Abandoned Blog: GC Services Watch

What I could scrape from GC Services Watch, a now-defunct blog run by "The Consumer Equalizer" on the Texas collections agency GC Services.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

GC Services: A Typical Complaint Showing GC Services' Dishonest Behavior

Here's a typical complaint about GC Services:

"I was contacted by Dawnie from GC Services, last night around 8:15pm.  It came up on my phone as a local number so my husband answered it.  He handed the phone to me and she asked if it was me and gave the address of which I reside.  She said that she was calling on behalf of CITI bank in regards to a credit card debt I have with them and asked if I was going to pay the full amount last night of $3,947.95, and I told her no, because I was working with American Financial Concepts, which is a debt settlement company.  She said that they will not speak to any 3rd parties regarding my account.  To make a long story short, she asked me my husband's name, place of employment and a number where they could reach him.  I told her that I wasn't giving her that information, because he has nothing to do with my debts, nor does he know about them.  She said that she is going to document in my file that I refuse to give out this information and I said fine.  She then repeated herself.  She gave me 2 options, 1) to pay off my debt in 6 mthly payments of $600+ and 2.) to pay $1973 by tomorrow (Tues., 11/10) and then pay $100/mth. interest free.  I had to give them a good faith check in the amount of $50 and then I am to call her back tomorrow at 1pm.  She said that she was located in San Diego.  She said that I am deemed evasive and that CITI bank is demanding that I pay the full balance. 

Unfortunately, I felt bullied and didn't know where to turn, so I gave her my checking account information for the $50.  Does anyone have any advice for me?  I do not have the $1900+ to pay them by TOMORROW!!!"

Yes, the consumer here was bullied. That's one reason why you should never talk to collection agencies on the phone. 

One way to handle phone calls is here. Here is another.

The law requires that debt collectors communicate with you in writing. When they do, respond with a debt validation letter.

Now, if GC Services had withdrawn more than the $50, they would have been guilty of wire fraud.

Also, the line about "demanding payment in full" is rubbish. Debt collectors like GC Services buy massive portfolios for pennies on the dollar.

Learn how these dishonest companies work. Know your rights and FIGHT BACK.

Monday, September 12, 2011

GC Services Taken To Task For Using "The Government" As A Reference!

This is a very amusing case.


GC Services (Houston, TX; St. Louis, MO) tried to intimidate a debtor by making claims about work it had (allegedly) done for the U.S. Government.


A judge was not amused, and ruled in the plaintiff's favor.


GC Services is one of the most disreputable collection agencies in the country.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Illinois Residents: Beware of GC Services

This is interesting.

In 2009, Joe M. Van Nest of GC Services sent a FOIA request seeking information about litigation and collection services for the Illinois Tollway.

GC Services is an awful collection agency.

They harass people on the phone.

This disclose (alleged) debt information to third parties.

They pester neighbors.

They do not respond to debt validation letters.

They have had a history of wage and hour violations

It seems they have plans to expand into other types of collections.

If you are an Illinois resident, you should contact your elected officials and tell them that doing business with GC Services is a VERY BAD IDEA.

Friday, April 8, 2011

GC Services Refusing Correspondence? Turn the Tables!

It seems GC Services does not like receiving debt validation or cease and desist letters.

It seems they are not signing for certain pieces of certified or registered mail.

One thing they are guaranteed to sign for, though, is a PAYMENT!

Try addressing your letters like this:

Mr. Joe Van Nest
Payments Manager
GC Services
6330 Gulfton
Houston, TX 77081

** please expedite-payment in full enclosed **

And see what happens.

By the way, if you need a sample debt validation letter you can find a very effective one here.

Friday, December 24, 2010

RIP GC Services Employee and Pianist, Robert Nicholas Smith

Robert Nicholas Smith, 52, of Gold Canyon, Ariz., formerly of Westport CT, died Nov. 29, 2010.

Born in Norwalk, he lived in Westport for the greater part of his life. He attended local schools and was a graduate of the Westport School of Music, studying under pianist Richard Gregor. He went to the University of Bridgeport for a year, then transferred to Arizona State.

He worked for many years in retail and restaurant management. After moving to Arizona three and a half years ago, he was employed by GC Service. It is not known if he participated in GC Services’ alleged abuse of systems such as Experian.

He is survived by his parents, Bob and Sandra Jaderlund Smith; his brothers, Darin and Wayne; and two nieces, Alexandra and Olena Rene Smith, all of Arizona.

A Mass was celebrated at St. George's Catholic Church in Gold Canyon. Burial will be in Willowbrook Cemetery, Westport.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Brad Batig: What Happened?

Back in 2009, Brad Batig was a partner at a law firm.

In 2010, he's working for GC Services.

What happened? Not good enough for a real law firm? It is unlikely the owners of GC Services pay him well, as he's only admitted in Texas and they get sued all over the place…

Monday, September 13, 2010

GC Services: Caught in the Act with Experian!

Add this to the long list of "improper activities" undertaken by Texas-based collection agency, GC Services (others include failing to pay overtime and not keeping current on tax status).

In this case, GC Services abused access to reports such as those provided by Experian. They have been forced, by order of the court, to pay consumers large sums for their misbehavior!

Posted by The Consumer Equalizer at 12:23 PM No comments