Forster & Garbus LLP - Islandia, New York

kevin

At first they refused to work with me until I called a week later and got a different rep and she agreed to take the payment arrangement I can afford. You can't get a confirmation number if you pay by phone so I started making my payments every month on time online until this month I go to make a payment and the website is totally different. I inputted all the correct info to make a payment on my account and made the payment as well as took a snapshot. This was on the 5th of this month and today the 21st I received a letter stating I defaulted on my stipulation agreement and need to make my payment or there taking me to court. So on the letter I got today they have a totally different website but the website doesn't exist or it says website is not secure and tried from multiple devices. The phone number is totally different from the original paperwork they sent me as well as the website is completely different. I pull up the screenshot of my payment I made this month and oddly the account number doesn't match my account but all my info is correct. If a payment was missed then why would you wait until the end of the month to say something first of all and secondly they immediately threaten you. Technically I don't owe them a thing being they bought my debt from the original creditor and that was there choice to buy it. I didn't borrow from them so I don't owe them anything but to avoid court I decided to just pay it monthly until it's done. The reviews are horrible for this company. I called the original number to speak with someone and the greeting is now for another company. Something doesn't add up with this company and whoever is running this place needs to get it together

S.M.

Went to court with them and got a signed document by the NYS Supreme Court agreeing to a smaller settlement with monthly payments. Was told I'd get contacted by mail, email, or phone in regards how to pay. Never received a thing. After multiple calls, mind you never a call back, finally got a website and control number. Logged on to pay the amount was the original full amount. Called and got transferred a voicemail. Sent an email as well with the documents from court. If I do not hear back I will be submitting all the documentation to the FTC for negligent practices. You as a company CANNOT supercede the judgement of a supreme court that you agreed to. This seems like a scam to get people to purposefully not pay the agreed terms, so you can come after them again for more money.

Update 7/31/24: I called again and spoke with a kind woman named Donna Green. She explained that the website will not reflect settlement amount, and that I only need to make my payments until the settlement amount is reached and not the full amount. I hope this bit of information is helpful for another person. Thank you for the explanation Donna Green.

Phil S.

Don't pay these people. They make deals that you can pay this amount for a charge off that they bought for pennies. You had a contract with the original credit company not Forest and Garbage. They use illegal tactics to scare you. Just throw away any mail you receive from them cause it's junk mail. Use experion or another credit site and dispute all charge offs. You will get much further cause they have to prove you owe money which you did but not to these bozos. Also if they say they couldn't reach you it's a lie they even send out text messages trying to get a reply block them. Look up some youtube vids on this there's alot of info about the tactics they use.

Bill G.

Here's the deal. If you're getting sued in New York by a Collection Agency - SHOW UP!!! Don't give info over the phone. Don't make deals. For the love of God - do NOT tale out your retirement money to pay the bill.

Only the IRS can force you to do that. No, paying the bill won't come off your Credit Reports - although they WILL try to make you that think it will.

Once you get to Court, tell it to the Judge. Be honest, and be polite. They'll only make it worse if you're in contempt of Court. Few people are that dumb. Either the amount stands or it's less - including $0. Don't count on that one unless you're retired, disabled, etc.

But in those instances it COULD be. Then what? Then F&G eat the total costs and you get on with your life. For others, the Judge may show different levels of leniency. More than F&G would ever agree to on their own.

I was a lousy Collector. I flushed out in 6 weeks like so much excrement. Fine! I sleep well at night. Again, PLEASE don't agree to anything on the phone. Good luck and God bless.

Francisco S.

I have been paying down a debt for 21 months and have asked for a balance of the debt, and never get a reply. I'm getting close to the end of the payments and need to know how much I owe. They have ignored my numerous requests for a quote.

Krissy T.

I called them because I received a letter in the mail that stated more than what we agreed on. I call and apparently they did not receive my signed agreement in the mail so they would not allow me to keep it at the original amount agreed on although I have been paying them on time monthly since March. They said they didn’t have my phone number on file, even though when I called in the beginning my number was written down and if not the attorney should be at fault because that is very unprofessional. Now all of a sudden there was no way to contact me. I think it’s a bunch of bull if you ask me...I tried my best to pay and I don’t even care anymore, they are ruthless and don’t care about others during this hard time.

Donald D.

I called them too pay off my balance that was owed too discover which was my fault this fell behind. At first when I got there notice was freaking out. Trying too find a way too pay them. Today Ms barry which is a kind women understood where I was tried too offer settlement but I turned that down because paying a debit in full even if it is charged off is better for the credit.
Thank You

Isabella D.

I went o line to pay my bill and I was kicked out of the system. When I called after being on hold 3 different occasions and having to repeat myself 3 different times was told the system had to be rebooted and they would call me when it was done, I never received a phone call and took a chance a few days later and paid my bill. This is the second time this happened I hope I don't have that problem next month