Hi There
Mine is a simple story but I am so anxious about this. I had an Aldo account which I paid off with MBD about 18 mnths ago. 3 weeks ago I started receiving SMS’s saying that I still owed money on the account.
I called them and spoke to some women who took my details and said someone would call me.
No-one did so I had to repeat the process.
I am now being sent sms’s every day and I cant get to speak to anyone about the problem. Unfortunately (a lesson to be learnt here) I don’t have proof at hand and must now go back through all my bank statements in my spare time in the middle of the night…
At no point did MBD ever send me confirmation that I had paid up my account in full. I then decided to email them this morning and discovered all these complaints on various websites…. Am shocked yet relieved at the same time that I am not the only one. I wonder how many people out there are being harrased and stressed out with no idea that its happening to so many people.
We need Carte Blance to do a story on this. Cant we start a petition or something?
Not sure where to turn to at this stage. Its detrimental to my new business as I am trying to get a credit card machine for my shop but am not able to because of this ‘debt’ HELP!!
(Name withheld)
Friday, June 4, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
And so the story goes...
Hi,
MBD are calling me continuously over a non-existing DSTV account. I have asked them to issue a summons and attach a copy the contract for which they are supposedly instructed to collect from me. They cannot do so, as there is no such contract, yet they keep on calling.
Regards
(Name withheld)
MBD are calling me continuously over a non-existing DSTV account. I have asked them to issue a summons and attach a copy the contract for which they are supposedly instructed to collect from me. They cannot do so, as there is no such contract, yet they keep on calling.
Regards
(Name withheld)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Woollies and MBD
From (Name withheld)
The employees of this company should be taken to court for the way they threaten people on the phone.
I have never known such vicious people on debt collecting.
15 years ago I had an account with Woolworths and when being transferred from Cape Town to Johannesburg, I was given funds to pay any accounts I had .
I than paid Woolworths in full by cash and than suddenly in 2006 I get MBD Attorneys saying I owe Woolworths money as a bad debt.
Every day, evening one of their vicious staff would call me by phone and attack me verbally, they drove me insane.
They must be trained in Gestapo type camps.
I did an Affidavit and sent it to them in 2006 stating the account was paid and blow me down if they do not suddenly now start all over again on me.
Absolute Parasites !! Woolworths is such an etiquette company they need to take a serious look at their debt collectors and just listen to the way these people talk to
debtors on their calls. Enough to give someone a heart attack.
The employees of this company should be taken to court for the way they threaten people on the phone.
I have never known such vicious people on debt collecting.
15 years ago I had an account with Woolworths and when being transferred from Cape Town to Johannesburg, I was given funds to pay any accounts I had .
I than paid Woolworths in full by cash and than suddenly in 2006 I get MBD Attorneys saying I owe Woolworths money as a bad debt.
Every day, evening one of their vicious staff would call me by phone and attack me verbally, they drove me insane.
They must be trained in Gestapo type camps.
I did an Affidavit and sent it to them in 2006 stating the account was paid and blow me down if they do not suddenly now start all over again on me.
Absolute Parasites !! Woolworths is such an etiquette company they need to take a serious look at their debt collectors and just listen to the way these people talk to
debtors on their calls. Enough to give someone a heart attack.
Cell C and MBD - the story continues
Good day,
I had a CellC account for two years and one month before the expiry date I called CellC customer service to get information regarding the cancellation of the contract, mainly due to the bad service. They provided me with the fax no of their accounts division, which I checked does not appear on any website. I could therefore only have obtained the number from them. I immediately faxed them a cancellation letter. I did not receive any statements again and the number no longer worked. More than a year later MBD started to harass me as you mentioned, which by the way they are not allowed to do by law. They blacklisted me after I told them I will not pay. I submitted an appeal to ITC and they immediately removed all the blacklisting.
These so called consultants however keep on harassing me and threatening me. It is true that you cannot ever discuss the merits with them, all you get have not from them is the highly intelligent HUHH.
I wish that someone would do something about them. I do not know why attorney council do not act against them.
Regards
Adv (Name Withheld)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Unbelievable!!!
I have just been browsing a few news sites and found this article regarding MBD and Frans Basson. Never before have I seen such unresearched and reckless journalism...
http://free.financialmail.co.za/innovations/0905/binn.htm
Unbelievable!
To review one or two of the statements made in the article:
1. 'MBD has turned debt collecting into a science with a powerful combination of innovative technology, psychology and processes. '
The only 'psychology and processes' that I have seen in action are those of intimidation and harassment - bullying consumers into paying off debts that are often non existent...
The process is also designed in such a way as to make meaningful communication and access to statements virtually impossible.
Has anybody out there ever received a statement declaring that a debt has been settled after making payment? I have yet to receive such feedback. I only get reports of settled debts getting reactivated with extra interest and fees added...
Has anybody (of the select few who have managed to wrest a statement or two from Cerberus) ever received two statements that do not conflict!? I doubt that too...
2. 'Breaking more kneecaps than the next guy is not the way MBD got ahead. Nor was it by threatening debt defaulters with legal action. Indeed, over 90% of the company's collections are received through amicable negotiations, against an industry standard of 26%. '
http://free.financialmail.co.za/innovations/0905/binn.htm
Unbelievable!
To review one or two of the statements made in the article:
1. 'MBD has turned debt collecting into a science with a powerful combination of innovative technology, psychology and processes. '
The only 'psychology and processes' that I have seen in action are those of intimidation and harassment - bullying consumers into paying off debts that are often non existent...
The process is also designed in such a way as to make meaningful communication and access to statements virtually impossible.
Has anybody out there ever received a statement declaring that a debt has been settled after making payment? I have yet to receive such feedback. I only get reports of settled debts getting reactivated with extra interest and fees added...
Has anybody (of the select few who have managed to wrest a statement or two from Cerberus) ever received two statements that do not conflict!? I doubt that too...
2. 'Breaking more kneecaps than the next guy is not the way MBD got ahead. Nor was it by threatening debt defaulters with legal action. Indeed, over 90% of the company's collections are received through amicable negotiations, against an industry standard of 26%. '
No threats of legal action!? Please, don't make me laugh... That is ALL they do!!! I have countless copies of emails and sms's stating the direct opposite. Too bad they are a bit slack when it comes to actually engaging in direct legal action...
Have any of you ever had an amicable conversation with MBD call centre staff member!? Please let me know - it will be a first...
There are a lot of ways to 'break kneecaps' without resorting to violence. What would damaging a person's credit reputation because of a proscribed or non-existent debt be called? The effect is more crippling than any broken kneecap...
MBD also knows very well that they cannot afford to take these matters to court as the truth has a way of coming out during court hearings. Why do you think I have been demanding a court subpoena for 7 years with no result!? I have also yet to receive an email from somebody that has actually seen the mighty MBD generate a subpoena. I do, on the other hand, have quite a few letters from readers who have been unable to get one, like me...
3. His bags were packed, his house was sold and he had cash in the bank. Debt collections specialist Frans Basson had a ticket to the world and he was determined to enjoy the ride.
(What a pity he didn't use his ticket... It's never too late to leave Mr Basson! I hear the weather is great in North Eastern Siberia...)
I can only assume that the facts were not as easy to find by using a simple Google search at the time of publication....
Please Ms Planting - check your facts before going to print! Your readers expect more from you.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Solid advice from Debt Self Help
Hi All!
I have been in contact with Malcolm Larsen, of Debt Self Help. He has been kind enough to offer very solid advice for people like us. You can also visit their site or contact him for more details. They offer a range of services designed to assist people finding themselves in debt.
Please read his letter below, it contains very handy information.
Thanks Malcolm!
MBD Victim
'There is no doubt that the consumer is much better protected then ever in the modern history of this country. South Africa can also be proud that the consumer protection framework in this country is amongst the most advanced in the world. However, as the government has felt compelled to enact the National Credit Act to protect the consumer, it would be naive to expect the creditors and their attorneys to change their practices built up over many decades over a short period of time. That just won’t happen. Get used to it. Here is a very short article on dealing with attorneys like MBD.
1. Stand up for your rights. Don’t take nonsense. Never let people talk down to you, you are as good as them. At the same time, treat the people who deal with you with respect.
2. Willingness to pay. You obviously have to be willing to discharge your obligations.
3. Ability to pay. You have to have an ability to pay, but it is your assessment of your ability to pay that is important, not anybody else’s.
4. You have to have all the documentation. Here we are talking about the documents signed by both parties, not the unsigned documents. Make sure you ask for and receive a copy if you do not already have.
5. All contracts must be complete. There should be no blank spaces. If there are spaces ask why.
6. Be found – if you have a credit agreement you have to ensure that the creditor or the attorney has your current address. You are not running away.
7. Answer your *&@#$ phone – do not let your phone ring out because it may be a creditor or attorney that you do not want to face. It could also be your daughter or the date you have been chasing. You simply can’t live your life in fear like that.
8. Check if the attorney is acting as an attorney or a debt collector. If it is as an attorney fine, if it is as a debt collector then you are under no obligation to deal with them. Deal directly with the creditor rather.
9. When dealing with your creditors or attorneys make sure you put everything in writing, either fax or e mail, never ever phone. Quite often creditors will tell you they don’t have an e mail address. In today’s age, no e mail address! If this happens to you then ask for the e mail address of their superior. Don’t take no for an answer.
10. Keep your records.
11. Don’t listen to negative talk from the creditors. Also don’t listen to threats. Never think “oh, they must know better”, quit often it simply is not true and they are just trying to bully you.
12. Understand that you are under no obligation to accept phone calls. If you do accept phone calls, only do so at times that is acceptable to you. Don’t accept calls at 8pm at night or weekends if you consider it an invasion of your privacy. You try phoning the creditor after 5pm and you won’t get hold of them, so why should it work the other way round.
13. The call centre operatives often will not talk to you unless you answer a few security questions. So refuse to answer.
14. “Please be advised that this call is being recorded” – That’s nice, but who has the recording, not you. Additionally, if you do talk to call centres, ask them to make a note of something that you say. The next time the call centre phones, ask that person to tell you what you said last time. Most often they can’t because they only record what they want to record, not what was actually said. Alternatively they get it wrong.
15. Sms’s - If you receive, just delete. The exception to this is if you receive an sms threatening legal action. Do not delete these, as you can use them to your advantage.
16. If you receive a letter stating it is in terms of Section 129 of the National Credit Act it is vitally important that you deal with it.
17. You may be told that your agreement doesn’t fall under the National Credit Act because it is pre-existing. This quite often is not true, but you need to check it.
18. If you have not paid your debt in three years and the creditor has not taken any action it may be prescribed (no longer due) in terms of the Prescription Act 1969. This is often the case with MBD Attorneys and the like, but you need to be sure.
Malcolm Larsen
www.debtselfhelp.co.za'
I have been in contact with Malcolm Larsen, of Debt Self Help. He has been kind enough to offer very solid advice for people like us. You can also visit their site or contact him for more details. They offer a range of services designed to assist people finding themselves in debt.
Please read his letter below, it contains very handy information.
Thanks Malcolm!
MBD Victim
'There is no doubt that the consumer is much better protected then ever in the modern history of this country. South Africa can also be proud that the consumer protection framework in this country is amongst the most advanced in the world. However, as the government has felt compelled to enact the National Credit Act to protect the consumer, it would be naive to expect the creditors and their attorneys to change their practices built up over many decades over a short period of time. That just won’t happen. Get used to it. Here is a very short article on dealing with attorneys like MBD.
1. Stand up for your rights. Don’t take nonsense. Never let people talk down to you, you are as good as them. At the same time, treat the people who deal with you with respect.
2. Willingness to pay. You obviously have to be willing to discharge your obligations.
3. Ability to pay. You have to have an ability to pay, but it is your assessment of your ability to pay that is important, not anybody else’s.
4. You have to have all the documentation. Here we are talking about the documents signed by both parties, not the unsigned documents. Make sure you ask for and receive a copy if you do not already have.
5. All contracts must be complete. There should be no blank spaces. If there are spaces ask why.
6. Be found – if you have a credit agreement you have to ensure that the creditor or the attorney has your current address. You are not running away.
7. Answer your *&@#$ phone – do not let your phone ring out because it may be a creditor or attorney that you do not want to face. It could also be your daughter or the date you have been chasing. You simply can’t live your life in fear like that.
8. Check if the attorney is acting as an attorney or a debt collector. If it is as an attorney fine, if it is as a debt collector then you are under no obligation to deal with them. Deal directly with the creditor rather.
9. When dealing with your creditors or attorneys make sure you put everything in writing, either fax or e mail, never ever phone. Quite often creditors will tell you they don’t have an e mail address. In today’s age, no e mail address! If this happens to you then ask for the e mail address of their superior. Don’t take no for an answer.
10. Keep your records.
11. Don’t listen to negative talk from the creditors. Also don’t listen to threats. Never think “oh, they must know better”, quit often it simply is not true and they are just trying to bully you.
12. Understand that you are under no obligation to accept phone calls. If you do accept phone calls, only do so at times that is acceptable to you. Don’t accept calls at 8pm at night or weekends if you consider it an invasion of your privacy. You try phoning the creditor after 5pm and you won’t get hold of them, so why should it work the other way round.
13. The call centre operatives often will not talk to you unless you answer a few security questions. So refuse to answer.
14. “Please be advised that this call is being recorded” – That’s nice, but who has the recording, not you. Additionally, if you do talk to call centres, ask them to make a note of something that you say. The next time the call centre phones, ask that person to tell you what you said last time. Most often they can’t because they only record what they want to record, not what was actually said. Alternatively they get it wrong.
15. Sms’s - If you receive, just delete. The exception to this is if you receive an sms threatening legal action. Do not delete these, as you can use them to your advantage.
16. If you receive a letter stating it is in terms of Section 129 of the National Credit Act it is vitally important that you deal with it.
17. You may be told that your agreement doesn’t fall under the National Credit Act because it is pre-existing. This quite often is not true, but you need to check it.
18. If you have not paid your debt in three years and the creditor has not taken any action it may be prescribed (no longer due) in terms of the Prescription Act 1969. This is often the case with MBD Attorneys and the like, but you need to be sure.
Malcolm Larsen
www.debtselfhelp.co.za'
Monday, July 21, 2008
Virgin Active - again
I Have been a victim of MBD far too long.After paying my account of R980-00 in cash in at Old Eds Virgin Active 14-12-2007 belonging to my brother!!!.
I was harrassed by MBD I still have not received a beakdown of actual legal fees and rates charged by them and for what.
Today I get a call and being told I owe a whopping R845-00 on fees after all this time!!!
I am lodging complaints with www.fathers-4-justice.co.za and with www.issa.org.co.za against the firms obviuos misuse of power.
Legal fees are charged beyond certian prescriptions and mismanaged. I also will try and get Debra Patta at 3rd degree on this, so I reqeust everyone to lodge individual complaints to the above mentioned parties to get action taken now!!!!
Hi There
Thanks for this letter and your attempts to get 3rd Degree in on this. I am currently speaking to Carte Blanche and a few other prominent journalists to the same effect.
If you are succesful with 3rd degree, please contact me as I have a large database of other victims who all want to speak out and have copies of their communications with this scourge, parading as a legal business...
- MBD Victim
I was harrassed by MBD I still have not received a beakdown of actual legal fees and rates charged by them and for what.
Today I get a call and being told I owe a whopping R845-00 on fees after all this time!!!
I am lodging complaints with www.fathers-4-justice.co.za and with www.issa.org.co.za against the firms obviuos misuse of power.
Legal fees are charged beyond certian prescriptions and mismanaged. I also will try and get Debra Patta at 3rd degree on this, so I reqeust everyone to lodge individual complaints to the above mentioned parties to get action taken now!!!!
Hi There
Thanks for this letter and your attempts to get 3rd Degree in on this. I am currently speaking to Carte Blanche and a few other prominent journalists to the same effect.
If you are succesful with 3rd degree, please contact me as I have a large database of other victims who all want to speak out and have copies of their communications with this scourge, parading as a legal business...
- MBD Victim
SMS's and phone calls
.....WHEN MBD TOOK OVER THE BILL AMOUNTED TO R13000 TO R14000 NOW. EVERYTIME I ASK FOR A BREAKDOWN AS TO WHY SO MUCH. THEY SAY THAT THEY WILL EMAIL IT TO ME AND POST IT TO ME,I ALSO GAVE THEM MY FAX NUMBER. ITS BEEN 3MNTHS NOW AND NOTHING.
I EARN VERY LITTLE AND BY THE TIME THE DIRECT DEBITS ARE DONE WITH ME I HAVE +/-R500 LEFT WHICH I DIVIDE AND PAY MBD EVERY MONTH BUT RECENTLY I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY OUTSTANDING BALANCE IS NOT DECREASING BUT INCREASING.
I GET HARASSED NEARLY EVERY 2ND OR 3RD DAY WITH CALLS AND SMS'S. I AM MAKING PAYMENTS EVERY MONTH BUT THEY JUST KEEP CALLING AND SMS'ING. I DONT KNOW WHAT TO TO NOW. I AM FLAT BROKE.
Hi There
Firstly, do not pay them anything! Looking at their reported track record, it seems that MBD has absolutely NO interest in actually recovering any debts - they only want to inflate the alleged amount that you owe, in order to continue receiving payments from you. That is why you are getting all the sms's - they charge you for them...
I would suggest demanding a detailed account, as well as a subpoena before you pay them anything.
I am prepared to bet any amount that you will never see the paperwork, as well as any subpoena.
Theey are not acting like real lawyers, but 'Debt Farmers'
- MBD Victim
I EARN VERY LITTLE AND BY THE TIME THE DIRECT DEBITS ARE DONE WITH ME I HAVE +/-R500 LEFT WHICH I DIVIDE AND PAY MBD EVERY MONTH BUT RECENTLY I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY OUTSTANDING BALANCE IS NOT DECREASING BUT INCREASING.
I GET HARASSED NEARLY EVERY 2ND OR 3RD DAY WITH CALLS AND SMS'S. I AM MAKING PAYMENTS EVERY MONTH BUT THEY JUST KEEP CALLING AND SMS'ING. I DONT KNOW WHAT TO TO NOW. I AM FLAT BROKE.
Hi There
Firstly, do not pay them anything! Looking at their reported track record, it seems that MBD has absolutely NO interest in actually recovering any debts - they only want to inflate the alleged amount that you owe, in order to continue receiving payments from you. That is why you are getting all the sms's - they charge you for them...
I would suggest demanding a detailed account, as well as a subpoena before you pay them anything.
I am prepared to bet any amount that you will never see the paperwork, as well as any subpoena.
Theey are not acting like real lawyers, but 'Debt Farmers'
- MBD Victim
Foschini and minors
I was 17 when I openend a account at Foschini. I was still a minor and just got out of school. I couldn't really afford this account but took it because I thought it would be cool. As a result Foschini handed me over to MBD Attorneys. The amount outstanding on my account was about R600. MBD attorneys have not phoned be in the past 3 years and now suddenly out of the blue they phone and sms me daily. When I asked how much I own they said R4000 and something!!!
This is ridiculous. Is it even legal to give an account to a minor??
This is ridiculous. Is it even legal to give an account to a minor??
Not Telkom
And here we go I am so sick of MBD Attorneys that I can vomit.
My outstanding debt is with Telkom (or so they say) this debt goes all the way back to 2002. I moved out of a home where I had a telkom line and fax line, I cancelled both and Telkom cancelled one.
Every single year since 2005 I have had MBD attorneys call me for at least 4 months of the year, then we go through the whole process, I call telkom, Telkom tells me that the affidavid I gave them and proof that I no longer lived there means the debt has been cancelled yet MBD attorneys continue to phone and harass me, and just you say to them, I am not giving you my home address, the the verbal assult really starts. They even had the audacity to tell me that I should go to telkom and check that they have actually cut it off and if not I should have cut it off…..go figure, are there people for real.
I wil not pay them, this is not my debt and I am sick to death of this year on year onsluaght!!
Hear hear! We are all with you! Please keep record of all your dealings with MBD as we are close to a big 'showdown' with these parasites.
- MBD Victim
My outstanding debt is with Telkom (or so they say) this debt goes all the way back to 2002. I moved out of a home where I had a telkom line and fax line, I cancelled both and Telkom cancelled one.
Every single year since 2005 I have had MBD attorneys call me for at least 4 months of the year, then we go through the whole process, I call telkom, Telkom tells me that the affidavid I gave them and proof that I no longer lived there means the debt has been cancelled yet MBD attorneys continue to phone and harass me, and just you say to them, I am not giving you my home address, the the verbal assult really starts. They even had the audacity to tell me that I should go to telkom and check that they have actually cut it off and if not I should have cut it off…..go figure, are there people for real.
I wil not pay them, this is not my debt and I am sick to death of this year on year onsluaght!!
Hear hear! We are all with you! Please keep record of all your dealings with MBD as we are close to a big 'showdown' with these parasites.
- MBD Victim
Cell C
Hi,
I’m also a victim of MBD. I was in a legal battle for money owed to me myself year before last, and contacted all my creditors and kept them up to date with the procedures as they arose. Mostly all our creditors where very patient and when we did eventually get our money paid in all the debt we had incurred.
All where happy it seems with the exception of Cell C. I thought that all was in order since I kept them up to date, even though Cell C discontinued my out-going calls facility. When I made the final EFT payment in September 2006, I used my cell phone number as a reference, and contacted them to make sure that they had received payment, which they did, and to get them to re-instate my call facility.
To my surprise Cell C had given my number to another subscriber, and that Cell C had cancelled my contract without any notification to me. A year later a receive a call from MBD informing me that I owe Cell C money and they have listed me on ITC, without any notification to me. My last payment was not even reflected in the statement from Cell C. I did not receive any invoices or statements in connection with my account since February 2005, when they decided to cancel my contract. (They sent me invoices and statements via email).
Then the MBD calls and sms’s started. I got so fed up that I instructed my attorney to deal with the matter. I keep good records and gave him all the copies etc he needed. He has been unfortunately not been able to get hold of anyone who is willing to assist him in clearing the matter either.
Each time MBD call me I refer them to my attorney, but still keep getting the sms’s and calls. I’ve kept these sms’s on my phone and file. We are seriously looking at getting our own recording device to record these conversations. Each time I tell them that the account has been paid in full and that I have proof of that , but they want me to fax through the proof of payment. As far as I’m concerned, my records are up to date, if they have the account why aren’t theirs.
My postal address has remained the same in 25 years. I have moved twice in 19 years. I forward all my calls to my cell when out of the office. If they say that they could not contact me or that I was not traceable, then that’s not at all true. No one can use the excuse that I was not traceable if they want to use that as an excuse of not being able to contact me.
I’ve learned a very hard lesson. I will never sign another cellular contract or any other contract for that matter especially without any legal advise. I pay only cash.
PS. Cell C cleverly contacted me on my pay as you go by offering me another Cell C contract telephonically. I’m almost sure that this is how they keep track of new contact numbers of old subscribers, to check on them and have MBD harass them.
My only concern is that by the time we get together that the law has changed again in their favour.
(Details withheld)
Hi There
I do not think that you have to worry about the law changing in the favour of this 'legal firm' As far as I know these kinds of practises ended after the Inquisition and Darl Ages and most countries have moved on with more modern laws... This 'legal firm' (and I use the term very loosely) has only found a loophole and is exploiting it. This is something that we CAN beat.
Regards
MBD Victim
I’m also a victim of MBD. I was in a legal battle for money owed to me myself year before last, and contacted all my creditors and kept them up to date with the procedures as they arose. Mostly all our creditors where very patient and when we did eventually get our money paid in all the debt we had incurred.
All where happy it seems with the exception of Cell C. I thought that all was in order since I kept them up to date, even though Cell C discontinued my out-going calls facility. When I made the final EFT payment in September 2006, I used my cell phone number as a reference, and contacted them to make sure that they had received payment, which they did, and to get them to re-instate my call facility.
To my surprise Cell C had given my number to another subscriber, and that Cell C had cancelled my contract without any notification to me. A year later a receive a call from MBD informing me that I owe Cell C money and they have listed me on ITC, without any notification to me. My last payment was not even reflected in the statement from Cell C. I did not receive any invoices or statements in connection with my account since February 2005, when they decided to cancel my contract. (They sent me invoices and statements via email).
Then the MBD calls and sms’s started. I got so fed up that I instructed my attorney to deal with the matter. I keep good records and gave him all the copies etc he needed. He has been unfortunately not been able to get hold of anyone who is willing to assist him in clearing the matter either.
Each time MBD call me I refer them to my attorney, but still keep getting the sms’s and calls. I’ve kept these sms’s on my phone and file. We are seriously looking at getting our own recording device to record these conversations. Each time I tell them that the account has been paid in full and that I have proof of that , but they want me to fax through the proof of payment. As far as I’m concerned, my records are up to date, if they have the account why aren’t theirs.
My postal address has remained the same in 25 years. I have moved twice in 19 years. I forward all my calls to my cell when out of the office. If they say that they could not contact me or that I was not traceable, then that’s not at all true. No one can use the excuse that I was not traceable if they want to use that as an excuse of not being able to contact me.
I’ve learned a very hard lesson. I will never sign another cellular contract or any other contract for that matter especially without any legal advise. I pay only cash.
PS. Cell C cleverly contacted me on my pay as you go by offering me another Cell C contract telephonically. I’m almost sure that this is how they keep track of new contact numbers of old subscribers, to check on them and have MBD harass them.
My only concern is that by the time we get together that the law has changed again in their favour.
(Details withheld)
Hi There
I do not think that you have to worry about the law changing in the favour of this 'legal firm' As far as I know these kinds of practises ended after the Inquisition and Darl Ages and most countries have moved on with more modern laws... This 'legal firm' (and I use the term very loosely) has only found a loophole and is exploiting it. This is something that we CAN beat.
Regards
MBD Victim
More Harassment
I got an SMS on Saturday morning at 8:00 saying....PLEASE CALL 011 560-4619 QUOING........ I called them and was told that i owe them R60.00 outstanding in 2006. It's really stressing cause the ladies that i spoke were very rude and useless. They said i was supposed to keep all my bank receipts and i have to re-fax them.
It's really frustrating cause Felicity and Lauren - the ladies that i spoke to were very rude.
This is not fair cause someone is not doing herjob in theirofrfices and i have to pay for their lazyness.
(Details withheld)
Hi There!
It's really frustrating cause Felicity and Lauren - the ladies that i spoke to were very rude.
This is not fair cause someone is not doing herjob in theirofrfices and i have to pay for their lazyness.
(Details withheld)
Hi There!
I have some bad news for you... Looking at the track record this company has, I don't think that it has anything to do with laziness. It is more of a well thought out system to enslave you into making regular payments, that will never end... Please read my post on 'Debt Farming'
- MBD VictimZimbabwe!?
I remember having an account with Woolworths in 1995. That was the last time I bought from them.
Last year (2007) I had 2 of MDB's consultants contacting me to say that I owe Woolworths. I told them the account has been paid and they should not call me again because I will speak to the National Credit Regulator. They stopped calling me.
Yesterday 10/04/2008 I had a call from a consultant called Edward, telling me that I owe Woolworths. I told him that the account was paid up and he said they still have an outstanding amount. I told him that I will not pay an account that has been settled. He said bye.
Today 11/04/2008, I got another call from a Nomsa, asking me to pay up. I told her that I will not pay and they should stop trying to get money from people that are paying their accounts. They should focus on people that do not pay. She told me that I want this country to be like Zimbabwe (what she meant by that comment, heaven only knows).
I just happen to spot your website and I suddenly got more insight. How do I get these people off my case?
(Details withheld)
Unfortunately, it does not look like one will ever get rid of these parasites by conventional means - paying them does not look like an option either, as I have yet to find someone who has been successful by doing his... Please keep record of all communications that you have with this company - we are going to 'fix' them soon!
Yes, the Zimbabwe comment is strange. One would think that they are the ones acting like Mugabe's government, if the readers' letters are anything to go by...
- MBD Victim
Last year (2007) I had 2 of MDB's consultants contacting me to say that I owe Woolworths. I told them the account has been paid and they should not call me again because I will speak to the National Credit Regulator. They stopped calling me.
Yesterday 10/04/2008 I had a call from a consultant called Edward, telling me that I owe Woolworths. I told him that the account was paid up and he said they still have an outstanding amount. I told him that I will not pay an account that has been settled. He said bye.
Today 11/04/2008, I got another call from a Nomsa, asking me to pay up. I told her that I will not pay and they should stop trying to get money from people that are paying their accounts. They should focus on people that do not pay. She told me that I want this country to be like Zimbabwe (what she meant by that comment, heaven only knows).
I just happen to spot your website and I suddenly got more insight. How do I get these people off my case?
(Details withheld)
Unfortunately, it does not look like one will ever get rid of these parasites by conventional means - paying them does not look like an option either, as I have yet to find someone who has been successful by doing his... Please keep record of all communications that you have with this company - we are going to 'fix' them soon!
Yes, the Zimbabwe comment is strange. One would think that they are the ones acting like Mugabe's government, if the readers' letters are anything to go by...
- MBD Victim
Proof of payment not available...
Hi
I cannot believe what I have read on these sites. I thought I was all alone in my quest to try and clear my debt with these vultures. I am harasses at work and at home at all hours and any day of the week. They obviously don’t take a rest.
I have an Edgars, Truworths and Woolies account with them. Yes, I ran into financial difficulty and therefore fell into their clutches. The Edgars account was an old account and the amount owed at the time was around R2000. It is now over R11 000. Are we not only liable for the principal debt? Do I contact the retail facilities themselves and ask them for the initial amount handed over? This seems to be a nightmare I cannot get out of. To be honest I have lost all patience with them and normally become very abusive to whoever is calling. The excuse of not being able to “find” my payments on their system is scary as I have proof of all payments made.
What do I do? I am at the end of my tether. Please help.
The best advice I can give you, is to make any payments that you are inclined to make, to a law firms trust account (NOT MBD) and demand that they subpoena you for the debt, with a full, detailed account that outlines all the fees charged. They probably won't, (as it is not in their own best interest) but you have at least started a proper legal process then. DO NOT PAY MBD a sent! You will (from all accounts) never get rid of this parasite by paying it...
We will soon launch our media campaign against this co and I believe the sparks will start flying any day soon - we will not let MBD and Fans Basson get away with this!!!
- MBD Victim
I cannot believe what I have read on these sites. I thought I was all alone in my quest to try and clear my debt with these vultures. I am harasses at work and at home at all hours and any day of the week. They obviously don’t take a rest.
I have an Edgars, Truworths and Woolies account with them. Yes, I ran into financial difficulty and therefore fell into their clutches. The Edgars account was an old account and the amount owed at the time was around R2000. It is now over R11 000. Are we not only liable for the principal debt? Do I contact the retail facilities themselves and ask them for the initial amount handed over? This seems to be a nightmare I cannot get out of. To be honest I have lost all patience with them and normally become very abusive to whoever is calling. The excuse of not being able to “find” my payments on their system is scary as I have proof of all payments made.
What do I do? I am at the end of my tether. Please help.
The best advice I can give you, is to make any payments that you are inclined to make, to a law firms trust account (NOT MBD) and demand that they subpoena you for the debt, with a full, detailed account that outlines all the fees charged. They probably won't, (as it is not in their own best interest) but you have at least started a proper legal process then. DO NOT PAY MBD a sent! You will (from all accounts) never get rid of this parasite by paying it...
We will soon launch our media campaign against this co and I believe the sparks will start flying any day soon - we will not let MBD and Fans Basson get away with this!!!
- MBD Victim
Taken for a ride...
i hadn't realised that i was being taken for a ride by MBD,i complied when they called,paid all the amounts,started getting suspicious when the amounts seemed to never decrease.i was looking for their contact details.so i 'googled' MBD,and i revealed all kinds of traumatic stories! they refuse to send me a statement!
is there no way we can put a stop to this?
(Details withheld)
is there no way we can put a stop to this?
(Details withheld)
Some good advice
My sorry association with MBD statred in beginning 2002. I had a business(CC) that liquidated in May 2001 after enormous medical bills with my childs birth in 2000. I had a MTN contract that was part of the liquidation, but about a year later MBD contacted me and stated that I signed surety in my private capacity and are due roughly R2000 principal debt (cancellation costs of contract and telephony costs). By the time they contacted me, legal fees, interest fees, administration costs ampounted to R6000+. At this stage I was frantic that a bad credit record would not spill over from the CC to my private name and I started paying R500 a month.(To all who is reading this - it is all an illusion, the whole debt collect system feeds on fear, get to know your rights) At first I could not understand why they had to contact me so often, via phone calls, letters and the infamous SMS's. The explanation would always be that it is from"another department"
At one stage I had confusing SMS's confirming re-payment schedules of R250, R500, R1000 per month all at different times of the month! For years I believed them just to be the most incompetent and rude bunch of people imanigable, but soon started suspecting that this was a manufactured strategy to run up costs. In April 2004 after paying for 2 years (I have to admit not every month) my outstanding balance was way over R10 000!
I started diarising their call history and SMS history for a while in 2005 and 2006. After several attempts/requests to get them to stop harassing me (up tp 9 contacts in 1 day!!!), or take me to court so that we can settle this, there was still no improvement and they kept on ignoring my requests to stop the SMS's. I started suspecting that these guys were running a scam. I spoke to an attorney who adviced me that I must get a copy of any credit agreement that I had with them - I also started asking for a detailed list of their fees as well as a break down of interest charges and the rate of interest charged - After several (billed) phonecalls all I got was those...4 line opening balance, paid, now outstanding pieces of paper. I stopped all repayments in 2007 every time that they phoned I refused to pay before I get a copy of where I signed for interest charges of 24% and a detailed breakdown of liability, interest, charges and fees for my attorney to take it further..they kept on saying that my attorney must get it..then I would explain that I have the right to ask for it...they would promise to get it posted to me...never to hear from them again. Case closed, right? Huh uh. Started phoning me again last month after a long silence. 3 times in one month I had to explain what I want from them - not a balance enquiry - A freaking detailed account history from start to date!
Today 8 May 2008 I spoke to Mbali and her supervisor Jafta - after insults like "why have you not paid your account since 17 - 5 - 2002?" (good God man I must have paid way more than R10 000 - R15 000 to them!) and Jafta saying he will e-mail my history now ("are you sitting in front of your system? I am sending it now") I have not received a thing. I phoned 011 560 4679 explained my whole story (again!!!), demanding a detailed history of the account, where after I received a call from Mbali again stating that although I owe more than R4000 they will settle the account for R2000. I declined and said that I want the detailed history record of the account. I phoned this number again and said that I want that record before the end of business today otherwise I will go to the Law Society, WASPA and every Debt Collectors body that I can think of - she put the phone down in my ear! (And I do hope that that call was recorded so that my tone of speech will be open for all to hear)
That was when I hit internet to look at my rights and found your blog. These people are for sure contravening the National Credit Act 34 of 2005, the Ursury Act of 1968 and the normally accepted guidelines of their profession
They harass people with calls, SMS's and threats, they pretend that litigation has already taken place etc.
Refuse to give consumers information regarding their accounts or proper statements of account, which they may legally not do.
The in duplum rule states that the interest levied on principal debt may not exceed the value of the principal debt, after June 2007 the amount of interest and charges after the consumer defaults may not be more than the capital owing at the time of the default. (They will clearly loose more than half of their 'book' if all their victims know this.)
Debt collectors can charge for necessarry letters, faxes or e-mails (how necessary is 6 SMS's per day after 3 calls, just to remind you of your agreement of 10 minutes ago when that agreement has been standing for longer than a year and you are paying every month? - or thanking you for your payment via SMS and then charging you more than R12 for the thank you SMS? Just to phone you tonight to confirm the settlement again?(Another R12+)
Over the 7 years they have often drawn up a settlement account and send it to me (of course charging me for it) - they may only do this at the request of the debtor.
For longer than 3 years I have tried to get them to give me a statement indicating the interest rate. No success there either. I suspect strongly that they have acted outside the law regarding the Ursury Act's interest rate cap.
Collection Cost may not exceed the cost incurred in collecting the debt - within guidelines set by Law Society and Debt Collectors Act.....now if I can just get my detailed statement......
During 2006 MBD started contacting me on another reference number for bad debt from Nashua - this was for a photo copy machine that was part of the liquidated business from 2001 - They used strong arm tactics to get me to pay. There was one exception - because this old huge photo copy machine only fetched R400 at the auction I remembered that it was absolutely settled as part of the CC's liquidation. I told them to get lost and that the debt had prescribed in any way. They still tried a couple of times, telling me to get police affadavits, curator reports etc before it went quiet on that score.
I see on internet that JM attorneys are affiliated with MBD - just to let you know, same procedure with JM attorneys and a Telkom account from 2000 that was also part of the liquidation in 2001. These are unscrupulous greedy characters that have to be stopped. I can not contribute money to your cause, but will gladly testify as part of a drive to get these guys sorted out. They have infringed upon my rights and it is time to fight back!
Nomorembd
Keep up the good work!
Fedup
PS If there is a sharp final year law student or two reading this, why not start an action whereby a reversal of all in duplum 'overcharges' are paid back to all victims and you take a 20% fee from those who sign up? And make name for yourself...and help clean up your profession...
(Thanks for this letter, Fedup, it will definitely help to clear up some questions. Regarding the lawayer - you will be glad to know that I have contracted the services of a young, sharp law firm who are out to make a name for themselves - tackling and defeating a fat firm like MBD is exactly the case they were looking for!) - MBD Victim
At one stage I had confusing SMS's confirming re-payment schedules of R250, R500, R1000 per month all at different times of the month! For years I believed them just to be the most incompetent and rude bunch of people imanigable, but soon started suspecting that this was a manufactured strategy to run up costs. In April 2004 after paying for 2 years (I have to admit not every month) my outstanding balance was way over R10 000!
I started diarising their call history and SMS history for a while in 2005 and 2006. After several attempts/requests to get them to stop harassing me (up tp 9 contacts in 1 day!!!), or take me to court so that we can settle this, there was still no improvement and they kept on ignoring my requests to stop the SMS's. I started suspecting that these guys were running a scam. I spoke to an attorney who adviced me that I must get a copy of any credit agreement that I had with them - I also started asking for a detailed list of their fees as well as a break down of interest charges and the rate of interest charged - After several (billed) phonecalls all I got was those...4 line opening balance, paid, now outstanding pieces of paper. I stopped all repayments in 2007 every time that they phoned I refused to pay before I get a copy of where I signed for interest charges of 24% and a detailed breakdown of liability, interest, charges and fees for my attorney to take it further..they kept on saying that my attorney must get it..then I would explain that I have the right to ask for it...they would promise to get it posted to me...never to hear from them again. Case closed, right? Huh uh. Started phoning me again last month after a long silence. 3 times in one month I had to explain what I want from them - not a balance enquiry - A freaking detailed account history from start to date!
Today 8 May 2008 I spoke to Mbali and her supervisor Jafta - after insults like "why have you not paid your account since 17 - 5 - 2002?" (good God man I must have paid way more than R10 000 - R15 000 to them!) and Jafta saying he will e-mail my history now ("are you sitting in front of your system? I am sending it now") I have not received a thing. I phoned 011 560 4679 explained my whole story (again!!!), demanding a detailed history of the account, where after I received a call from Mbali again stating that although I owe more than R4000 they will settle the account for R2000. I declined and said that I want the detailed history record of the account. I phoned this number again and said that I want that record before the end of business today otherwise I will go to the Law Society, WASPA and every Debt Collectors body that I can think of - she put the phone down in my ear! (And I do hope that that call was recorded so that my tone of speech will be open for all to hear)
That was when I hit internet to look at my rights and found your blog. These people are for sure contravening the National Credit Act 34 of 2005, the Ursury Act of 1968 and the normally accepted guidelines of their profession
They harass people with calls, SMS's and threats, they pretend that litigation has already taken place etc.
Refuse to give consumers information regarding their accounts or proper statements of account, which they may legally not do.
The in duplum rule states that the interest levied on principal debt may not exceed the value of the principal debt, after June 2007 the amount of interest and charges after the consumer defaults may not be more than the capital owing at the time of the default. (They will clearly loose more than half of their 'book' if all their victims know this.)
Debt collectors can charge for necessarry letters, faxes or e-mails (how necessary is 6 SMS's per day after 3 calls, just to remind you of your agreement of 10 minutes ago when that agreement has been standing for longer than a year and you are paying every month? - or thanking you for your payment via SMS and then charging you more than R12 for the thank you SMS? Just to phone you tonight to confirm the settlement again?(Another R12+)
Over the 7 years they have often drawn up a settlement account and send it to me (of course charging me for it) - they may only do this at the request of the debtor.
For longer than 3 years I have tried to get them to give me a statement indicating the interest rate. No success there either. I suspect strongly that they have acted outside the law regarding the Ursury Act's interest rate cap.
Collection Cost may not exceed the cost incurred in collecting the debt - within guidelines set by Law Society and Debt Collectors Act.....now if I can just get my detailed statement......
During 2006 MBD started contacting me on another reference number for bad debt from Nashua - this was for a photo copy machine that was part of the liquidated business from 2001 - They used strong arm tactics to get me to pay. There was one exception - because this old huge photo copy machine only fetched R400 at the auction I remembered that it was absolutely settled as part of the CC's liquidation. I told them to get lost and that the debt had prescribed in any way. They still tried a couple of times, telling me to get police affadavits, curator reports etc before it went quiet on that score.
I see on internet that JM attorneys are affiliated with MBD - just to let you know, same procedure with JM attorneys and a Telkom account from 2000 that was also part of the liquidation in 2001. These are unscrupulous greedy characters that have to be stopped. I can not contribute money to your cause, but will gladly testify as part of a drive to get these guys sorted out. They have infringed upon my rights and it is time to fight back!
Nomorembd
Keep up the good work!
Fedup
PS If there is a sharp final year law student or two reading this, why not start an action whereby a reversal of all in duplum 'overcharges' are paid back to all victims and you take a 20% fee from those who sign up? And make name for yourself...and help clean up your profession...
(Thanks for this letter, Fedup, it will definitely help to clear up some questions. Regarding the lawayer - you will be glad to know that I have contracted the services of a young, sharp law firm who are out to make a name for themselves - tackling and defeating a fat firm like MBD is exactly the case they were looking for!) - MBD Victim
Rude staff
The so called attorneys are disgusting: they threaten, have no idea how to address a person (first name, I have not met them, do not want to meet them). The are pursuing me for matter that has seen its statute of limitations 10 years ago.
The disgusting woman who calls chews gum while talking if one can call that talk!!
(Contact details withheld)
The disgusting woman who calls chews gum while talking if one can call that talk!!
(Contact details withheld)
Modus operandi
Hi there,
Their modus of operandi does not change at all!!
I canceled my subscription for the Wine-of -the month club early in 2006. Trusting that my account has been settled, I received the first
call from MBD in March 2007. It's one year later and I am still being
harassed. I'm constantly faxing proof of payment thats been made *last
year October*. 'The payment cannot be picked up on their account' or
'We never received your fax'. How is this possible? I spoke to numerous people from MBD each with their own promises and rude telephone manners to no avail.
What else can be done?
Fully supporting your cause,
(Contact details withheld)
Their modus of operandi does not change at all!!
I canceled my subscription for the Wine-of -the month club early in 2006. Trusting that my account has been settled, I received the first
call from MBD in March 2007. It's one year later and I am still being
harassed. I'm constantly faxing proof of payment thats been made *last
year October*. 'The payment cannot be picked up on their account' or
'We never received your fax'. How is this possible? I spoke to numerous people from MBD each with their own promises and rude telephone manners to no avail.
What else can be done?
Fully supporting your cause,
(Contact details withheld)
Truworths
My story is;
My account is also written off a long time ago because i was out of work and had no income. I am not even on the Truworths system anymore. Then i got a sms a couple of months ago to pay Truworths immediately or be handed over to attorneys MBD. Nothing else - No names to contact. Anyway I started paying truworths via internet which the bank confirmed Truworths received. Two months later MBD send an sms they have not received any of the two payments I made. I have spoken to more MBD staff than people I have met in my life. I had to investigate myself what happenend to my payments because they did not bother to follow Truworths up when I sent them the proof of payments.My payments was lying at Truworths on their dormant accounts because they do not have me on their system anymore because it was written off and waited for someone to enquire. (which is also a little hard to swallow as an excuse) Anyway trying to explain to MBD staff and alot of them are extremely arrogant is like talking to a wall. I have sent my proof of payments for many of them to sort out with Truworths. They just ignore it. Truworths said they paid it over to MBD. Up to today it is still not showing. I told the last guy out of many to put on their computer that i am NOT REFUSING TO PAY but then they must must first locate my payments because until that is done I will not pay them any money further because between Truworths and MBD my two payments got lost. As if I am paying in vain here. No one bothers to sort it out just sending sms that the Sheriff of the court will be visiting me soon. I made copies of all these complaints should it go to court. MBD have to explain where is my paymentsTruworths sent them. O yes I found out there is about 1000 working at MBD according to one of the guys working there. So I have still 950 to phone me over the same problem.
Does the ombuds man know about thiese complaints I have read. Meaning I am not the only person.
(Contact details withheld)
My account is also written off a long time ago because i was out of work and had no income. I am not even on the Truworths system anymore. Then i got a sms a couple of months ago to pay Truworths immediately or be handed over to attorneys MBD. Nothing else - No names to contact. Anyway I started paying truworths via internet which the bank confirmed Truworths received. Two months later MBD send an sms they have not received any of the two payments I made. I have spoken to more MBD staff than people I have met in my life. I had to investigate myself what happenend to my payments because they did not bother to follow Truworths up when I sent them the proof of payments.My payments was lying at Truworths on their dormant accounts because they do not have me on their system anymore because it was written off and waited for someone to enquire. (which is also a little hard to swallow as an excuse) Anyway trying to explain to MBD staff and alot of them are extremely arrogant is like talking to a wall. I have sent my proof of payments for many of them to sort out with Truworths. They just ignore it. Truworths said they paid it over to MBD. Up to today it is still not showing. I told the last guy out of many to put on their computer that i am NOT REFUSING TO PAY but then they must must first locate my payments because until that is done I will not pay them any money further because between Truworths and MBD my two payments got lost. As if I am paying in vain here. No one bothers to sort it out just sending sms that the Sheriff of the court will be visiting me soon. I made copies of all these complaints should it go to court. MBD have to explain where is my paymentsTruworths sent them. O yes I found out there is about 1000 working at MBD according to one of the guys working there. So I have still 950 to phone me over the same problem.
Does the ombuds man know about thiese complaints I have read. Meaning I am not the only person.
(Contact details withheld)
Foschini too
Hallo there,
MBD tried to make me a victim of their "scheme". Unfortunately for them, I am a legal secretary and know a little (actually more than their so-called consultants) about the law.
I had a Foshini account approximately 11 years ago. Due to unforeseen circumstances, a divorce and other problems I could not pay my debt. My ex and I were placed under administration and the Foshini account formed part thereof. During 2000 the administration order was rescinded due to my ex not paying his share of the administration order as per the Court Order. NEVER did I receive a letter, summons, or any correspondence whatsoever from Foshini and/or their attorneys.
Suddenly in February 2008 I receive an SMS from MBD Attorneys requesting payment of R2700.00 for the Foshini account otherwise "legal action" will be taken. Are they really attorneys? If they were, the "attorney" should know that at the very latest the claim against me had prescribed during 2003 - five years ago. If Foshini had not issued summons against me and obtained a Judgment, they no longer have a claim against me.
I advised the various consultants who telephone me at all hours of this, however they requested me to fax them a letter stating this. I have done this on numerous occasions, and still (it is now June 2008) I am receiving SMS's and telephone calls to "arrange payment" or "legal action will be taken".
MBD Attorneys are giving the legal profession a bad name and should be stopped from continuing with their harassing tactics. May all those harassed by MDB should bring an action against them to put an end to their "strong arm" tactics to force payment from the already hard hit and suffering public!.
Another victim (Details withheld)
MBD tried to make me a victim of their "scheme". Unfortunately for them, I am a legal secretary and know a little (actually more than their so-called consultants) about the law.
I had a Foshini account approximately 11 years ago. Due to unforeseen circumstances, a divorce and other problems I could not pay my debt. My ex and I were placed under administration and the Foshini account formed part thereof. During 2000 the administration order was rescinded due to my ex not paying his share of the administration order as per the Court Order. NEVER did I receive a letter, summons, or any correspondence whatsoever from Foshini and/or their attorneys.
Suddenly in February 2008 I receive an SMS from MBD Attorneys requesting payment of R2700.00 for the Foshini account otherwise "legal action" will be taken. Are they really attorneys? If they were, the "attorney" should know that at the very latest the claim against me had prescribed during 2003 - five years ago. If Foshini had not issued summons against me and obtained a Judgment, they no longer have a claim against me.
I advised the various consultants who telephone me at all hours of this, however they requested me to fax them a letter stating this. I have done this on numerous occasions, and still (it is now June 2008) I am receiving SMS's and telephone calls to "arrange payment" or "legal action will be taken".
MBD Attorneys are giving the legal profession a bad name and should be stopped from continuing with their harassing tactics. May all those harassed by MDB should bring an action against them to put an end to their "strong arm" tactics to force payment from the already hard hit and suffering public!.
Another victim (Details withheld)
MBD and Woolies
I was initially send a letter of demand from MBD attorney's for an outstanding Woolworths account. I susequently called and queried beacuse I do not have a Woolworths account. I was asked to send a fax. I faxed and I emailed.
To date I still get letters, sms and phone calls from them. I have tried getting in touch with Frans Bousson who is supposed to own the company, with no luck, now they are threatening me with summons. I am at a complete loss with this bunch. I have even asked if they can please suplly me with some kind of proof that I made any purchases at Woolworths (apparently they can't). What do we do with them, it is so embarrassing and frustrating, I can't make them seem to understand. It costs me phone calls and my time. Should I send them an invoice.
(Contact details withheld)
To date I still get letters, sms and phone calls from them. I have tried getting in touch with Frans Bousson who is supposed to own the company, with no luck, now they are threatening me with summons. I am at a complete loss with this bunch. I have even asked if they can please suplly me with some kind of proof that I made any purchases at Woolworths (apparently they can't). What do we do with them, it is so embarrassing and frustrating, I can't make them seem to understand. It costs me phone calls and my time. Should I send them an invoice.
(Contact details withheld)
Friday, February 1, 2008
Introduction
Fed up with MBD Attorney's constant harassment at your cost? Finding it hard to get any feedback from them? Are you constantly frustrated with the arrogant behaviour of their so called 'consultants?' Are you still waiting for a breakdown of the 'legal fees' that are charged, or even an indication of the interest rate charged?
If you said yes to any of these questions above, or any such related issues - you have come to the right place. For those not acquainted with MBD Attorneys - here is a quick update:
MBD Attorneys is a law firm that seemingly specialises in debt collecting. They also buy debtors books from large corporate companies and then follow up on the outstanding debts on their own behalf. Kind of reminds one of a certain species of large bird, doesn't it? Picking over the leftover bones of other, more able hunters...
It seems that MBD Attorneys have no real interest in actually recovering the outstanding debts. Instead they let it simmer a while to gain interest (at an undeclared interest rate) before initiating step two, the harassment. After a first call out of the blue (remember these are usually old debts that have been disputed by the client) the fun starts. Regardless of your level of cooperation you will receive calls and sms's on a constant basis - office hours, after hours, weekends (right after or during Saturday afternoon Rugby is a favourite) any time reminding you of the payment due, or else they will 'proceed with legal action.' What they conveniently forget to tell you is that you get billed for each and every sms or phone call made, regardless if you pay the agreed monthly installment or not. Again, it is not for us mere mortals to know how much we are being charged as the 'consultants' are 'unable to send detailed accounts'
The best you will get looks something like this:
Initial amount owed: R1100-00
Interest on amount: R1100-00
Legal Fees: R5700-00
Payments: R4000-00
Total outstanding: R3900-00
Any attempt to get more specified info will most certainly result in failure, coupled with more phone calls and sms's of a threatening nature.
From where I stand it looks like they are 'farming' with old debt - I shall call it Debt Farming. A lot of the debtors are already in this position because they cannot afford to pay the debts due to some or other financial challenge. By increasing the debt amount drastically, MBD actually ensures that this debtor will never, or with great difficulty be able to repay the debt. The can often afford a monthly payment, to keep their name clean. Good one for MBD - they now have thousands slaves for life...
Is this how one practices law? I wonder when is the last time they handled a real legal case - being the great law firm an' all?
Evidence of this is the fact that no one ever seems to receive (as far as I have been able to detect) a subpoena or any other direct action to actually recover the debt. In my case I have been waiting 7 (yes, seven) years for my day in court to fight this, but how do you fight a predator that stays in hiding? I can only deduce from this that it is actually in MBD's interest to raise the amount owed, instead of really trying to recover the original outstanding debt. Who will want to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs if you can keep it alive for ever?
I am also one of the victims of this unscrupulous company with it's rapacious attitude and systems and have decided to strike back at them. After all, we are still consumers and what these guys are doing is unacceptable. I call on everyone with an MBD story to tell, to share it with us here. Just mail it, and I will publish it (names and contact details will be treated as confidential.)
The data that we receive will help us to deliver a comprehensive report regarding this company to the SA Legal Council, SA Debt Collectors Association, Carte Blanche and all journalists or other interested parties that we are able to contact.
MBD No More!!!
PS. (To get a good idea of how widespread this problem is, visit Hello Peter and search 'mbd attorneys' - you'll be terrified by the tales of woe to be read there...)
If you said yes to any of these questions above, or any such related issues - you have come to the right place. For those not acquainted with MBD Attorneys - here is a quick update:
MBD Attorneys is a law firm that seemingly specialises in debt collecting. They also buy debtors books from large corporate companies and then follow up on the outstanding debts on their own behalf. Kind of reminds one of a certain species of large bird, doesn't it? Picking over the leftover bones of other, more able hunters...
It seems that MBD Attorneys have no real interest in actually recovering the outstanding debts. Instead they let it simmer a while to gain interest (at an undeclared interest rate) before initiating step two, the harassment. After a first call out of the blue (remember these are usually old debts that have been disputed by the client) the fun starts. Regardless of your level of cooperation you will receive calls and sms's on a constant basis - office hours, after hours, weekends (right after or during Saturday afternoon Rugby is a favourite) any time reminding you of the payment due, or else they will 'proceed with legal action.' What they conveniently forget to tell you is that you get billed for each and every sms or phone call made, regardless if you pay the agreed monthly installment or not. Again, it is not for us mere mortals to know how much we are being charged as the 'consultants' are 'unable to send detailed accounts'
The best you will get looks something like this:
Initial amount owed: R1100-00
Interest on amount: R1100-00
Legal Fees: R5700-00
Payments: R4000-00
Total outstanding: R3900-00
Any attempt to get more specified info will most certainly result in failure, coupled with more phone calls and sms's of a threatening nature.
From where I stand it looks like they are 'farming' with old debt - I shall call it Debt Farming. A lot of the debtors are already in this position because they cannot afford to pay the debts due to some or other financial challenge. By increasing the debt amount drastically, MBD actually ensures that this debtor will never, or with great difficulty be able to repay the debt. The can often afford a monthly payment, to keep their name clean. Good one for MBD - they now have thousands slaves for life...
Is this how one practices law? I wonder when is the last time they handled a real legal case - being the great law firm an' all?
Evidence of this is the fact that no one ever seems to receive (as far as I have been able to detect) a subpoena or any other direct action to actually recover the debt. In my case I have been waiting 7 (yes, seven) years for my day in court to fight this, but how do you fight a predator that stays in hiding? I can only deduce from this that it is actually in MBD's interest to raise the amount owed, instead of really trying to recover the original outstanding debt. Who will want to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs if you can keep it alive for ever?
I am also one of the victims of this unscrupulous company with it's rapacious attitude and systems and have decided to strike back at them. After all, we are still consumers and what these guys are doing is unacceptable. I call on everyone with an MBD story to tell, to share it with us here. Just mail it, and I will publish it (names and contact details will be treated as confidential.)
The data that we receive will help us to deliver a comprehensive report regarding this company to the SA Legal Council, SA Debt Collectors Association, Carte Blanche and all journalists or other interested parties that we are able to contact.
MBD No More!!!
PS. (To get a good idea of how widespread this problem is, visit Hello Peter and search 'mbd attorneys' - you'll be terrified by the tales of woe to be read there...)
And the story goes on and on...
Well, I am sure that the story of absolute harassment from these people has been told many times.
I am absolutely appalled at Frans Basson's attitude toward trampling on peoples rights, he actually makes fun of it and justifies the complaints by saying that it comes with the territory to upset people from whom you are collecting debt and its just about learning to stay ahead of the knives. I am trying to get hold of his personal details so that when they send me an sms in the middle of the night that I can get in my car and go to his house and answer in person, I will do it every single night if I have to.
These people have made me so angry that I will stop at nothing in my quest to show them that I am not a helpless victim if that means spending thousands of rand then so be it, its the principal of the whole thing. (I'm 100% behind you on that one! - MBD Victim)
My story begins in late 2005 when these people first made contact with me and informed me that they were collecting for Foschini and that there was an eight year old debt. Naturally I was astonished and wanted more detail. Later they told me it was a Sterns account and then a Foschini account again.
The amount was a small one, somewhere around R1100.00, after MBD added all their charges the debt grew to R2400.00.
I have requested telephonically and eventually in writing that they furnish me detail of this so-called account, all they do is send me a statement from MBD attorneys.
In the meantime I receive threatening phone calls daily from people barely literate enough to put together coherent sentences.
After initially being patient and explaining my plight, I eventually just got to the point of hanging up the phone the moment they call.
I have people telling me:
-That I will be blacklisted
-I have no right to ask for detail of this account I must just pay it
-If the account is not mine then why do they know my ID number
-Not paying my accounts is a criminal offence
-That MBD is not Sterns, how can I expect them to supply me proof of purchase
And so much more!
I have been collecting a library of hundreds of sms's threatening legal action and I am thinking about contacting Vodacom to get a printout of all the calls made to me to prove the extent of harassment.
These people pride themselves on collecting R1 billion pa whilst their closest opposition only collects R300 million, those of us that have experienced MBD’s ruthless unethical behaviour know that they collect more because they totally trample peoples rights.
Frans Basson, please understand that the wheel turns and if we ever have the opportunity to unleash a world of aggravation on you, its coming with interest!!!
(Name withheld)
PS (Congrats and well done on your efforts, I am willing to give time and money to this cause.)
I am absolutely appalled at Frans Basson's attitude toward trampling on peoples rights, he actually makes fun of it and justifies the complaints by saying that it comes with the territory to upset people from whom you are collecting debt and its just about learning to stay ahead of the knives. I am trying to get hold of his personal details so that when they send me an sms in the middle of the night that I can get in my car and go to his house and answer in person, I will do it every single night if I have to.
These people have made me so angry that I will stop at nothing in my quest to show them that I am not a helpless victim if that means spending thousands of rand then so be it, its the principal of the whole thing. (I'm 100% behind you on that one! - MBD Victim)
My story begins in late 2005 when these people first made contact with me and informed me that they were collecting for Foschini and that there was an eight year old debt. Naturally I was astonished and wanted more detail. Later they told me it was a Sterns account and then a Foschini account again.
The amount was a small one, somewhere around R1100.00, after MBD added all their charges the debt grew to R2400.00.
I have requested telephonically and eventually in writing that they furnish me detail of this so-called account, all they do is send me a statement from MBD attorneys.
In the meantime I receive threatening phone calls daily from people barely literate enough to put together coherent sentences.
After initially being patient and explaining my plight, I eventually just got to the point of hanging up the phone the moment they call.
I have people telling me:
-That I will be blacklisted
-I have no right to ask for detail of this account I must just pay it
-If the account is not mine then why do they know my ID number
-Not paying my accounts is a criminal offence
-That MBD is not Sterns, how can I expect them to supply me proof of purchase
And so much more!
I have been collecting a library of hundreds of sms's threatening legal action and I am thinking about contacting Vodacom to get a printout of all the calls made to me to prove the extent of harassment.
These people pride themselves on collecting R1 billion pa whilst their closest opposition only collects R300 million, those of us that have experienced MBD’s ruthless unethical behaviour know that they collect more because they totally trample peoples rights.
Frans Basson, please understand that the wheel turns and if we ever have the opportunity to unleash a world of aggravation on you, its coming with interest!!!
(Name withheld)
PS (Congrats and well done on your efforts, I am willing to give time and money to this cause.)
Standard Bank too?
Good day
After I have stumbled upon the website I was struck by all the stories about MBD .
Well I have one of my own .
In 1998 I bought a microbus financed through STANNIC, In 1999 it was sold on auction , knowingly that there is some money still owned to stannic it was organized that the account can be paid at what I can afford at the time. Which was done until MBD got hold of it. I was paying the money into my stannic .
Because of the Auction my name was put on the credit bureau . that I accepted at the time.
Behold MBD started to harass me in paying my outstanding debt to them as they have ‘bought the book’ or so it seems. And I have to start paying them instead of STANNIC. Which I did , unknowingly what they are doing.
Needless to say after the five years for my name being on the credit bureu it was cleared from there so in affect I have paid my due’s being not being able to have credit whatsoever.
I asked numerous times over to have something on paper stating whats outstanding but as of date none.
I am paying since 1999 to date 2008 the same amount since 1999 , but the day that my payment is late then the phones is keeping me busy with their calls.
I have asked Stannic to provide me details of my account because according to the credit bureau the money was written off as bad unrecoverable debt. (Welcome to the 'wonderful' world of being an MBD Victim - MBD Victim)
As it goes on now It seems that I will be paying for the rest of my life...
(Name withheld)
After I have stumbled upon the website I was struck by all the stories about MBD .
Well I have one of my own .
In 1998 I bought a microbus financed through STANNIC, In 1999 it was sold on auction , knowingly that there is some money still owned to stannic it was organized that the account can be paid at what I can afford at the time. Which was done until MBD got hold of it. I was paying the money into my stannic .
Because of the Auction my name was put on the credit bureau . that I accepted at the time.
Behold MBD started to harass me in paying my outstanding debt to them as they have ‘bought the book’ or so it seems. And I have to start paying them instead of STANNIC. Which I did , unknowingly what they are doing.
Needless to say after the five years for my name being on the credit bureu it was cleared from there so in affect I have paid my due’s being not being able to have credit whatsoever.
I asked numerous times over to have something on paper stating whats outstanding but as of date none.
I am paying since 1999 to date 2008 the same amount since 1999 , but the day that my payment is late then the phones is keeping me busy with their calls.
I have asked Stannic to provide me details of my account because according to the credit bureau the money was written off as bad unrecoverable debt. (Welcome to the 'wonderful' world of being an MBD Victim - MBD Victim)
As it goes on now It seems that I will be paying for the rest of my life...
(Name withheld)
Typical...
Good Morning
I had a frightening experience this morning with this company.
My wife called me in tears and explained to me that a woman (Name not
mentioned) from MBD"called her office number and threatened to go to her place of work, reason being is that my wife is ignoring her calls. This is after I called the company on numerous occasions requesting to speak to this woman. She called my wife's workplace and told the secretary that they are unprofessional because they do not give messages to my wife. She is absolutely rude and has a very aggressive approach.
I called the call centre this morning and asked to speak to this woman again. I was told by the consultant that she is on leave.
I then asked her why this woman is calling my wife and threatening to go to her place of work if she is on leave then. I asked lady that I want to speak to a manager ,she advised me that (Name not mentioned) is not in an I need to give her my reference number. I advised her that I will open a police case for harassment.
Her comment to me was that all their calls are recorded and I can go and open a police case.
These people are totally unprofessional and the manner that they handle clients is definitely not acceptable.
Nb!! I have visited hellopeter.com and this is shocking indeed.
I will seek further advise.
Regards
(Name withheld)
I had a frightening experience this morning with this company.
My wife called me in tears and explained to me that a woman (Name not
mentioned) from MBD"called her office number and threatened to go to her place of work, reason being is that my wife is ignoring her calls. This is after I called the company on numerous occasions requesting to speak to this woman. She called my wife's workplace and told the secretary that they are unprofessional because they do not give messages to my wife. She is absolutely rude and has a very aggressive approach.
I called the call centre this morning and asked to speak to this woman again. I was told by the consultant that she is on leave.
I then asked her why this woman is calling my wife and threatening to go to her place of work if she is on leave then. I asked lady that I want to speak to a manager ,she advised me that (Name not mentioned) is not in an I need to give her my reference number. I advised her that I will open a police case for harassment.
Her comment to me was that all their calls are recorded and I can go and open a police case.
These people are totally unprofessional and the manner that they handle clients is definitely not acceptable.
Nb!! I have visited hellopeter.com and this is shocking indeed.
I will seek further advise.
Regards
(Name withheld)
Frans Basson replies!
Dear (name withheld)
Please note that I am unable to assist u without a reference number. Your wife's id number will also assist me to locate the case.I will also not able to provide u with any personal information on your wife's account since its confidential and private(unless I receive her consent to disclose the info in writing to u )
Also note that all our calls are voice recorded and since u have made some serious allegations we will not hesitate to proceed against u with action should these allegations be false.
We will also not be intimidated by your allegations or threats.You may exercise your rights u think u have in any way u deem fit (just remember that we have rights too) I am however very concerned about the fact that u do not deny that your wife in fact owes our client money nor do I see any offer from u to settle the debt.
You are also not our client since we do not send u our account to pay our fees. I am currently not aware that any of our clients are concerned about our service as u alledge either. (This has to be a joke, right? Which clients can he be referring to? - MBD Victim)
Your wife is a debtor on our books and we have to take action to collect the debt she owes to our client (not u )We can do this by calling her or we can proceed with a summons, obtain a civil judgement and therafter issue a warrant to attach your property or even request her to appear in Court to explain why she has not paid the debt.The Court can even issue a warrant for her arrest.
The fact that we are calling her to negotiate a payment should be appreciated by u unless u would prefer us to proceed with legal action rather ?
Kindly provide me with the information requested in order to enable me to investigate your allegations and then respond thereto formally.
Yours faithfully,
Frans Munnik Basson
--- original message ---
(Details withheld)
Good Morning
I do apologise for e-mailing you directly but I got this e-mail address from another concerned "MBD client".I had a frightening experience yesterday morning with your company MBD Attorneys.
My wife called me in tears and explained to me that a woman named ..... (If this is her real name) from MBD called her office number and threatened to go to her place of work,reason being is that my wife is ignoring her calls.
This is after I called the company on numerous occasions requesting to speak to ..... She called my wife's workplace and told the secretary that they are unprofessional because they do not give messages to my wife.
She is absolutely rude and has a very aggressive approach .
As far as I am aware this is also a contravention of the credit act (phoning,harassing and embarrassing people at the work place)
I called the call centre yesterday morning and asked to speak to this woman again. I was told by the consultant that she is on leave .
I then asked her why this woman is calling my wife and threatening to go to her place of work if she is on leave then. I asked lady that I want to speak to a manager ,she advised me that ..... is not in and I need to give her my reference number. I advised her that I will open a police case for harassment.
Her comment to me was that all their calls are recorded and I can go and open a police case.
These people are totally unprofessional in the manner that they handle clients and is definitely not acceptable.
Nb!! I have visited hellopeter.com and will seek further advise.
I will appreciate it if you can look into the matter for me and give me feedback as soon as possible.
Regards
(Name withheld)
Please note that I am unable to assist u without a reference number. Your wife's id number will also assist me to locate the case.I will also not able to provide u with any personal information on your wife's account since its confidential and private(unless I receive her consent to disclose the info in writing to u )
Also note that all our calls are voice recorded and since u have made some serious allegations we will not hesitate to proceed against u with action should these allegations be false.
We will also not be intimidated by your allegations or threats.You may exercise your rights u think u have in any way u deem fit (just remember that we have rights too) I am however very concerned about the fact that u do not deny that your wife in fact owes our client money nor do I see any offer from u to settle the debt.
You are also not our client since we do not send u our account to pay our fees. I am currently not aware that any of our clients are concerned about our service as u alledge either. (This has to be a joke, right? Which clients can he be referring to? - MBD Victim)
Your wife is a debtor on our books and we have to take action to collect the debt she owes to our client (not u )We can do this by calling her or we can proceed with a summons, obtain a civil judgement and therafter issue a warrant to attach your property or even request her to appear in Court to explain why she has not paid the debt.The Court can even issue a warrant for her arrest.
The fact that we are calling her to negotiate a payment should be appreciated by u unless u would prefer us to proceed with legal action rather ?
Kindly provide me with the information requested in order to enable me to investigate your allegations and then respond thereto formally.
Yours faithfully,
Frans Munnik Basson
--- original message ---
(Details withheld)
Good Morning
I do apologise for e-mailing you directly but I got this e-mail address from another concerned "MBD client".I had a frightening experience yesterday morning with your company MBD Attorneys.
My wife called me in tears and explained to me that a woman named ..... (If this is her real name) from MBD called her office number and threatened to go to her place of work,reason being is that my wife is ignoring her calls.
This is after I called the company on numerous occasions requesting to speak to ..... She called my wife's workplace and told the secretary that they are unprofessional because they do not give messages to my wife.
She is absolutely rude and has a very aggressive approach .
As far as I am aware this is also a contravention of the credit act (phoning,harassing and embarrassing people at the work place)
I called the call centre yesterday morning and asked to speak to this woman again. I was told by the consultant that she is on leave .
I then asked her why this woman is calling my wife and threatening to go to her place of work if she is on leave then. I asked lady that I want to speak to a manager ,she advised me that ..... is not in and I need to give her my reference number. I advised her that I will open a police case for harassment.
Her comment to me was that all their calls are recorded and I can go and open a police case.
These people are totally unprofessional in the manner that they handle clients and is definitely not acceptable.
Nb!! I have visited hellopeter.com and will seek further advise.
I will appreciate it if you can look into the matter for me and give me feedback as soon as possible.
Regards
(Name withheld)
Misrepresentation?
Wow. What crooks. MBD Attorneys have been harassing me since July 2006 for an account that was written off in 1998. Debt that had expired 5 years ago!!! Each consultant dumber than the next. They are trained for only one thing - to be glorified beggars.I have been avoiding calls from private numbers for over a year now but yesterday I found out that they have been harassing my brother for the same thing, old and settled debt. Im curious, they represent themselves as 'foschini'on all text messages. So why hasnt foschini, truworths and woolworths taken legal action against them for misrepresentation? Ive been liaising with the foschini group who advised me to just ignore them but its kinda difficult with them harassing and swearing at you for money all the time.Thanks so much for starting this website!!!
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Introduction
Fed up with MBD Attorney's constant harassment at your cost? Finding it hard to get any feedback from them? Are you constantly frustrated with the arrogant behaviour of their so called 'consultants?' Are you still waiting for a breakdown of the 'legal fees' that are charged, or even an indication of the interest rate charged?If you said yes to any of these questions above, or any such related issues - you have come to the right place.
For those not acquainted with MBD Attorneys - here is a quick update:MBD Attorneys is a law firm that seemingly specialises in debt collecting. They also buy debtors books from large corporate companies and then follow up on the outstanding debts on their own behalf. Kind of reminds one of a certain species of large bird, doesn't it? Picking over the leftover bones of other, more able hunters...
It seems that MBD Attorneys have no real interest in actually recovering the outstanding debts. Instead they let it simmer a while to gain interest (at an undeclared interest rate) before initiating step two, the harassment. After a first call out of the blue (remember these are usually old debts that have been disputed by the client) the fun starts. Regardless of your level of cooperation you will receive calls and sms's on a constant basis - office hours, after hours, weekends (right after or during Saturday afternoon Rugby is a favourite) any time reminding you of the payment due, or else they will 'proceed with legal action.'
What they conveniently forget to tell you is that you get billed for each and every sms or phone call made, regardless if you pay the agreed monthly installment or not. Again, it is not for us mere mortals to know how much we are being charged as the 'consultants' are 'unable to send detailed accounts'
The best you will get looks something like this:
Initial amount owed: R1100-00
Interest on amount: R1100-00
Legal Fees: R5700-00
Payments: R4000-00
Total outstanding: R3900-00
Any attempt to get more specified info will most certainly result in failure, coupled with more phone calls and sms's of a threatening nature.
From where I stand it looks like they are 'farming' with old debt - I shall call it Debt Farming. A lot of the debtors are already in this position because they cannot afford to pay the debts due to some or other financial challenge. By increasing the debt amount drastically, MBD actually ensures that this debtor will never, or with great difficulty be able to repay the debt. The can often afford a monthly payment, to keep their name clean. Good one for MBD - they now have thousands slaves for life... Is this how one practices law? I wonder when is the last time they handled a real legal case - being the great law firm an' all?
Evidence of this is the fact that no one ever seems to receive (as far as I have been able to detect) a subpoena or any other direct action to actually recover the debt. In my case I have been waiting 7 (yes, seven) years for my day in court to fight this, but how do you fight a predator that stays in hiding? I can only deduce from this that it is actually in MBD's interest to raise the amount owed, instead of really trying to recover the original outstanding debt. Who will want to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs if you can keep it alive for ever?
I am also one of the victims of this unscrupulous company with it's rapacious attitude and systems and have decided to strike back at them. After all, we are still consumers and what these guys are doing is unacceptable. I call on everyone with an MBD story to tell, to share it with us here. Just mail it, and I will publish it (names and contact details will be treated as confidential.) The data that we receive will help us to deliver a comprehensive report regarding this company to the SA Legal Council, SA Debt Collectors Association, Carte Blanche and all journalists or other interested parties that we are able to contact.
MBD No More!!!
PS. (To get a good idea of how widespread this problem is, visit Hello Peter and search 'mbd attorneys' - you'll be terrified by the tales of woe to be read there...)
For those not acquainted with MBD Attorneys - here is a quick update:MBD Attorneys is a law firm that seemingly specialises in debt collecting. They also buy debtors books from large corporate companies and then follow up on the outstanding debts on their own behalf. Kind of reminds one of a certain species of large bird, doesn't it? Picking over the leftover bones of other, more able hunters...
It seems that MBD Attorneys have no real interest in actually recovering the outstanding debts. Instead they let it simmer a while to gain interest (at an undeclared interest rate) before initiating step two, the harassment. After a first call out of the blue (remember these are usually old debts that have been disputed by the client) the fun starts. Regardless of your level of cooperation you will receive calls and sms's on a constant basis - office hours, after hours, weekends (right after or during Saturday afternoon Rugby is a favourite) any time reminding you of the payment due, or else they will 'proceed with legal action.'
What they conveniently forget to tell you is that you get billed for each and every sms or phone call made, regardless if you pay the agreed monthly installment or not. Again, it is not for us mere mortals to know how much we are being charged as the 'consultants' are 'unable to send detailed accounts'
The best you will get looks something like this:
Initial amount owed: R1100-00
Interest on amount: R1100-00
Legal Fees: R5700-00
Payments: R4000-00
Total outstanding: R3900-00
Any attempt to get more specified info will most certainly result in failure, coupled with more phone calls and sms's of a threatening nature.
From where I stand it looks like they are 'farming' with old debt - I shall call it Debt Farming. A lot of the debtors are already in this position because they cannot afford to pay the debts due to some or other financial challenge. By increasing the debt amount drastically, MBD actually ensures that this debtor will never, or with great difficulty be able to repay the debt. The can often afford a monthly payment, to keep their name clean. Good one for MBD - they now have thousands slaves for life... Is this how one practices law? I wonder when is the last time they handled a real legal case - being the great law firm an' all?
Evidence of this is the fact that no one ever seems to receive (as far as I have been able to detect) a subpoena or any other direct action to actually recover the debt. In my case I have been waiting 7 (yes, seven) years for my day in court to fight this, but how do you fight a predator that stays in hiding? I can only deduce from this that it is actually in MBD's interest to raise the amount owed, instead of really trying to recover the original outstanding debt. Who will want to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs if you can keep it alive for ever?
I am also one of the victims of this unscrupulous company with it's rapacious attitude and systems and have decided to strike back at them. After all, we are still consumers and what these guys are doing is unacceptable. I call on everyone with an MBD story to tell, to share it with us here. Just mail it, and I will publish it (names and contact details will be treated as confidential.) The data that we receive will help us to deliver a comprehensive report regarding this company to the SA Legal Council, SA Debt Collectors Association, Carte Blanche and all journalists or other interested parties that we are able to contact.
MBD No More!!!
PS. (To get a good idea of how widespread this problem is, visit Hello Peter and search 'mbd attorneys' - you'll be terrified by the tales of woe to be read there...)
The 'Fat Cat' joins the fray!
Another letter - somebody actually got through to the main partner - Frans Basson:
'Great job.... nice to know I am not alone.
I also have a tale of woe. I eventually gave up and and paid them money that was not legally owing (the debt that prescribed as it was older than 3 years) just to get them off my back... but of course that did not work: the calls and SMSs continue. Nor did explaining till I was blue in the face.
Eventually I tracked down the email address of Frans Basson and sent him multiple copies of my complaint (in which I also said I would approach the National Credit Regulator if the matter was not resolved). His response: to threaten me with criminal prosectution!!!!!!
When I challenged him and told him I had an LLB he backed down. Now my complaint is with Anzel, the "Customer Care Department Manager". (Talk about a contradiction in terms... - MBD Victim)
I'll let you know what happens. And keep me posted on your battle! It's one thing to be an unscrupulous debt farm, but the SA public needs to know that such consumer giants as Woolies, Foschini and MTN are using these people. Unbelievable.'
(Name and details withheld)
Note by MBD Victim:
(Threatening you with criminal prosecution - what a joke! I have been demanding that they take me to court for years and they are either refusing to, or are unable to execute even such a simple action... Hahahaha Mr. Basson - nice try but no cigar!)
'Great job.... nice to know I am not alone.
I also have a tale of woe. I eventually gave up and and paid them money that was not legally owing (the debt that prescribed as it was older than 3 years) just to get them off my back... but of course that did not work: the calls and SMSs continue. Nor did explaining till I was blue in the face.
Eventually I tracked down the email address of Frans Basson and sent him multiple copies of my complaint (in which I also said I would approach the National Credit Regulator if the matter was not resolved). His response: to threaten me with criminal prosectution!!!!!!
When I challenged him and told him I had an LLB he backed down. Now my complaint is with Anzel, the "Customer Care Department Manager". (Talk about a contradiction in terms... - MBD Victim)
I'll let you know what happens. And keep me posted on your battle! It's one thing to be an unscrupulous debt farm, but the SA public needs to know that such consumer giants as Woolies, Foschini and MTN are using these people. Unbelievable.'
(Name and details withheld)
Note by MBD Victim:
(Threatening you with criminal prosecution - what a joke! I have been demanding that they take me to court for years and they are either refusing to, or are unable to execute even such a simple action... Hahahaha Mr. Basson - nice try but no cigar!)
Not even in the country!?
Even as I write the preditors are calling me!! I don't even have a debt - I wasn't even in SA when this so called debt occurred with Markhams. Nevertheless I am called day and night - I thought it was just me - UNTIL typed in MBD on Google - the puter exploded with info of other really distressed people. I have done the Law Society, Credit Regulators and Debt Collection Registers., no avail - the cattle employed by MBD are brainwashed retards who think harrassing people at night is sport - and have you seen their palacial offices on the cnr at Hyde Park?? Why should they stop?
Woolies...
Hi Anton
I finally had a breakthrough this week. After another phonecall from MBD I decided to phone Woolworths head office in Cape Town. I spoke To Jasheed in their financial dept. He finally did what I asked for the last five years and investigated my account. He found that the account had been paid in full in 2003 and he said that the account was closed. How it got to MBD nobody knows. He then faxed me letter of confirmation and said that he'll phone MBD. Now for the funny part. I phoned MBD and told them about the letter. The consultant told me I was lying and taking chances. I actually recorded the conversation with the consultants name! She said that they are not interested in any stories and I better pay the money! I phoned the next day and miraculously all my details were erased from their system. But not even as much as a SORRY WE HARASSED you.
Even though my problems are solved I would like to continue helping in any way I can. These guys are vultures and should not practise law. My husband-also a lawyer said that it is unacceptable practice. Please contact me if there is anything I can do.
I finally had a breakthrough this week. After another phonecall from MBD I decided to phone Woolworths head office in Cape Town. I spoke To Jasheed in their financial dept. He finally did what I asked for the last five years and investigated my account. He found that the account had been paid in full in 2003 and he said that the account was closed. How it got to MBD nobody knows. He then faxed me letter of confirmation and said that he'll phone MBD. Now for the funny part. I phoned MBD and told them about the letter. The consultant told me I was lying and taking chances. I actually recorded the conversation with the consultants name! She said that they are not interested in any stories and I better pay the money! I phoned the next day and miraculously all my details were erased from their system. But not even as much as a SORRY WE HARASSED you.
Even though my problems are solved I would like to continue helping in any way I can. These guys are vultures and should not practise law. My husband-also a lawyer said that it is unacceptable practice. Please contact me if there is anything I can do.
Markhams too!
I had quite a result today and want you to use the info to help others if you can.
In desperation I called Markhams HO and told them I would sue them for damages if they did not stop MBD from harassing me.
Today I got a call from Kurt Rauch who is the head of Foschini Group Collections in Capetown. His number is ...
He told me that they (and companies like his) offer their old debtors book to the market and companies like MBD bid or tender for the book. The successful bidder has to sign a contract to agree not to use the original company's name but can say it was previously a debt with Markahms, Woollies, Standard etc., Because of their dreadful experiences with MBD the Foschini Group will not allow MBD to even bid on their book now and they have nothing to all to do with them - except save people like me who complain.
I suggest everyone complains bitterly and relentlessly to the original creditor and make them take responsibility for handing their previous customers over to sharks and predators.
It worked very quickly for me, Kurt tells me that he personally has had my name removed from MBD files and that he checked to make sure I was not listed anywhere.
My case may be a little different in that I have never had any accounts - but nonetheless - these big concerns sell their debtors books to unscrupulous predators who then add illegal interest and charges and harass and threaten the original vendors customers to a point of despair - they must take responsibility and buy their books back - I am not even sure you can sell a prescribed debt?? Will get advice and refer back to you.
Kind regards and FIGHT ON BRU!!!!
In desperation I called Markhams HO and told them I would sue them for damages if they did not stop MBD from harassing me.
Today I got a call from Kurt Rauch who is the head of Foschini Group Collections in Capetown. His number is ...
He told me that they (and companies like his) offer their old debtors book to the market and companies like MBD bid or tender for the book. The successful bidder has to sign a contract to agree not to use the original company's name but can say it was previously a debt with Markahms, Woollies, Standard etc., Because of their dreadful experiences with MBD the Foschini Group will not allow MBD to even bid on their book now and they have nothing to all to do with them - except save people like me who complain.
I suggest everyone complains bitterly and relentlessly to the original creditor and make them take responsibility for handing their previous customers over to sharks and predators.
It worked very quickly for me, Kurt tells me that he personally has had my name removed from MBD files and that he checked to make sure I was not listed anywhere.
My case may be a little different in that I have never had any accounts - but nonetheless - these big concerns sell their debtors books to unscrupulous predators who then add illegal interest and charges and harass and threaten the original vendors customers to a point of despair - they must take responsibility and buy their books back - I am not even sure you can sell a prescribed debt?? Will get advice and refer back to you.
Kind regards and FIGHT ON BRU!!!!
Virgin Active - Sir Richard and his sidekicks strike again!
Dear Sir/Madam
I am writing about my recent horrific and highly stressful experince with Virgin Active Health Clubs, and specifically the one one at Brighton Beach, Durban, South Africa. I share this in the hope that other consumers will be warned.
It all began when my mother, God bless her, decided to buy me a one year contract with Virgin Active as a birthday present. The people selling us the contract were ever so helpful and pleasent and we stated repeatedly that this was just one year. A fact both I and my mother are prepared to swear to in a court of law. At the end of the year, after using the gym for a year, I did not return to the gym knowing that my time was up.
Imagine my horror when a few months later I was confronted with a summons from MBD Attorneys of Johannesburg with an outstanding account of some R874.35 (around $120) from Virgin Active. My wife went to the club where we had had our membership and we were told that they would 'sort it out' and we were not to worry, they understood that our membership was for only one year and this was merely an administrative error. They asked her to sign a 'letter of cancellation', which she had a copy but lost (not clever). So we left it alone and did not worry.
Unbeknowest to us this was just the begining of the nightmare. These people, MBD Attorneys of Johannesburg, began to phone us at our place of work, and continuesly state that we must pay them this money. When we asked on what grounds they can claim this money from us, we were told that the membership is for one year but has an automatic renewel attached to it. They also had no record of anyone 'sorting it out' so we were screwed.
So with out any warning, in spite of the fact that we had purchased our membership for one year only, and had paid for said one years membership with one payment, we were continuosly told that we owe money and had been 'handed over' to attorneys. Also this was in spite of the fact that we had only used the facilities for that one year and had not used them since.
You know in life there is morality and then there is the law, when they catch you they catch you. So after a while, out of shere frustration, I gave in and deposited the money into thier account. So I had to pay for around 8 months membership, without ever getting any benifit from said use. I wonder if taking something from somebody for nothing could be called theft?
It seems that the little guys are always the victims, there is not much we can do about this, but I would strongly hope that this experience is shared with as many people as possible as a warning to them.
My advice is ... if you consider joining a Virgin Active Health Club ... buy a bicycle instead ...
One ripped off ex Virgin Active Health Club Member ...
(Name and details withheld)
I am writing about my recent horrific and highly stressful experince with Virgin Active Health Clubs, and specifically the one one at Brighton Beach, Durban, South Africa. I share this in the hope that other consumers will be warned.
It all began when my mother, God bless her, decided to buy me a one year contract with Virgin Active as a birthday present. The people selling us the contract were ever so helpful and pleasent and we stated repeatedly that this was just one year. A fact both I and my mother are prepared to swear to in a court of law. At the end of the year, after using the gym for a year, I did not return to the gym knowing that my time was up.
Imagine my horror when a few months later I was confronted with a summons from MBD Attorneys of Johannesburg with an outstanding account of some R874.35 (around $120) from Virgin Active. My wife went to the club where we had had our membership and we were told that they would 'sort it out' and we were not to worry, they understood that our membership was for only one year and this was merely an administrative error. They asked her to sign a 'letter of cancellation', which she had a copy but lost (not clever). So we left it alone and did not worry.
Unbeknowest to us this was just the begining of the nightmare. These people, MBD Attorneys of Johannesburg, began to phone us at our place of work, and continuesly state that we must pay them this money. When we asked on what grounds they can claim this money from us, we were told that the membership is for one year but has an automatic renewel attached to it. They also had no record of anyone 'sorting it out' so we were screwed.
So with out any warning, in spite of the fact that we had purchased our membership for one year only, and had paid for said one years membership with one payment, we were continuosly told that we owe money and had been 'handed over' to attorneys. Also this was in spite of the fact that we had only used the facilities for that one year and had not used them since.
You know in life there is morality and then there is the law, when they catch you they catch you. So after a while, out of shere frustration, I gave in and deposited the money into thier account. So I had to pay for around 8 months membership, without ever getting any benifit from said use. I wonder if taking something from somebody for nothing could be called theft?
It seems that the little guys are always the victims, there is not much we can do about this, but I would strongly hope that this experience is shared with as many people as possible as a warning to them.
My advice is ... if you consider joining a Virgin Active Health Club ... buy a bicycle instead ...
One ripped off ex Virgin Active Health Club Member ...
(Name and details withheld)
Keep records please!
Thanks to all of you who have contacted me thus far, telling of your nasty MBD Attorneys experience. I will start to publish some of the mails received - there is a whole stack of them! We have enough people to warrant the bigger publications to become interested.
We have decided to wait until February before 'going public' due to the Christmas Holidays. It is important that we make sure that as many people as possible are reached on the initial launch.
It is therefore important that we have as much hard evidence as possible by that time. I am confident that Carte Blanche (to name one) will come on board if I can present them with a solid stack of facts.
I shudder to think how many people there are out there who have the same problem that do not have access to the Internet and are not aware of how widespread this problem is. Try mentioning MBD Attorneys at social gatherings and you'll be horrified at how often you will meet somebody with the same problem!
We have decided to wait until February before 'going public' due to the Christmas Holidays. It is important that we make sure that as many people as possible are reached on the initial launch.
It is therefore important that we have as much hard evidence as possible by that time. I am confident that Carte Blanche (to name one) will come on board if I can present them with a solid stack of facts.
I shudder to think how many people there are out there who have the same problem that do not have access to the Internet and are not aware of how widespread this problem is. Try mentioning MBD Attorneys at social gatherings and you'll be horrified at how often you will meet somebody with the same problem!
Good news! Ex MBD employee responds
I have recently been contacted by somebody who used to work for MBD Attorneys and have now also landed in their clutches. This helps our cause a lot as she is willing to speak to our reporters and make a formal statement regarding the goings on at MBD.
Below is a copy of a letter recently sent to me by her:
Hi There
I have worked for MBD and have seen all the disgusting and illegal tactics they get up to. What MBD does is that they buy the credit books from companies and then try and collect on anything outstanding that they possibly can, while adding their own illegal fees. Some of them are not even credit books - take colleges like Lyceum for instance. When a person goes there to inquire about studies, they fill in forms with their personal details. MBD buys those forms from them and after a few years start using intimidation to collect money from those people, even when they know that person didn't even study there.
When you look at the illegal fees the add, they don't make sense, they differ from one person to another, it's not about how much they owe and they are ridiculously high.
I think that once these companies have handed you over, they don't care what happens to you, just as long as they get their money. I have also been handed over to them by Virgin Active and from VA all I needed to do was settle my account with them which didn't include any interest and I could go back and start gym again, even though I hadn't paid MBD's money. Once I settled the account, including MBD's amount, I would work on my account while I sill worked there (at MBD), sending a query to their admin department, saying the debtor called and requests a letter of prove that the account has been paid. I must have sent it about four times and still received nothing.
What is more scary is that I noticed that all the accounts that have been settled are put into frozen status. I am not exactly sure, but I have a feeling that while they are on this status they still accumulate interest and after a few years, the account gets activated again, and the bullying starts again. That is the reason they will not give you a letter stating that the account is settled because it will be proof to stop them from harassing you. I have spoken to debtors who say they settled their accounts with MBD years before and don't understand why we are calling them again. These people are very greedy and they don't care whether yours was a case of mistaken identity that you can prove. They want their money no matter what. Almost all my friends have been or are still handed over to them and some of their stories are hilarious but very infuriating at the same time.
As for the consultants, they don't even know what is going on. They are just trained to collect money from debtors. Whether the company is operating within the legal structure, they have no clue. I remember seeing accounts of these consultants themselves and being scared to work on them because of how rude they tell other debtors. Some of these people are older than my mother, but when I tell people the disgusting things they say to debtors....
If you need assistance, don't hesitate to ask.
(Name and contact details withheld)
Below is a copy of a letter recently sent to me by her:
Hi There
I have worked for MBD and have seen all the disgusting and illegal tactics they get up to. What MBD does is that they buy the credit books from companies and then try and collect on anything outstanding that they possibly can, while adding their own illegal fees. Some of them are not even credit books - take colleges like Lyceum for instance. When a person goes there to inquire about studies, they fill in forms with their personal details. MBD buys those forms from them and after a few years start using intimidation to collect money from those people, even when they know that person didn't even study there.
When you look at the illegal fees the add, they don't make sense, they differ from one person to another, it's not about how much they owe and they are ridiculously high.
I think that once these companies have handed you over, they don't care what happens to you, just as long as they get their money. I have also been handed over to them by Virgin Active and from VA all I needed to do was settle my account with them which didn't include any interest and I could go back and start gym again, even though I hadn't paid MBD's money. Once I settled the account, including MBD's amount, I would work on my account while I sill worked there (at MBD), sending a query to their admin department, saying the debtor called and requests a letter of prove that the account has been paid. I must have sent it about four times and still received nothing.
What is more scary is that I noticed that all the accounts that have been settled are put into frozen status. I am not exactly sure, but I have a feeling that while they are on this status they still accumulate interest and after a few years, the account gets activated again, and the bullying starts again. That is the reason they will not give you a letter stating that the account is settled because it will be proof to stop them from harassing you. I have spoken to debtors who say they settled their accounts with MBD years before and don't understand why we are calling them again. These people are very greedy and they don't care whether yours was a case of mistaken identity that you can prove. They want their money no matter what. Almost all my friends have been or are still handed over to them and some of their stories are hilarious but very infuriating at the same time.
As for the consultants, they don't even know what is going on. They are just trained to collect money from debtors. Whether the company is operating within the legal structure, they have no clue. I remember seeing accounts of these consultants themselves and being scared to work on them because of how rude they tell other debtors. Some of these people are older than my mother, but when I tell people the disgusting things they say to debtors....
If you need assistance, don't hesitate to ask.
(Name and contact details withheld)
New trick - sms's without reply details
I see that MBD Attorney's have mastred a new trick in their efforts to grow fatter and richer: They now send their harassment sms's without any mention of contact details like phone numbers etc.
This makes it extra hard to contact them and cause any unnecessary work for the company. Remember, these debt farmers at MBD are not interested in solving anything, just to increase the costs that they can incur...
How blatant is this!?
This makes it extra hard to contact them and cause any unnecessary work for the company. Remember, these debt farmers at MBD are not interested in solving anything, just to increase the costs that they can incur...
How blatant is this!?
Thursday, July 5, 2007
MBD Complaints - Info required
Hi There
This is an appeal to all of you out there who have been handed into the clutches of MBD Attorneys by Virgin Active, Planet Fitness, Woolworths or any other company, to contact us with your story.
The info received will be kept confidential, we are looking for statistical info to use in a report that is being compiled regarding this law firm. Please note that we do not require your ID or personal information, just your story. Should you wish to give us your details and proof of some kind, it will greatly assist and your details will only be used should a legal dispute arise and we need to give facts. Again - your details will not be used publically.
We also want to indicate to the companies that hand people over to this firm with it's parasitic practises, what the consumer thinks about this and how it may be impacting on their brand perception in the market.
I am currently involved in talks with journalists from some respectable financial publications, as well as lawyers, that will assist in exposing this apparent rot in our legal system.
It's time to take hands and to fight back - MBD No More!
Take action and SUBMIT your story
This is an appeal to all of you out there who have been handed into the clutches of MBD Attorneys by Virgin Active, Planet Fitness, Woolworths or any other company, to contact us with your story.
The info received will be kept confidential, we are looking for statistical info to use in a report that is being compiled regarding this law firm. Please note that we do not require your ID or personal information, just your story. Should you wish to give us your details and proof of some kind, it will greatly assist and your details will only be used should a legal dispute arise and we need to give facts. Again - your details will not be used publically.
We also want to indicate to the companies that hand people over to this firm with it's parasitic practises, what the consumer thinks about this and how it may be impacting on their brand perception in the market.
I am currently involved in talks with journalists from some respectable financial publications, as well as lawyers, that will assist in exposing this apparent rot in our legal system.
It's time to take hands and to fight back - MBD No More!
Take action and SUBMIT your story
Friday, June 29, 2007
Welcome to MBD No More!
Fed up with MBD Attorney's constant harassment at your cost? Finding it hard to get any feedback from them? Are you constantly frustrated with the arrogant behaviour of their so called 'consultants?' Are you still waiting for a breakdown of the 'legal fees' that are charged, or even an indication of the interest rate charged?
If you said yes to any of these questions above, or any such related issues - you have come to the right place.
For those not acquainted with MBD Attorneys - here is a quick update:
MBD Attorneys is a law firm that seemingly specialises in debt collecting. They also buy debtors books from large corporate companies and then follow up on the outstanding debts on their own behalf. Kind of reminds one of a certain species of large bird, doesn't it? Picking over the leftover bones of other, more able hunters...
It seems that MBD Attorneys have no real interest in actually recovering the outstanding debts. Instead they let it simmer a while to gain interest (at an undeclared interest rate) before initiating step two, the harassment.
After a first call out of the blue (remember these are usually old debts that have been disputed by the client) the fun starts. Regardless of your level of cooperation you will receive calls and sms's on a constant basis - office hours, after hours, weekends (right after or during Saturday afternoon Rugby is a favourite) any time reminding you of the payment due, or else they will 'proceed with legal action.'
What they conveniently forget to tell you is that you get billed for each and every sms or phone call made, regardless if you pay the agreed monthly installment or not. Again, it is not for us mere mortals to know how much we are being charged as the 'consultants' are 'unable to send detailed accounts' The best you will get looks something like this:
Initial amount owed: R1100-00
Interest on amount: R1100-00
Legal Fees: R 5700-00
Payments: R4000-00
Total outstanding: R3900-00
Any attempt to get more specified info will most certainly result in failure, coupled with more phone calls and sms's of a threatening nature.
From where I stand it looks like they are 'farming' with old debt - I shall call it Debt Farming.
A lot of the debtors are already in this position because they cannot afford to pay the debts due to some or other financial challenge. By increasing the debt amount drastically, MBD actually ensures that this debtor will never, or with great difficulty be able to repay the debt. The can often afford a monthly payment, to keep their name clean. Good one for MBD - they now have thousands slaves for life... Is this how one practices law? I wonder when is the last time they handled a real legal case - being the great law firm an' all?
Evidence of this is the fact that no one ever seems to receive (as far as I have been able to detect) a subpoena or any other direct action to actually recover the debt. In my case I have been waiting 7 (yes, seven) years for my day in court to fight this, but how do you fight a predator that stays in hiding? I can only deduce from this that it is actually in MBD's interest to raise the amount owed, instead of really trying to recover the original outstanding debt. Who will want to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs if you can keep it alive for ever?
I am also one of the victims of this unscrupulous company with it's rapacious attitude and systems and have decided to strike back at them. After all, we are still consumers and what these guys are doing is unacceptable.
I call on everyone with an MBD story to tell, to share it with us here. Just mail it, and I will publish it (names and contact details will be treated as confidential.)
The data that we receive will help us to deliver a comprehensive report regarding this company to the SA Legal Council, SA Debt Collectors Association, Carte Blanche and all journalists or other interested parties that we are able to contact.
MBD No More!!!
PS. (To get a good idea of how widespread this problem is, visit Hello Peter and search 'mbd attorneys' - you'll be terrified by the tales of woe to be read there...)
If you said yes to any of these questions above, or any such related issues - you have come to the right place.
For those not acquainted with MBD Attorneys - here is a quick update:
MBD Attorneys is a law firm that seemingly specialises in debt collecting. They also buy debtors books from large corporate companies and then follow up on the outstanding debts on their own behalf. Kind of reminds one of a certain species of large bird, doesn't it? Picking over the leftover bones of other, more able hunters...
It seems that MBD Attorneys have no real interest in actually recovering the outstanding debts. Instead they let it simmer a while to gain interest (at an undeclared interest rate) before initiating step two, the harassment.
After a first call out of the blue (remember these are usually old debts that have been disputed by the client) the fun starts. Regardless of your level of cooperation you will receive calls and sms's on a constant basis - office hours, after hours, weekends (right after or during Saturday afternoon Rugby is a favourite) any time reminding you of the payment due, or else they will 'proceed with legal action.'
What they conveniently forget to tell you is that you get billed for each and every sms or phone call made, regardless if you pay the agreed monthly installment or not. Again, it is not for us mere mortals to know how much we are being charged as the 'consultants' are 'unable to send detailed accounts' The best you will get looks something like this:
Initial amount owed: R1100-00
Interest on amount: R1100-00
Legal Fees: R 5700-00
Payments: R4000-00
Total outstanding: R3900-00
Any attempt to get more specified info will most certainly result in failure, coupled with more phone calls and sms's of a threatening nature.
From where I stand it looks like they are 'farming' with old debt - I shall call it Debt Farming.
A lot of the debtors are already in this position because they cannot afford to pay the debts due to some or other financial challenge. By increasing the debt amount drastically, MBD actually ensures that this debtor will never, or with great difficulty be able to repay the debt. The can often afford a monthly payment, to keep their name clean. Good one for MBD - they now have thousands slaves for life... Is this how one practices law? I wonder when is the last time they handled a real legal case - being the great law firm an' all?
Evidence of this is the fact that no one ever seems to receive (as far as I have been able to detect) a subpoena or any other direct action to actually recover the debt. In my case I have been waiting 7 (yes, seven) years for my day in court to fight this, but how do you fight a predator that stays in hiding? I can only deduce from this that it is actually in MBD's interest to raise the amount owed, instead of really trying to recover the original outstanding debt. Who will want to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs if you can keep it alive for ever?
I am also one of the victims of this unscrupulous company with it's rapacious attitude and systems and have decided to strike back at them. After all, we are still consumers and what these guys are doing is unacceptable.
I call on everyone with an MBD story to tell, to share it with us here. Just mail it, and I will publish it (names and contact details will be treated as confidential.)
The data that we receive will help us to deliver a comprehensive report regarding this company to the SA Legal Council, SA Debt Collectors Association, Carte Blanche and all journalists or other interested parties that we are able to contact.
MBD No More!!!
PS. (To get a good idea of how widespread this problem is, visit Hello Peter and search 'mbd attorneys' - you'll be terrified by the tales of woe to be read there...)
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