ComplaintsforFirst Direct Mediation, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  02/08/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I've receive multiple calls a week with out voice mail. It was not until a few days ago they called and left a message. They did not state where they were calling from, who they were trying to reach, or what it was in regards to. The only thing that was requested was a call back to update an address. I emailed the company and did not hear a response. I called and left a voice mail stating I would not leave any information besides the number they can reach me and requested a call back with what it was in regards to . I needed to make sure this was not a scam. Im not even sure if this is even a call for myself since they have yet to clarify. If indeed this is a legitimate company and call for myself I have no problem working with them to resolve whatever matter is needed.

  Business response

  03/13/2023

  Transcribed below for convenience but see original business response: RE: Complaint #: ******* *******, ******** To Whom It May Concern: Please allow this correspondence to serve as a written response for the complaint of ******* ******* against this office. Our office has conducted a thorough review of the allegations in the complaint and have met with the subject employees in regards to this matter. In response to this complaint, please be advised that our office strives to provide a positive customer service experience while adhering to the pertinent regulations. It is our procedure upon receipt of a consumer complaint to reinforce with management and staff that any proven violation of office customer service policies will have an adverse effect on employment with our company, up to and including termination. Please be further advised that immediately upon receipt of the subject complaint, we located the subject account. Ms. ******* contacted our office, discussed the matter and was provided the original documentation for the loan. She was amenable to entering into a payment plan to fit her budget but to date has not called the office back to do so. Per company policy, our office has proactively discontinued any and all efforts on this account. Should Ms. ******* wish to complete her payment plan, she may feel free to contact the office and speak to management. If she decides not to do so, she can rest assured that our office will not contact her further. Please be advised that these matters are taken with the highest respect and consideration. Whenever possible, our office strives to comply with any consumer request and provide a positive customer service experience. We wish to apologize for any inconvenience or misunderstanding caused to Ms. *******. However, she may rest assured she will receive no further communications from this office. Thank you for your time and consideration. Very Truly Yours, Onden T** First Direct Mediation, Inc.  

  Customer response

  03/13/2023

  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. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ******* *******
  
  
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  11/10/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  November 2022 First Direct Mediation Inc. is a pathetic "collector" for pathetic payday lenders and lending sharks. These losers have been calling all my numbers trying to talk tough saying they are reaching out to me in pre-litigation for collections. I don't think they know what that is. Only one of the callers actually used the real company name, not some fake Meet Litigation name. They claim to be working for a company called *** ****** which can't even legally issue loans in my state. They refuse to stop calling me. Now I just have fun wasting their time when they call, I actually look forward to the call and plan out what my next string of answers will be to waste their time.

• Initial Complaint

  09/21/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  First direct mediation has been contacting me daily to pay on a account that is fraudulent as I closed my bank account prior to when I allegedly created these accounts. Not only did I not create said accounts, I never consented for my information to be shared. I get several calls a day without a voicemail being left to set up a payment arrangement. They have contacted family members, and I request them to cease and desist from doing so. I've received calls at late as 8:45pm. In addition to multiple calls a day, they continue to call my phone to threaten me about how the office is filing the papers to send out to me and take me to court. One gentleman I spoke to informed me that I needed to make a payment immediately or else it would "be bad" Not only do they harass me with phone calls, but I have yet to receive any documentation from them regarding anything that I allegedly owe. I made them aware of the fact that I am currently unhoused, and often have less than $30 to my name. I am barely able to keep a working phone line and often dont know when my next meal will be. Any financial assistance I receive goes to basic daily needs, food, water, and occasional shelter when I can afford it. Aside from contract harassment and threatening me, they also had the nerve to ask if I'm able to work or receive government assistance which is absolutely NO ONE else's business.

  Business response

  10/24/2022

  To Whom It May Concern: 
  Please allow this correspondence to serve as a written response for the complaint of ***** ******* against this office. Our office has conducted a thorough review of the allegations in the complaint and have met with the subject employees in regards to this matter. In response to this complaint, please be advised that our office strives to provide a positive customer service experience while adhering to the pertinent regulations. It is our procedure upon receipt of a consumer complaint to reinforce with management and staff that any proven violation of office customer service policies will have an adverse effect on employment with our company, up to and including termination. 
  Please be further advised that immediately upon receipt of the subject complaint, we located the subject account. Pursuant to Ms. *******'s request and our company policy, we immediately terminated any and all efforts on the subject account. Additionally, our office has instructed the staff not to contact the complainant nor anyone else listed on the subject account. We have also had the management team move the subject file into a locked status so as to guarantee no further contact. In effect, this office has permanently discontinued any and all efforts on the subject account. Furthermore, please be advised that the subject employee has been made to attend and complete further training sessions to ensure adherence to company policy. Failure to do so will result in termination of employment. 
  Please be advised that these matters are taken with the highest respect and consideration. Whenever possible, our office strives to comply with any consumer request and provide a positive customer service experience. We wish to apologize for any inconvenience or misunderstanding caused to Ms. *******. However, the complainant can rest assured that our office will have no further communication attempts per her request. 
  Thank you for your time and consideration. 
  Very Truly Yours, 
  First Direct Mediation, Inc. 
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  07/05/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Willie c***** Continues to call my phone to threaten me about how the office is filing the papers to send out to me and take me to court. Continues to be rude with legal threats. I’ve explained my situation numerous times and it always takes having someone else to help me out for it to “happen.” I have never been sent any documents in the mail about this loan I “owe.” I have gotten calls after calls. This is beyond disgusting how a company goes about things when it comes to trying to “collect a debt.”

  Business response

  08/01/2022

  Please allow this correspondence to serve as a written response for the complaint of ******** ********* against this office. Our office has conducted a thorough review of the allegations in the complaint and have met with the subject employees in regards to this matter. In response to this complaint, please be advised that our office strives to provide a positive customer service experience while adhering to the pertinent regulations. It is our procedure upon receipt of a consumer complaint to reinforce with management and staff that any proven violation of office customer service policies will have an adverse effect on employment with our company, up to and including termination. 
  Please be further advised that immediately upon receipt of the subject complaint, we located the subject account. Ms. ********** had an outstanding balance and did make payments on the account which have been credited toward her balance . In light of the facts and circumstances as explained by Ms. ********* in her complaint, her family situation and financially trying to stay on her feet in these tough times, our office has made the decision to terminate any and all efforts on the subject account and as such, she can rest assured she will no longer have any communications from our office. In addition, Ms. **********'s outstanding balance stands at $560.89. Our office has made the decision to pay off her debt. Please let this writing confirm that Ms. **********'s balance is $0.00 as of this writing. 
  Please be advised that these matters are taken with the highest respect and consideration. Whenever possible, our office strives to comply with any consumer request and provide a positive customer service experience. We wish to apologize for any inconvenience or misunderstanding caused to Ms. ********** and hope that we can bring this matter to an amicable close for her. 
  Thank you for your time and consideration. 
  Very Truly Yours, 
  First Direct Mediation, Inc. 
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  04/05/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Received multiple calls from Mr. W******** at first direct mediation about a payday loan. Even though I contacted the person and told them to contact me only by emails. He continued to call other family members leaving voicemails most recently contacted my husbands ex-wife n her husband today. I called them and they denied calling. I don’t believe them. Their website brags about how they use skip tracing to find people and basically harasse/embarrass people.

  Business response

  04/28/2022

  April 25, 2022 
  Better Business Bureau 100 Bryant Woods South Amherst, New York 14228 Attn: *** *** 
  RE: Complaint #: **** ***** ********* ******** 
  To Whom It May Concern: 
  Please allow this correspondence to serve as a written response for the complaint of **** ***** ******** against this office. Our office has conducted a thorough review of the allegations in the complaint and have met with the subject employees in regards to this matter. In response to this complaint, please be advised that our office strives to provide a positive customer service experience while adhering to the pertinent regulations. It is our procedure upon receipt of a consumer complaint to reinforce with management and staff that any proven violation of office customer service policies will have an adverse effect on employment with our company, up to and including termination. 
  Please be further advised that immediately upon receipt of the subject complaint, we located the subject account. Pursuant to Ms. ********'s request and our company policy, we immediately terminated any and all efforts on the subject account. Additionally, our office has instructed the staff not to contact the complainant nor anyone else listed on the subject account. We have also had the management team move the subject file into a locked status so as to guarantee no further contact. In effect, this office has permanently discontinued any and all efforts on the subject account. 
  Please be advised that these matters are taken with the highest respect and consideration. Whenever possible, our office strives to comply with any consumer request and provide a positive customer service experience. We wish to apologize for any inconvenience or misunderstanding caused to Ms. ********. However, she can rest assured that our office will have no further communication attempts per their request. 
  Thank you for your time and consideration. 
  Very Truly Yours, 
  First Direct Mediation, Inc. 
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  03/04/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I've received repeated call from same phone number, stating they need to speak with me asap, states they are not a collection agency and call is time sensitive. I usually don't answer call's that are not in my contact list. This morning I answered call. From Antonio, who proceeded to give me personal information re: me. I said how do u have this personal info on me and asked what company is he with, he said first direct. Than proceded to tell me there is a civil lawsuit against me. At that point I asked for his phone number, that I need to research your company, because I've no idea what's going on. Told him I'd be in touch if I find u are legit. Goggled company, red flag's regarding company. Called #hed givin me, another person answered, said antonio was not available. I than proceded to tell her that they needed to take me off there call list, because I reserched company, she started to talk over me very rudely that if I believed everything on the internet she felt sorry for me. Told her to send via mail and provide me information as to why your harrasing me with continuous call, as well as provide me with why they have personal information on me. She got real smart and said be looking for letter from us, and hung up on me

  Business response

  03/28/2022

  March 23, 2022 
  Better Business Bureau 100 Bryant Woods South Amherst, New York 14228 Attn: *** *** 
  RE: Complaint #: ***** *************, ******** 
  To Whom It May Concern: 
  Please allow this correspondence to serve as a written response for the complaint of ***** ************* against this office. Our office has conducted a thorough review of the allegations in the complaint and have met with the subject employees in regards to this matter. In response to this complaint, please be advised that our office strives to provide a positive customer service experience while adhering to the pertinent regulations. It is our procedure upon receipt of a consumer complaint to reinforce with management and staff that any proven violation of office customer service policies will have an adverse effect on employment with our company, up to and including termination. 
  Please be further advised that immediately upon receipt of the subject complaint, we located the subject account, a delinquent 605 Lending Loan charged off 2/28/22 in the amount of $1101.97. Pursuant to our company policy, we immediately terminated any and all efforts on the subject account. Additionally, our office has instructed the staff not to contact the complainant nor anyone else listed on the subject account. We have also had the management team move the subject file into a locked status so as to guarantee no further contact. In effect, this office has permanently discontinued any and all efforts on the subject account. We wish to apologize for any inconvenience or misunderstanding caused to Ms. *************. However, she can rest assured that she will have no further communication attempts from this office per her request. 
  Please be advised that these matters are taken with the highest respect and consideration. Whenever possible, our office strives to comply with any consumer request and provide a positive customer service experience. We further appreciate the opportunity to utilize consumer feedback such as the subject complaint as a tool to promote and educate employees in our customer service industry, 
  Thank you for your time and consideration. 
  Very Truly Yours, 
  
  First Direct Mediation, Inc. 
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  01/24/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I've dealt with very threatening calls from this company from Michael R*****, Michael originally was reaching out to me about a loan that had gotten sold without the original company contacting me to try to settle the debt. Michael, since our first conversation has used scare tactics of garnishing my wages when I was unable to pay this due to my family struggling from job loss due to covid 19. Even advising I truly could not afford to make an arrangement Michael continued to tell me if I didn't they would be sending through the paper work and I could deal with them that way. I asked to speak with a supervisor which he literally just placed himself back on the line like I would have no idea as well as hung up on me for being upset about the way he was treating me. I felt he was being unreasonable with my financial situation as my husband had been out of work for a year and we are still awaiting unemployment backpay. Michael had no remorse and had me sign into a contract I knew I could not agree with. I never agreed for my information to be sold to a third party and I truly feel that this was handeled in the worst way possible. My company recently switched my pay dates and when the payment was declined I again received a threatening call about garnishment. Garnishment should be a last attempt effort this company is unwilling to work with people it troubling situations.

  Business response

  03/09/2022

  Please allow this correspondence to serve as a written response for the complaint of ********* ***** against this office. Our office has conducted a thorough review of the allegations in the complaint and have met with the subject employees in regards to this matter. In response to this complaint, please be advised that our office strives to provide a positive customer service experience while adhering to the pertinent regulations. It is our procedure upon receipt of a consumer complaint to reinforce with management and staff that any proven violation of office customer service policies will have an adverse effect on employment with our company, up to and including termination. 
  Please be further advised that immediately upon receipt of the subject complaint, we located the subject account. Ms. ***** had a sizable balance and did make payments on the account which have been credited toward her balance . In light of the facts and circumstances as explained by Ms. ***** in her complaint, her family situation and financially trying to stay on her feet in these tough times, our office has made the decision to terminate any and all efforts on the subject account and as such, she can rest assured she will no longer have any communications from our office. Our office attempts to maintain a positive customer service experience and the allegations as described do not promote that policy. While we will no longer contact Ms. *****, we welcome her to call the office on her own volition to speak to management only and maybe we can be of further assistance. Otherwise, our office has ceased any further efforts on the subject account. 
  Please be advised that these matters are taken with the highest respect and consideration. Whenever possible, our office strives to comply with any consumer request and provide a positive customer service experience. We wish to apologize for any inconvenience or misunderstanding caused to Ms. ***** and hope that we can bring this matter to an amicable close for her. 
  Thank you for your time and consideration. 
  Very Truly Yours, 
  
  First Direct Mediation, Inc. 
  

  
  

  Customer response

  03/09/2022

  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 providing correspondence in a written format as I requested from the company at the beginning of this complaint to ensure a paper trail in regards to this matter for both parties.
  I appreciate that you bring up that I have paid a good portion of this balance. I'd like to bring to attention that I was manipulated by Michael into making these payments and arrangement.
  Under the FDCPA, a debt collector cannot threaten to sue you to force faster payment of a debt. Michael continously broke this law and caused me financial and emotional hard ship by these threats.
  This debt while getting paid, was not something I was able to afford and put me in a worse position then I was already in due to these threats. I remember even telling Michael he could not use these tactics and he continued to push and force to get any penny out of me in the middle of a pandemic.
  I truly would like these funds refunded to me and this collection resolved. I was advised additionaly I should take this to the Attorney General of NY if not resolved. As these deceptive practices should never be used when attempting to collect a debt.
  To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, we would like to know your view on the matter.
  Regards,
  ********* *****
  
  
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  12/28/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  First direct mediation has been an absolute nightmare in life. A man named Michael R*** continuously phoned my mother and family telling them he needs to reach me so that I don't get sued and taken to jail, he's "trying to keep me out of litigation" Being extremely upset about his harassment to my family and giving out personal information, i reached out to him. He was very very rude on the phone telling me if I didn't pay by 4pm there would be someone at my door serving me paperwork and I would be sued and taken to jail. He kept saying now I don't know your personal life but you need to find someone that will borrow you this money to pay. Absolutely ridiculous. I didn't want to deal with the court system so I agreed on a payment plan. I signed the document on 6/4/21 to pay a balance of 2083.32 in installments of 173.61 a month. I have already paid this company 1041.66 and now ( 12/8/21 ) they are saying they screwed up on my signed paperwork and I'm actually supposed to pay a balance of 2777.76 and they want me to agree and sign another document! Absolutely not! Another 694.44 ?! One of my transactions didn't go through and instantly after Reed was on the phone again calling my sister this time!! I apologized and transferred money so it could go through. I've received about 7 emails already trying to get me to sign on to this new document. I've been out of work since 11/28/21 with covid spreading around the household and cannot make my December payment. I'm actually terrified to call them because of how rude and mean they are. The threats need to stop and they went against our signed agreement. I do not think I need to give them a penny more for their treatment, i wish I could just get all my money back. This company is obscenely unprofessional and seems like a scam.

  Business response

  01/18/2022

  January 11, 2022 
  Better Business Bureau 100 Bryant Woods South Amherst, New York 14228 Attn: *** *** 
  RE: Complaint #: ******** ********* ******** 
  To Whom It May Concern: 
  Please allow this correspondence to serve as a written response for the complaint of ******** ********* against this office. Our office has conducted a thorough review of the allegations in the complaint and have met with the subject employees in regards to this matter. In response to this complaint, please be advised that our office strives to provide a positive customer service experience while adhering to the pertinent regulations. It is our procedure upon receipt of a consumer complaint to reinforce with management and staff that any proven violation of office customer service policies will have an adverse effect on employment with our company, up to and including termination. 
  Please be further advised that immediately upon receipt of the subject complaint, we located the subject account. Ms. ********* had a sizable balance and we can confirm that she did pay toward the balance. In light of the facts and circumstances as explained by Ms. ********* in her complaint and the misunderstanding our office staff may have created, our office has made the decision to consider the rest of her loan paid off. Our office will be simultaneously mailing a Paid in Full letter to her as we respond here. We wish her the best and hope that we were of assistance. 
  Please be advised that these matters are taken with the highest respect and consideration. Whenever possible, our office strives to comply with any consumer request and provide a positive customer service experience. We wish to apologize for any inconvenience or misunderstanding caused to Ms. *********, but she can rest assured this matter has been closed and she will not hear from our office again. 
  Thank you for your time and consideration. 
  Very Truly Yours, 
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  12/25/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I was contacted by a gentleman last name Michael who said he was an attorney about a payday loan I defaulted on. He said if I didn’t pay I was going to be arrested for fraud due to my bank account being closed. Well due to Covid happening I got behind on bills and my bank account was closed but I did not commit fraud. He said that didn’t matter I needed to handle it or else I would be looking at jail time and court fines on top of what I owed. I am a single mom and was terrified so I set up payment plan with them. This was Jan 2019. I have been paying but it has been really hard. I’ve been having to not pay other bills to get this paid. My friend just forwarded me an article about this company being sued for making threats to get people to pay. I feel so stupid because I really couldn’t afford to abs I have been for almost a year now. My payments are due to end in March according to my contract with them. I’ve already paid over $2600 to them and my loan wasn’t even that much! Last month when I called for an arrangement, he told me if I didn’t they would proceed with action and all of the money I already paid would be forfeited and I would have to pay legal court costs!!! This is absurd! I feel so dumb for not speaking to an attorney first! I’m calling the place I got the loan from to speak to someone in their collections department tomorrow to see if since I’ve already paid over $2600 I can just be done with this and them! The threats to scare people into paying is so mean and insensitive and I just want everyone to be aware that this also happened to me.

  Business response

  01/14/2022

  Please allow this correspondence to serve as a written response for the complaint of ******* *** against this office. Our office has conducted a thorough review of the allegations in the complaint and have met with the subject employees in regards to this matter. In response to this complaint, please be advised that our office strives to provide a positive customer service experience while adhering to the pertinent regulations. It is our procedure upon receipt of a consumer complaint to reinforce with management and staff that any proven violation of office customer service policies will have an adverse effect on employment with our company, up to and including termination. 
  Please be further advised that immediately upon receipt of the subject complaint, we located the subject account. Ms. *** had a sizable balance and we can confirm that she did pay toward the balance. In light of the facts and circumstances as explained by Ms. *** in her complaint, her family situation and financially trying to stay on her feet in these tough times, our office has made the decision to consider the rest of her loan paid off. Our office will be simultaneously mailing a Paid in Full letter to her as we respond here. We wish her the best and hope that we were of assistance. 
  Please be advised that these matters are taken with the highest respect and consideration. Whenever possible, our office strives to comply with any consumer request and provide a positive customer service experience. We wish to apologize for any inconvenience or misunderstanding caused to Ms. ***. 
  Thank you for your time and consideration. 
  Very Truly Yours, 
  

  
  

  Customer response

  01/14/2022

  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. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ******* ***
  
  
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  11/02/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On October 7, 2021 I received a call from First Direct Mediation advising me that I owed them over $2000. They notified me that if I didn't pay them they would file criminal charges against me and/or file a lawsuit against me. I didn't recall owing them anything but they mentioned the fact that I owed a payday loan and charges were about to be filed against me if I didn't agree to pay in installments of $248.78 a month for 12 months. At that time I was extremely confused about what was going on. I have a family and I didn't need any trouble with law enforcement. So I provided them with my credit card information for payment. They sent an email confirmation of payment with transaction number ***********. After doing a bit of research I learned I was lied to and scammed out of my money. I am requesting my $248.78 refunded to me ASAP.

  Business response

  11/22/2021

   Please allow this correspondence to serve as a written response for the complaint of **** ******** against this office. Our office has conducted a thorough review of the allegations in the complaint and have met with the subject employees in regards to this matter. In response to this complaint, please be advised that our office strives to provide a positive customer service experience while adhering to the pertinent regulations. It is our procedure upon receipt of a consumer complaint to reinforce with management and staff that any proven violation of office customer service policies will have an adverse effect on employment with our company, up to and including termination. Please be further advised that immediately upon receipt of the subject complaint, we located the subject account. Mr. ******** had previously paid this office the $248.78 that he stated in his complaint. Pursuant to our company's policy regarding complaints and Mr. ********'s request, our office issued a refund in full in the amount of $248.78 on November 4, 2021. We trust this brings this matter to a close. Please be advised that these matters are taken with the highest respect and consideration. Whenever possible, our office strives to comply with any consumer request and provide a positive customer service experience. We wish to apologize for any inconvenience or misunderstanding caused to Mr. ********. However, he may rest assured he will receive no further communications from this office. Thank you for your time and consideration. Very Truly Yours, 

*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. ↩