Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Collection Bureau Services's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  Collection Bureau Services

  212 E Spruce St Missoula, MT 59802-4502

• 

  Collection Bureau Services

  212 E Spruce St Missoula, MT 59802

• 

  Collection Bureau Services

  3333 2nd Ave N Ste 200 Billings, MT 59101

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:02/29/2024

  Type:Customer Service 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 am not liable for this debt with collection bureau services. I do not have a contract them and they did not provide me with the original contract as I requested.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/01/2024

  The account is part of a judgment that has been assigned to CBS.  CBS does not need a contract with the consumer.  She has not requested an original contract.  In fact, she hung up when our collection agent identified himself in a phone call on February 19.  The item is accurately reported to the credit bureaus.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/03/2023

  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 am deeply concerned about the sharing of my nonpublic information with credit bureaus and the resulting inaccuracies on my credit report. This situation has caused significant financial and emotional distress.Under 15 USC **** Section 602, I have the right to financial privacy, and I expect my information to remain confidential.Furthermore, 15 USC **** Section 604(a)(2) states that a consumer reporting agency cannot furnish account information without my written instructions, which I have not provided.I have identified inaccuracies on my credit report from World Finance, impacting my financial well-being. I request these inaccuracies be corrected promptly.Lastly, please remember 15 USC 1666(b), which prohibits treating payments on a credit card account as late under certain circumstances.For reference, my account details are as follows:Account Number: **************I request a thorough review of my account, prompt correction of credit report inaccuracies, and strict adherence to federal laws regarding my information.Failure to address these issues may compel further legal action. I anticipate your prompt response and resolution to these concerns.Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.Sincerely,*************************

  Business Response

  Date: 11/06/2023

  We do not find this consumer in our system so believe she has wrong company.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/05/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore 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.

  Dear BBB,I am is *************************, my husband is *****************************. We were both sued for my past medical bills around August if 2023 by Collection Bureau Services on spruce st in ********, **.,for around **** dollars, I just don't remember. I was told I owe 893 dollars currently.I went to make a payment on March 31st for my April payment of this year. The woman who answered the phone treated me with such venomous disgust, it un nerves me for a couple days and still makes me feel off.When I said I wanted to make a payment she said she didn't want to take it that I had only made a 30 dollar payment last August when I started the pay plan. Lie number 1. I attempted 5, one got returned, feb was the only 30 one. I told her that's not true and I can prove it. She just said at this point we're going after your assets. I asked her what would the assets be. She avoided the question. I pushed till she answered bank and state refund.I asked where the gentleman is that I talk to every month and she said "I have mo man in this office" lie number 2, I looked him up his name is *******************?. She had me believing that I was paying a different agency and I was mixed up. Lie number 3 Now I was scared, I only have money for bills in my bank.So I explain that I have mental illness that effects ************ and memory and some brain damage from septi shock causing cognition problems and memory problems and could i please have a nother chance. She said no, we have to get our creditors their money like she was disgusted with me. So I said for a second time I wanted to make a payment. She ignored that again. I asked again about the man, she finally said rudely just tell me how much are you going to pay.She asked where my husband worked. Frankly I think she wanted me to set me up so she could take my assets. I made my payment, distraught and worried I hung up.I called back asking if I had rights, she said no. I want proof of them owning the debt and amount n date of debt.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/20/2023

  Collection Bureau Services did receive two calls from ****************** on 3/31/23 and she spoke to one of the collectors and made a payment.  On the second phone call, ******************* inquired about her rights and wanted to know about appealing.  The collector let her know that there was no appeal process within Collection Bureau and that she cannot give ******************* legal advice.  When ******************* asked about the payments she had made, the collector advised her that she had only made one payment since October of 2022.  However, the collector had misspoken, and Collection Bureau has received a total of 3 payments since October of 2022.  When ******************* asked about a gentlemen she was talking with at Collection Bureau the collector advised her that she had talked to multiple people in our office.  ******************* states in her complaint she had talked to a ********************  There was a previous employee at Collection Bureau by the name of *****************, however, ******************* has never spoken to him. 

  
  ****************** has been in default of her payment arrangement.  However, CBS is willing to set ****************** on a payment arrangement of $50.00 a month with the first payment due by May 15.   Should she default again, CBS intends to seek its legal remedies.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/20/2023

   
  Complaint: 19901870
  
  I am rejecting this response because:for one I made 4 payments, look at April.  

  Secondly, I asked for proof of original credit from my creditors and what exactly I'm paying on.  I asked for proof of loan.  

  Thirdly i want to know my rights as to when a collection agency can just take my assets when im making obvious attempts to pay.  If i make 12 payments and miss one can they take legal action then.  That sounds wrong.  Thats what they are proposing.

  Thanks but i need more information.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  Business Response

  Date: 04/27/2023

  Collection Bureau Services had received a total of 3 payments between October of 2022 and March 31, 2023.  During the March 31, 2023, phone call ****************** did make a payment and that payment was processed on April 3,2023.  As of today, Collection Bureau has received 4 payments from ******************** Attached is a copy of the Complaint which identifies the creditors and debts at issue in the legal action.  I have also attached a copy of the judgment. If ******************* would like to know her legal rights, she will need to contact her own legal counsel. Collection Bureau will accept monthly payments.  However, if payments are not received per the agreed upon payment schedule, Collection Bureau will proceed with enforcing the judgment.  Collection Bureau Services is still willing to set ******************* on a payment arrangement of $50.00 per month with the first payment due May 15, 2023.
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/02/2023

   
  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

  Date:03/20/2023

  Type:Service or Repair 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.

  Hello,I just got a phone call from a process server he said he had papers for me. As I was giving him the days I would be home he said he was close by and I told him to come on over. He served me my papers which were collection paperes on behalf of the hospital. This is my complaint, the papers are dated March 29, 2021. I called the collection company asking why the delay in delivery. The man named **** (refused to give his last name) he said the process server said I was out of town, which is not true. Next **** says I have more bills from the hospital, for ******, ***** and *****. **** then says I owe interest of ******. Collection Bureau continued to collect interest on me for 2 years while I was never served. I could have paid this had I known. I thought the hospital wrote it off. This company is doing bad against people. Please look into their practices. 9

  Business Response

  Date: 03/27/2023

  CBS sent **************** a ******* letter regarding the account at issue in the lawsuit on  December 31, 2020.  The underlying creditor then reported that it received a $150.00 payment from **************** on January 6.  When **************** failed to make further payments,CBS sent her another ******* letter on February 8, 2021.  Because she failed to make further payments,CBS commenced the legal action on March 29, 2021. 

  
  Before serving her the Summons and Complaint, the process server made 12 other attempts, left four business cards at her residence, been told she was in ******** for work two weeks and been told she was working in ******* for three months.  She alleges that she was not out of town.  If that is the case, then she should take the misrepresentations up with whomever was at her residence and made those statements to the process server.

  
  ******* law provides two years to serve civil papers. In this case, **************** was served within that time. **************** was well-aware the account was with CBS and free to make payment at any time.  She also could have timely responded to the process servers attempts.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/27/2023

   
  Complaint: 19626585
  
  I am rejecting this response because: they are lying about the attempts made to serve. This company charges fees and when people are not served they continue to charge fees.
  
  Sincerely,*************************
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/15/2022

  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.

  CBS filed a judgment against me 10 years ago. I had an attorney set up a payment plan with the actual amount i owed and the payments were made. The judgment for the original amount was never removed from my bank. My bank account just went above that amount and my bank sent them the amount of the original judgment. So CBS has charged me twice for the same judgment.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/23/2022

  **************** and CBS entered an agreement to resolve a Judgment in the amount of $15,937.42, plus accruing interest at 10% per annum, for $12,000.  That agreement was contingent upon CBS receiving monthly payments of $200.00 by the 28th day of each month.  If he defaulted on any payment, **************** would owe the full balance. 
  When **************** defaulted on his payment obligation at the start of 2015, CBS obtained a writ of execution and levied his bank account on or about March 15 and April 24, 2015.  Those levies obtained $177.28 and $199.13 from his bank account.  **************** would have been advised by his bank of those levies.  Additionally, the levying officer would have sent him a document titled Notice of Seizure each time those funds were received.  In response,**************** contacted CBS on May 4, 2015, to see about getting back on the payment arrangement.  Although CBS was willing to allow **************** to pay the obligation at $200/month, the defaulted payment eliminated the $12,000 settlement.  Because he was represented by an attorney, CBS was not able to discuss the matter with him.  **************** stated he would go see his attorney.  CBS received confirmation on July 7, 2015, from Mr. ******* attorney that CBS could discuss the matter with him.  A representative tried to contact him that day by calling the phone number on the checks it had received from him.  The gentlemen who answered stated that his name was *** and that CBS had the wrong number.   At that point, CBS began sending monthly reminders.  Those notices reflected the total balance due under the terms of the agreement in light of the defaulted payment arrangement.     
  CBS received a $200 check on January 2, 2018, indicating that it was for the $200 balance remaining.  CBS returned that check with a business card and a balance report reflecting the amount remaining due to the defaulted payment arrangement.  **************** did not contact CBS.
  On January 29, CBS received another check indicating that it was the final payment.  That check was also returned with another business card.  *************** did not contact CBS.  CBS sent a payment reminder on February 21, 2018, again reflecting to total balance due.  CBS received no further payments or communication from that point forward.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/26/2022

   
  Complaint: 18410319
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  This doesn't change the fact that CBS charged me twice  for the same judgment, the agreed $12,000.00 settlement, which they should honor if they are legitimate, and the original judgment of which they charged me over $16,000 dollars.  One of them should be returned.  Me being naive, didn't think a company like this would commit fraud by not depositing one of the payments.  My attorney said that the situation was resolved and to keep up the monthly payments which i did.  They are also dishonest about saying that my attorney said they could speak to me, because I didn't give him permission to do that. The reason I got an attorney was so he could handle everything and keep things legit.

  My attorney told me this situation was resolved.  If it wasn't resolved, why wasn't the $200.00 dollar payment ever garnished again after I paid the $12000.00?  That is very fraudulent behavior.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  Business Response

  Date: 12/14/2022

  CBS has not charged **************** twice for the same judgment.  The balance recovered is exactly what was due as reflected below:
  Judgment Amount         $15,937.42
  Accrued Costs                      995.25
  Accrued Interest              12,063.80
  (Recovered)               (    28,892.52)
  (Write-off)                 (         107.95)
                                  ==========
  Balance                         $        0.00
  
  CBS certainly committed no fraud.  CBS twice returned Mr. ******* checks in January 2018 and reminded him of the failed payment arrangement.  **************** did not contact CBS.  CBS then sent a payment reminder on February 21, 2018, to which **************** did not respond.

  
  Finally, CBS was not being dishonest about the fact that his attorney authorized CBS to speak to *****************  As previously mentioned, that is what prompted CBS to attempt to contact him on July 7, 2015, at the phone number on the checks it had received.         

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/20/2022

   
  Complaint: 18410319
  
  I am rejecting this response because: Even by your numbers, the recovered amount($28,892.52) shows that I paid more than the settlement amount of what I actually owed $12,000 which you agreed upon.  You are showing your  dishonesty by your own numbers.  You are also dishonest about the accrued costs number of which is $620.25 in the  judgement and you are showing $995.25  Also your interest number is obviously some made up number.  If you are as legitimate as you say you are, then show me that you paid all this money to your client, which should be my original creditor.  Or were you just  going to keep this money that doesn't belong to you.  All I'm asking is that you do the right thing. You agreed to no interest for the $12,000 settlement amount, which shows by your numbers more than paid.  I shouldn't  be charged any interest at all because of the way you handled this, but if there was it should only be on the $4.000 difference.
  

   

   

  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/07/2022

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore 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.

  Collection Bureau Services has added an account to my credit profile. It is not my account. They will not provide me proof of my ownership in the account nor will they let me pay it off to get it off my credit. We havr not receive any letters or calls from them at all and then it appeared on my credit saying it's 2 years old. I want proof of this account being mine or I want it deleted off of my credit. This is not my account. I believe it is a HIPAA violation that they have it on my credit account. Please have them send proof of ownership as well as proof they have the right to collect. Until I receive proof I want it removed.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/08/2022

  The account is for medical services provided to Mrs. ******** spouse.  It is CBS position that, as his spouse, ******************* is liable for the account under the doctrine of necessities which holds her liable for services provided to her spouse for his health,comfort or welfare.  CBS sent a total of seven letters to recover the balance, including one addressed to ******************* at the physical address she provided in her complaint and one to the **** Box she provided.  Neither of those was returned by the postal service to indicate that they had not been delivered as addressed.  The fact that the account has been credit reported is not a HIPAA violation as HIPAA specifically recognizes credit reporting as a permissible disclosure.   On May 10, the account was included in a legal action against Mrs.******** husband for which the process server has been attempting to obtain service of process.  Tell us why here...

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/08/2022

   
  Complaint: 17532847
  
  I am rejecting this response because:I do not agree I am legally responsible for this debt. The clinic sent this debt as a single account in ********** name. The collection Bureau changed it to a joint account. IT IS NOT A JOINT ACCOUNT AND I AM NOT LIABLE FOR THE ***** I want PROOF sent to me that I signed something saying I am legally responsible for this debt. I have not received any paperwork stating you have the right to collect or any documents proving I am responsible. I want proof sent to me. Until I receive proof I want the account deleted immediately.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Business Response

  Date: 07/15/2022

  CBS is unaware of any writing signed by ******************.  That is not the basis for her liability.  The following excerpt from a legal brief more fully explains the basis of her liability.

  
  ******* Code Annotated 40-2-106 specifies the liability that parents have for necessary services provided their children.  The statute specifically provides:
  Liability for acts or debts of spouse.  A husband or wife, solely on the basis of being a spouse, is not answerable for the acts of the other spouse or liable for the debts contracted by the other spouse, except that the expenses for necessities of the family and of the education of the spouses children are chargeable upon the property of both the husband and wife, or either of them, and in relation to those expenses, the husband and wife may be sued jointly or separately.  
  
  Under ******* Code Annotated 40-2-210, services provided for the health, welfare , [and} comfort of a spouse or a persons children are specifically defined as necessary articles.   The ******* Supreme Court has consistently held that the term necessary articles is broadly and expansively defined to include all.services that are reasonably required to provide for the health, welfare [and] comfort of the spouse.  Section 40-2-210, MCA.   See ******** **** ************, 295 Mont. 260, 263, ***************** (1999).   In Bard, the court also referred to the definition of necessaries contained in Blacks Law Dictionary.  That definition includes things indispensable, or things proper and useful, for the sustenance of human life.  (citing In re Marriage of White, 218 Mont.343.  346, ***************** (citing Blacks Law Dictionary **** (Rev. 4th *** 1968)).  295 Mont. at 264, 983 P.2d at 935.  In Bard, the Court concluded that the broad statutory definition of necessary articles goes so far as to include legal services provided to obtain an order of protection.  Id.  Most recently, the Court in Serrania v. LPH, ***** 379 Mont. 17, 347 P.3d **** (2015) addressed circumstances similar those found here.  In Serrania, a dental group placed an account for collection against ********************* that included costs for treatment provided to her, her then-husband, and her son.  Id., ******** at ****.  Citing section 40-2-210, MCA, and Bard, the Court held that LPH, ***** the collection agency used by the dental group, properly represented that she was liable for the entirety of the account.  Id. at 24, ******** at 1242.
  

  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/21/2022

   
  Complaint: 17532847
  
  I am rejecting this response because:You quoted the law saying the spouse is not responsible. You cannot have a joint medical **** and we dont have kids. I am not responsible for this debt. The clinic sent it to you as a single account under jeremiahs name. You not having any written proof is proof in itself that it is not mine. You also will not accept payment for this account. We have tried to pay it twice. It is not my account and I want it removed from my credit now. We have tried to pay you twice. We will not try again. That's on you. Remove the account from my credit.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Business Response

  Date: 08/01/2022

  CBS previously responded to the consumers belief that she was not liable for the debt.  Both the ******* statutes and case law substantiate CBS position.  
  When she contacted CBS in June, she was advised of the pending lawsuit.  However, in order to put this matter to rest, CBS is willing to accept payment of the principal and interest balance due at the time of her call ($286.58) and forego its pursuit of the justice court matter.  CBS will write off the costs and attorneys fee it was pursuing in that matter.  It is CBS understanding that the credit reporting bureaus will then remove the account from the consumers credit files once it is reported as a $0.00 balance. 
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/01/2022

   
  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. I will call and pay on August 18, 2022.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************