7/1/24. This agency sent me a contingency contract specifying a flat 30% for accounts under $500, and said, "All you would need to do is sign the agreement form and send it back, along with a copy of the invoices or statements for the debt and we will get started collecting immediately." They also told me, "We can definitely get you paid on the accounts that owe you money. We work with many clients in your situation and are very successful in getting them paid." I sent the signed contract and invoices and they wrote back saying they do not handle accounts under $500! And that after reviewing what I sent that they do not handle my type of collection. Wait, what? This is a dishonest company and I am glad I found this out without actually doing any business with them. They should really have a legal department to review their contracts, which is not a good sign considering their field of work is all about reviewing other people's contracts and enforcing the relevant collections. If they ever contact you, assume that they are lying. Update 7/7/24 Andrew, obviously you're lying again. You literally said you had already reviewed my account prior to sending me a contract to sign saying that's all I needed to do and you would start collecting immediately. Stop lying and stop trying to justify your actions in your comments on my review. read more

Hired them to collect a judgement debt from a court case a few years ago. They accomplished nothing and did nothing that I hadn't already done. waste of money! read more

I am very saddened to be writing this review, especially after using this company for a few years now. Today I opened my email after sending in an account for $335, which included their original %30 fee as all other accounts that I send to them. I include this fee so that I receive all that is originally owed to me and has never been a problem. The client paid via credit card and the email that I received from Empire Collections was that I would receive $208 although they collected $417. I was told that they deduct a 4% merchant fee for the credit card processing (why offer that option if you are charging me for it and I already included your fee?), and that because it was below $500 there was a 50% fee. This was NEVER done on any account they have collected for me, which have ALL been below $500. They NEVER mentioned that they raised their fee because I would have included all of that with the original account when I submitted it. I mention this because now I have been cheated by both the client for not showing up without any notice and by this company who has stolen my income that is owed to me. I guess it is time to move on since they think they can rob me and my doing business with them for this long means absolutely nothing. If you are a small business who does not want to be robbed any further, avoid using this collection agency at all costs. 50% of it to be exact, lol! Update 3.11.2022: I received a call from the rep that I have been working with for 3 years now and she basically made it clear that because of my 1-star review, which is honest feedback and my right to leave it because it is my experience with this company, that the existing accounts were closed. She said she could get them open but it seemed as though she was hinting that they wanted me to remove the review. It is illegal and simply unprofessional to hint or ask a customer to remove a review. She kept saying "that's business" and as a business owner, I feel this is trash and terrible "business" that another business owner thought he could argue through email and was called out for it and instead of trying to correct and address my complaint, allowed his ego to get the best of him. She claimed they "lost a lot of business" due to the review and honestly, if they want to respond in the way that they have and conduct business like they did, they should. I was NEVER told about the 50% fee for accounts under $500 because in the history of the account I have sent, I included the 30% fee that I was told they collected (why would I do that if the fee was higher?). They also never sent a notice or any communication that they closed the accounts, and had "regulation F" to hide behind but its too convenient that I leave a review that was not satisfactory and my accounts are closed? The rep also waited to tell me a while back that all of a sudden they did not take accounts under $100 but took the ones I sent as a courtesy (did not mention that she was making that exception), but now wants to drop my accounts because its "in the best interest of their business? This is laughable and should be embarrassing for them. I mean look at the reply, I sense a bruised ego there. Response to Owner March 14th, 2022: Andrew you are seriously delusional and it is sad and now giving false information. I was advised by Jennifer that the accounts that I sent to your company could not be accepted because they were for "No Shows" and all of a sudden your company could only continue with "services provided". Since I started with your company a few years back, ALL of my accounts were under this category and the reason they were sent in the first place. I have intake forms that the clients signed and acknowledgd my policies regarding the No Shows for appointments and also sent those in with Credit Card Authorization forms, so please explain what you mean by "unethical". I have a 48-hour policy that specifically addresses when clients do not show OR refuse to pay, and they must agree to that term. They are sent appointment confirmations, reminders via text and email up to 24, 48 and 72 hours PRIOR to the appointment and my booking system collects notifications when they have opened the emails and received the texts, so there is no disputing when it comes to simply not showing up to an appointment OR their card declining. As far as my customer service and business operations goes, you should be taking notes and get counseling for that ego of yours. I mean if you thought that I was subjecting people to collections on debts "they did not agree to", doesn't that make you shady for taking the accounts AND collection the monies from them? P.S. yes I used profanity in response to your very rude, snarky and "unethical" emails because you thought it was professional to argue instead of doing the right thing and addressing my concerns. read more

This company will harass you and every person they think is in connection with you but won't fully give you information on the matter . But wants you to confirm a social and dob . It's too many scams out here . I asked the guys what it was for and to stop the harassment calls or I would report them and he just hung up read more

This was my first time using a collection agency. I had 3 overdue invoices over 6 months past due. The client had completely ghosted me. No response to email or calls. The invoices were under $5k, so I almost just wrote it off. I called a bunch of companies that wanted me to pay up front or wouldn't deal with my small potatoes issue. Luckily, I called Empire. Melissa was so supportive and helpful. She explained the whole process and gave me options. I did not have to pay any upfront fees. They only get paid if I get paid. I honestly did not think they would be able to get this terrible client to pay. But I was wrong!!! :) Empire successfully got them to pay lightning fast! I can't thank your team enough. You did the impossible. Thanks, Empire! read more

I submitted a low rating for this company, which I now cannot find. I received this email in reply: "Good afternoon. My boss just let me know you gave us a bad review online. Again I apologize that you were unsatisfied with Donnie. I have spoken with him internally. If you can consider changing or removing your review, I would greatly appreciate it. I try to respond immediately to any of our clients when they are not satisfied. I always hope I can assist someone before they give us a bad review, because it really hurts our business. If I could do anything to make you more satisfied with my company, please let me know. I appreciate your time. Thank You. Tim Levy" They are more concerned about their ratings than providing customer service in the first place. read more

I contacted this company for help collecting a debt on a small claims judgement. I worked with a woman named Jennifer Gates. After providing all the information on the debtor, I never received any update, unless I requested one. Each time I asked for proof of activity on this account, I received the same response; "Good afternoon. The collection department is working hard on your account. We have sent out a certified demand letter to your debtor. We are performing an extensive skip trace to locate additional addresses and phone numbers. We have started contacting the debtor via phone and are attempting to amicably resolve this matter. We are keeping the constant pressure on the debtor. If they reach out to you in any fashion please advise our office. Once we have a response from the debtor, we will forward you an update. Otherwise you can always email update@nationwidecollection.net for any updates. Thank You." Again not once did Jennifer follow up with me or provide any proof/copies of any demand letter. I ended up having to do it all myself. I am highly dissatisfied with the essentially non-existent level of service this company provided. read more

Horrible service, extremely unprofessional. I ordered a product from their client and they promised to ship within 14 days. I disputed my credit card after not receiving it for over 45 days and they sent me to this collection agency. Read your rights on the Federal Trade Commission website. It clearly states consumers have the right to a refund if a product is not shipped within 30 days. Never return calls. Mr. Gold is a bully, screams and intimidates, and threatens more action if you do not pay over the phone. read more

Thank you to Melissa and her team for the great work! I highly recommend Empire Credit and Collections to any Business owner who is having a hard time collecting payment for services rendered. Thanks again! read more

I have tenants that skipped out on 2 months of rent and left our house a mess. We won the settlement in small claims court for $2500. We decided to use Empire collection to get our money since they were a local firm. Every time I contacted them about progress they sent me the same form email. This went on for a year. Yes, a year went by and they never did recover a penny for us. This collection agency doesn't try very hard to get our money back. I certainly hope they at least reported the slacker tenants to the credit agencies so that their credit is ruined, but who know if this even happened. Very poor communication and they didn't get the job done. read more

Seeing a lot of bad reviews for them, however I decided to try them and see how it went. Filled out their form and someone called me shortly. Very nice on the phone and said they could likely collect. Waited two weeks and asked for an update which they replied to wait a month. Waited the month and asked again they said they had sent a few letters and made some calls. After a few months I again emailed asking for an update. They said they collected. Great, but weird that didn't notify me and the only way I knew was that I asked. Then they said their policy is to wait until the 1st of the next month to send payment. I waited until the 4 or 5th and emailed saying I didn't receive it. They said it should be coming. Eventually a week later it arrives and it is postmarked for the 6th, so it never really did go out on the 1st like they said. The check amount was a little short from what I was expecting after their commission. I had to email and call twice to finally be told thats the fee for the client using a credit card. Why not just put that on the statement you sent with the check. Its fine but would like to have known that. Overall, I'm happy they collected, the service is so-so. And it takes a while... so hopefully that helps others trying to decide if they should use them! read more

Very disappointing service on collections for delinquent clients. I've taken my business elsewhere where I can actually access the status online. read more

Polite staff and they are a very hard working group of individuals who will go the extra mile for you! They collect debt from very difficult individuals that others could not get money from after numerous attempts. I highly recommend! read more

I appreciate Empire Credit making things right and have since used their services for additional collections work. There still remains work to be done on the communication side, but payment was timely with the last client. read more

After contacting them several years ago for the collection of a $15k judgment, I felt very positive about collecting with all of the information they pushed. Unfortunately, it is now 2019, years later, their efforts were useless. No collection or contact by them had been received. I'm actually not sure how they stay in business. Very disappointing, as this is a huge loss! read more

Rudest customer service reps EVER! I had a dispute over how much I owed, freely admitted I owed it...wanted to pay it...settled on amount sent check and Bill Owens called everyday saying he never received it and that I was a liar!! Not to mention he told my daughter she was a piece of shit-his exact words, then he told my assistant that she had a fat ass! Who does that?!?!? What kind of business allows their representatives to disrespect a client that way, I know, the ones who don't care. read more

These clowns called me, leaving a nefarious message as to how "very critical" it was that I contact them immediately. A guy by the name of Bill Owen." I called back and was told by "Bill" that I was in arrears to some medical facility for (I think) $4,600 and they were going to court unless he and I could "work out an agreement." He never even attempted to confirm that I was the right guy. This company is in New York. I am in Arizona. I have never been in New York in my life and I don't owe ANYONE any money. NO ONE. I had no idea what he was talking about. And I let him know in no uncertain terms that I didn't own anyone anything and he could do whatever he pleased. I was not very nice so he began critiquing my language; again, never questioning that he may have contacted the wrong person. I'm not certain what these people actually do but I assume they lend money and collect debts. Were I you and needed such services I would get another company. read more

Issues: 1.) Does not keep customer up to date on accounts submitted for collection 2.) Money does not come if collected for an entire month-which was never mentioned while signing up .) Their reports are unhelpful and are only upon request-which again was never mentioned while signing up .) They forgot one of the accounts we submitted-then asked for proof, which was sent then we never heard anything from them .) Management was impossible to reach-never spoke to anyone but the customer service rep even after asking to speak with a manager. Repeatedly told they were out of the office. Positives: 1.) Willing to negotiate percentage taken for collection efforts Overall: inflexible, unresponsive, not helpful read more

I spoke to Ivan Ross about a debt, he was very pushy, I told him I needed to wait for a few things before I collect and he got very upset and acted like a teen who will not get his allowance which would be close to 7000K from me. This behavior was a HUGE red flag. I personally would not use this company as they seem like a scam to hard sell a client fast. read more

I keep getting a call from a Bill Owen to give him a call back. Doesn't say who he is calling for. Just states that a call needs to be done right away. Will not call back. Just by the tone of his voice in my voicemail, he sounds very rude and doesn't want to hear any BS. He will also breath very heavy into the phone which is very unprofessional. Never received anything in the mail from this company and will not give any payment to a company that does not communicate with me through the mail verifying that i owe any debt. read more

Contacted this company about a client in July. They did not collect anything from the client and didn't even attempt to. Despite my attempts to contact this "agency" they claimed they were doing the work to collect on my behalf, but had no proof. They had no call logs, no sample letters, or even just a date and time as to when the collection attempts were made. 3 months later, in September the "agency" called me and said they will no longer collect from the account because I do not believe them. Clearly pissed off at this point, I told them what world do you live in? I am happy to pay for your service provided you have done the service. How can I believe you without proof? This is a fake collection agency. My best bet is that they pretend to collect on the account and when it fails, they charge you later on and claim they have done some work when they have done none. read more

I sent over at least half a dozen accounts or more for these people to collect on almost a year ago. I have NOT seen a dime!. They keep coming up with excuses on why I have received any monies. They don't follow up with you on these accounts, you have to constantly contact them to get status and still no payments. I would stay clear of this company if you really want to get paid! read more

After I left an awful review, I was contacted and new efforts were made on my case and I was given some helpful and thoughtful updates and advice. Had that been my first experience, I'd definitely give a 4-5 star review. Although no collection was possible on either attempt, the second try was much more satisfying and I received great customer service. read more

As a client of Empire Credit & Collection I can say I am very satisfied with their level of customer service and experience in collecting my debt. They were very patient with me even when I wasn't. Tim Levy & Adam Gold did a fantastic job with keeping me informed of the entire process. My sales rep Jennifer was also very helpful. I recommend using their services to anyone brand new at this process. The process was simple and I got paid very fast. read more

I am with a provider's office and I just place numerous accounts with this business for collection efforts to re-collect for us and I really do not like collection agencies in general; however they are essential these days unfortunately. I placed my accounts with Melissa in this company and she has already collected on numerous accounts for our company in just a short one month's time. Melissa has been very attentive and quick with responses on my company's behalf when I contact her regarding any questions or concerns. I would recommend this company to any business who seeks the needs of a collection agency and furthermore Melissa in general. read more

Absolutely horrible and ineffective collection agent. We turned over account to them, never heard one thing or updates...ever. Won't even answer calls and emails. read more

POOR - STAY AWAY FROM THIS AGENCY - No follow through, many commitments, all talk but no delivery. Collections report did not reflect amounts we submitted to them for collections. We have dealt with other collection agencies that were more efficient. We were trying to use another service and EMPIRE COLLECTION AGENCY - turned out to be a complete nightmare. We are now with another agency that is more competent and able to deliver. read more

This company helped me collect from two of my customers. I am happy with there service and would recommend them.

This company originally called allegedly acting as an attorney. Stating legal and criminal charges would be filed for not paying immediately. That jail time would be a possibility for not paying - direct quote. Huge red flag, as no attorney would speak in the manner in which the young man spoke to us that day. When asked for something in writing to look over to send to our attorney (this was a 1,200 dispute with a cleaning company that did a botched job and refused to completed their work- had to hire another company to complete commercial job over 13 months ago ) we never received it, except more harassing and extremely rude calls. Sickening to see how many people had similar experiences! What is the point of being so rude to people? Honestly we would have talked through the incident and come up with something reasonable most likely, had the company just been more receptive to communicating and less deceptive/aggressive in their tactics but it just felt like a scam and fraudulent from the beginning. read more