Please, Please help - I'm desperate!!!!

Hi,

Over 16 years ago I had my wallet stolen, including my credit cards. I cancelled all of my credit cards and sent copies of the police report to any company that required it. I didn't have any problems but several months later I had charges on my first card. I contacted first card and found out that the card hadn't been cancelled. I was told that everything would be taken care of and the account would be closed.

Twelve plus years went by and one day there was a freeze on my joint bank account with my husband. I called the bank and they gave me the name of the lawyer to contact. I did and explained the situation. I sent a notarized statement and was eventually told that the account was settled. I had offered to make payments ( I didn't tell Mel S. Harris that) just to get it settled but they settled it without that and they released my bank accounts.

Four years later (February 28, 2008) they've placed a hold on my bank accounts again. I called the bank and found out that it was first card again and the lawyer was Mel S. Harris. I contacted them and explained everything and sent them what paperwork I had from four years prior. The lady I spoke to was going to see about getting a release on my accounts but it didn't happen. I called back on Friday and was told that her manager was talking to them right away and she'd call me as soon as he was off the phone. She never called and the release never happend. I went all weekend without being able to buy groceries, etc. and I have three children.

I also asked for a copy of the judgement from 1992 and was told that they had it but they needed to get an okay from MKM Acquisitions to send it to me. I never heard from her.

I called today and was sent to a supervisor who was very nasty to me and said that I asked for an order to show cause. I really have no idea what that is. I read on a legal website that I should ask them to send me some kind of proof that they have a right to the debt along with a copy of the judgement.

She told me that she talked to MKM and the order stands and to get myself a lawyer. I have no idea what to do. I was never actually served a summons and found out from the county clerk's office that they supposedly put one on my door and mailed a copy to me but they never did or I would have received it. I did some searching on the internet and found that this lawyer firm has a habit of doing that. I've read so many horror stories.

For twelve years no one contacted me and then they froze my bank accounts and then they said it was cleared up and four years later, they froze my accounts again.

I can't make my house payment or car payments and I don't know what to do. The last thing she said to me was to get myself a lawyer. I think they're just trying to play hardball in hopes that I'll pay the $2200.00. I'm not paying anything as most of the horror stories I've read have stated that once the person paid them, they kept requesting more money. Just google Mel S. Harris & Associates and you'll see what I mean.

What should I do? I'm so very confused and frustrated. It's been 16 years. I don't think that Mel S. Harris has any paperwork because they've asked me for everything. Should I hire an attorney?

Any advice you can give me would be so greatly appreciated.

I am having a similar problem w. Mel S. Harris. The only information i have been told to do is file a complaint through 311. Also report him to the bar association. I am also in the process of trying to obtain a cheap lawyer (not easy) because it seems to be the only way. Good luck hope it works out for you.

I've been calling Mel S. Harris every half hour, every day for the past two days and I still haven't been able to get to a person.

If you go through the prompts it puts you on hold and rings and rings and rings and then says your party hung up.

If you try to dial an extension, it rings and then you get a voicemail.

I want to settle my debt as they've frozen my accounts almost a week ago but how can you when no one picks up the darn phone.

Anyone have any ideas?

If they froze your account, then they have been awarded a judgement and served it on your bank. Your bank must send you a letter notifying you of the freeze, which would also include the case number.

Go to the courthouse where your case was filed and ask the clerk for a short form "Order to Show Cause" to vacate the judgement. You will need to fill in the form and explain why the judgement should be vacated. When you've completed the form, file it with the clerk, they will then submit this to a judge for signature, you can come back the next day or two and ask for a certified copy. Take this copy to your bank to release the freeze on your account.

However, you will receive a notice to appear in Court at a later date to defend your case. Have all your documents and evidence proving that you do not owe this debt.

I just had this firm do this to me today and they have put a freeze on ALL THE MONEY I HAVE IN THE world, and its not alot.

I need to get at my money so I can eat.

How did the "Order to Show Cause" in the above post work? How long did it take before your account was unfrozen?

Please help, I'm freaking out.

any info, please email me at stratagone@aol.com

Everyone who has gotten "taken" by Mel S. Harris needs to go to their attorney general and file a complaint. THEN you need to file a complaint with the NYs Bar Association - then file a complaint with a Consumer Affairs assocaition for your state. This atty operates ILLEGALLY. My daughter is currently in litigation over having a bank acct frozen over money she never even owed, was never served and just one day her bank acct. was frozen. My attorney couldn't even LOCATE this jerk to let him know an order to show cause was filed. If everyone does the above - whether or NOT you ever owed any money, this criminal can be stopped. People are afraid to complain because maybe they really owed the money. It DOESN'T MATTER!!!! PLEASE - FILE COMPLAINTS......... or this old bastard will NEVER be stopped. He relies on the fact that his paperwork LOOKS legit and the courts accept it. THEY have no way of knowing you were never even served. There are corrupt process servers all over who will do this for an extra buck. What makes anyone think these people are NEVER crooked. Mel Harris relies on 1. corrupt process servers, 2. overworked courts and 3. people's fear of complaining when they actually owe money. COMPLAIN to the proper athorities - THEY can do something but they have to know.

Good advice!!!

I discovered that my bank account had been frozen on Christmas Eve. I was never served papers to put me in default. After much calling around, I finally received a copy of the the "Information Subpoena and Questionnaire with Restraining Notice" from my bank's legal department in PA. The judgment is in NY and I live in GA. I spoke to an attorney in both GA and NY through my employer's EAP and each referred me to the other. Which state do I need to find an attorney in? I am not letting these crooks get away with screwing with people after all I have read about them. And I will NOT call Mel Harris. I will spend more than is owed just to put these crooks in their place. I am now on a mission! Please advise if I need a NY or GA attorney. Seems that no one knows the answer and the clock is ticking!

I would suggest you email info@worldlawdirect.com to discuss.

this is the USA How can mel harris take advantage of people and stay in business?