This sounds like the same NRG trash that is operating out of texas...I received a call from some NRG nut job a few weeks ago wanting to collect a bad debt for my company..When I told him to send a contract in writing he proceeded to call me a loser and made me fear for my personal safety...He expected me to commit to some lame recorded verbal crap.

I went to the FBI ..these people act like terrorist,

Do not give them ANY of your personal information!  DO not engage them at all!  Your lawyer is misadvising you...you should seek an attorney with specific knowledge in debtor protection!  They are criminals who bought bad debts and will circumvent the law in hopes of receiving any money from whomever they can.  They collect on old debts which are time barred and can never be enforced (meaning no lawsuit or judgment can be brought against you) but most debtors do not know that so they get scared when "case numbers" are mentioned (again real honest collectors or creditors would never use such techniques such as threatening warrants).  Just tell them not to call you that you will report them to the FBI and attorney general if they continue to do so or simply do not answer your phone.

Received a call from Thomas & Associates yesterday.  Asked for my husband.  He wasn't home so I took a message.  They asked if I was his wife, I said yes.  They informed me that a summons had been taken out on my husband from a 2007 debt.  They urged me to make a payment so the summons would not be acted upon.  I told them I do not do business over the phone, send me the documentation through the mail and I would be more than happy to comply.  I was transfered to a Mr. Mark Manz.  He asked if I had any questions, I said no, I was just asking the girl to send the documentation through the mail.  He said "you don't understand, they are ready to act upon this summons within the next couple of days."  I told him I understood, just send the documentation through the mail.  Then he got nasty and told me they weren't going to overnight it.  I said that was fine just send it through the mail.  He then said " I guess we'll just see your husband in jail!" and hung up.  My husband called them back later and asked for the summons number and what county it was out of.  Of course Mr. Manz said there was no summons and I must have misunderstood. NOT!  He ended hanging up on my husband.  Shortly after this, my husbands brother calls and said he got a phone call from the sheriff's office from such and such county wanting our address so they could send a summons to us.  The number came up as one digit different from the number they gave us to call.  So now they are impersonating law enforcement.  Come to find out this debt through Cash Supply was discharged in a bankruptcy, so it is null and void.  Cash Supply sold our information to this stupid debt collector.  We called Cash Supply to find out who they sold our info to.  They were less than helpful and refused to give us any information, especially when we told them they were violating Federal Bankruptcy Laws.  Today we received another call from a different debt collector for the same debt.  We are now talking to an attorney who is very interested in the case.  I called Thomas & Associates today to get their mailing address for our attorney.  The same girl answered that I spoke with yesterday.  I asked for their mailing address, she said sure, just a minute, then transferred me to Mr. Manz.  He would not give me the mailing address so I googled it.  It is the same address you have here.  We are taking action because I'm tired of the threats and the rudeness of these people.  I thought impersonating law enforcement was a crime.  The phone # they gave me is a different one than the one you supply.  They gave me 800-898-9454.

the above reply was for yea right not mindy-sorry mindy

maybe u as a debt collector should listen to reason as to why people cant pay their debts!!i for one have lost a husband,hours cut at work and no extra money!!but u guys dont care.i have tried to set up arrangements to pay but the amount i could afford was never good enough!do u think i like owing-NO WAY!!MOST OF THE COLLECTORS I HAVE DEALT WITH r rude,threatning and make u feel like a piece of crap when u already do feel that way anyway.u are one of the chosen few if u r a  nice debt collector=99% of u r not.i realize that u have a job to do but being nasty and always wanting more money does not help the situation at all!!

On the list of attorneys in the previous post, that is the number of clients they represented in a one week period.  These attorneys are very active and eager to take YOUR business.

Lawsuits against debt collectors for their outrageous activities is the NEW MIRACLE in the legal industry.  Many lawyers are now going after fraudulent debt collectors and almost all win or the case is settled before going to court.  Partcularly lucrative are cases where the wrong person has been identified and is being hounded by a collector after being told they have the wrong person.  Ka Ching Ka Ching Ka Ching!!!  

Being targetted as the wrong person and receiving call after call after call from a collector over a two year period is what motivated me to make it my happy hobby to fight these people.  In my case, every time they called I told the debt collector they had the wrong person.  I also sent a certified letter telling them they had the wrong person and to stop calling me.  The calls persisted and were often quite abusive.  This was all over $2,700 that I didn't owe, from an account I had never heard of, in someone else's name, which was similar to mine.  One collector, early on a Saturday morning, told me that "very big guys" were on their way to my house to collect or else.  (I have an arsenal of weapons and I was ready and waiting for these big guys, who never came, which was so disappointing.  We have a castle law in this state, so all they needed to do is step onto my premises with violent intent.)

After they started calling my work, I got a good lawyer who took the case.  I had all the evidence, including a record of calls, recordings of most conversations, and statements from my boss and co-workers.  In total there were at least 271 very clear and documented FDCPA and TCPA violations.

Short story.  I settled for $27,300 plus attorneys fees of $8,900.  This was a bargain for the debt collector, since potential liability was at least $170,000 and probably more, plus much bad publicity.  I paid off two cars and my wallet was still thick with new $20 bills.  AND THE CALLS FROM THE DEBT COLLECTOR FINALLY STOPPED, which is all I really wanted anyway.

Sue debt collectors.  Sue debt collectors.  Sue debt collectors.  Ka Ching!!!

We got a call from this same outfit and when we asked for documentation to be sent in the mail, the caller hemmed and hawed around and said that they would not do that. They wanted money to be paid to them to represent us in an alleged case where money was owed. The caller's manner was very unprofessional.  We told them we thought this was a scam and would not consider anything they had to offer without documentation.

wanted our daughter to call,  gave a toll free number, but no reason why to call. I hung up and the man called and lft snotty msg about not asking for anything but asking our dtr to call.

TO ALL THE THOUGHTLESS COMMENTS...i would like to start by saying i am a bill collector and a very friendly and compliant one at that!!! the only BOTTOM FEEDERS i know are the ones who sit on their a** get, lines of  credit knowing full well they are never going to pay it back!!! Maybe some of you oughtta go to websites like indeed,monster,hotjobs,or better yet pick up a local paper and read it to find a JOB. Do something more constructive with your time instead of posting nasty comments about a few select individuals that are demanding to get the money you ALREADY OWE!!!! Imagine if someone borrowed money from you and promised to pay it back within 2 weeks and i mean large amounts of money, what would you do when it came time for them to pay you back and they decided not to?...do you think you would be friendly????  I THINK NOT!!!    last but not least please use your brain the next time you want to be cynical about bill collectors,   THINK... would we have a job if you BOTTOM FEEDERS actually joined the working class world and started paying your bills....NO thats what i thought TAKE A HINT AND GET A JOB!!!!

I "used my brain" and it tells me that most angry debt collectors are both ignorant and scared.  My guess is that you have an ARM supervisor breathing down your neck for results.  You're just grist in their mill.  It would be funny, if it were not pathetic.

I wouldn't have a problem with JDB debt collectors if:

a: You followed the FDCPA and other laws, instead of relying on a path of lies and deception to entrap innocent people.  Most of you are not as nice as you claim to be.

b. You only attempted to collect from people who legitimately owe you money.  As a law professional, it is funny how fast debt collectors hang up after I explain the concepts of extortion and fraud to them.  If you as a debt collector falsely claim that I owe you money and had better pay you or else such and such bad thing will happen to me, that could constitute criminal extortion and fraud.  The state AG's and law enforcement authorities are getting wise to these debt collection practices and I look forward to seeing many criminal cases.  Particularly, after the CFPA gets in full swing and starts chopping through your ranks.  You will see felony cases against the individual debt collectors making the calls, as well as against the criminal debt collection companies and associated attorneys.

c. You figured out how to do a proper skiptrace.  Please don't call and yell at me to pay someone else's debt because you did a lousy skiptrace.  If you would simply start the conversation with the term "alleged debt," it would go a long way toward establishing a civil conversation and actually trying to determine if you have contacted the right person.  Don't yell at and threaten me to pay you money that I don't owe. Chase the right person instead of innocents who fall into your misdirected paths.

d. You were true professionals.  Check the industry statistics. The average debt collector has a below par IQ, is a high school drop out, has defaulted on a debt or gone bankrupt themselves, is a recovering or active drug addict/drunk, and has served time in jail or is on probation.  When you call, please don't ride in on your high horse and start the conversation by yelling and threatening me.  

-- BTW - I have a job and probably make 10 times what you would normally leech from commissions.   I imagine that most of the people who respond in these forums have jobs, but are just plain tired of criminal debt collectors and want to report the abuse so that others are not caught in the snare.

There are no prisons for people who owe debts but there are prisons for criminal extortionists who try to fraudulently collect from the wrong person.   Use your brain to think about it.

I also received a telephone call from a place that identified as NR Group and that I took out a Payday Loan for $200 back in 2007 which is now over $500. Now get this, this Payday Loan was against my JOB and then the $200 was deposit into Washington Mutual Bank account. Well, first of all if I wanted to borrow money from my job, I would borrow THROUGH MY JOB. I would not use a Payday Loan to do this, plus the account number given was check out to not even be in the Series of numbers affiliated with bank according to the Bank Manager. After explaining all of this to a Daniel Chirayath he then hung up in my face! I even went into the bank and the Manager called and identified himself to speak to Daniel Chirayath and was told that she would transfer to the person that is handling the account, we were left on hold for 25 minutes and then the Bank Manager called back and the answering machine pick up.  Now three years later, I am being contacted by Shapiro Enterprises claiming the same SCAM and when I remembered NR Group calling about the same thing this person hung up in my face! I would love for them to try and take me to court, this would really make my day. However, to this day I have NEVER received any type of documentation nor legal actions as claimed.

Just got a call from this number with a voicemail saying that I had an important matter that needs to be resolved.  They left me a number to call for 'Thomas Bell and Associates' so I called them back from a different number.  Told them my name and asked what the call was in regards to.  They wanted the number they called and left the voicemail on. I responded with, you have my name on file therefore, my number should be on file with that name.  They told me if I wanted to play that game they would get my number off caller id.  I didn't call from the same number they called me so I told the guy to have fun with that.  He proceeded to ask for a reference number they didn't leave.  And when he again asked for my phone number they called, I just hung up.  Never have I been given such the run-around when returning someone's 'urgent matter' call.

Could it be that "The Law Offices of Scott Wheat," formerly NR Group or National Recovery Group is trying to resurrect yet one more time as Thomas Bell and Associates?  This will interesting to watch.  If this is another resurrection of NR Group, hopefully, they will attempt to follow the law this time around.

The use of terms like, "if you want to play that game," are what are called "cliche's" in the debt collection business.  These are terms that a debt collector memorizes to have readily at hand to throw into a conversation when they don't know what else to say.  To them, everyone they call is playing a game -- when it is actually they who are playing a game.

You can upset their lucrative game by getting legal representation.  It's fairly easy to sue on violations of federal, state, and local laws.  These aren't the smartest people in the world and they have trouble controlling their mouths, particularly when it comes to telling the truth.  

Maybe you can turn this into a nice payday for you.  Be sure to report any harassment or illegal tactics to the FTC and to your attorney general and the attorney general of the state from which they operate.  If NY state is involved, the NY attorney general is particularly eager to hear from you and has been going after fraudulent debt collectors.

Thomas, Bella and Associates, LLC, aka, TBA, is a collection agency.  It established a website in July 2010.  As of today, the website does not appear to be fully active.   TBA's address according to a google search is 305 Cayuga Suite 100, Cheektowaga NY, 14225. Telephone.  1-877-808-2405.  Some collection calls are already being placed from this number.

Please note: It is entirely possible this could be another debt collector who just stumbled onto the ill-fated 305 Cayuga Suite 100 location.  On the other hand, it could also be another reincorporation of the previously mentioned debt collectors, NR Group, National Recovery Group, or The Law Offices of Scott Wheat, who were operating from the same location.

This is from a current help wanted listing.  

------------------------------------

Thomas, Bella and Associates LLC, is actively seeking Collections Professionals to join our Collection Department.  We are a new company on the rise with a stellar reputation due to the spirit and determination of all our experienced employees. Our collectors are highly skilled with, problem solving, and negotiation. They are good listeners who can gather information and establish relationships with people who are in challenging situations.

At TBA, we realize our employees are the driving force behind our successful organization. To attract and retain outstanding, qualified individuals we go the 'extra mile.' In doing so.
TBA offers a very attractive employee benefit program that includes the following:

• Competitive Base Salary plus Uncapped Commissions.
• Disability Insurance.
• Paid Time Off.
• High-energy, exciting, diverse culture.
• Insurance Benefits.

• Collections Job Requirements:

• Call volume ranges from 75 to 100 calls per day.
• Persuade debtors to pay their outstanding bill.
• Negotiate fees and terms of agreement.
• Adhere to policies, procedures, and laws pertaining to all Collections (FDCPA).

Qualifications:

At least 1+ years experience in the collection industry preferred,
High School Diploma or G.E.D. certificate required.
Must be a self-starter who enjoys a fast-paced atmosphere.

Skills:

Excellent time management skills.
Must be a team player.
Possess excellent communication, analytical, and negotiating skills.
Highly effective in working with a diverse group of people.

If this is you, we would like to set up an interview and make you part of our team!!!!

All Inquiries Please E-Mail Attn : Anthony Brez.
1-877-808-2405 EXT # : 101.
------------------------------

Closing comments

It is positive that this newly formed company has acknowledged the FDCPA, which is something agencies previously linked to the 305 Cayuga Suite 100 location have not done very well according to many web reports and consumer advocate web pages.

Another positive is that caller compliants don't seem to be stacking up as fast against TBA as has been the case with the other collectors previously linked to 305 Cayuga Suite 100 location.  This needs to be watched, but it could indicate an initial attempt to adhere to FDCPA and other debt collection laws. (These laws are not the easiest in the world to adhere to, so there are bound to be some compliants about any debt collector.)  

According to web sites, the name Anthony Brez appears to have been linked to other debt collection outfits, e.g., Neiman, Rona and Associates; and/or the firm, Morgan, Stone and Associates who have dialed from 888-447-0178.

From the TBA website.

Thomas, Bella & Associates :
 Utilizing the latest technology, debt collection programs,
and a highly skilled team of professionals, we are
changing the way that collection agencies operate.
Thomas, Bella & Associates :                                            
    Is the comprehensive, knowledge-based resource for the
banking and the credit card collection industry. In
furtherance of its mission, through its Compliance
Department, TBA strives to clarify the rights and
responsibilities of all participants in the credit and collection
cycle and enhance the knowledge and skills of credit and
collection professional.
TBA's Compliance Department continually monitors, researches and analyzes federal and state
laws and affecting the credit and collection industry. Compliance staff makes every effort to
interpret such laws and court decisions and to disseminate pertinent information to the
membership and staff through appropriate media and channels.
Thomas, Bella & Associates, LLC.
305 Cayuga Road.
Suite # : 100.
Cheektowaga NY, 14225.
Toll Free Number : 1-877-808-2405.

No one benefits when people facing tough times are made
to feel worse by heavy-handed approaches. We at TBA
have an experienced, Management and collection staff, and
have been helping others for years. And our courteous and
persistent approach has a strong and proven record of
success.
Important Information Required By Law: This agency is engaged in the collection of debts. This
communication is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for
that purpose.

Well I have not heard back from anyone....had no more calls or anything.  So to me, this seems to just be a scam.  Either way, I will still never give out my personal information including the nubmer someone called me on, to anyone that calls me.  Lessons taught to me were never give out any personal info unless you initiated the call.  So that being said, they can call me til the cows come home and until I see some sort of information about who they are and what they acutally want, they aren't getting anything out of me.

if you get it on tape you can sue them and they just got evicted from where they live because they didnt pay thier rent so they have a lot of nerve

Check out Stephanie Ianuzzi/Stephanie Iannuzzi/Stephanie Alvarez.  She works here.  Psychotic dumpy white trash. Should be in prison.  Just Google her name.

No attorneys work here.  Operations are no less than extortion/fraud.  Don't pay a dime.  The company is a room full of high school drop outs and drug abusers (prescription or otherwise) with no futures using basement-bottom computer systems.

but do you really adhere to the FDCPA? i don't think so if you are yelling and threatening with summons and liens on property...you are not attorneys; you have no attorneys there. all you have is anthony brez saying if you don't hit your goal you're fired....cause all he wants is the money to pay his people off then his employees if his checks don't bounce in which they have since July when he opened. the FDCPA is thrown out the window they don't care about you....get them shut down before they move to transit rd in williamsville, ny and call you all again!

People like this wouldnt call you scumbags, If you would just pay back the $$ you owe in the first place. I would never get a loan from a payday company just for the fact that the interest is so high. IF - IF you were smart, you would have looked for the intrest rate in the fine print. There is not a company in the world that will loan $$ with no interest... and just becouse they have rights to a debt, doesnt mean that they have ANYTHING to do with the original creditor. This site just shows how STUPID, IGNORANT, and SELFISH people really are. iF IT WERENT FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOU, EVERYONE WOULD LIVE ALOT BETTER.    IF YOU BORROW WITH NO INTENTIONS ON PAYING BACK, IT'S CALLED STEALING.   The payday loan company got there $$ when they sold it to collections. It doesnt mean that you dont owe the $$ anymore, dummy.    
 Why dont you use the wood for the pedistal u put yourself on, to make a bridge and get over yourselves. Jump off while your at it and rid the world of your filthyness.

I agree as well cancel it, have them send you proof in writing and if it is your debt reply in writing with what you can afford and enclose a  cashier check or money order for payment, never a credit card or check. If they're shady they could try and charge or debit the entire amount...

Thugs from the Law Offices of Scott Wheat based in the collection agency capital of America.. Buffalo, NY and it's suburbs.. some bottom feeder collections company whom don't even send you documentation or anything. I received a message from Ed Harris. They are horrible!

Thugs like previous comments- will not send documentation, rude, will not get 1 cent if I owe anything- Legitimate business would send documentation via certified mail - but call themselves a law firm-   Shade tree fly by nite collection agency.

i used to work there and dan chirayath is the biggest bully of them all...they used to be the nr group, they just got official with a lawyer who lives in maryland not even around...met him one day and then gone. i would not give these people your money at all they are running a scam with the extra nsf charges thats an extra bonus check money for the managers...just go to pricipal every time with these people you be better. they are the lowest of filth around buffalo and only been around(the nr group) since september 2009

i used to work there and dan chirayath is the biggest bully of them all...they used to be the nr group, they just got official with a lawyer who lives in maryland not even around...met him one day and then gone. i would not give these people your money at all they are running a scam with the extra nsf charges thats an extra bonus check money for the managers...just go to pricipal every time with these people you be better. they are the lowest of filth around buffalo and only been around(the nr group) since september 2009

They look up the past occupant and try to call present occupant for information. They have never updated their listing as the previous one they are seeking have been deported to Mexico 6 years ago and we brought the place from HUD.

I greatly appriecate everyone who has written in regarding this fraudulent debt collector.  I have never been so verbally absued by individuals in my life!  I have been threatened with jail and felony charges and getting professional licenses taken away.  And after informing them in writing (certified mail) to not contact me via phone again and to send documentation to me.  All to no avail.  Their latest ploy is to leave a message saying that they are calling regarding a job reference for a friend (they name a friend sometimes) and to please call them back.  I was also told that they will not accept any form of payment unless you give them your bank information.  I agree with Latrica and have filed a complaint with the FTC.  I have the proof......they ACTUALLY left messages threatening me with jail for "not paying a debt".  And have started to just let the phone go to answering machine, helps with my documentation of how much they harass people.  And today I received 6 messages in 20 minutes telling me that they are going "541" and to "stop being an a** and pay my bills like an American should".  I am considering calling the police at this point but am unsure if that will actually do any good.  Anyone ever hear of "541" (besides it being an area code)?

They call me all the time! They are rude and never take what I can give. All they want is what they want. If they really wanted to resolve the issue they woulod work with the client. My lawyer said to offer what you can a month; even if it is $5.00; if they refuse then you are not obligated to pay them . You can disput the claim. This is how I got them off my back for a few months. My lawyer sent them a letter and the calls stopped. However, they have started again. my lawyer said to document all calls and record them when they do to show proof of them harrassing me and threatening to take all my assets despite my effort to make a payment plan. When I tell them I am recording them ; they hang up quick. Legitament company; I don't think so...

I got the same message as everyone else.   I have a payment pending but I think I need to cancel my credit card ASAP!   Your thoughts please.   Payment is supposed to hit on Monday.

cancel your credit card asap....the owners are driving nice cars that you are paying these people....don't pay anything to these stubborn bottom feeders of collections...get your proof and then take it to your lawyer...make them send you a letter most of the time they will never send one even if you ask for one...they are ripoffs and lots and lots of compaints to the AG...look them up they don't even have a website for their company they are not even ligitimate