"This company gave out my personal and confidential information unlawfully. Consumers posting reviews of the company on ConsumerAffairs have made accusations that, in many respects, closely remember those leveled by the four United States senators. Pioneer Credit Recovery is a large debt collection agency, and has contracts with several state governments as well as the IRS. Pioneer Credit Recovery is a subsidiary of Navient, a federal student loan servicer sued in January by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which alleged it had failed borrowers at every step of the repayment process. “The IRS is taking steps throughout this effort to ensure that the private collection firms work responsibly and respect taxpayer rights,” IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said at the time. Process started in AprilĪs we reported back in April, when the law authorizing private debt collection went into effect, the IRS described the accounts as old and the subject of repeated and unsuccessful collection attempts. “Pioneer is unique among IRS contractors in pressuring taxpayers to use financial products that could dramatically increase expenses, or cause them to lose their homes or give up retirement security,” the letter states. They say delinquent taxpayers are being advised to take out a second mortgage on their home or cash in their retirement accounts if necessary. The lawmakers particularly objected to debt collectors' suggestions about how debtors should go about obtaining the money. The senators also said the debt collectors' behavior was too similar to that employed by scammers, who often impersonate IRS personnel. Specifically, the lawmakers said the call scripts appeared to pressure taxpayers into risky financial transactions in an effort to come up with the money. Risky financial transactionsĪccording to the letter, the senators are concerned that Pioneer violated the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act and the IRS Code. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) – said they obtained call scripts used by Pioneer's debt collectors in their interactions with taxpayers. In a statement emailed to ConsumerAffairs, Pioneer said it "has satisfied an extensive list of IRS-conducted audits and tests, encompassing all facets of the program including receiving approval from the IRS on all scripts and procedures." Pioneer has created a page that illustrates the process. The use of the C-12s is just another way in which MCAS Iwakuni continues its commitment to supporting the Japanese people and their relief efforts.Pioneer denies the allegations and says it "has followed all IRS protocols in working with the Internal Revenue Service to recover millions of dollars in taxes that have gone unpaid for years." Harrelson, a MAG-36 religious program specialist. “I am excited, I get to help my Marines and sailors, I am here to make sure they are safe, emotionally as well as physically,” said Seaman Greyson C. In more ways than one, providing support to the first responders vital to a successful operation. They will provide religious services and a resting sanctuary for any who become overwhelmed during the relief effort. Torres and his assistant were going up to Atsugi to help and support in any way possible. “We are there to help emotionally, physically and mentally.” Torres, Marine Aircraft Group 36 chaplain. “We are going to go and take care of Marines and sailors who are working first hand on the humanitarian efforts,” said Navy Lt. During catastrophic events, there is an obvious need to help those directly affected however, those directly providing support may need assistance as well. In addition to the cargo these C-12s ferried, this particular flight carried a little something extra: a chaplain and his religious program specialist. While the station has become a hub for III Marine Expeditionary Force personnel and supplies, Atsugi has become a humanitarian relief effort forward operating base. military’s support effort to provide humanitarian relief to the Japanese people.īecause of the monumental undertaking, even the station’s C-12 fleet, Marine Transport Squadron Iwakuni, has been tapped to assist with supply and personnel transportation toward northern Japan. In the aftermath of the earthquake and ensuing tsunami that rocked northern Japan, the station has become a rally point for Operation Tomodachi, the U.S. MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan - C-12s carrying cargo and personnel made the more a journey to Atsugi, Japan, to deliver relief supplies and spiritual aid in support of Operation Tomodachi,March 16.
Army Corps of Engineers, Japan Engineer District.374th Communications Squadron, OL-B Det.