Social Security suspends Eugene credit management firm
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EUGENE, Ore. - David Finch said his company has done no wrong.
"Oh, I'm very angry at this thing," said the director of Emmanuel Credit Management.
The company got word last Friday from the Social Security Administration that it had lost legal standing to make rent, utility and other payments for 102 senior and disabled clients who receive Social Security payments.
"They've already suspended all the payments to the clients," Finch said.
Social Security claims Emmanuel Credit has made mistakes in handling funds and keeping records.
Among the allegations: records not kept to track individual funds, lack of overall receipts, and receipts not kept on expenses paid for clients.
The last point frustrates Finch.
"We can't do that, it's illegal - not to the Social Security benefits but to the state of Oregon, so we don't do it anyway," he said.
KVAL News tried to reach the Social Security Administration for comment.
The Eugene office would not comment and referred KVAL News to the Portland regional office.
They referred KVAL News to Seattle.
As of Tuesday evening, calls to the Seattle office had not been returned.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel's clients said their benefits are in limbo.
"I think it's unconscionable of Social Security to do that, to put people in that position," said client Kevin Lamb.
"I have absolutely no faith in the Social Security Administration," said client Nancy Stockwell, "but I believe in these people. Emmanuel Credit are ethical people."
Finch speculates the trouble could be a complaint from a disgrunted client.
"After 7 years of doing this without any problems, suddenly we're the baddest guys in town?" he said. "It makes no sense."
I paid off over $3,000 in credit card debt through ECM. I find that Dave and Norma are very respectful of their clients; the office is very clean and Dave works hard to make sure everyone is happy. I see no reason, whatsoever, for Social Security to do this except that someone who gets SS or SSDI was mad and they complained.  I have a sister who has no payee now!
From the outside looking in I would think that if a client is upset enough to report you to SS then something happened. If you are paying their bills then why are they upset. They should be happy. There needs to be proof of what you spent their money on. I would cut you off if you couldn't prove what you did with my money.
Dave sends a statement every single month. Does this person read their mail? @ so read your mail!!!!!!