Analyze
Analysis of Gary's Webpage
At first glance, it's very neat, and goes in chronological order. It's not complex. There's no use of top notch technology such as Java, color schemes, background design, and Adobe flash. It's good to keep it simple so any internet user can view his website.
Gary McGath states he is getting calls from CBCS. He states "If you value your peace of mind, don't return that call, no matter how many such messages you get." He notes he doesn't have business with them, but got over twenty calls. (source: Gary's website, first fact listed). Analyzing what Gary has written on his website:
CBCS, more likely than not, has a wrong number for someone who is not Gary McGath. However, Gary has allowed calls to continue to his phone number and received voicemail messages.
In Fact Two, Gary tries to return the call to CBCS, he is prompted to enter the last four digits of his social security number to begin servicing the account. Mr. McGath states that he doesn't give that out since he believes he doesn't have a business relationship with CBCS. At one time, he states he talked with a representative but wouldn't provide his phone number nor any information out. In Conjecture One, Gary states that a legitimate company would ask for you by name, and wouldn't ask for you to verify your information first before going into the account.
a) Gary McGath is known as a software engineer who attended Harvard University. (source: https://plus.google.com/100509222015742519851/about#100509222015742519851/about). Since Mr. McGath has obtained a university degree we can assume he is educated with a good IQ and common sense.
b) Mr. McGath didn't give his last four of his social security number. He is entitled not to. However, per "Fact Two" he doesn't say if the company was looking to speak to him or if it was a wrong number. He refused to give the phone number. He'll likely continue to receive calls.
c) In Conjecture One, Gary explains that no legitimate company would ask for your information first before disclosing information. Also, he believe it's could be considered fraudulent. In "Fact One" Gary stated that he received over twenty calls. He stated in "Fact Two" he refused to give his phone number and expect to be told what it's regarding.
Background / Common Sense Principals: If a company has your phone number already in their system, they cannot remove the phone number if you don't tell them the phone number with area code.. Since they dial hundreds of numbers each representative cannot remember every phone number they called. Most likely they're using automated dialer software where the computer dials for them. If you access your account at the bank, BMV, or even a collection agency they require you to verify some information before telling you account information.
In fact three Gary McGath states he's only been in collections for a defaulted parking ticket (over twenty-five years ago), that he has good credit and never received any letter. In "fact four" Gary searched the web to bring up negative websites about consumers complaints on the collection agency CBCS.
Background / Common Sense Principals: As Gary noted at the beginning of his website he has never heard of CBCS. He never confirmed or denied if they were asking for him when he talked to a representative. He states in "fact three" that he's not presently in collections and never received any letter. In "fact one" Mr. McGath states he got over twenty calls. He provides websites with consumer complaints. Therefore, it's looking more and more that they're calling a wrong number--no delinquencies, no letters, over twenty calls. If someone calls me I call them back, if it's a wrong number I expect them to stop calling (common sense). I wouldn't suggest "if you value your peace of mind, don't return that call, no matter how many such messages you get". Moreover, you can find any negative review about any company online. Just go to Google.com and put the company name followed by scam. You'll get a bunch of results. Since CBCS is a collection agency, there will be consumers who write online to complain. Anyone can post a webpage, and anyone can post an opinion, it doesn't mean with hundred percent certainty that the company is a fraud or a scam. For example, let's look at some independent third party website, CBCS is registered with the ACA International (the national association to establish ethic standards for collectors--source: http://www.acainternational.org/memberdirectory.aspx). Also the BBB gives CBCS an A+ rating as of 21 September 2011 (source: http://www.bbb.org/centralohio/business-reviews/collection-agencies/cbcs-in-columbus-oh-4006011)
In Conjecture Two, Gary concludes that CBCS makes up debts and bullies people into paying them.
Background / Common Sense Principals: The consumer can dispute debts with a collection agency to ask for proof of the debt. Also, if you feel bullied on the phone, you can hang up and write a letter for no further phone calls to be made to you. It is the collection agency's job to collect the delinquent funds from the consumer. Collecting the money may seem as harassment, but it is a reality of life. There are people who didn't pay bills and who are now in collections.
In Advice One, Gary advices not to give sensitive information out to people you don't know.
Background / Common Sense Principals: That is very good advice. However if they're calling a wrong number call the company to have them remove it. You've probably called a wrong number in your lifetime, and company's have, too. Be firm, calm, and assertive. Don't be rude, yelling, screaming. A little courtesy goes a long way.
The last updated, Gary McGath includes a commercial website for legal services stating that they handle specific cases for CBCS.
Background / Common Sense Principals: I visited the website and I don't see any lists of violations this collection agency did. However what their website does is pre-fill with a collection agency's name so you think they specialize in one agency. In fact, you yourself can sue if you have violations (pro se) without a lawyer.
Final analysis: Gary got so many calls from a company, he refused to provide his phone number. He doesn't have any defaulted debts in collections. He got mad and put a page on his website to describe his disgust with the company. However, one simple solution could have avoided all this: calling the company back, giving your phone number, and see who they're calling for. In all probability it was the wrong number someone Gary McGath didn't know and accepted over twenty calls for.
