Jaffe & Asher LLP

Review: The company is supposed to withdraw $191.65 out of my account on the [redacted] of each month until my debt is paid. However, last month, May, they withdrew the amount twice in one day. I contacted them immediately when I noticed the error. They recognized the error and said they would refund me the money by check. It took 10 days for me to receive my refund. Then yesterday,June [redacted], I get an email from them that they have a "glitch" in their computer system that somehow again withdrew the $191.65 from my account twice! This time I did not have enough money in my account to cover their error and my account is now overdrawn! I now have an insufficient funds fee of $25 and I have a check out for a bill that I paid that if it posts now it will bounce and I will get charged another $25! This error left me with $18 to my name to last me until Saturday the [redacted] when I get paid again!!! They said they will send me another refund but I can't wait another 10 days and live on $18 with my 2 children. I asked why if they can draft the money out of my account, why can't the put it back in? They told me there is some laws, blah blah blah, that do not allow them to do that. So I told them I want the check sent overnight mail so I don't have to wait over a week for it. I have not received a response about it.Desired Settlement: I want the amount of $191.65 deposited back into my account ASAP and I want to be compensated $50 for my bank fees

Business

Response:

To Whom It May Concern:

Posting of the payment twice was a result of a malfunction with the online payment system used by Jaffe and Asher, LLP. The situation has been rectified for future payments. Because there were insufficient funds to process two (2) payments, only one payment, which was authorized, of $191.65 was actually processed. Due to the June payment posting twice the consumer incurred an insufficient funds fee of $25.00. This $25.00 fee will be covered by Jaffe and Asher, LLP and will be mailed out today, July *, 2013. We apologize for any inconvenience and assure you that the issue has been corrected.

Review: I was working with AMEX to pay off a debt when our family suffered significant financial setbacks. I contacted them to try and resolve being unable to pay the current minimum monthly payments. I was told they had a special program and told me there would be no interest for a year. I gave my information and was told I would be contacted. I was and started a payment schedule that would be three months out, planned payments. The company always called to set up another three months. After a year, I knew I was close, if not totally paid off, but couldn't get a hold of the company. I was then contacted by Jaffe and Asher and told in writing to pay in full within 30 days or potentially face a lawsuit. I wasn't able to get back in touch with them because I was concerned it was a scam. I contacted AMEX and they had no record of any payments to the creditor. However, they said they would be willing to work with me directly. However they quoted me a larger sum than the original balance I had before I began payments for a year. I told them that wasn't right. They told me to contact Jaffe and Asher. They contacted me before I could call them and were forceful saying I owed $1540.12 which is over $100 more than the balance BEFORE I PAID FOR A YEAR A MONTHLY PAYMENT. No one will acknowledge the payments I have made. I will be submitting a complaint for AMEX as well. I can not afford a settlement, or payment in full and I refuse to if the payments I sent are not acknowledged.Desired Settlement: I would prefer to be finished with AMEX and Jaffe and Asher. I would be willing to settle for $300 paid over 4mos. Which is all I can afford since my husband has been out of work for a year now and we are struggling financially with medical issues.

Business

Response:

Dear Sir/Madam:

The undersigned is outside counsel for American Express. We have reviewed the complaint of [redacted]. Her complaint appears to be focused on her claim that the balance reflected on American Express records is more than the balance owed; she asked that American Express settle her account for payment by her of $300. We confirmed that American Express balance on its records is $1540.12, and accordingly Jaffe & Asher did not act improperly in seeking to collect this balance. However, we have advised American Express of the complaint and they are reviewing the matter and we expect to hear back from them shortly. We have stopped collection efforts in the meantime.

Very truly yours,

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: I have experienced several issues regarding unauthorized bank charges on what should have been automatic ACH transactions. The first issue is that the transactions were being taken out on days other than our regularly scheduled dates without notice. I have spoken with a representative on several occasions. The second issue was an unauthorized amount money being taken out of my account. I then later received notification of this new "authorized" amount with no number to contact to verify this information as correct or to challenge as incorrect. The difference in the amount was very minor. It went from $250.00 to $250.83. I then contacted my appointed representative. Instead of trying to handle this issue, she repeatedly told me that everything I pay goes toward my premium and asked if I was unable to afford the additional $.83. I feel that was not the appropriate response. By the end of this phone call, I felt pushed to authorize this additional $.83 which I was assured was not a fee. The third issue is regarding multiple transactions in one month, neither on a scheduled payment date. In October my representative contacted me to schedule dates in November and December which would not interfere with any holiday closure dates to ensure my payments were processed and no further action needed to be taken against myself or my account. We set a date in late November before Thanksgiving and in late December before Christmas. I was charged in mid November on an unauthorized date and late november on another unauthorized date to satisfy December's payment. I was not contacted about either transaction. This did lead to my being unable to PAY FOR GROCERIES AND MY SON'S DAYCARE/PRESCHOOL. I was not aware the money had been taken. No one attempted to contact me regarding this issue, so I contacted the firm directly. Several times. At first, I contacted my representative and got no answer. I left a voicemail. I then waited over the weekend, figuring she would be out on the Friday after Thanksgiving. I called again on Monday morning to find her voicemail full and was transferred to another employee who then transferred me to my representative's supervisor. I left a voicemail there and have not yet heard back. After several more calls, I was connected with another employee who cut me off mid-sentence to ask if she could call back as she was currently assisting another customer. I gave my contact information and agreed to wait for her call. She then cut me off mid-sentence again and hung up while I was still speaking. I have not yet heard back from her. This led me to try again this morning. I was finally connected to my representative, who apologized for any inconvenience, but was unable to answer why I was charged without authorization other than to say it had something to do with holiday closures. She then found in the notes where I authorized the dates for automatic transactions to avoid holidays. I have been assured I do not need to make a payment for this month, and will speak with her again regarding January's payments. I have, however, had her cancel the automatic payments and send me information on other payment options to avoid further issues. Poor customer service aside, I find it absolutely unacceptable that this many unauthorized transactions have occured. This could quite literally be viewed as stealing from me. I have done my absolute best to be polite and courteous and to handle these issues professionally. However, I do not feel that these issues are being given the attention they deserve. I have been brushed off several times and find this response unprofessional and unaccpetable.Desired Settlement: I desire an alternative payment solution. I have asked for information on wire transfers direct from my band to theirs at a date/time of my choosing. I would also appreciate an apology and to be able to have no future issues in our future dealings.

Business

Response:

I am writing in response to the above referenced complaint. On December [redacted], 2013, I spoke with [redacted] and apologized for any confusion regarding the timing and amount of her monthly payments. We worked out a solution which was satisfactory to her. I let her know that the employee that had been handling her account would no longer be working with her, and that I would personally handle her account going forward, and she was satisfied with that. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention and giving us an opportunity to resolve the complaint.