The City of Los Angeles entered into contracts with six individual collection agencies in order to help reduce the City ‘s delinquent accounts. The solicitation notice you received follows several unsuccessful attempts by the City department to obtain payment for services, taxes or assessments levied against you that are delinquent .
How do I verify that this is not a scam?
The following six collection agencies are under contract with the City of Los Angeles on a citywide footing :
AllianceOne Receivables Management, Inc., Caine & Weiner Company, Inc., Gila LLC f/k/a Gila Corporation assumed name Municipal Services Bureau ( MSB ), Harris & Harris, Ltd., Transworld Systems, Inc., and Pioneer Credit Recovery, Inc. ( jointly, solicitation agencies ).
Will my personal account information remain confidential?
Yes, the contracts with the solicitation agencies stipulate that any information provided by the City on delinquent accounts will be used entirely for the aim of collections. This information is to be held in the stern of confidence and used for no other aim. The collection agencies are to operate within applicable guidelines set forth by the Federal and State regulations regarding fair debt solicitation practices .
Whom should I call about the details of my account?
Please contact the solicitation means directly at the call phone number that appears on your collection notice, as they are presently responsible for the collection of your account .
How long do I have to respond to this collection notice?
Your account is badly delinquent by the time you received the collection comment. You should contact the solicitation agency immediately to arrange payment .
Should I pay the Collection Agency or the department that provided the service?
You should pay the collection agency directly. payment to the City department will not clear your account fast, as your account has already been transferred to the collection agency. however, the City department will besides accept requital by mail or at its public counter .
What happens if I do not respond to the collection notice?
collection efforts will continue and your score may accrue extra penalties and interest. Collection agencies may report your delinquency to the versatile credit agency, which may affect your accredit score. The City of Los Angeles may besides elect to file legal natural process to reclaim the funds .
Are the collection agencies authorized to offer payment plans?
Yes, solicitation agencies may offer and negotiate requital plans. The decision to grant payment plans will be made on a individual basis. however, the collection agencies do not have the authority to compromise any claim on behalf of the City .
How do I verify that the City received my payment?
The quickest manner to verify requital has been received is by contacting the collection agency immediately.
If I pay the Collection Agency directly, how long will it take for my account to be credited?
Please be advised that cash, money order, cashier ‘s control and citation batting order payments will be credited to your explanation upon receipt by the solicitation representation. If your explanation is paid in full moon, their solicitation efforts will cease. however, if you pay by personal check, the collection representation will lone post payment to your account once the check has cleared .
Has a collection fee been added to my bill?
Yes, in accordance with Los Angeles Administrative Code section 5.181 ( c ), persons indebted to the City of Los Angeles for delinquent accounts or any obligations owing to the City, shall be liable for the fundamental obligation and all costs incurred to effectuate solicitation of those items .
If I recently remitted my payment to the City, should I disregard this collection notice?
Do not disregard the collection comment even if you have recently submitted payment. Please be advised that once your report has been placed with a collection agency it is your responsibility to inform the collection representation that you have remitted requital. The solicitation agency will lone stop its collection efforts upon requital confirmation by the City. Each solicitation representation provides a challenge resolution march. once an bill has been placed with a collection agency, you should contact them immediately to resolve a challenge .
Are interest and penalties included in the amount of this collection notice?
Yes, unless prohibited by City Ordinance, City departments may charge penalty and concern on derelict accounts .
How do I report abuses by the Collection Agencies or file a formal complaint?
As each collection means provides its own dispute resolution work, your charge may be resolved by contacting the solicitation agency immediately through the contact information listed on their collection notice. You should besides write the Office of Finance Citywide Billing and Collection Program at City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street, Room 1225, Los Angeles, CA 90012, to file a complaint. The collection agencies will be required to respond to the City regarding any ailment received by the City against the solicitation agency relative to handling of a City account .
What will happen if I am reported to a credit bureau?
Your credit fink may be affected, which could impact your ability to receive future credit. To avoid this, please contact the collection agency immediately to arrange payment on your account .
How long will it take for my name to be removed from the credit bureau files after payment and how long will it affect my credit?
Read more: Credit Saint Credit Repair Review
According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, collection data may remain on your phonograph record for seven ( 7 ) years from the date of delinquency with the original creditor .
Whom can I contact in the City if I have additional questions regarding use of outside collection agencies?
You can contact the Office of Finance Citywide Collection Program at ( 213 ) 978-7900, with extra questions, comments, and suggestions regarding the collection agency process. however, please note that questions regarding the condition, or proportion, of your account should be directed to the specific collection means handling your account .
