ComplaintsforBrown & Joseph, LLC

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Initial Complaint
07/10/2024
Complaint Type:
Billing Issues
Status:
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.
Brown & Joseph sent a letter attempting to collect a payment for an account with Global Pay which was closed in mid-April 2024. When closing the account over the phone with the Global Pay representative, I was told to pay a fee of $323.82, which I did on May 1, 2024.Since then I received no further communication until June 25, 2024 when I received a letter from Brown & Joseph that I still owed Global Pay $656.25. Since then, my requests for invoices regarding this unexplained charge, Brown & Joseph has failed to provide any documentation.
Business response
07/26/2024
July 19, 2024

Better Business Bureau of ******* & Northern Illinois, Inc
Attn: Customer Relations Representative
***********************************;
*******, *******; 60601

RE: ID# ********

Dear Sir or Madam:

This is in response to ************************* complaint. On June 20, 2024, our client, GLOBAL PAY f/k/a EVO PAYMENTS INTERNATIONAL, placed a claim for recovery with our firm, in the amount of $656.25 against ***** Investment Inc. From the complaint, we understand that the complainant is requesting a billing adjustment.
In light of this complaint, we have closed the file and referred the matter back to our client with the appropriate notation. Please accept this letter as confirmation that our firm has closed this case and that there will be no further contact with Mr. ************************** sincerely hope that you find our response satisfactory.Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

***********************;
Licensing and Compliance Specialist
Initial Complaint
07/09/2024
Complaint Type:
Billing Issues
Status:
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.
They made unauthorized transactions from my chase - bank account to their account for the sum of $ 6287
Business response
07/26/2024
July 26, 2024

Better Business Bureau of ******* & Northern Illinois, Inc
Attn: Customer Relations Representative
*************************************************
*****************

RE: ID# ********

Dear Sir or Madam:

21963836

IRWC4XXX19. ******************* was the listed contact for this account.

After communicating with ************, our staff explained that the outstanding balance was in connection with an estimated final audit on the workers compensation policy. Irad Construction cooperated with our clients request for additional information, at which point, the balance of the account was adjusted from $7,323.54 to $5,357.54.

Following this adjustment, complainant set up a payment plan for this account consisting of three payments; the first payment in the amount of $1,787.54 was processed on July 1, 2024; two additional payments in the amount of $1,785.00 were supposed to be processed to pay the balance owed in full.
Unfortunately, it appears that an error occurred when processing the next payment, and two payments in the amount of $3,500 and $1,071 respectively were mistakenly processed. Although these two payments totaling $4,571.00 were processed, our agency did not receive the funds, and they were rejected by the bank. Out of an abundance of caution, our accounting department refunded the first payment which had been processed on July 1 in the amount of $1,787.54.
Currently, the full balance of $5,357.54 is owed, as the first payment was refunded, and the second and third payments were never received by our agency.

We sincerely apologize to complainant for this misunderstanding and ask him to kindly contact our office to resolve the outstanding balance.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

*********************************
Chief Compliance Officer
Email: ********************************
Initial Complaint
06/03/2024
Complaint Type:
Billing Issues
Status:
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.
Brown & Joseph attempts to collect on a debt without providing verification of the alleged debt owed. We dissolved our business two years ago and timely cancelled our insurance policy. Now, Brown & Joseph continue to call and email requesting payment for "underpayment on our insurance policy." The amount they claim owed is "estimated" and they have not provided verification of their allegations that would indicate a legally enforceable debt. Further, their notice fails to comply with their legal obligations to inform consumers of their rights in disputing the amount owed, or inform of how to request verification of debt owed. Additionally, Brown & Joseph fails continues to call and email regarding the alleged amount owed, without providing verification of the alleged debt, after we requested verification. The law requires that debt collectors cease communication until providing requested verification of debt owed. Brown & Josephs continued harassment and threats of legal action violate their duty to provide adequate notice and verification of debt. I request that the BBB contact ******************************* to inform them of their non-compliance with the law, and take action for their failure to adhere to federal and state requirements for debt collections.
Business response
06/04/2024
We are in receipt of this complaint. Unfortunately we are unable to locate an account with the information provided. We kindly ask **************** to provide us with a case number which would be included in the collection letter or the name of her business.
Thank you for your assistance.
*************************
*************************************
Customer response
06/04/2024

Complaint: 21794832

I am rejecting this response because: the business requested further information; no resolution.
The information requested follows:
case number: 05442447

Sincerely,

*************************
Business response
06/06/2024
We have attached a response to Complaint ID: ********
Customer response
06/06/2024

Complaint: 21794832

I am rejecting this response because:
Liberty Mutual informed me on June 6, 2024 that all billing against B****** and Sons is suspended pending the audit review which began on June 5, 2024. Your response indicated that the audit was completed, which is inaccurate. Further, you indicated that the debt was verified because the audit was completed, which is also inaccurate. I spoke with *************************** at Liberty Mutual who confirmed that the amount alleged $287 was an estimate because no audit was completed.
Additionally, your response did not address the inadequate notice of verifiable debt against B****** and Sons. *********************** in the audit department verified that they had no records indicating notice of the audit or estimated amount due was received by any agent or representative of our company. B****** and Sons received no valid notification from Liberty Mutual, and your company provided insufficient notice of the debt owed. Your company provided no information regarding the alleged debt other than a single page stating $287 was due. This did not indicate it was the result of an audit estimate, and did not indicate how the amount could be disputed. I attempted to speak with ***********************, the representative that continually contacted me regarding the amount due. I requested further documentation, indicated my intent to dispute the amount owed, and requested further information regarding the dispute. ************** failed to provide me with any information requested, continued to press me to pay the amount owed without any assurance that the debt was verified, and referred me to Liberty Mutual when pressed for the FIFTH time.
It required by law that debt collectors provide verification of debt and avenues for disputing debt. When a creditor disputes the amount owed and requests verification of the amount due, debt collectors are to cease all communication until adequate verification is provided. With the rise in scam debt collection, I'm sure you can understand why a single page with no information other than a total due is not adequate proof of verified debt. I requested any other documentation that could prove this debt was verifiable and ************** was unable to provide any information. Moreover, she did not respond to any of my questions or concerns, and simply stated that legal action would be taken if I did not pay the alleged amount due.
This practice is completely unprofessional and inadequate in terms of consumer rights. I'm sure these scare tactics work on many people you may harass, but your agents need to be educated on the law regarding adequate notice. Without providing avenues for dispute, your company violates consumer rights to verify legally enforceable debt. By the time ************** even responded to my concerns with a simple "I don't know, call Liberty Mutual," she had already referred the matter for legal action. You cannot, in good faith, argue that this is adequate verification of debt.
As a professional intermediary hired by a company to collect on debt, you are not even acting as an intermediary. Referring the consumer to Liberty Mutual to figure out their own debt is completely unprofessional and I honestly don't understand how you remain in business. Why would any company hire you as an intermediary when all you do is send repeatetive emails and refuse to address questions, concerns, debt verification...? Why must consumers file a complaint with the BBB for your company to do their job? Its truly incredible that Brown & Joseph has avoided bankruptcy or litigation.
I am rejecting your response because (1) the information you provided regarding the alleged debt owed is inaccurate; (2) your refusal to take accountability for the actions of your representatives; (3) you did not address any concerns regarding adequate notice. This is my FIRST communication from Brown & Joseph that even describes my relationship with Liberty Mutual.
In your response, please address (1) the factual inconsistencies in the information you provided; (2) whether your representatives receive ANY training on their legal obligations; (3) whether your representatives are encouraged to push for collections without providing the consumer with any information whatsoever; (4) whether it is common practice for your representatives to deny any response to questions or concerns; (5) whether your company is simply hired for their email campaigns and consumers must always contact the company owed even though you represent that your company is an intermediary; (6) whether your representatives are trained to withhold information on how to dispute the alleged debt until the matter is referred for legal action?

Sincerely,

*************************
Business response
06/11/2024
The complainant contacted Liberty Mutual directly and a review audit has started. This account has been suspended until September 9, 2024. We consider this complaint closed.
Best regards,
*************************
*************************************
Initial Complaint
05/27/2024
Complaint Type:
Billing Issues
Status:
Resolved
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
This collection firm is attempting to collect $70.00 on behalf of sun state insurance agency. Those $70.00 according to Brown & Joseph LLC were not paid about a year ago, something that our company Arizona's Landscape Brigade totally disagrees on. We have reached sun state directly and have failed to provide balanced records to justify their claim. On the other hand, we have completed our investigation and our records show that everything was paid on time and by the time that our commercial relationship terminated there were no outstanding balances. Please provide all the evidence you have to prove that we owe you that amount listed above. Thank you for taking the time to review your claim. If you have any questions feel free to contact me via email or to our phone number ************, but preferably through BBB. - ****
Business response
05/29/2024
Please see attached letter. We have closed this complaint.
Thank you,
*************************

Customer response
06/03/2024

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
05/22/2024
Complaint Type:
Billing Issues
Status:
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.
I thought they were representing MetLife Disability to resolve overpayment. As it turns out Metlife already took the money I owed. I had set up automatic payments with Brown & Joseph of $100 each month to resolve my overpayment with Metlife but none of the funds ($200 so far) taken have been sent to Metlife.First payment was April 8, 2024 and second was May 8, 2024. I want reimbursement and to stop them from taking more money from me. I can't reach anyone by phone or e-mail. When I try to login it says it can't find me in system and to talk to the Administrator (but no one answers phone).I'm worried this is a scam.
Business response
05/24/2024
I have enclosed our response above. If you have any questions, please email me.
Thank you,
*************************
Customer response
05/28/2024

Complaint: 21745197

I am rejecting this response because:
Brown & Joseph still owe me $100 for the May payment and assurance in writing that they will not take any other funds from my account.

Sincerely,

***************************************
Business response
05/29/2024
Brown and Joseph has processed both $100.00 refunds to complainant. We have closed this account with ********************** and Joseph.
Customer response
05/29/2024

Complaint: 21745197

I am rejecting this response because:
I want to make sure I get the other $100 they owe me and that nothing more is taken out of my account in June.
Thank you -

Sincerely,

***************************************
Business response
05/30/2024
As stated in our last submission, Brown and Joseph has refunded the second $100.00 payment to complainant's credit card. Additionally, we have closed the account under ********************** and Joseph and no other payments will be deducted from complainant's credit card going forward.
Sincerely,

*************************
Licensing and Compliance Specialist
*************************************
Initial Complaint
05/02/2024
Complaint Type:
Order Issues
Status:
Resolved
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
I received a call from this company stating they are requesting my license to be suspended unless I pay over ***** for an insurance claim. I was NOT THE ***** OF THE *** AT THE **** OF THE ACCIDENT, I WAS NOT AT FAULT, AND THE *** WAS INSURED BY FARMERS. This is a PROGESSIVE INSURANCES scam to get out of covering an auto accident, and this company is willingly and knowingly involved in what should be an illegal act. The state in which I live requires all automobiles to be covered in an event like this one. If Progessive DOES NOT OFFER OR HONOR that coverage, they should not offer or provide car insurance to TX residents, AND THIS COMPANY SHOULD DO ITS DUE DILIGENCE BEFORE ACCEPTING AND ATTEMPTING COLLECTION.
Business response
05/06/2024
Please find our response attached.
Initial Complaint
04/24/2024
Complaint Type:
Customer Service Issues
Status:
Resolved
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Between 04/01/24 and 04/24/24, I have received multiple calls from this company claiming I owe on an account. On 04/24/24 I was advised that the amount of the debt was in excess of $7,000 and was related to a fraudulent disability claim. When I explained they had the wrong person the call was disconnected. When I called back, they were unable to find a case searching by my name or address. They were unable to explain why I would be getting a call from their office. It was even suggested that their number may have been spoofed.
Business response
04/24/2024
Please find our resopnse attached.
Initial Complaint
04/22/2024
Complaint Type:
Customer Service Issues
Status:
Resolved
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
I have called this number 6 times no one is ever there to answer the phone they threaten me with driver license suspension but will not allow me to resolve the problem this seems unfair to say the least . I am willing to pay but I need them to call me or answer the phone
Business response
04/23/2024
We are in receipt of complaint No. ******** filed with your office by *************************. We have notfied management and our staff will be contacting ****************** within 24 hours. We sincerely hope you, and complainant, find our response satisfactory.
Initial Complaint
03/22/2024
Complaint Type:
Billing Issues
Status:
Resolved
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Brown & Joseph have been harassing my personal phone and business that I own, calling my front desk staff claiming they are a collection agency collecting money from a past due bill with ************************* They are asking for hundreds of dollars. I do in fact have a policy with Principal, but my local/direct rep has directed me not pay them anything, this is 100% a scam. Per Principal, they do not use them as a collection agency and do not show I owe anything on my account. I confirmed this with another national representative from Principal as well. My staff asked Brown & Joseph for my policy ID # and the number they provided was completely fake and not my ID number. The personnel who called from Brown & Joseph were also disrespectful and raised their voice at my staff when they asked them to stop calling, as they are calling almost daily disrupting our business.
Business response
04/12/2024
This is in response to ***************** complaint No. 21477432. On November 17, 2023, we received a commercial account for collection from our client, *******************,in the amount of $242.00 against *********************, Account No. ************. We understand from the complaint that ************** believes our firm was not engaged by ******************* to collect on this account. We respectfully disagree; our collection efforts in connection with this account were legitimate as our firm was engaged by ******************* to collect the balance stated above.

Please be advised that in light of this complaint and ****************** request for no further contact, our firm has closed the account and ceased all collection activities.
Customer response
04/16/2024

Complaint: 21472432

I am rejecting this response because: ******************* has again reassured me they do not have business ties with Brown and Joseph and there is no outstanding balance on the account. We have been given no proof by Brown and Joseph that they have legitimate business with Principal and also failed to explain why the account number and ID number do not match the information on file with *******************. The fact they are closing the account due to the complaint even though they claim it's legitimate money owed is suspicious in itself. Every rep we have interacted with under Brown and Joseph have been combative, rude and refuse to answer any questions or identify themselves. We do not accept the business response and encourage this agency to be looked into further.

Sincerely,

*********************
Business response
04/26/2024
Thank you for your correspondence. However, we stand by our initial response.
Initial Complaint
03/06/2024
Complaint Type:
Billing Issues
Status:
Resolved
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Brown and Joseph LLC sent me a debt collection notice informing me that I owed $870 to Zurich North America Surety with Account/Policy Number ************. I contacted Zurich North America with the provided policy number and they asked me to contact ********************** at ************. That phone number doesn't exist. I was able to find *************** Surety's email address from their ****** listing and contacted them by email. They informed me that they do not have any record of mine in the last 5 years. After multiple attempts to contact Brown and Joseph LLC over the last 2 days, I was able to get a person to talk to - *********, who was extremely unprofessional and was not able to provide any proper information about the debt instead she came up with another company name for me to call and discuss the details. I did NOT buy the policy described in the debt collection letter and there is NO contract between me and the ZURICH NORTH AMERICA SURETY regarding the referenced debt.They are trying to collect a debt without providing proper validation, which will be considered a violation of the ****** Brown & Joseph should stop this kind of illegal activity, and financial harassment, and also stop wasting the time of citizens. They should hire people with professionalism and manners.
Business response
03/22/2024
Please find Brown & Joseph's response attached.
Customer response
03/22/2024

Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********; a bond was taken for a minor child about 12+ years ago and it was fully paid. Now he is an adult, the automatic renewal is a scam created by some companies without even notify the customers or without the understanding of customer needs. There should be a disciplinary action against these companies and the companies whoever process the collection for these scammers.
Please notify the attorney general of ******** and federal trade commission on these kind of unprofessional business. I am happy that the Brown and Joseph closed the process, but who will pay for the harassment, my sufferings and time I spent to pull the records from a closed business because of this scam? Please inform.

Sincerely,

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

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