Collections Agencies
First Financial GroupFind BBB Accredited Businesses in Collections Agencies.
Information and Alerts
Alert Details
This business has 1 alert.
Pattern of Complaints
BBB began an investigation on April 17, 2019 regarding the marketplace practices of First Financial Group.
BBB requested First Financial Group's voluntary assistance in responding to complaints and eliminating pattern of complaint.
Specifically, consumers allege that First Financial Group was contacting them about a debt that they did not owe. Other allegations include unprofessional behavior on behalf of employees of First Financial Group and threats of legal action if payment was not made immediately.
BBB sent all unanswered complaints and an agreement to eliminate the pattern of complaint to First Financial Group. We requested at least three ways that First Financial Group would implement in order to stop the alleged pattern of complaint.
Additionally, we suggested that First Financial Group meet with BBB so all unresolved matters could be discussed, and we could work toward helping First Financial Group meet BBB Standards of Trust.
BBB received return mail for the address provided. We are not able to confirm if this company is still in operation.
Important Information
Believed to be out of business
According to information in the BBB files, it appears that the company is no longer in business. The BBB's mail to this company has been returned as undeliverable. If you have an unresolved dispute with this company you may wish to seek legal advice.
Additional Info
Debt Collection Scams:
Debt collection scams are one of the most frightening and persistent scam types. Victims often report that scammers harass them for weeks or even months, both at home and at work, trying to get them to pay a debt they don't even owe.
However, BBB is receiving increasing reports that con artists have recently changed their tactics.
Many scammers have switched from "bad cop" to "good cop." Below is information about both versions of the scam.
How the Scam Works:
The scammer calls and tells you that they work for a loan company, law firm or government agency, and claims to be collecting an overdue payment. When you reply that you don't owe money, the "debt collector" starts to make threats of suing you, having your wages garnished, arresting you, or forcing you to appear in court thousands of miles from home.
Despite the threats, these "debt collectors" don't have any legal power. In most cases, the alleged overdue loan doesn't even exist. Don't give in and pay money you don't owe. If you do, the scammer will likely be back for more.
The "Good Cop" Version:
You receive an unsolicited call from a debt collection agency. The caller claims you have an old unpaid debt that is about to go to court. The person who speaks with you is polite and appears to have your best interests at heart. They seem like they sincerely want to help you avoid going to court. To fix the situation, all you need to do is make a reasonable payment, perhaps even divided up into several installments.
No matter how kind the caller seems, don't fall for it. If you make the payment, the person you spoke to on the phone will take the money and disappear. Any future efforts to contact them will be in vain.
Tips to Spot This Scam:
Ask the debt collector to provide official "validation notice" of the debt. In the U.S. and most of Canada, debt collectors are required by law to provide this information in writing. The notice must include the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor, and a statement of your rights. If the self-proclaimed collector won't provide the information, hang up.
Ask for more information. If you do owe money and aren't sure if the caller is real, ask for their name, company, street address, and telephone number. Do not provide any bank account, credit card, or other personally identifiable information over the phone. If the collector is legitimate, they should have details on the accounts in question.
Protect Yourself:
Just hang up. If you don't have any outstanding loans, hang up. Don't press any numbers or speak to an "agent."
Check your credit report. In the US, check with one of the three national credit reporting companies (Equifax, TransUnion, Experian). In Canada, check with Equifax Canada. This will help you determine if you have outstanding debts or if there has been suspicious activity.
Place a fraud alert on your credit report. If the scammer has personal information, place a fraud alert with the three national credit reporting companies.
For more information:
Read this article, found at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2015/04/stand-fake-debt-collectors from the Federal Trade Commission about dealing with fake debt collectors.
To report a scam, go to BBB Scam Tracker at bbb.org/scamtracker.
Visit http://consumer.georgia.gov/consumer-topics/debt-collectors to know your rights regarding debt collection agencies.
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