Diversified Collections
Complaint 35908 Details

My mentally disabled son received a letter stating he owed VA state income taxes from 1998 & 1999 in the amount of $2688.22 and if at least half was not received by 11/10/2011 they would be taking his SSDI check until the amount was paid in full. Since he did not have the money and was scared to lose his disability check, I contacted the company and a representative, Brianna @800-866-5317 X3720, told me the same thing. They made a 3 way call so my son could give permission to have me represent him. They said they would be withholding his check for repayment unless I agreed to pay $1350 and agree to monthly payments to my credit card of $100.00 each month until the balance was paid and it would be accuring penalties and interest daily. Foolishly, I gave them my credit card number and they charged my account. My son is a mentally handicapped adult receiving SSDI of $899.00 per month. The Virginia Department of Taxation later told me that the company has no authorization to garnish wages and definitely not disability payments from the federal government. I have tried unsucessfully to talk with Diversified Collections and my credit card company to cancel this transaction. As collection companies come under the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission, I am asking for your help. They threatened something they had to authority to do and gave false information. Can you assist me?