Hassle Free Process Service

Unilocal needs to allow reviewers to select NO stars.
On 12/​29/​2010 I made the mistake of hiring Phil to serve someone *BY* 1÷26÷2011. (Court wants a person getting served to have plenty of time before actual court date on 2÷8÷2011 so they have a fair amount of time to compile a defense. If they get served too late, the defendant can move the date back.)
He cheerfully said that it was an easy serve, and he might even just drive it over there himself that night. But as a courtesy, he said that I should come back in on 2÷2÷11 so we can discuss the serve, and be sure I was ready for my court date. Prep sounded like a good idea as this is the first time I have gone through this.
So I paid ($ 89.25), and let him go about his work.
Timeline…
1÷5÷2011 — I was curious, so I called to see how the easy serve went or is going. Phil was not in office, and assistant had no info regarding such. I left a message requesting a callback. Received none.
1÷10÷2011 — Called to see how the easy serve went or is going. Once again, Phil was not in office, and assistant had no information regarding such. I left a message requesting a callback for update. Received none. At this point, I was thinking that Phil simply was not getting my messages from assistant. Understandable, but to me, its red flag # 1.
1÷17÷2011 — Getting close to deadline, so I called again. Phil was not in office, so I said that I really needed to know what was going on. I was told that all I could do was leave a message, and Phil will get back to me as soon as he could. I explained that I have been leaving messages, but still have not gotten a callback. Assistant assured me that Phil would get this one. No callback again.
1÷20÷2011 — Called and asked for update. Phil was not in office again, assistant didn’t have any details about my serve, and Phil would call me back as soon as possible, etc…
1÷24÷2011 — Called and asked for update. I «Just missed him» as Phil has been busy. But he will be in and out of the office all day, so I can leave a message.
I said that since I REALLY need to get an update, and I would just head over to the office and wait for him to eventually show up. (I’m in Oakland, they are in Santa Clara, and so it’s quite a drive) Assistant said I can «do whatever I wanted.» Red flag # 2.
LITERALLY LESS THAN 10 SECONDS after I hung up, I got a call from Phil. He seemed angry, and asked «What I wanted?» I said that I have been trying to get in touch for an update on the easy serve, and I started to explain (in case he forgot) that my deadline to serve was only 2 days away. He CUT me off, and said that’s why I need to come in on 2÷2÷2011 so we can go over the serve. I said that I would first like to know that the person has actually been served so I can rest easy. He said that they tried to serve on 1÷13÷2011 but COULD NOT because I gave him a «bad address.» (Turns out the person VACATED the property on 1/​6/​2011!) I asked why I was not informed sooner so that I might be able to locate another address (and pay another fee) so I can just get this done. I was cut off once AGAIN, and he said «You just need to COME IN, and we can talk about it. Now, is there anything ELSE I can help you with??» Ok, Red flag # 3. The hell with it! I said that I will be at his office in a few days with a new address and more money. He said «Sounds good, have a nice day.» AND HUNG THE HELL UP ON ME!!!
I drove down there the NEXT DAY to get back my service copies, and just call it even with them, and of course, he was not there. THIS assistant was friendly and helpful. (His wife I think.) She asked if it was explained to me that as part of the service they could move the court date back on my behalf as these things happen. I told her it was not explained, and since it would be unfair for me to get upset at her, I just wanted to get my paperwork back and leave. So she gave them to me. I did mention that I wished I had checked them out on Unilocal first. From her expression, I think she has heard that before.
On the way home, Phil called me and asked what the problem was? I told him that informing me that the address was «bad» within 3 or so days after they found out would have been helpful, but I guess we wanted to wait until AFTER my deadline on ¹⁄₂₆ before they mentioned it during our scheduled talk on ²⁄₂. I also mentioned that I did not appreciate getting cut off as I am talking by someone that I have given money to. He said I could go back to his office, so he can get a new address. I told him that HE and his service SUCKS, they could keep my money, and thanks for making my bad situation worse. He started to say have a nice day or something but I cut him off, and hung up.
Its real tough being in a situation like this and then having someone you paid getting rude and then hanging up you. Do yourself a favor, and stay far FAR away from this person and his bogus service.
Complete waste of time, money, and gas. I should have just asked my neighbor to serve. :(

Hassle Free is a SCAM!!! DO NOT USE THEM!!!
AFter 7 months of un-​returned phone calls with PHYL telling me had to «look up my file and return the call». OR my personal favorite «wait until his messenger gets back from the court». I finally got serious with him and told him I had lost my patience.
He finally returned the phone call only to tell me that the court refused to give him any information on my case because he is not a lawyer. I looked up my own case online at the superior court website and it showed that no paperwork had been filed in one year (since I last filed). Phyl told me that this was because this paperwork he had prepared for me was different it wouldnt show up there. THEN WHY WOULD HE TELL ME TO LOOK THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE. Then he went on to say that all my info was at the morgan hill office and because of that he had no info.
I called the clerk at the morgan hill office where she confirmed to me that whatever paperwork is filed WILL SHOW UP ONLINE!!! So i called phyl and he had the guts to tell me the CLERCK WAS LYING TO ME!!! this guy is such a JOKE he will scam you for your money and slap you silly while he is at it. He throws weird terms in your face hopping you will get confused and worst of all he RAISES HIS VOICE AND INTERRUPTS!!! I had to remind him «im not done speaking!!!»
Dont let him keep your money!!! Just because lawyers are so expensive does not mean that this guy can just keep $ 100 or so for doing nothing but delay your case, frustrate you, not return your calls, or tell you to call after 4 when he already went home!!!

Do I have to give with a full one star rating, can I do half a star? More importantly, why would I give them more than half a star?
They did an okay job serving Katie Strauss, a foolish girl who tried to take my money years ago. However, I hired them to serve American Laser Centers (read my review for info) because I had to move to Oregon in a few months and wanted justice for what they did. I called them four times, they said they were taking care of it. It NEVER happened, they were not served, I didn’t get my money, and another corporation walks away after harming a patients and charging me hundreds of dollars. Worst process servers in the Silicon Valley. and possibly beyond.

I do not recommend conducting business with Hassle Free. If you are currently using this business for collection services and are having troubles. Don’t hasitate to file a report /​complaint!
California Law:
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE
SECTION 325 – 326
325. It shall be the duty of the director to receive complaints
from consumers concerning (a) unfair methods of competition and
unfair or deceptive acts or practices undertaken by any person in the
conduct of any trade or commerce; (b) the production, distribution,
sale, and lease of any goods and services undertaken by any person
which may endanger the public health, safety, or welfare; (c)
violations of provisions of this code relating to businesses and
professions licensed by any agency of the department, and regulations
promulagated pursuant thereto; and (d) other matters consistent with
the purposes of this chapter, whenever appropriate.
325.3. In addition to the duties prescribed by Section 325, it
shall be the duty of the director to receive complaints from
consumers concerning services provided by the entities described in
paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 234 of the Public
Utilities Code.
326. (a) Upon receipt of any complaint pursuant to Section 325, the
director may notify the person against whom the complaint is made of
the nature of the complaint and may request appropriate relief for
the consumer.
(b) The director shall also transmit any valid complaint to the
local, state or federal agency whose authority provides the most
effective means to secure the relief.
The director shall, if appropriate, advise the consumer of the
action taken on the complaint and of any other means which may be
available to the consumer to secure relief.
© If the director receives a complaint or receives information
from any source indicating a probable violation of any law, rule, or
order of any regulatory agency of the state, or if a pattern of
complaints from consumers develops, the director shall transmit any
complaint he or she considers to be valid to any appropriate law
enforcement or regulatory agency and any evidence or information he
or she may have concerning the probable violation or pattern of
complaints or request the Attorney General to undertake appropriate
legal action. It shall be the continuing duty of the director to
discern patterns of complaints and to ascertain the nature and extent
of action taken with respect to the probable violations or pattern
of complaints.

Wish we had read the Unilocal reviews about this guy before hiring him to serve a delinquent client. Somehow he got our contact information (must have a deal with the Courthouse) and called and offered his services right after we files in Small Claims Court. We called to get our papers (a week before the court date). He said he would send them. Two months later we call again. Nothing. Called again to get the papers and he won’t give them to us. We have no proof our client has even been served. We paid him $ 125. He said he never got the check. We paid him again. Then both checks are cashed. We ask for $ 125 back. He said he would send it. Two months later. Nothing. Trying to get what we need, Phil was extremely rude and argumentative. Now he is saying we owe him more money and deducting it from the second $ 125 that he was supposed to send back. CROOK!!! Stay away. Far far away.

We signed over a judgment to Phil so he could collect on the non payment. He appeared professional and calm so we thought the ⁷⁰⁄₃₀ split was a fair deal. It’s been one and a half years, he hasn’t given me a single update and hasn’t returned a call. He’s a conman. PLEASE DON’T USE THEIR SERVICE.

Hassle Free Process Service did a superb job for us. We especially appreciated Phil’s very calm and measured approach. It amazed us how anyone in such a tense environment can remain so calm but somehow, to his great credit (and the benefit of his customers), he manages to do so.
Initially, Phil discussed with us how we might be able to accomplish our objectives on our own, without his services. It turned out that we had already exhausted these other remedies, so we proceeded with Hassle Free.
In our case, we were dealing with what amounted to a wage garnishment involving a major financial institution. It was a little tricky but Phil truly went the extra mile for us, to help ensure our chances of success, and ultimately we did prevail.
Throughout the process, Phil was knowledgeable, pleasant and conscientious. I hope we don’t need this type of service again but if we do, Hassle Free will be where we go for help.
Note: If your case is in connection with Superior (or small claims) Court at 1095 Homestead, Hassle Free’s location can’t be beat. It’s just down the street, on the other side. We parked for free either right out front, on Homestead, or on the side street, which I think is Jackson. We previously dealt with another process server, in San Mateo, whom we could never manage to see in person. He did his job but the level of service we received was much more limited.
Suggestion: If you want to meet with Phil, make an appointment and be on time. He does email. You can’t blame him if he’s not immediately available to talk with you if you just happen to show up at the office unannounced. Once when my wife and I were there, a man showed up unannounced and flew into a rage, for no good reason, just venting frustration about his situation that was not appropriate to direct against Hassle Free. In our experience, as long as you are reasonable and follow procedures, you will get excellent service.