MBW for third-party collections activity.  MBW assigned internal MBW # *********  At the time of placement, VZW reported *** ******'s phone number as indicated in this complaint as a contact number.  Per *** ******'s request, MBW has put a cease and desist on his phone number.  MBW will remove her phone number from the file.
  

• Initial Complaint

  02/13/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We were overcharged by Verizon Wireless in the amount of $69.68 plus interest totaling $79.90. This Collection Agency, McCarthy, Burgess, & Wolff has called us and has been rude and have helped Verizon to destroy my credit rating. They have reported inaccurate information that has interfered with a major purchase. We pay our bills and when I tried to resolve this with McCarthty, Burgess, & Wolff, they did nothing to try to correct. We have proof we paid in full when we changed cell carriers from Verizon to Xfinity on March 29, 2023. We were told by Verizon to talk to MB & W to resolve this. They told us to talk to Verizon, which we have tried so many times, they hang up after an hour or so and don't call back and we START ALL OVER AGAIN. We emailed a letter December 30, 2023 at their request explaining the situation and asked for a reply in writing which we never got. Ed at the Collection Agency claims a letter was sent to us, it WAS NOT. *******, at the collection agency was rude and was only interested in us paying $30.00 to settle and another woman offered my wife a $20.00 to settle. We said no, as this is now about principle. Our credit says "Delinquent". This is wrong and the agency just wanted money, they don't care about what's right. All we want is to have our "Credit Restored" and the bill removed. We also have proof they had an incorrect address similar to our address that apparently mailings have gone to in this same city. Look at the attached letter addressed to a different ******* ******** ** ******** ******* ******** ** ****** ******* ******** ** ***** **** ******* ******** ** ******** *** ******** ** *****  Please advise

  

  Business response

  02/22/2024

  McCarthy, Burgess & Wolff, Inc. (“MBW”) is a third-party debt collection agency, not a law firm. MBW was contracted and hired by Verizon Wireless (“Verizon”) to collect on past-due balances. On 12/07/2023, Verizon placed past-due account #*************** with MBW for third-party collections activity. MBW assigned internal MBW #******** to the account. At the time of placement, Verizon reported the balance to be $79.90. Pursuant to standard MBW policy and procedure, MBW sent Timothy Gilligan (“Customer”) a debt validation notice to the address provided by Verizon on 12/08/2023.
  On 01/02/2024, MBW received an email from Customer where the amount was paid in full before switching to another carrier. The dispute was forwarded to Verizon for review. Verizon subsequently returned their finding on 01/10/2024 stating that the debt was valid because charges were reversed and that collection efforts were to continue. Per Verizon’s determination, debt verification documentation was sent to Customer on 01/11/2024. MBW personnel made contact with Customer on 01/24/2024 where Verizon’s findings were shared. Customer reiterated their frustrations and refused a settlement in full amount. On 02/13/2024, MBW received an incoming call from Customer where they were given the number of the recovery line. That same day, another inbound call from Customer was received where they specified they will be disputing the amount. Another settlement offer was proffered and subsequently refused prior to the end of the call.
  Invoices were ordered for the account and sent out to the Customer on 02/15/2024. Later that day, MBW received notice of the BBB filed complaint. MBW requested invoices and forwarded the dispute to Verizon Wireless. As of 2/15/2024, MBW has ceased collections on this file.  The file is pending recall from Verizon.
  MBW does not report to credit bureaus on behalf of Verizon and did not report on this account in particular. Any questions regarding credit reporting should be sent directly to Verizon Wireless.  
  To contact Verzion about credit reporting or credit disputes, Verizon recovery agents can be reached at 800-852-1922.  Please have your full Verizon account number ready, and choose the option “starting new service,” then “asking a question about the balance.”  This will reach a Verizon recovery agent who can assist with credit reporting questions and disputes
  

• Initial Complaint

  02/11/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This is in regards to account number ******** *********. I had canceled my service and returned my equipment around June/July of 2023. Several months after cancelling service, the account unbeknownst to me started to get billed again for a monthly service. Eventually this was sent to collections to the firm McCarthy, Burgess & Wolf with account number 42143062 and a past due/delinquent account placed on my business credit report. Upon contacting ******** over and over again they eventually agreed it was a billing error and that my service should not have randomly started getting billed again. They zero'd out my account and even sent a prepaid card as a refund for overpayment. However, the delinquency still remains on my business credit report. Contacting MBW and ******** they each tell me to go to the other party and take no responsibility for removing this from my business credit report. This has turned into pure negligence. MBW needs to remove this from my business credit reports or I will have no choice but to escalate this to a lawsuit.

  

  Business response

  02/15/2024

  McCarthy, Burgess & Wolff, Inc. (“MBW”) is a third-party debt collection agency.  MBW was contracted and hired by ******** to collect on past-due balances.  On November 9, 2024, ******** placed past-due account # 982797579 with MBW for third-party collections activity.  MBW assigned internal MBW # 42143062.  At the time of placement, ******** reported the balance to be $180.89 owed by ********** ***.  Pursuant to standard MBW policy and procedure, MBW mailed ********** *** a debt validation notice to the address provided by ******** on November 10, 2023.  MBW has not contacted ********** *** since December 2023.  MBW received an adjustment on the balance from ******** on December 18, 2023.  MBW closed its file December 19, 2023 due to ********'s adjustment making the balance $0.  MBW will reconfirm it is not reporting this account to the credit bureaus.
  

  Customer response

  02/15/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  Business has not corrected this with the credit agencies and it still shows as last due on my credit report.
  
  Regards,
  
  ****** *******
  
  
  
  
   

  Customer response

  02/16/2024

  I am rejecting the complaint as the business has confirmed the balance on the account was a mistake on their part, however they are not removing it from my business credit report. It is still reported as an overdue account on my business credit report.

• Initial Complaint

  01/30/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  They are wanting money from Verizon. I’ve never used *******.

  

  Business response

  02/13/2024

  McCarthy, Burgess & Wolff, Inc. (“MBW”) is a third-party debt collection agency. MBW was contracted and hired by Verizon Wireless (“Verizon”) to collect on past-due balances. On 01/04/2024, Verizon placed past-due account #**************** with MBW for third-party collections activity. MBW assigned internal MBW #******** to the account. At the time of placement, Verizon reported the balance to be $491.52. Pursuant to standard MBW policy and procedure, MBW sent the Verizon customer an initial debt validation notice to the address provided by Verizon on 12/01/2023.
  On 1/30/2024, MBW received notice of this filed complaint. The file was put on hold pending recall as the complaint was forwarded to Verizon.  Without a response from Verizon, 02/06/2024, the file was closed in MBW’s system and treated as a cease and desist.  
  MBW does not report to credit bureaus on behalf of Verizon and did not report on this account in particular. Any questions regarding credit reporting should be sent directly to Verizon Wireless.
  

• Initial Complaint

  01/25/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I received an email from this business on 12/6/2023 stating that I owe money to ******* and now they are handling my account and wanted to make an offer for a reduced payment. I have called several times since that date between this firm and *******. I spoke to a representative who told me I wiuld need to contact ******* regarding the debt which I explained I don’t owe. I contacted ******* and was told they don’t have my in their system owing any money and don’t understand why I was told to contact them. I called back to this firm and was told to submit any proof I have that I don’t owe any debt to Verizon. I did so on 12/12/2023. I called back asking if the matter had been cleared and was told they needed to investigate and to callback in a couple of weeks as they had no update. I have been bounced around several times and they representatives are unhelpful. One put my on hold for over 20 mins while I was explaining my situation. This is absolutely ridiculous. I don’t owe this company anything neither do I owe ******* anything at all. They have added this false amount to my credit score which needs to be fixed immediately and this so called account needs to be closed. This is ridiculous.

  

  Business response

  02/13/2024

  McCarthy, Burgess & Wolff, Inc. (“MBW”) is a third-party debt collection agency. MBW was contracted and hired by ******* Wireless (“Verizon”) to collect on past-due balances. On 10/05/2023, ******* placed past-due account #*************** with MBW for third-party collections activity. MBW assigned internal MBW # ********. At the time of placement, ******* reported the balance to MBW as $254.93 owed by ******** *******. Pursuant to standard MBW policy and procedure, MBW sent ******** ******* (“Customer”) a debt validation notice to the address provided by ******* on 10/20/2023. A letter offering a settlement amount of $179.00 was sent on 12/06/2023. The same day, MBW personnel received an incoming call where Customer advised of filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. The account was noted and placed into a bankruptcy investigation. On 12/12/2023, Customer called MBW to check on the status of his file which there was no new information to share at that point four (4) business days after the initial note. Customer called again same day stating they had documentation showing the account was included in the bankruptcy and that they had a receipt showing the return of their equipment. Customer was asked to provide and send in the aforementioned documents of which MBW received the same day. On 12/27/2023, Customer called asking if the file was closed and MBW personnel advised that the account was still open pending the bankruptcy investigation. No further contact was made with the consumer prior to notice of the BBB complaint.
  As of 1/30/2024, the file is closed in MBW’s system. Verizon has recalled the account and advised is handling the matter internally.
  MBW does not report to credit bureaus on behalf of ******* and did not report on this account in particular. Any questions regarding credit reporting should be sent directly to ******* Wireless.
  

  Customer response

  02/15/2024

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this response to be dishonest.

  I provided documents to them and called into their representative who placed me on hold for over 20 mins very rudely and did not offer further assistance. I did not keep calling back to their office and actually waited for them to receive the information and waited over a week to call back. They were unhelpful and not a good company to deal with. They not only need to do better handling personal matters but also work on training their employees in customer service. They response is very untrue and just a representation of the poor service they provide.
  

  I was able to get ******* to deal with the matter and get my case closed. So I will be ending my dispute regarding my matter.
  
  

  
  

*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. ↩