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:02/19/2024

  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’ve been trying to call them to get a payment plan for $995 from applied bank but no one ever answers the phone. I want something stating that I owe the $995. I’m willing to pay but they don’t answer the phone and I don’t receive any calls from them.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/28/2024

  SIMM Associates, Inc. is a third-party collection agency.  SIMM does not purchase or own debt; it collects on accounts referred to it by debt owners.  It was founded and incorporated in 1991 in Newark, Delaware.  From its inception, SIMM has been dedicated to providing highly effective collection services to its clients, assuring always that the consumer is dealt with in a professional and appropriate manner.
  ******** ****’s complaint states she has been trying to contact us to set up a payment plan for her delinquent credit card bill totaling $995. She claims no one answers the phone. Ms. **** would like SIMM Associates to contact her so this can be resolved.
  We received Ms. ****’s account from our client, Applied Bank, on August 3, 2023. Since August we have attempted to reach her dozens of times via a letter through the USPO, emails, SMS/texts and calls. On August 22nd, Ms. **** set up recurring monthly payments from August through December for $165.92. The first payment declined. We spoke to her on September 8th at which time $45 monthly payments were set up beginning on September 28th. That payment also declined. On October 2nd we again set up monthly reoccurring payments for $100 beginning on October 27th. That payment declined as well. We spoke to her on October 30th and once again set up payments of $100 per month to begin on November 27th. This payment was set up as an ACH and was returned on November 30th. We spoke to Ms. **** on December 5th and she agreed to 4 payments $248.89 to begin on December 24th. Once again, this payment declined. On January 5th we spoke to Ms. **** again setting up payment arrangements with the first payment totaling $200 for January 19th. This returned NSF as well. We attempted to reach her two more times after this last payment attempt via SMS/text and received no response.
  As you can see, SIMM Associates has made every attempt to help Ms. **** resolve this debt. The issue is Ms. ****’s history of bad payments and not our communication efforts.
  Should she have any questions she may contact ****** ******** **  *************************** ** **** ** *************** ********* ***** 
  Thank you.
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/04/2024

  Better Business Bureau:

  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint and have determined that this does not resolve my  issue.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

  **In order for the bureau to continue to assist you, you MUST provide your view on the matter or your complaint will be closed as answered.
  
  
  
  
  Regards,

  Complaint ID: 21313266

   

   

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/09/2023

  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'm not liable for this debt with simm associates Inc I do not have a contract with this collection agency they did not provide me with the original contract as requested.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/18/2023

  SIMM Associates, Inc. is a third-party collection agency.  SIMM does not purchase or own debt; it collects on accounts referred to it by debt owners.  It was founded and incorporated in 1991 in Newark, Delaware.  From its inception, SIMM has been dedicated to providing highly effective collection services to its clients, assuring always that the consumer is dealt with in a professional and appropriate manner.
  ********* ****** ********s complaint states that she is not liable for this debt as she does not have a contract with our company. Ms. ******* also claims that she requested the original contract from SIMM Associates. She would like this account removed from her credit report.
  We received Ms. ********s delinquent Credova Financial LLC account, now owned by our client Security Credit Services LLC, on September 26, 2023. Since the account’s placement with our company, we have made numerous attempts to contact Ms. ******* with no success. She has not communicated verbally or in writing with us prior to receiving this complaint.
  Due to this complaint, we have closed her account within our office and forwarded it back to Security Credit Services. All credit reporting inquiries should be directed to them. Ms. ******* will receive no more communications from SIMM Associates. Should she have any questions she may contact J***** ****** **  ************************** ** **** ** *************** ********* ***** 
  Thank you.
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/19/2023

  Better Business Bureau:

  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint and have determined that this does not resolve my  issue.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

  **In order for the bureau to continue to assist you, you MUST provide your view on the matter or your complaint will be closed as answered.
  
  
  
  
  Regards,

  Complaint ID: 20982228

   

   

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/01/2023

  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've been Contacted by SIMM Associates for an outstanding private student loan. I only have one private student loan provider, which I am in good standing with. I contacted them, and they said they are not associated with SIMM Associates. Whenever SIMM Associates calls me, they ask for personal info, like my SSN, date of birth, address...etc. The problem is, they always call me about a "personal business issue," but won't divulge anything until I give them my personal information, which, since I don't trust them, I will not provide. I know that they're trying to contact me for a student loan, because they've emailed me about a student loan. When I call them and ask them a simple "yes" or "no" question like, "If an individual is in good standing with their loan provider, do you have any reason to call that person?" Though this question I ask is something that could be answered with a blanket "yes" or "no," they get aggressive. They get rude and combative, and hang up unless I give them personal information. But like I said, why would I do that if they're cold-calling me, saying I owe them money in regard to a private loan that I confirmed with my lender just before calling them is in good standing? This is predatory behavior, and I'm sure people who are living paycheck to paycheck and don't know their consumer rights will pay without second-guessing themselves. They are harassing me, and I don't owe them a dime. I have the credit score, as well as 13 years of payment history to my lender to prove this. Based on the other complaints and one-star reviews documented on the BBB site, of which there are many, I have reason to believe that they are committing fraud, and need to be stopped before they wipe out somebody who is just trying to survive in this economy.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/11/2023

  SIMM Associates, Inc. is a third-party collection agency.  SIMM does not purchase or own debt; it collects on accounts referred to it by debt owners.  It was founded and incorporated in 1991 in Newark, Delaware.  From its inception, SIMM has been dedicated to providing highly effective collection services to its clients, assuring always that the consumer is dealt with in a professional and appropriate manner.
  ****** ******’s, and co-obligor **** *******s, past due TPAT 2018-SLI Private Student Loan serviced by American Education Services (PHEAA) was assigned to SIMM Associates for collections on October 12, 2023. Based on the information provided by the servicer, the current balance owed at the time of assignment to SIMM was $5,818.14, with a past due amount of $165.38. The last payment reported by the servicer was in the amount of $85.00 and was applied on September 28, 2023.
  Mr. ****** states in his complaint that he has only one private student loan and it is in good standing. He also states that in the past when representatives of SIMM Associates have attempted to contact him, they ask for personal information in order to authenticate his identity and he refuses to do so for personal reasons. SIMM Associates is contracted by the portfolio management company who is responsible for servicing Mr. ******’s loan. We only service loans that are past due and assigned to our office by the servicer. In accordance with SIMM policy, we are required to authenticate anyone with whom we are speaking in order to prevent disclosing personal information to an unauthorized third-party.
  Due to this complaint, we have closed his account within our office and forwarded it back to our client. Mr. ****** will receive no more communications from SIMM Associates. Should he have any questions he may contact *** ******** **  *********************** or call at 1-************* ********* ***** 
  Thank you.
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/14/2023

  Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint and have determined that this does not resolve my  issue.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.I have spoken directly to American Education Services (AES), and they said they don't work with this organization. It goes without question that I pay them off cycle, but AES told me that they don't go into collections through a third party unless you're over 90 days past due. I've gotten to the 50-day mark, but I always pay them as soon as I have the funds, and have done so in this fashion for 13 years. I freelance for a living, so I spend a considerable amount of time collecting invoices. I always tackle general cost of living first, an when I'm caught up, I then pay AES. I've had this conversation with AES countless times over the years, and it's always the same thing. I'll be inundated with collection calls from them directly, and I have the conversation, confirm that I'm still in good standing, or at the very least give them an expectation of payment, and then I pay them. They stop bothering me for a while, and then the cycle repeats. But I've talked to several supervisors on the matter, and they insist that they don't work with SIMMs. What's more, they don't pursue collection until the loan defaults, which is not the case for me. I acknowledge I don't pay on time, but I always pay. I'm satisfied over the fact that SIMMS won't contact me anymore, but I'm still suspicious of their operation, as I went to the source countless times over the years, and I have reason to trust them more than third-party agency that, quite frankly, has more one-star reviews than I could count. These are stressful financial times for everybody, but I'm making good on my student loans. I always have. I've made tremendous sacrifices to stay on top of my payments. So I'm glad that SIMMs associates won't harass me anymore, but I just wanted to pass this info along as I see it. Based on my contract and past (and recent) conversations with AES, I find the whole thing suspicious. Thank you. **In order for the bureau to continue to assist you, you MUST provide your view on the matter or your complaint will be closed as answered. Regards, Complaint ID: 20943989    

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/06/2024

  SIMM Associates, Inc. is a third-party collection agency.  SIMM does not purchase or own debt; it collects on accounts referred to it by debt owners.  It was founded and incorporated in 1991 in Newark, Delaware.  From its inception, SIMM has been dedicated to providing highly effective collection services to its clients, assuring always that the consumer is dealt with in a professional and appropriate manner.
  As previously communicated, ****** *******s, and co-obligor **** ******’s, past due TPAT 2018-SLI Private Student Loan serviced by American Education Services (PHEAA) was assigned to SIMM Associates for collections on October 12, 2023. Based on the information provided by the servicer, the current balance owed at the time of assignment to SIMM was $5,818.14, with a past due amount of $165.38. The last payment reported by the servicer was in the amount of $85.00 and was applied on September 28, 2023.
  Mr. ****** continues to assert his position that American Education Services (PHEAA) claims that they do not work directly with SIMM Associates and that “it goes without question that he pays them off cycle, but American Education Services (PHEAA) told him that they don’t go into collections through a third party unless you’re over 90 days past due”.
  SIMM Associates regrets that there continues to be confusion over this matter but the Lender has engaged SIMM Associates to make delinquency outreach on accounts that are 30 days past due or greater.
  Mr. ******’s account remains closed within our office. If Mr. ****** continues to have questions or concerns over the handling of this matter, we strongly encourage him to contact American Education Services (PHEAA) at 1-800-233-0557. 
  Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/30/2023

  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 letter from this company about a debt owed, however the creditor in question no longer exists and I asked for confirmation of this creditor and SIMMS Associates could not provide any information. I explained to them how is this debt valid if the creditor does not exist,? They could not provide an answer. I am afraid this company maybe fraudulent and they have already taken a payment from me that I would like returned until this matter is resolved.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/07/2023

  SIMM Associates, Inc. is a third-party collection agency.  SIMM does not purchase or own debt; it collects on accounts referred to it by debt owners.  It was founded and incorporated in 1991 in Newark, Delaware.  From its inception, SIMM has been dedicated to providing highly effective collection services to its clients, assuring always that the consumer is dealt with in a professional and appropriate manner.
  ***** *******’s states that she received a letter from SIMM Associates in regards to a debt but feels she does not owe the balance because she claims the creditor no longer exists.
  We received Ms. *******’s account on October 31, 2022. Our records, provided by Stilt, indicate that this account was opened on April 20, 2018. If Ms. ******* feels this is in fact a case of fraud or would like to dispute the balance, we suggest she contact Stilt directly as they would be the ones to help resolve the issue as Stilt, Inc. is still open and operating.
  Due to this complaint, we have closed her account within our office and forwarded it back to Stilt. Ms. ******* will receive no more communications from SIMM Associates. Should she have any questions she may contact Jeremy Poling at  ************************** ** **** ** *************** ********* *****  
  Thank you.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/09/2023

  Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint and have determined that this does not resolve my  issue.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. **In order for the bureau to continue to assist you, you MUST provide your view on the matter or your complaint will be closed as answered. SIMM Associates is incorrect about the creditor Stilt being open, I have paid a balance that has not been confirmed to go to the creditor. This company has been unable to prove that the amount went to the creditor when in fact the creditor is no longer in business. I have confirmed and verified this, reps from SIMM associates told me to google numbers from Stilt as they could not provide a number that was functional which is more evidence that the company is no longer in business. SIMM associates is holding a payment fraudulently as they continue to fail to confirm the creditor (who no longer exists) received the money.  Regards, Complaint ID: 18953940    

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/24/2023

  SIMM Associates, Inc. is a third-party collection agency.  SIMM does not purchase or own debt; it collects on accounts referred to it by debt owners.  It was founded and incorporated in 1991 in Newark, Delaware.  From its inception, SIMM has been dedicated to providing highly effective collection services to its clients, assuring always that the consumer is dealt with in a professional and appropriate manner.
  ***** ******* continues to argue that the company, Stilt Inc., is no longer open and operating. She also states that she paid money towards a delinquent balance and feels the money should be returned due to the company being closed.
  All monies received in regards to her balance were remitted to Stilt and applied to her account balance. As stated in our prior complaint response, her account with SIMM Associates was closed due to this complaint and we forwarded it back to Stilt. All communications must be directed to them. Please reach out to **** *** *** ** *** ******* ** ****** *** ***** ** *******************  
  Thank you.
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/21/2022

  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.

  Since 1/1/2022 I have been getting bills from first choice medical. I have called them and explained I didn’t receive and product or services from this company at all in 2021 . They claim I owe for 3 months of rental for a oxygen concentrator . 8/27/21 - 9/ 27/21 & ( 11/27/21 ) I guess 10-27-21 was free ?? No charge for Oct . After 5 calls and hours on hold they couldn’t find a file with what I supposedly had from them or any other months in 2021 just out of the blue three months of rental August, September and November? Nothing from January thru July or after November that’s because I was not a customer of there’s in any month in 2020 or 2021 NOR could the tell me I ever paid them one dollar in those two years I was a customer briefly in 2019 NOW THEY SOLD THIS made up debt to simm associates and they are billing me . This is a fabrication and an attempt to collect a debt that’s not owed . I don’t have a single un paid debt on my credit report and if they report this I’m going to sue in small claims court . I shouldn’t have to spend anymore time on the phone over this bull crap . FCHM address is 259 quigley blvd #1 Newcastle DE 19720 SIMM associates address is 800 pencader dr Newark DE 19702 it down right shameful to try and get payment from a disabled senior citizen on Social Security disability that never owed in first place . Then to be turned of over to this Collection agency . Can you please help I’m writing the attorney General’s office next lm sure most people just pay the small fee to make it go away but . It’s a matter of or principal for me . Thank you

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/30/2022

  SIMM Associates, Inc. is a third-party collection agency.  SIMM does not purchase or own debt; it collects on accounts referred to it by debt owners.  It was founded and incorporated in 1991 in Newark, Delaware.  From its inception, SIMM has been dedicated to providing highly effective collection services to its clients, assuring always that the consumer is dealt with in a professional and appropriate manner.
  Based on the contents of the complaint submitted by ****** ********, it appears that he is more concerned with the billing practices of First Choice Home Medical than the collection efforts of SIMM Associates. We would encourage Mr. ******** to contact First Choice Home Medical regarding his ongoing dispute.
  Due to this complaint, we have closed his account within our office and forwarded it back to our client. Mr. ******** will receive no more communications from SIMM Associates. Should he have any questions he may contact *** ******** at  *********************** ** **** ** *************** ********* *****  
  Thank you.
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/10/2022

  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 have a charge-off account from Sun Trust (now Truist). I called to set up a settlement payment and was denied because “i make too much money”. The cheapest payment plan is nearly $3,000 a month, which I can not pay. I’ve emailed and called them SEVERAL times, and no one seems to care. They then proceeded to tell me that Truist decides the payment plans and settlement offers BUT they refused to contact Truist for a different payment plan or settlement offer. I contacted Truist and they keep forwarding me to SIMMS! I have NO interest in giving this company any of my money! You would think they would do anything to help me pay this debt but it seems they don’t care at all! I have paid off SEVERAL other charged off accounts but I will NOT be paying SIMMS for any reason! Truist may as well assign a different debt collector because these people obviously do not care about getting debts paid.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/20/2022

  SIMM Associates, Inc. is a third-party collection agency.  SIMM does not purchase or own debt; it collects on accounts referred to it by debt owners.  It was founded and incorporated in 1991 in Newark, Delaware.  From its inception, SIMM has been dedicated to providing highly effective collection services to its clients, assuring always that the consumer is dealt with in a professional and appropriate manner.
  Gloisha ******’s complaint states she called our office in regards to her charged-off balance. She claims she was denied the ability to settle the account because she makes too much money. Ms. ****** also states that she was told that Truist dictates the payment terms.
  On February 2, 2022, we received an inbound call from Ms. ****** inquiring about a settlement on her account. Our representative properly qualified Ms. ****** and found she had over $3,000 in disposable income. Our representative said she can’t offer a settlement based on her finances as it is usually for hardship cases. Ms. ****** said it was offered previously so she’ll just wait for the file to go somewhere else and settle it at that time.
  On February 20, 2022, Ms. ****** went online and paid the balance in six payments through our payment portal.
  On February 22, 2022, Ms. ****** called and spoke with another representative at which time she asked to have the online payments deleted and set up six new payments towards the balance all for the 18th of each month.
  The first payment on March 18, 2022 came back as insufficient funds. We have made multiple unsuccessful attempts to contact her after receiving the return payment.
  Due to this complaint, we have closed her account within our office and forwarded it back to Truist. Ms. ****** will receive no more communications from SIMM Associates. Should she have any questions she may contact **** *********** **  ************************ ** **** ** *************** ********* *****  
  Thank you.