Merchants' Credit Guide Company
Consumer Complaints
There are over 236 complaints on file for Merchants' Credit Guide Company. Dated between 2019-12-05 and 2013-07-30.
Complaints Page 3
2019-01-20
Chicago, IL
Attempts to collect debt not owed
Debt collection: Medical debt
Debt is not yours
Company Response: Company believes the complaint is the result of a misunderstanding Closed with explanation
2018-12-30
Broadview, IL
Written notification about debt
Debt collection: I do not know
Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation
2018-12-30
Broadview, IL
Written notification about debt
Debt collection: I do not know
Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation
2018-12-30
Broadview, IL
Written notification about debt
Debt collection: I do not know
Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation
2018-12-30
Broadview, IL
Written notification about debt
Debt collection: I do not know
Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation
2018-12-30
Broadview, IL
Written notification about debt
Debt collection: I do not know
Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation
2018-12-30
Broadview, IL
Written notification about debt
Debt collection: I do not know
Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation
2018-12-17
Chicago, IL
Attempts to collect debt not owed
Debt collection: Medical debt
Debt was paid
Complaint: On XX/XX/2018, I received a letter from the credit bureau stating that a collection account from Merchants Credit Guide Co. was added to my credit report for {$78.00}. A collection that I didn't know anything about. I never received a bill, letter, warning etc.. from the collector 's office. I called the collection agency, verbal information was given to me. I requested a written copy of bill in dispute. On XX/XX/XXXX of 2018 I received such written information. I went through my records to find out this bill to XXXX XXXX XXXX was paid with check # XXXX on XX/XX/2018 for the amount of {$86.00}. ( XXXX + XXXX. ) I called XXXX talked to XXXX and she told me there was no record of me paying this bill and did not find a copy of the check in dispute. I am submitting evidence from my bank account that check was cashed on XXXX. They deposited this check electronically didn't cash it through the regular channels. This dispute destroyed my credit record falling down XXXX points according to the credit bureau.
Company Response: Company believes complaint caused principally by actions of third party outside the control or direction of the company Closed with non-monetary relief
2018-12-16
Bedford, TX
Attempts to collect debt not owed
Debt collection: Medical debt
Debt is not yours
Complaint: IN REGARDS TO : MERCHANTS CREDIT GUIDE CO.
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, ILLINOIS XXXX THIS IS MY SECOND TIME ASKING FOR VALIDATION OF DEBT AND HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANYTHING!!!! I was wondering why the furnisher is reporting this account as accurate when they dont have legal status to do so.
I would like to let your company know that I am disputing your claim. The account was opened fraudulently and forgery was committed and the account does not belong to me, and if you can not provide me with a contract or documentation of agreement that has my signature then remove the negative item immediately.
Under the FDCPA, I am allowed to request validation for a collection. As you know, not complying with FDCPA will put your company in a bad position with the FTC and CFPB.
I am asking that your company supply me with a copy of the following : 1. Proof that you either own or were assigned the debt from the creditor.
2. Proof that you have the right to collect this debt in my state.
3. Proof that your company carries a bond.
4. Proof of how your company assessed the outstanding debt.
5. Payment history from the original creditor.
6. Name and address from the original creditor.
7. Copy of the original contract bearing my signature.
8. Chain of title on this debt.
9. Proof that you can collect this debt from me.
10.Do you own or is this debt assigned?
11.Copies of all letters sent to me from you the original creditor regarding this debt.
12.How much did you buy the debt for?
13.When was the last date a payment was made on this debt?
14.What fees/interest was tacked onto the debt?
15.How were the fees determined?
ONCE THE ACCOUNT HAS BEEN PROPERLY INVESTIGATED AND VALIDATED AND VERIFICATION THAT I'M RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACCOUNT I EXPECT A RESPONSE.
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with non-monetary relief
2018-12-05
Chicago, IL
Communication tactics
Debt collection: Other debt
You told them to stop contacting you, but they keep trying
Company Response: Company disputes the facts presented in the complaint Closed with explanation
2018-11-29
Belleview, KY
Attempts to collect debt not owed
Debt collection: Medical debt
Debt was already discharged in bankruptcy and is no longer owed
Company Response: Company can't verify or dispute the facts in the complaint Closed with non-monetary relief
2018-11-29
Belleview, KY
Attempts to collect debt not owed
Debt collection: Medical debt
Debt was already discharged in bankruptcy and is no longer owed
Company Response: Company can't verify or dispute the facts in the complaint Closed with non-monetary relief
2018-11-27
Written notification about debt
Debt collection: Medical debt
Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company Response: Company disputes the facts presented in the complaint Closed with explanation
2018-11-22
Arlington, TX
Written notification about debt
Debt collection: Medical debt
Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company Response: Company disputes the facts presented in the complaint Closed with explanation
2018-11-22
Chicago, IL
Written notification about debt
Debt collection: Medical debt
Didn't receive notice of right to dispute
Complaint: My ex-boyfriend called XXXX XXXX to schedule appointments for my children whom I am the primary custodial parent. He never took the children to the appointments because they live with me. I did not know the appointments were scheduled and as a result i was charged no show fees of {$50.00} each. I never authorized XXXX XXXX to see my children or make appointments without my consent. Additionally I was charged {$50.00} I believe for medical records that were never faxed to the other medical provider nor do I wish to have the medical records sent again. As a result of all of the medical malpractice problems I have decided to not send my kids to XXXX XXXX anymore.
Currently I am being billed for {$250.00} from XXXX XXXX and this is negatively reporting on my credit report.
Company Response: Company believes complaint caused principally by actions of third party outside the control or direction of the company Closed with explanation
2018-11-12
Broadview, IL
Written notification about debt
Debt collection: I do not know
Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation
2018-11-06
Chicago, IL
Written notification about debt
Debt collection: Medical debt
Didn't receive notice of right to dispute
Complaint: While attempting to refinance my V.A. Mortgage loan, I learned that I had collection against me for the amount of {$93.00} Dlrs. and that " XXXX XXXX ' was handling said collection, once I contacted said agency over the phone, I was told that the money owed was from a medical XXXX performed on XX/XX/2016. Further the statements where sent to an address that I had approximately 15 yrs. ago.
I agreed to make the payment if Merchants would erase such claim from my credit report as if it was never on my credit report and to fax the financial co. a letter head receipt showing payment. Approximately three days later I contacted Merchants and spoke with Mr. XXXX who assured me that a letter head receipt was going to be faxed.
It has been nine working days.
Company Response: Company disputes the facts presented in the complaint Closed with explanation
2018-10-26
Chicago, IL
Took or threatened to take negative or legal action
Debt collection: Medical debt
Threatened or suggested your credit would be damaged
Complaint: I have sent all baseline identifiers ( i.e. state issued id, social security card, utility bill, and a formal written request, to have this company ( merchants credit guide account # XXXX ), remove this fraudulent account from my credit profile, as this account does not belong to me, and can not be verified. I have never had an account, with this creditor, or the original debt collector. I have spoken to a representative from merchants credit guide and no change has occurred. The person that I spoke with is ; XXXX XXXX, and he can be reached at ( XXXX ) XXXX ext XXXX. The amount that this creditor is attempting to collect is {$550.00}.
Company Response: Company can't verify or dispute the facts in the complaint Closed with non-monetary relief
2018-10-25
Itasca, IL
Attempts to collect debt not owed
Debt collection: Medical debt
Debt was paid
Company Response: Company believes complaint caused principally by actions of third party outside the control or direction of the company Closed with non-monetary relief
2018-10-11
Chicago, IL
Written notification about debt
Debt collection: I do not know
Didn't receive notice of right to dispute
Complaint: While viewing my credit report I seen Merchants Credit guide balance of {$230.00} & {$290.00} which I do not recall these two accounts or company.
Company Response: Company disputes the facts presented in the complaint Closed with explanation
2018-10-05
Chicago, IL
Took or threatened to take negative or legal action
Debt collection: Medical debt
Threatened or suggested your credit would be damaged
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation
2018-10-04
Arlington Heights, IL
Attempts to collect debt not owed
Debt collection: Medical debt
Debt is not yours
Company Response: Company disputes the facts presented in the complaint Closed with explanation
2018-09-27
IL
False statements or representation
Debt collection: Medical debt
Attempted to collect wrong amount
Complaint: I reviewed my credit report and I noticed that there was several collections on my credit profile in regards to medical bills. The company that was reporting in Merchants Credit Guide Co. therefore I called and asked if they could send me something and verify what services was i being billed for, and also if they could verify if they are in fact the collection agency assigned on Behalf of XXXX hospital never got verification I got a copy of a itemized statement. So i filed a dispute with the credit bueras and all of them stated that the charges were valid.I then contacted the hospital today and spoke with the billing department and for one Merchants Credit Guide is not a hired collection agency this is supposed to be collecting on their behalf. They informed me that XXXX is their collection agency and their ph # is XXXX also the amount that the billing dept stated that i owe was not the amount that this fraud agency was reporting and in fact the rep stated that I there was a oversight and that my secondary insurance was not billed therefore I own {$0.00}. The billing rep stated that she would send my out a statement of current charges and she stated that she would have to go back in a rebill my secondary insurance, however I told her to send me what they say I owe as of now. So i can have proof that this Merchants Credit Guide sent my a invoice that is not the correct amount, in addition to them not even being the collection company that is collecting on behalf of the Hospital. Please help me get these frauds off my credit report. The credit Bueras are not of any help and i have sent over countless dispute letters only for them to verify debt from a collection company that is not authorized to collect a debt in the first place
Company Response: Company believes the complaint is the result of a misunderstanding Closed with non-monetary relief
2018-09-27
Marrero, LA
Attempts to collect debt not owed
Debt collection: I do not know
Debt is not yours
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation
2018-09-23
Dallas, TX
Took or threatened to take negative or legal action
Debt collection: Medical debt
Threatened or suggested your credit would be damaged
Complaint: I request validation of this debt per Texas Finance Code Section 392.202 which requires a debt collection agency or credit bureau to provide the alleged debtor with specific information concerning their debt including but not limited to ; For the purpose of validation provide me with : The name and address of the original creditor. The original date of default or non-payment of the debt with original creditor. The date the debt was transferred from the original creditor to the third party debt collector. The original balance. The current balance. Any fees added by your agency. Sec. 392.303 ( a ) ( 2 ).
The statute of limitation in Texas is 4 years. This is over the statute of limitation for this debt to be collected on.
Texas Surety bond information as required by Sec. 392.101, this creditor is does not hold a surety bond in the state of Texas as required ( see attached ). Per the code, this a violation punishable by {$10000.00} per occurrence. A complaint has been filed with the Texas Attorney Generals office. I request my original signature on the application from the creditor - my original signature on an application with your office consenting to any service Please note XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX are bonded in the state of Texas and are required to comply with Texas Finance Code. If a debt collector has failed to respond to your debt validation request, then they have essentially admitted, per Texas Finance Code 392.202 ( b ) ( 2 ), that the debt in question is inaccurate. Per this requirement you must delete this trade line if you do not have sufficient time to complete an investigation to validate this debt in 30 days according to Sec. 392.202 ( d ) ( 1 ) Also per Texas Finance Code 392.202 Correction of third -party debt collectors or credit bureaus files. I request immediate notification by mail if this alleged debt is sold or transferred per Sec. 392.301 ( a ) ( 4 ).
Please reply with your response via US MAIL. Do not contact me by phone as it is inconvenient. Do not contact my family, acquaintances, or employer in any manner. Please note I am fully prepared to pursue my rights for the harm this inaccuracy has done to me. Sec. 392.403. CIVIL REMEDIES. ( a ) A person may sue for : ( 1 ) injunctive relief to prevent or restrain a violation of this chapter ; and ( 2 ) actual damages sustained as a result of a violation of this chapter. Please also note Texas BCC17. I demand that you will not sell, transfer, or assign this debt per Sec. 392.301 ( a ) ( 4 ). Regards.
Company Response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law Closed with explanation