fjs global debt collection scam. Here are a few red flags signaling a debt collection call could be a scam: The debt collector threatens you with criminal charges. fjs global debt collection scam

 
Here are a few red flags signaling a debt collection call could be a scam: The debt collector threatens you with criminal chargesfjs global debt collection scam  3

5. If it does, contact the agency to ensure it upholds its end of the agreement. Take action If you're getting threatening phone calls about a debt, even if it's one you recognize, you might be the target of a debt collection scam. S. The defendants used several names including GAFS Group, Global Mediation Group, and Mediation Services. (and a network of related companies), which received fines totaling $35 million in 2017 for their phony programs. Here’s why automated debt collection calls with a Fastclick dialer are perfect for you: 1. The tax debt has been removed from the IRS’s active inventory due to a lack of resources or an inability to find the taxpayer; 2. This month, the FTS ordered the perpetrators of a debt collection scam to reimburse 1,966 victims of the scams an average of $516 each, adding up to a total settlement of just over $1 million. Get Started with FJS Global and see why we’re the right partner for you. I can not provide an email as that is prohibited by the site. This is the most efficient option. If a person does not respond to the complaint within the time allotted or show up in court on the appointed day, it’s almost a given that the court will rule in favor of the debt collection agency. Online payments are limited to the. 5. S. Eager to settle your debts, you provide your credit or debit card number. At the Federal Trade Commission’s request, a federal court has temporarily halted and frozen the assets of a debt collection scheme that allegedly bilked consumers out of millions of dollars, using deceptive and threatening tactics to collect phantom debts that they did not owe. Featured review. Example 10 Zero Debt Sdn Bhd (ZDSB) provides debt collection management services to ensure that bank borrowers pay their debts. Also, contact your local Department of Housing and Urban Development office or the housing authority in your state, city, or county. Speak with an experienced consumer lawyer. Review updated: Apr 17, 2021. Improve the perception of the industry 2. While there are many legitimate debt collectors in the financial marketplace, there are also scammers who may try to get you to pay on debts that you don’t owe or on debts that don’t even exist. More than 40,000 people filed scam reports with the Better Business Bureau in 2022, and the median reported dollar loss was $171, according to that year's BBB Scam Tracker. They were founded in 1994 in Louisiana and have been in service for over 25 years. March 17, 2021. ’s call centers are located in the USA, United Kingdom, Canada, and Panama. They prey on the vulnerability of the average person who may unaware of the laws that deal with debt. After you make the payment, wait 30 days and check your credit report to make sure TrueAccord no longer appears as a collection account. Here are key ways to identify and defend yourself from. While a legitimate debt collector might break the law, constant calls that are. So demand validation of the debt and a copy of the contract and any other documentation which verifies the alleged debt. issuing more than $4. Address: 4200 Cantera Dr. This might not prevent you from getting spam calls directly. LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is alerting Michigan residents about fraudulent letters directed to workers and businesses. 1. Many Scam Victims Have Significant Debt After A Scam Ends In many cases, this means having to face collection efforts. Rosario Méndez. 471. They will also have a copy on file. "Collectors are required by Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to send you a written debt validation notice with information about the debt they’re trying to collect. Scamming is rampant. comThe Scams, Schemes & Swindles page serves as a central location for scam information with links to fraud and scam webpages of other State of Tennessee departments and agencies. Scammers commonly ask you to “confirm” your name, address, SSN, or banking details. CFPB took action against Global Client Solutions, a leading debt-settlement payment processor, for allegedly helping other companies to collect tens of millions of dollars in illegal upfront fees from consumers. The debt is very old, approx. However, the supposed debt collectors balk when you try to get the information you’re entitled to by law. A federal court temporarily halted the scheme and froze its assets at the FTC’s request. Submitting online usually takes less than 10 minutes. Our practices are consumer-friendly and tailored to each individual’s circumstances. Micro Global Management Inc. Federal and State debt collection laws and regulations govern the procedures and processes debt collectors must follow when seeking to collect a debt. How Debt Collector Scams work. Autopay to never miss a payment. Avvo Rating: 10. Yesterday the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that it had agreed to a $700,000 settlement with GC Services Limited Partnership (GC) to resolve allegations that GC had used unlawful tactics to collect on federal student loans and other debts. Juris Doctor. While the sender uses the “State of Michigan. A growing burden to global prosperity” and issued a grave warning as global public debt reached an all-time high of $92 trillion in 2022. If you live in Scotland, you should report a scam to Police Scotland by calling 101 or to Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000, or through their website at out this video to explore these three steps: SoloSuit – Win Your Debt Collection Lawsuit. Make payment to remove an entry. Fair Debt Collection has information on debt collectors. m. FJS Global accepts most forms of payment including checks, electronic checks (ACH), debit cards, Visa and MasterCard credit cards, prepaid cards, and check by phone. In 2021, 5. Consumers are warned to watch out for scams related to debt collection of old payday loans, finding a short-term loan online, phony texts about qualifying for a loan and debt relief scams. Debt Collector Red Flag #4:. Debt collectors may try to scare you into paying by telling you that you will be sued or arrested if you do not pay. We understand your situation is unique. In 2021 alone, consumers reported losing more than $5. in Repaying Debt. Posted November 20, 2013. Phone: 1-800-359-3898 (toll free) You can also report COVID-19 related frauds and scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration whose website has an information page and link to a report form . OK. org by victims of debt collection scams between October 2013 and June 2014 was $1,748. A debt collector cannot call your place of employment. and 9 p. beware of this scam company! C. 14. I'd be happy to review the letter. Radius Global Solutions, LLC is an account recovery and debt collection company in the United States. It can also be extremely frustrating when you are being pursued for an alleged outstanding debt that you do not actually owe. June 16, 2017. 0/100. Spotting scammy emails. American Cash Services American Cash Services USA Advance Cash Services Advance Cash America Ace Cash Services American Credit Solutions, Inc. In a debt-collection scam, a caller claiming to represent a creditor or a debt-collection agency demands immediate payment for an alleged outstanding debt. 36 Courthouse-Dallas County Court(600 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75202). TOP 3 MUST-WATCH FRAUD PREVENTION VIDEOS. By. 71 into my account. 1930 Olney Ave. If you have a lawyer, the collector must communicate with your lawyer. FU DMA Journal of Sciences (FJS) Vol. The Federal Trade Commission previously filed civil charges against the man, Kirit Patel, and two companies he controlled, Broadway Global Master Inc. Get the latest news on debt settlement and collection practices so. They have been in business since 1982. Debt relief service scams target consumers with significant credit card debt by falsely promising to negotiate with their creditors to settle or otherwise reduce consumers' repayment obligations. By Mark Huffman. iq data international inc. More than one-third of the applicable limitation period has. 05/25/2023. This five-fold surge in public debt levels since 2000. This card shows their photograph and identity number. Start a new complaint. The other major type of debt consolidation scam is charging fees upfront, which is illegal. 1. Closed our business account and returned terminal in 2015. IQ Data International is often referred to or searched for by other names. My counselor and I put together a plan for my family to get out of debt after a set back from my lost job. The Federal Trade Commission is sending payments totaling more than $1 million to 1,966 consumers who were harmed by a debt collection scheme that conned consumers into paying debts they did not owe. Below is an example of one customer’s negative experience with Global Holdings debt settlement services: “I started with Global Holdings to help reduce my debt and get them paid. The agency bought Leading Edge Recovery Solutions, LLC, which is in the debt recovery. Getting hounded by a debt collection agency can be a traumatic and stress-inducing experience. The complaint contains all the legal claims by the plaintiff in paragraph form. FRS may use the alternate business name, Financial Recovery Services of Minnesota, Inc. All three companies are debt collectors that buy debt portfolios from creditors, or other debt sellers, and then place the portfolios with or sell them to other collection companies. The operators of a scheme that conned consumers into paying non-existent debts will be permanently banned from the. Third-party debt collectors like Global Processing Services debt collection agency come into the picture when a debt is left unpaid for up to 100 days or more, depending on your original creditor. There is a cottage industry in which scam artists buy info about low income and unsophisticated consumers from payday lenders and their employees / former employees. These kinds of scams often increase during the holiday season as well as around natural disasters and emergencies, such as storms, wildfires, or earthquakes. Depending on their status as either approved or pending there are two ways to look them up. 5% during the forecast period. Being contacted by a legitimate. ago. Phone: (800) 900-3944. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Reddit Share on. If you think you are the victim of a debt collection scam, it is important to take action right away to protect yourself and your finances. In November 2017, the Federal Trade Commission charged a Georgia-based debt collection business with tricking people into paying money for debts they did not owe. Cherry Hill, NJ 08003. 4. 0/100. 7 million people filed reports and described losing more than $5. Share on WhatsApp. Ask for a goodwill deletion. is a scam. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Midland Credit Management is committed to helping you find the solution that works best for you. Debt Collection. Our team works tirelessly to ensure our clients get a settlement that fits their financial situation. com for a few different reasons. This violates the. You can file a report against fake debt collectors to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre through its website, or by calling 1-888-495-8501. The subsequent step is to disclose your monthly earnings to TurboDebt. We participate in a rigorous quality control programs, which includes peer reviews. 215-320-5761, 800-220-2018, (215) 320-5761, (800) 220-2018, 2153205761, 8002202018. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced that 1966 consumers who were scammed by Global Asset Financial Services in a "phantom debt" scheme will receive refunds totaling more than $1 million. Systems on a Friday, and was informed that a credit card account We had had been sent to them, We wanted to clear this up so My wife asked if we could. Global is a dedicated debt Recovery & Collection company that assists bad debt the Global most successful Debt Recovery Company. Emily Wu. 4. Lawyer's Assistant: I understand that you need assistance with responding to a civil lawsuit in Minnesota regarding a disputed amount of $6,. That way they will send you all pertinent details. What is Focus Financial Services? Focus Financial Services, Inc. Such shares, represented by 31,250,000 American Depository Receipts (ADR). Ask for proof of the debt. Unpaid medical bills have become the largest source of debt owed to collection agencies, increasing from $81 billion in 2016 to $140 billion in 2020. This trust score are given to websites with a. See full list on bankrate. and Europe. They have helped many people in your situation. Consumers are warned to watch out for scams related to debt collection of old payday loans, finding a short-term loan online, phony texts about qualifying for a loan and debt relief scams. They can contact you by phone, email, or text, just like a real debt collector would for a past-due payment. They should remove the debt from your credit report immediately. If the. Watch these videos to learn the warning signs of debt collection scams. or AffGlo is a legitimate third-party debt collection agency founded in 1999 and headquartered in Ontario, Canada. In fact, the entire premise of this scam revolves around creating a sense of urgency and pressure by pretending to be a legitimate debt collector or collection agency. The U. Here are Harris and Harris' contact details: To pay a debt call: 1-800-362-0097. A recent change in rules by the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) allows debt collectors to contact you by direct message on social networks, email, or text. Dispute the debt. S. Today, the FTC filed a lawsuit against Global Asset Financial Services Group (GAFS) and fifteen related defendants for operating a fake debt collection scheme. See Your Offers Pay Online – Log in to. Payday loan scams to watch out for. If you have been a victim of harassment from Radius Global Solutions LLC, we can help you get justice. Identity theft is when someone represents themselves as you by using your personal identifying. To report in Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, Korean, Russian, Portuguese, Polish, and many other languages, call the FTC at (877) 382-4357. Top 5 PayPal Scams in 2023 3. Ironically, many debt collectors don't abide by the FDCPA, including MRS Associates. March 29, 2023. This means that when you're contacted by MRS BPO about a debt, if you pay the debt off in full, MRS BPO will make a huge profit. Dispute the debt. Please ask for "Law Pro" if you have any further future questions! A debt collection company is trying to collect 2 hospital bills from 2009 totaling almost $700. The list above is not all the numbers that FBCS uses. Reason why this is a scam: 1. Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 – open Weekdays from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. If you fail to appear in court, the judge will probably rule you in default of the outstanding credit card or personal loan. In January 2018, a complainant indicated he had submitted a complaint on behalf of his mother, who had been receiving calls from FMS “commencing a little after 8:00 a. (FFS) is a Florida-based third-party collection agency specializing in medical collections. Business response. CRS is listed as a collection agency. Complaints for Collection Scam. This company is pursuing a debt which has been removed from my credit report due to the statute of limitations. If you pay Radius Global Solutions for the debt, you can ask it to delete the entry out of goodwill. If you're getting threatening phone calls about a debt, even if it's one you recognize, you might be the target of a debt collection scam. Block or ignore repeated calls. S. The majority of our clients are dealing with credit cards, we can also include personal loans, collection agencies, pay day loans, medical or veterinary bills, and many more in your debt consolidation plan. 100 W. Debt collectors are only allowed to contact you between the hours of 8 a. Never negotiate or make payment based solely on a phone call. According to the FTC’s complaint, Global. But reporting these callers to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre gives them data they can use to fight fake debt collectors. Scammers do this all the time as well because it's effective. Our Patrick Nelson shows us in many cases the people making these calls are launching scams just looking to cash in on the stress of being behind on bills. Company Type For Profit. 14. gov/debt. But don’t be fooled: scammers often impersonate debt collectors to try to convince people that they owe unpaid debts or try to scare or threaten people to collect on non-existent debt. Seeks reforms to reduce "serial" debt collection lawsuits. Debt collection scammers are inventive and can be challenging to spot. If you are sure that it is a dubious rip-off - i. The debt and interest spiralled until she owed about two million rupees ($24,000; £19,655). The area codes most targeted by scam calls related to debt collection in that time frame are 226, 403, 450, 581, 639, 780 and 905, the CRTC said. " He spoke with FRESH AIR contributor Dave Davies, who is also WHYY's senior reporter. Per the Debt Collector Licensing Act some applicants are allowed to do business while they are waiting to be denied or approved. The phantom debt collection scam comes in a number of variations, but the common element in almost all of them is a claim that a consumer owes money on a debt and needs to pay or else face serious consequences. How to Answer a Summons for a Debt Collection Lawsuit (In 3 Steps) Watch on. Soon the recovery agents started calling. Top 5 Amazon Scams in 2023 2. But before you pay, the scammer will ask you to confirm your name, address, and other sensitive information, which may. June 16, 2017. The Scam Detector’s algorithm gives this business the following rank: 100. A debt collection attorney works with both people seeking to collect debts and those defending themselves against debt collectors. With credit card debt in the US reaching the trillion dollar mark, aggressive debt collection tactics will be. If you receive a call from 800-563-4929, an Affinity Global representative is likely trying to contact you to collect payments on a presumed debt. Call our experts to answer all of your questions and get the best deal on resolving your obligations. How Debt Collection Scams Work. By. Managing debt can be a tricky business. It protects consumers from unlawful debt collection practices. This review ensures our compliance with the highest of professional standards and our commitment to maintaining the highest continuing professional education standards as required by federal and state agencies. Report debt collection scams and abuse to the CFPB ( online or by calling 855-411-2372), the FTC ( online or by calling 877-382-4357) and your state’s attorney general. I received a bill in the mail saying that I owed money for one of my accounts. As of Nov. Aug 14, 2007 12:00 am EDT. The worst strategy when you receive a summons to appear in court from Global Collection Agency is to ignore the summons. Our credit reporting policy is crafted with customers in mind, aiming to help them reach financial stability and peace of mind. The Scam Detector’s algorithm gives this business the following rank: 100. The scam by Global Asset involved. 49/month but it’s totally worth it. Any communication about a case of this magnitude would come through certified mail. Once w e review your debts in detail, helping us to create an action plan that is tailored to your. Every year, people report fraud, identity theft, and bad business practices to the FTC and its law enforcement partners. The FDCPA has received a countless number of these complaints. Niles: IL: USA:. This month I was contacted by a collection agency via letter on a debt from 1999. At least in the US, emails are not commonly used by collection agencies as way to communicate r with debtors. Fax: (630) 836-2413. I wrote them back disputing the debt and asked them to validate the debt. S. The first step to beating FBCS in court is to file a written Answer. Tim Bauer. The scam is to convince the mark to give the scammer something, usually money. Yearly, thousands of complaints are made about debt collectors like Frost-Arnett and their unscrupulous debt collection methods. Firstly, the purpose for which this partnership was created that entitles you to your 10% commission of any payment received and processed as well as your monthly stipend of $7,000 is to first, bridge the length in. Is a debt agency harassing you? Get the dirt and some background. Contact: Laura Brewer (919) 716-6484. FIS provides a credit and collections management solution to help drive automation and workflow, lower days sales outstanding, mitigate credit risk, automate cash. S. A debt collection scam, or a phantom debt scheme is when a scammer poses as a debt collector to get money from people. California and my debt started in 2010 i started getting messages in may this years thought it was a scam. Phony debt collectors are hoping to catch you off guard. The global debt collection software market size was valued at USD 3,736 million in 2021, presumed to reach USD 8,305 million by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 10. read moreThe easiest way to verify if a debt is fake is to contact the court. If they find the transaction fraudulent, they can remove the account from collection. Learn more about spotting and reporting this type of scam by going. My wife received a Call From a Rebecca with I. More Resources. File complaints with your state AG and with the CFPB when you have identified the collection company. You have a limited amount of time to validate a debt, so move quickly when you are contacted by a collection agent. Victims of debt collection scams. Some people report being accused of not paying back a loan which. Credit and Loans. A statement detailing your debt collection rights; Only pay a collector after determining their authenticity. Scammers will try and rush you by threatening to sue you for unpaid debts which you may not even have. Buzzfile estimates CRS ’s annual revenue at $6. Signs of a debt relief scam. disputed amount of $6,900. Validate the Debt. This is a legitimate data privacy tool that officially requires your data removal from tons of online brokers on your behalf. 1. This is called a “validation notice. The top frauds of 2021. According to the Nilson Report, a newsletter that monitors the credit industry, last year debt buyers paid an average of 5. Include everything you need to because you generally can’t submit a second complaint about the same problem. If you’re tired of dealing with debt collectors and want to improve your credit, consider working with a trusted credit repair company. Your State Consumer Protection. C-Date review: Debt collection!!! Scam 25. dollars in revenue. Debt collection agencies demonstrate how serious they are when they file lawsuits against consumers. 1. The scammer calls and tells you that they work for a loan company, law firm or government. Reach a free, HUD-certified counselor at 800-569-4287. Make them prove the debt, see if they respond and go from there. I would suggest that you send another short letter to the collection agent in which you simply state that you as you have previously advised them, you dispute the debt and that it is fraudulent and not your responsibility and that the credit collection agency has failed and refused to comply with the legal requirement to provide you with all of the documentation. After selecting your domicile, it is important to understand that the region may influence the cost and. FinTech. Fake debt scam. On track now to get every. Quipu. In your letter, request verification of the total amount you. They quickly turned nasty, slamming Bhoomi with insults and. MPlus Social. That information must include: The name of the creditor; The amount owed More Resources. 12/07/2015. Now it has not only reached a new record,. , April 28, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global debt collection software market is projected to rise at a CAGR of 9. I'd be happy to review the letter. Phone: (888) 248-2509. The letter is from Global Credit Collection Corporation out of Chicago. Metris Companies, Inc. Once you have created your Answer, responded to the paragraphs in the Complaint, and asserted your affirmative defenses, you are ready for the final step: file your Answer. You can file a complaint on the FTC website or call their Consumer Response Center at 877-382-4357. UPDATE: 12/2/21. com “. Transparency. OIG Hotline Online Complaint Form. At McCarthy Law, we protect your rights and work with your bank and credit card company to negotiate a debt settlement. The person says that you owe debt. Let’s say you get an email about a charge to your credit card for something you aren’t expecting or don’t want. While the entry made by CMS may have damaged your credit score, it doesn’t have to stay in your report. (651) 296-3353 (Twin Cities Calling Area) (800) 657-3787 (Outside the Twin Cities) (800) 627-3529 (Minnesota Relay) It is not uncommon today for people to be pursued by debt collectors for money they don't owe. 3. Debt collection scams; Unscrupulous debt collectors often purchase old, discharged debt for pennies on the dollar. For over thirty years Radius Global Solutions LLC has been working with consumers to develop solutions for their outstanding debt balances. 2 scams to look out for after you’ve taken a business loan. com of 61%. Make sure to request a validation letter or confirmation from the collection agency. Randolph. Report debt collection scams and abuse to the CFPB ( online or by calling 855-411-2372), the FTC ( online or by calling 877-382-4357) and your state’s attorney general. Ciffa, 53, declined to comment on. Ask for details on the debt, such as: the amount you owe. is a legitimate debt collection agency. Some fraudsters will represent themselves as a debt collector or court official and propose that you pay debt you don't actually owe to avoid “trouble”. Our office engaged Transworld Systems Inc. It is a scam. Scam. FIS provides a credit and collections management solution to help drive automation and workflow, lower days sales outstanding, mitigate credit risk, automate cash. Make sure to record and save every call, letter and other form of communication you receive. (Fair Debt Collection Act-811[15 USC 1692i]) Case File#VNQ-08953265(USC) Last Date to File Lawsuit-July 11th 2017 Cost of the Lawsuit-$5825. and 9 p. A sharp increase in complaints concerning debt collection scams, particularly those impersonating law enforcement or government agencies, has the Colorado Attorney General warning consumers to be cautious of threatening phone calls and emails from fraudulent debt collectors. You may be a victim of Financial Business Consumer Solutions phone harassment. Credit and Finance. A person or business might be trying to scam you if they do any of the following: Pressure you to pay up-front fees. If it turns out that the debt doesn’t belong to you, you need to send a letter disputing it to DRS and the credit bureau. This uncertainty about finances is what debt collection scams rely on. A federal grand jury has charged a Tracy, California-based man with 21 criminal counts of wire fraud and mail fraud for a fake debt collection scheme. The scammer will usually be pretending to be a large company with a lot of customers (such as Verizon) to increase their chance of getting a hit, or pretending to be with an existing collections agency as cover. I n U. Metris is one of the largest bankcard issuers in the U. m. The scammer will usually be pretending to be a large company with a lot of customers (such as Verizon) to increase their chance of getting a hit, or pretending to be with an existing collections agency as cover. When you contact a business, you know who's on the other end of the line. Fill out the form on their website or give them a call at (855) 281-1510. The BBB established a profile page for TSI in 1990. Radius Global Solutions often deals with medical bill collections. dollars , global debt reached 235 trillion last year. To get your free credit reports, go to AnnualCreditReport. Payday Loans ACS Incorp. Credit and Finance. To prove you sent the letter, send it by certified mail with “return receipt requested. Report debt collection scams and abuse to the CFPB ( online or by calling 855-411-2372), the FTC ( online or by calling 877-382-4357) and your state’s attorney general. With headquarters in Markham, Ontario, the company has representatives working throughout the U. the debt collector’s telephone number. You can also order a report by phone at 877-322-8228. Unfortunately, financial scams are pretty common. They are a legitimate debt collection agency and a longtime member of ACA. A Georgia scam ring of seven criminals illegally collected debts from 6,000 people by pretending to be FBI or Justice Department agents threatening people with arrests. Company Reviews Google Review. or after 9:00 p. Nearly 2000 consumers were scammed by Global Asset Financial Services. Debt Collector Red Flag #3: The Caller Asks for Immediate Payment by Money Transfer or Prepaid Card. Follow these simple steps to stop the calls. If you’re receiving numerous debt collection scam calls, consider blocking or ignoring these calls. TrueAccord is a machine-learning and Al-driven 3rd-party debt collection company that is reinventing debt collection. US, UK, EU, Swiss and Canadian residents only. Doing Business As: Global Trust Management LLC. Affinity Global, Inc. Fake Full and Final Settlements: Apex Debt Recovery Services entices victims into settling their alleged debts through one-time, lump-sum payments, claiming to provide a full and final settlement. From a victim’s perspective, the consequences of falling. Reviewed Nov. If they attempt to collect a debt that was discharged in a bankruptcy and make threats that cannot legally. A debt collection company is trying to collect 2 hospital bills from 2009 totaling almost $700. 2, April, 2022, pp 2 83 - 2 91 291 ©2022 This is an Open Access a rticle distributed under the ter ms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4. We're hearing about an increasing number of complaints about high-pressure phone calls from debt collectors. First: Do not give any sensitive financial and personal information. Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and.