Considering that Dave posted close to a year ago, I doubt he (allegedly) will be here to back up its post.

Yet operations like your call outdated telphone numbers and innocent people end up with the calls. So much for that one.

Please read and reply  so we can all hear this one.

Whatever happened to mailing the debt information Dave? I have emailed and called stating I do not have this "alleged" debt your  Mr. Ross keeps leaving in a voicemail. I have asked for validation and what I got was an email from Steve Davis stating I can call and he will be happy to talk to me? I want my validation Mr Barrett. So not only is Mr. Ross representing himself as an attorney and leaving threatening messages I am not getting the validation I requested twice so don't throw around your high and mighty "we follow the rules" . I am trying to get resolution

Got a call from Ramon Garcia. They have called me and a "relative".  Think they research names on facebook and then look for listed numbers of relatives and connections.  I found them on facebook

Basic Info.
Founded 2008
9880 N. Magnolia Ave Ste # 129, Santee, California 92071

Products
Asset Recovery, Purchase of Distressed/charged-off accounts, Process Serving, Skip Tracing, Credit Repair, Third Part Debt Collection.

Contact Info.
Phone
(619) 258-0745
Email
dbarrett@barrettrecovery.com

To those who keep claiming this is a "scam"...First and foremost every company has to start somewhere...Some in a garage, some in a spare bedroom of an apartment etc. If i was really a scam do you believe i would be putting my life story on there for every one to see? Any account that comes into our office is backed up with legal proof in the form of a contract either showing we purchased the debt legally off of the creditor or current owner, secondly any account that we collect on or pursue on behalf of a 3rd party is backed by a contract showing the accounts being assigned to us with our legal right to do so.

My company is legitimately licensed with a business license, we pay our annual taxes, and we are registered and in good standing with the secretary of state. To those who continue to defame the company's name - if i can find out who you are there is a nice civil case waiting for you in terms of slandering the company's name, my own name and defaming ones character.

If someone doesn't agree with a debt, or the amount owed then so be it. Contact the office and deal with it like civilized adults. I can guarantee you will be treated with respect and our first intention is to always resolve the issue on amicable terms. We are not an attorney or a law office. We are a collection agency. We do have a legal department and we can litigate on those accounts within the statute of limitations. You do not need to be an attorney to litigate. We can also outsource an account to a law office for recovery. This is something we try and avoid at all costs. Its common sense that if you fail to pay there are laws that protect creditor's rights so they can recover their losses.

Facebook is one of many ways to reach out to people these days, its low cost and efficient. I am glad you ran accrossed my ad. The job does require a certain type of aggressivenesss. I dont train people to be a push over and allow the consumer to walk all over them. We also train people to be professional, courteous and we train people to be compliant with the FDCPA. As you can see my cell phone is listed in your posting. If you have any questions you know where to reach me. I would be happy to assist you in any way i can. Also, if an employee is mistreating you I want to know about it so i can take appropriate action. You can also vist our web page and send me a contact form with your complaint at www.barrettrecovery.com.

LOVE the term "aggressive" and seems to use it often.

From this scam artist's facebook page.  You're welcome!

https://www.facebook.com/BARSLLC
Looking for collectors to join our young team. . .

Barrett & Associates was first established in November 2008, in the spare bedroom of a condo. Today, almost 4 years later we have a staff of 7 contractors and 11 clients assigning accounts on a contingent basis. We are flooded with high fee rate contingent business (50-70% fee payday loans & credit cards) and Clients are demanding growth and expansion to handle higher placements of accounts. We are also purchasing portfolios when performance permits.

Whether you are just starting your career or have many years of collections experience; Barrett & Associates has something to offer you. Experience isn't a necessity but it is preferred.

As a collector on our staff you will manage your own queue of delinquent accounts assigned to us by our clients. You will use your skills, along with the many skills you will acquire from our staff in effort to obtain payment arrangements on these files.
The compensation for collectors is commission only and you will maintain independent contractor status. The structure is aggressive and pays for performance. If independent contractor status scares you please refrain from inquiring -- I want confident individuals who rely on their own skills to make money as opposed to a base pay. You will be compensated 50% of net fee collected after $1,000 in fee is collected. I want sure, confident, driven, dedicated and motivated individuals who will give this 110% effort.

What we have to offer:

? Opportunities for management as the company grows.
? Personal one on one training by some of the best collectors in the industry.
? Flexible schedule -- manage yourself! No one micro manages or looks over your shoulder here!
? Incredible compensation structure. The option to work from your home office.
? New business drops daily. Collectors do not skip trace, we have a dedicated department for this.
? Training in FDCPA laws and regulations.
? An opportunity to gain significant work experience and skills

What we look for:

? Excellent verbal and written communication.
? Confidence in yourself -- confidence that is displayed in the course of conversation.
? Career focused, flexible and adaptable, motivated. I want a money maker.
? Competitive & aggressive individuals who are not comfortable with an hourly pay.
? Skills in basic math and previous use of a computer in a work setting is essential.

I don't want a washed up collector who used to know how to collect but lost his heart. I don't want someone who thinks a work from home opportunity is an opportunity to relax. I don't want someone who bases their experience off collecting early out front end paper. You will get out of this what you put into it. Experienced collectors can make $60k+ but this will require discipline and motivation. Flexible schedule. You have be in it to win it. You must have a computer with internet access. I will supply the phone line.
You may contact Dave Barrett at 619-723-3321. You may fax a resume to 619-342-8575 or email it through the craigslist address.

By the way - this is not a part time job - full time work = full time pay.

Called us and left a voicemail.  Said his name was Steve Bigman or Bateman, his number was 619-677-5625. He said the message was for someone who had a very similar name to my wife, but not quite right, so I'm guessing he's fishing for people with similar names.   My wife and I know *alot* of attorneys, so let this joker call again!

this is clearly a response from someone who works for barrett....what a joke

I have recieved numerous calls from this number by a Steven Davis. He is trying to get in contact with my mother. I have no idea how they got my cell phone number but after ignoring every call I guess he gave up on my number. Since we don't have a landline, he decided to call OUR NEIGHBORS to give her a message saying it concerned a legal matter. Very low. Our neighbors, whom we barely know or converse with.

you are right; My number is unlisted and private due to my own profession.  I married my son's father whose ex girl friend passed away and these people call my home phone looking for her daughter and knew our physical address; which is scary.  In the message on the phone it stated if this is --------thomas and ------thomas who is related to a -------  ------------ and guardian of this person please contact steven davis; okay why would my husband be her guardian her mother passed away when she was in her late 20's?

Sure sign of desperate scammers. How about you go back to the boiler room now, I think your crack pipe's getting cold!

[This post has been removed]

Shut up Charles or Steve

Company by the name of Barrett & Associates - Legal entity out of California. Possible law firm or Debt buyer of whom uses a liscensed attorney to litigate (file suit) on delinquent debts.

At least they're not scum who buy debt for pennies on the dollar of their parents that they can't even be legally responsible for! At least they don't pose as attorneys. At least they aren't leeches. Barret & Associates are the lowest form of debt collectors, and that's saying a lot.

"How do you feel when someone owes you money and they don't pay it back"

I don't think most of the people here are objecting to paying (if the debt is legit). I think most are reacting to the disgusting way they are spoken to by these "collectors". I believe the old adage goes something like "you catch more flies with honey than vinegar". Although there are some who simply don't pay their debts, I think most actually have valid, legitimate reasons for debts left unpaid. Perhaps if some of these collectors would speak in a manner that includes respect and try to work with the "client" a little bit, maybe there wouldn't so many names " like scumbag, dirtball" etc flying around. Myself? I developed Multiple Sclerosis as well as Crohn's Disease a few years ago and was place on permanant disability, cutting my income to less than half. Not my choice, not something I asked for, but it happened. I didn't however, get to cut my debt by half, and I still have a minor child to house & feed. Would I like to do the right thing and pay EVERY debt? Of course I would. Am I able to? Not a chance. Gotta feed my kid and have the basic necessities. Even my computer is a "loaner" from a friend and 'net access is limited. SO the next time some collector thinks he will get anywhere with me by threatening legal action, calling me names, and referring to me as a deadbeat, maybe he will be blessed with no unexpected, catastrophic happenings that will change HIS life forever.

This company is a scam. They collect debt that is out of the statue of limitations, even after they have fallen off your credit report. They buy debt from company's who can no longer collect on this because it IS out of statue of limitation. If you do not pay these people, NOTHING will happen to you. No one will be sued, no one will be garnished etc. The owner of this company has been sued before as well as having SEVERAL complains against him and his company filed with the District Attorney from several states. 'Steve Davis' true name is David Barrett. Hopefully you do not fall into this scam!

We are starting the second round of cvalls from Steve Davis. He has called for my wife and then calls for other members of the family. the number he gave me on the VM was 619-258-0745. It has been mentioned to him if he is such need as to talk with my wife, then by all means do so. One hitch in the plan, she is in convalescent home passing her last days away. He still thinks she is avoiding. I know she is but how are you going to talk with her. slim chance. He promised to send paperwork out when we last talked. Guess what after 3 weeks, NOTHING.I hope he talks with my wife real soon, he may not get a second chance.

Not a repeat post, just correcting my link error.
The link is at:

http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/6196775193

Link from who calls me:

http://www.collectorsexposed.com/forum2/index.php?board=2.0

This collection agency should be reported and dealt with the law that they have broken with their practices.

You TROLLS NEVER GIVE UP

I have seen bogus postings like this before on complaint boards about ILLEGAL DEBT COLLECTORS.

You are basically telling people to pay them WITHOUT QUESTION - and only DEBT COLLECTORS do this.  

those collection agencies that FOLLOW THE LAW - do not get reported HERE - ONLY THOSE WHO USE ILLEGAL TACTICS.

you are nothing but a JUNK DEBT collector - with OLD TIME -BARRED debts that you cannot LEGALLY collect in the first place. NOR DO YOU HAVE ANY LEGAL PROOF THAT A DEBT IS OWED.



THE CORRECT WAY TO HANDLE COLLECTION CALLS AND ILLEGAL TACTICS

HANDLE IT CORRECTLY AND THEY WILL END UP PAYING YOU

READ DEALING WITH DEBT COLLECTORS, RECORDING CALLS AND STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS BY STATE

You can also post your questions here http://www.collectorsexposed.com/forum/   NEW URL!    

These links are to attorneys for those being scammed www.naca.net or http://www.consumerjustice.com/consumer/searchattorneys.aspx

Debt Collectors DO NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW THIS INFORMATION!    
The INFORMED CONSUMER IS THE DEBT COLLECTORS WORST ENEMY!

Dealing with Debt Collectors
Http://www.budhibbs.com/First.htm    
    
Statute of Limitations by State ? always double check YOUR OWN STATE Government Website
http://www.budhibbs.com/statute_of_limitations.htm

Recording calls from Debt Collectors - always double check YOUR OWN STATE Government Website
http://www.budhibbs.com/record.htm


From Federal Trade Commission Website ? FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT
Debt Collection FAQs: A Guide for Consumers
If you?re behind in paying your bills, or a creditor?s records mistakenly make it appear that you are, a debt collector may be contacting you.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation?s consumer protection agency, enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices to collect from you.
Under the FDCPA, a debt collector is someone who regularly collects debts owed to others. This includes collection agencies, lawyers who collect debts on a regular basis, and companies that buy delinquent debts and then try to collect them.
Here are some questions and answers about your rights under the Act.

What types of debts are covered?
The Act covers personal, family, and household debts, including money you owe on a personal credit card account, an auto loan, a medical bill, and your mortgage. The FDCPA doesn?t cover debts you incurred to run a business.

Can a debt collector contact me any time or any place?
No. A debt collector may not contact you at inconvenient times or places, such as before 8 in the morning or after 9 at night, unless you agree to it. And collectors may not contact you at work if they?re told (orally or in writing) that you?re not allowed to get calls there.

How can I stop a debt collector from contacting me?
If a collector contacts you about a debt, you may want to talk to them at least once to see if you can resolve the matter ? even if you don?t think you owe the debt, can?t repay it immediately, or think that the collector is contacting you by mistake. If you decide after contacting the debt collector that you don?t want the collector to contact you again, tell the collector ? in writing ? to stop contacting you. Here?s how to do that:
Make a copy of your letter. Send the original by certified mail, and pay for a ?return receipt? so you?ll be able to document what the collector received. Once the collector receives your letter, they may not contact you again, with two exceptions: a collector can contact you to tell you there will be no further contact or to let you know that they or the creditor intend to take a specific action, like filing a lawsuit. Sending such a letter to a debt collector you owe money to does not get rid of the debt, but it should stop the contact. The creditor or the debt collector still can sue you to collect the debt.

Can a debt collector contact anyone else about my debt?
If an attorney is representing you about the debt, the debt collector must contact the attorney, rather than you. If you don?t have an attorney, a collector may contact other people ? but only to find out your address, your home phone number, and where you work. Collectors usually are prohibited from contacting third parties more than once. Other than to obtain this location information about you, a debt collector generally is not permitted to discuss your debt with anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney.

What does the debt collector have to tell me about the debt?
Every collector must send you a written ?validation notice? telling you how much money you owe within five days after they first contact you. This notice also must include the name of the creditor to whom you owe the money, and how to proceed if you don?t think you owe the money.

Can a debt collector keep contacting me if I don?t think I owe any money?
If you send the debt collector a letter stating that you don?t owe any or all of the money, or asking for verification of the debt, that collector must stop contacting you. You have to send that letter within 30 days after you receive the validation notice. But a collector can begin contacting you again if it sends you written verification of the debt, like a copy of a bill for the amount you owe.

What practices are off limits for debt collectors?
Harassment. Debt collectors may not harass, oppress, or abuse you or any third parties they contact. For example, they may not:
    use threats of violence or harm;
    publish a list of names of people who refuse to pay their debts (but they can give this information to the credit reporting companies);
    use obscene or profane language; or
    repeatedly use the phone to annoy someone.

False statements. Debt collectors may not lie when they are trying to collect a debt. For example, they may not:
    falsely claim that they are attorneys or government representatives;
    falsely claim that you have committed a crime;
    falsely represent that they operate or work for a credit reporting company;
    misrepresent the amount you owe;
    indicate that papers they send you are legal forms if they aren?t; or
    indicate that papers they send to you aren?t legal forms if they are.

Debt collectors also are prohibited from saying that:
    you will be arrested if you don?t pay your debt;
    they?ll seize, garnish, attach, or sell your property or wages unless they are permitted by law to take the action and intend to do so; or
    legal action will be taken against you, if doing so would be illegal or if they don?t intend to take the action.

Debt collectors may not:
    give false credit information about you to anyone, including a credit reporting company;
    send you anything that looks like an official document from a court or government agency if it isn?t; or
    use a false company name.

Unfair practices. Debt collectors may not engage in unfair practices when they try to collect a debt. For example, they may not:
    try to collect any interest, fee, or other charge on top of the amount you owe unless the contract that created your debt ? or your state law ? allows the charge;
    deposit a post-dated check early;
    take or threaten to take your property unless it can be done legally; or
    contact you by postcard.

Can I control which debts my payments apply to?
Yes. If a debt collector is trying to collect more than one debt from you, the collector must apply any payment you make to the debt you select. Equally important, a debt collector may not apply a payment to a debt you don?t think you owe.

Can a debt collector garnish my bank account or my wages?
If you don?t pay a debt, a creditor or its debt collector generally can sue you to collect. If they win, the court will enter a judgment against you. The judgment states the amount of money you owe, and allows the creditor or collector to get a garnishment order against you, directing a third party, like your bank, to turn over funds from your account to pay the debt.
Wage garnishment happens when your employer withholds part of your compensation to pay your debts. Your wages usually can be garnished only as the result of a court order. Don?t ignore a lawsuit summons. If you do, you lose the opportunity to fight a wage garnishment.

Can federal benefits be garnished?
Many federal benefits are exempt from garnishment, including:
    Social Security Benefits
    Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits
    Veterans? Benefits
    Civil Service and Federal Retirement and Disability Benefits
    Service Members? Pay
    Military Annuities and Survivors? Benefits
    Student Assistance
    Railroad Retirement Benefits
    Merchant Seamen Wages
    Longshoremen?s and Harbor Workers? Death and Disability Benefits
    Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Benefits
    Compensation for Injury, Death, or Detention of Employees of U.S. Contractors Outside the U.S.
    Federal Emergency Management Agency Federal Disaster Assistance
But federal benefits may be garnished under certain circumstances, including to pay delinquent taxes, alimony, child support, or student loans.

Do I have any recourse if I think a debt collector has violated the law?
You have the right to sue a collector in a state or federal court within one year from the date the law was violated. If you win, the judge can require the collector to pay you for any damages you can prove you suffered because of the illegal collection practices, like lost wages and medical bills. The judge can require the debt collector to pay you up to $1,000, even if you can?t prove that you suffered actual damages. You also can be reimbursed for your attorney?s fees and court costs. A group of people also may sue a debt collector as part of a class action lawsuit and recover money for damages up to $500,000, or one percent of the collector?s net worth, whichever amount is lower. Even if a debt collector violates the FDCPA in trying to collect a debt, the debt does not go away if you owe it.

What should I do if a debt collector sues me?
If a debt collector files a lawsuit against you to collect a debt, respond to the lawsuit, either personally or through your lawyer, by the date specified in the court papers to preserve your rights.

Where do I report a debt collector for an alleged violation?
Report any problems you have with a debt collector to your state Attorney General?s office (www.naag.org) and the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov). Many states have their own debt collection laws that are different from the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Your Attorney General?s office can help you determine your rights under your state?s law.

For More Information
To learn more about debt collection and other credit-related issues, visit www.ftc.gov/credit and MyMoney.gov, the U.S. government?s portal to financial education.
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad
February 2009

File complaints with

Federal Trade Commission  https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/FTC_Wizard.aspx?Lang=en

Your State Attorney General
State Attorney General is every state they have offices

Link to all State Attorney General Websites www.naag.org

If you or they are located in NY ? use this SPECIAL Link  www.NYDebtHelp.com
This special website was created by NY AG Andrew Cuomo specifically for reporting illegal debt collection practices.  HE?S CRACKING DOWN AND SHUTTING THEM DOWN!
    
Also report your calls and contacts with debt collectors at http://www.budhibbs.com/index.html  If the company is listed under agencies ? report there. If not on the list YET, click on Watchlist! and add to the list.   You can also post here http://www.collectorsexposed.com/forum2/index.php?board=2.0

i first recieved a call from a gentleman named james and had originally set up payment to pay off my debt...we had settled for a specific amount and i was paying well i have changed my account info and didn't have the money one month so i called them told themand gave them all my information to continue with payment....i've been out of town and get back to check my voicemail and hear that none of my info that i gave them went through and i need to call again to give it to them one more time....i mean really if my conversation was recorded couldn't they have figured it out....this guy got ahold of my boyfriend whom isn't even listed on anything of mine so i have no idea how he even got his number....reading all these posts are crazy though

What you say is valid; however how the heck does one stop someone who is calling the wrong number and the wrong person.  The person they are looking for I have not a clue who she is other than she's using my phone number OR my number was her number a long time ago.  I do know the phone company keeps old numbers and just recycles them after awhile and gives them out when a new phone service is requested.

At any rate, I'm now very weary of debt collectors calling me - IN ERROR.

Amen, yes they do call repeatedly to the wrong number.  Tell me how efficient is that?  For months I had a creditor calling saying "I'm looking for Ms.XYZ", I politely say, you have the wrong number.  They ask my what my name is and I refuse, how the heck do I REALLY know who they are, it isn't any of their business.  I understand they have a job to do and may not believe that I'm not Ms. XYZ.  Wouldn't a simple phone call to the phone company in the city the area code exists in and as to confirm whether they have a valid number for XYZ take care of it?  

I really hate to resort to changing my phone number, I've had it for years.  My guess is the gal they are looking for had my phone number before I acquired it or she just made something up.

This is interesting to learn.  For over a year I've had creditor's call me looking for another person who is apparently either making up a fictious number (which just happens to be mine) or had my number prior to my acquiring it.  The calls continued and I'd continually say "no you have the wrong number" or "this is not XYZ's residence".  To no avail, they just kept calling.  I finally got really upset and yelled bloody murder at them one night and the calls finally stopped.  My first thought is these can't be very good debt collection people, because one phone call to my telephone carrier surely could confirm they've got the wrong number and the gal they are looking for has put one over on them.  At any rate, the calls finally stopped about 6 months ago. Now just today I get a call from a Steve Barrett asking for this other party and he claims he's in the office till 7:00 pm.  I called and got a voice mail.  I let him know he's calling the wrong number and did give my name; however in this day and age of identity theft, giving out your name and having someone connect it to my number is just one more piece of personal information leaked out to who knows who.  Now I wish I had checked this web site before calling the guy.  Thanks for the information.

IF YOUR DAD WAS SO GOOD AT HIS JOB HOW COME HE DIDNT TEACH YOU HOW TO PAY YOUR BILL? I GUESS THE APPLE DOES NOT FALL FAR FROM THE TREE

I paid them, what happened was they had me served by the sherriff department civil process department in my county. On the summons, it outlined their complaint with regard to a chase bank mastercard i owed on. These guys warned me they were going to sue and i didnt believe it afterreading a sight like this. At any rate i know i legally owe this debt so i called them and made an arrangement to settle. At that point they enetered me into an agreement called a "stipulation of judgement" whatever that means. I guess if i default they get an automatic judgement or something against me. so far i have paid 2 out of 6 payments...

"Just Doing Their Job" did you ever receive the summons? I'm getting harassing phone calls, as well as the person who I'm living with.