PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES INC

2019-03-28

San Jacinto, CA

Communication tactics

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Frequent or repeated calls
Complaint: From XXXX I have experienced repeated phone calls at my place of employment and a cell phone. I have informed the company to stop and they are not responding.
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief

Timely Response

2019-03-28

Seattle, WA

Written notification about debt

Debt collection: I do not know

Didn't receive notice of right to dispute
Complaint: This company is blatantly committing fraud. They are violating the FCRA, FDCPA and FACTA laws. Here are the numerous laws they broke and I've sustained actual damages : 1. Re-reporting a previously deleted account on my credit report without sending me the required 5 day notification. 2. Not notifying me in writing 30 days prior to this reporting on my credit and giving me a chance to dispute or validate. 3. When I call and send request for validation, they can't validate the debt. 4. They are re-aging the date of the last payment on this account so they can report it on my credit past the 7 year statute of limitations. 5. I was threatened with a lawsuit on a debt that is past the state statute of limitations. I'm going to keep complaining about this company until this is picked up by the Attorney General and they are held accountable for their blatant fraud and breaking numerous consumer protection laws.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2019-03-28

Cowpens, SC

Written notification about debt

Debt collection: I do not know

Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2019-03-28

FL

Incorrect information on your report

Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports: Credit reporting

Account status incorrect
Complaint: A review of my credit report in the early part of XX/XX/XXXX showed Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC ( PRA ) had been reporting two seperate collection accounts to the credit bureaus since XXXX. XXXX XXXX indicated the original creditor as XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, the seller as XXXX XXXX XXXX ( USA ), and PRA as the owner of the debt. I contacted PRA, notify them that I was never informed that the debt existed, and at these accounts were not mine requesting them to remove their trade lines. PRA refused to do so saying they purchased the debt. I opened is dispute with PRA the question they provide me verification and validation of the debt, specifically since it was a credit card debt the agreement with the original creditor XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX that bared my signature where an I agree to open these accounts and to pay the original creditor this alleged debt. And because they alledge they purchased this debt from XXXX XXXX ( not the original creditor ) I requested the date it was purchased, the amount it was purchased for, and documentation conferring authority from XXXX XXXX to XXXX XXXX, and from XXXX XXXX to PRA to collect this alleged debt. PRA responded by telling me they had opened the dispute, and would respond via u.s post, but refused to stop reporting to the credit reporting agencies. In addition I open disputes with the credit reporting agency. Because time is of the essence, and I believe the by mail process would be extremely slow, and I needed my credit report cleared as quickly as possible so that I could obtain housing for my family after suffering the consequences of hurricane Michael I attempted to negotiate with PRA via email correspondence. On XX/XX/XXXX I sent PRA via email a letter which clearly stated that the correspondence was not an acknowledgement or acceptance of the debt. That neither verification or validation of the debt from PRA had been provided to me. Yet in an attempt to save myself time and effort I would settle the debt if they agree to remove their trade lines. Again money was not an issue, what was an issue is this bad credit reporting kept me from being eligible provide housing. I received no response to that correspondence. I received correspondence from PRA dated XX/XX/XXXX, which stated we have completed our investigation of your dispute concerning this account. PRA, LLC has obtained and reviewed the attached documents related to this account, which establish its validity. The attached document appear to be photocopies of XXXX XXXX credit card statements dated in XXXX. I received a second correspondence from PRA dated XX/XX/XXXX for the second account. Is stated the same thing, inclosed what appeared to be photocopies of XXXX XXXX credit card statements for the second account number. Items of note : both accounts reported to be opened on the exact same day. The photocopy statement sent to me for each account were for the exact same billing periods day for day. Each set that they sent me we're missing the exact same billing periods ( the attachments were for XXXX XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX XX/XX/XXXX, and XX/XX/XXXX XX/XX/XXXX. During the five month report periods they did not include the debt on each of these alleged accounts were raised by hundreds of dollars. They did not provide any documentation that bared my signature or indicated in any way I agree to open these accounts or pay any debt that arose from these accounts. Nor did they provide me any documents confirming their authority to collect this debt. I again contacted PRA. I told them simply putting my name on a photocopy of a credit card bill and no way constitutes validation of a debt. in addition they provided me validation documentation conferring authority to collect this alleged debt. I informed them that their activities of reporting to the credit reporting agencies was a debt collection activity and that they had not validated the debt it should not be reporting this alleged debt and if they couldn't provide documentation they needed to stop immediately. They responded they were not going to do that. I receive correspondence on XX/XX/XXXX from PRA. The correspondence was on their letterhead, and was response to my request for documentation conferring authority to collect these alleged debts. I received on for each account they were attempting to collect. They stated the accounts and its proceeds were sold, assigned and transferred by the Seller to PRA, LLC on XX/XX/XXXX. At the time of sale, Seller provided an electronic file of its business records containing information concerning the account ; a summary of which can be found below. please contact us if you would like to receive a payment history of payments that have posted to this account since our company purchased this account. The summery provides account holders name provided by seller : XXXX XXXX XXXX, account holders last 4 digits of SSN ( I did not include ), and date account open provided by seller XX/XX/XXXX. A document on their own letterhead stating that someone sold debt is not a conveyance nor does it convert authority to collect the alleged debt. apparently they're not required to provide the credit reporting agencies any proof of debt beyond their own word. I can't prove something doesn't exist to prove my objection, and apparently they're not required to prove anything before they can XXXX my credit and cause tremendous suffering and hardship for my family. I was poised to fight I reviewed all of my credit reports again trying to remember any accounts with XXXX or XXXX XXXX. What I found in my XXXX credit report only furthered my belief that PRA debt collection practices we're not only unethical but may also be fraud. The report shows the following - XXXX XXXX for the account beginning XXXX made the following trade line entry on my XXXX report in XXXX of XXXX. Account XXXXxxxxxx, date opened : XX/XX/XXXX ; Date closed : XX/XX/XXXX. Last updated : XX/XX/XXXX. Past due : XXXX ; Highest Balance : {$1100.00}. Remarks : Card lost or stolen. So it seems that PRA is collecting a debt that doesn't actually exist, but they are using an old account number, and an old high balance amount ( jumbeled just enough ) as the amount owed, an account that was closed in XXXX, asserting they purchased it in XXXX. Still I can't prove something does not exist. Time is crucial, camping is fun, but living in a tent is not. I contact PRA on XX/XX/XXXX. I make an agreement to pay the fraudulent debt in return for them removing their tradelines from my credit reports, all three credit reporting agencies. They agree on a settlement amount, accept my bank account number, and I authorized the transactions. PRA tells me they will hold the account open for 10 days waiting for the funds to clear, after they have received the payment within 30 days they will remove they're tradelines through the three credit reporting agencies. XX/XX/XXXX, Portfolio Recovery Associates via ACH withdrawal received payment as agreed to from my bank for both accounts. XX/XX/XXXX my credit report remains as it did prior to them receiving the funds. XX/XX/XXXX ( today ) PRA making you entry do the credit reporting agency onto my credit report. Although they have received the funds as agreed upon through ACH transfer from a Federal credit Union to delete their tradelines. They instead report that I made a payment, and that the debt balance on these accounts is now reported as the difference between what they alleged was owed and what they agreed to accept as a settlement payment from me. So now, although PRA has received my funds as agreed too, they have decided to restart the statue of limitations date for collecting this alleged debt, and make false reports to the credit reporting agencies that I still owe a debt to them as of today. Once a debt is paid as agreed that debt is paid. Because I find PRA to be both lacking business ethics as well as not being held accountable for their actions, I have no reason to believe that they are not attempting to assert that a portion of the debt remains as not paid, and potentially trying to sell that debt to another debt buyer. Which would cause even more hardship for me and my family. This entry into my credit report stating that I owe any money to PRA is a fraudulent entry, and can be seen no other way. It was neither necessary nor is it acceptable.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2019-03-28

Jupiter, FL

False statements or representation

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Attempted to collect wrong amount
Complaint: I had a XXXX XXXX account years ago. Due to my divorce I was unable to pay my bill completely off. I was paying my bill as I got money. I never stop paying totally. I contacted XXXX XXXX and told them about the divorce. My account was sent over to a collection agency I reached out to the collection agency because the amount they stated I owed was incorrect. I ask for specific information, I got a letter with basic information just the account number, original account date and the amount owed. I waited thinking they would give me the information I ask for the original agreement, payment history etc.. I followed up to the collection agency with another letter, the collection agency then responded saying that they will not respond because my letter was duplicate and they didn't see a reason to give me the information I requested. I am asking for the information to see how the amount that is being requested came about. All 3 credit bureaus is reporting something different and I definitely know the amount is wrong. I am ad have been trying to pay my debt but I refuse to pay something that I don't owe. I understand my divorce is my own personal issue and I still am responsible I am asking for the documentation so I can pay my debt.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2019-03-27

Lakeland, FL

Took or threatened to take negative or legal action

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Threatened or suggested your credit would be damaged
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief

Timely Response

2019-03-27

Killeen, TX

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: I do not know

Debt is not yours
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2019-03-27

Land O Lakes, FL

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: I do not know

Debt is not yours
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2019-03-27

PA

Communication tactics

Debt collection: Credit card debt

You told them to stop contacting you, but they keep trying
Complaint: Reported the following to the XXXX XXXX XXXX on XX/XX/XXXX : Sent a letter requesting that Portfolio Recovery Associates only correspond by USPS and is not permitted to call me or will be considered harassment. On XX/XX/XXXX, I sent a letter to the offices of Portfolio Recovery Associates requesting validation of the debt they are trying to collect AND that no telephone contact be made by their offices to my home or to my place of employment and all future communications with me MUST be done in writing and sent to the address noted in this letter by USPS. On XX/XX/XXXX, I received a letter from this office, responding to my inquiry of the debt validation. Hence acknowledging receipt of my letter on XX/XX/XXXX. Portfolio Recovery Associates has CONTINUED to contact me via my home telephone after they have been directed that this would be considered harassment. Calls have been recorded on XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX. As such, this company continues to VIOLATE the the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) by engaging in harassing behavior. On XX/XX/XXXX, Portfolio Recovery Associates replied to my complaint : This communication is from a debt collector : This message may contain confidential and/or nonpublic personal information and is intended solely for resolution of a complaint forwarded to Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC ( " PRA '' ) by the XXXX XXXX XXXX of XXXX XXXX XXXX ( " XXXX '' ) ; dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Thank you for bringing this matter to the attention of our office. We were attempting to contact someone else. Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC sincerely regrets the consumer 's every inconvenience. PRA removed the consumer 's telephone number, ( XXXX ) XXXX-XXXX, from our system to ensure that the consumer 's telephone number is not again called by PRA. XXXX XXXX Disputes Counsel Office of Complaints & Disputes Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, VA XXXX On XX/XX/XXXX, I replied to Portfolio Recovery Associates : Under the THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, 15 U.S.C. 1692-1692p, section 805 Communication in connection with debt collection, Portfolio Recovery Associates refused to cease further communication from myself, the consumer. The excuse that my phone number was used in an attempt to contact someone else, when it was more than one occurrence is false. Under the 813. Civil liability, I will be pursing my right for damages with this violation as long as Portfolio Recovery Associates continues to reporting to the three credit bureaus. In addition with the claim that my phone number was used to contact someone else, Portfolio Recovery Associates, claims on their website that " We restrict access to nonpublic information about you to those employees and entities that need to know that information in order to collect your account. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal regulations to guard your nonpublic personal information. '' So with regards to my phone number being used for another contact, are these safeguarding measures as claimed on your website actually in accordance with federal regulations.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2019-03-27

Grangeville, LA

Took or threatened to take negative or legal action

Debt collection: I do not know

Threatened to arrest you or take you to jail if you do not pay
Complaint: This company has called and harassed me for years. They are calling my family members including my XXXX year old grandmother and harassing her and scaring her to death. They are abusive to her on the phone as well as my elderly parents. I want them to stop contacting any family members of mine immediately. I have repeatedly asked them to stop and they continue to do so. My family members have asked them to do so as well.
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief

Timely Response

2019-03-27

Orion Twp, MI

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Debt was paid
Complaint: I was threatened with a lawsuit so I called this company whom I have previously paid other debts too. They agreed to biweekly payments. Debt was paid I have all my bank stayements showing the dates of payment to this debt. After it was paid I got a XXXX $ balance reflection and then the next month they rebilled me for the FULL AMOUNT again.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2019-03-27

FL

Problem with a credit reporting company's investigation into an existing problem

Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports: Credit reporting

Their investigation did not fix an error on your report
Complaint: I have not given permission to any original creditor to sell my debt to a third party. I have XXXX XXXX XXXX send me letters to collect on a debt being reported by XXXX XXXX as a collection account that was originally owned by XXXX XXXX. I also have XXXX XXXX XXXX and Portfolio Recovery Associates reporting collections accounts that I dont owe and havent given permission for anyone to contact me sell any debt or anything else.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2019-03-27

Grangeville, LA

False statements or representation

Debt collection: I do not know

Impersonated attorney, law enforcement, or government official
Complaint: This company has called and harassed me for years. They are calling my family members including my XXXX year old grandmother and harassing her and scaring her to death. They are abusive to her on the phone as well as my elderly parents. I want them to stop contacting any family members of mine immediately. I have repeatedly asked them to stop and they continue to do so. My family members have asked them to do so as well.
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief

Timely Response

2019-03-26

Dania Beach, FL

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: I do not know

Debt is not yours
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2019-03-26

Anaheim, CA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Debt was result of identity theft
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief

Timely Response

2019-03-26

Los Angeles, CA

Written notification about debt

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2019-03-26

Hollywood, FL

Problem with a credit reporting company's investigation into an existing problem

Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports: Credit reporting

Was not notified of investigation status or results
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2019-03-26

Mountain View, OK

Written notification about debt

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Didn't receive notice of right to dispute
Complaint: Did not receive a 30 day notice to dispute claim
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2019-03-26

Highland, CA

Communication tactics

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Frequent or repeated calls
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief

Timely Response

2019-03-26

Freeport, NY

Written notification about debt

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2019-03-25

Arden, NV

Threatened to contact someone or share information improperly

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Contacted your employer
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief

Timely Response

2019-03-25

Norwalk, CA

Communication tactics

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Frequent or repeated calls
Complaint: They call my phone while Im at work. If I dont answer my phone they call my parents or my other family members. They harrass by keep calling.
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief

Timely Response

2019-03-25

Nashville, TN

Took or threatened to take negative or legal action

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Sued you without properly notifying you of lawsuit
Complaint: I have information reported on my credit from Portfolio Recovery Associates for an incorrect amount. When I called the original creditor XXXX XXXX for XXXX XXXX Visa they advised me that they did not have any records of an amount I owe, they just stated to call Portfolio Recovery Associates. So if they original creditor advised over the phone that they do not show how much I owe. How is that Portfolio Recovery Associates can report to my credit? And now they have some attorney 's office XXXX XXXX involved as well. When I called Portfolio Recovery Associates they would not provide any info other than XXXX XXXX which is another debt collector. So you have a debt collector trying to collect for another debt collector.. XXXX XXXX are stating they can provide proof of the debt only, but not the original contracts or statements.
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief

Timely Response

2019-03-25

Philadelphia, PA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Debt was result of identity theft
Complaint: XXXX XXXX ; XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, PA XXXX ( NOTICE OF DISPUTE OF DEBT and REQUEST FOR DEBT VALIDATION ) PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOC XXXX XXXX BANK XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, VA XXXX Dear Sir or Madam : Your office has contacted me about a debt you claim I owe but which I have no knowledge of, nor did I consent to opening this account. My identity was stolen after my wallet was stolen with my social security card and drivers license. The purpose of this letter is to dispute this debt, which I do not believe I owe, and to request that you validate it by providing the documentation and information requested below. This is not a refusal to pay, but a lawful notice sent pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 USC 1692g Section 809 ( b ) that your claim is disputed, and validation is requested. Pursuant to Section 809 ( b ) of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act : If the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the 30-day period described in subsection ( a ) that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, or that the consumer requests the name and address of the original creditor, the debt collector shall cease collection of the debt, or any disputed portion thereof, until the debt collector obtains verification of the debt or any copy of a judgment, or the name and address of the original creditor, and a copy of such verification or judgment, or name and address of the original creditor, is mailed to the consumer by the debt collector. Accordingly, please provide me with the following : 1. A detailed accounting of what the money you say I owe is for ; 2. A detailed explanation of how you calculated the amount you say I owe ; 3. Copies of any documents with my wet ink signature, that prove without a doubt I agreed to pay what you say I owe ; 4. Identify the original creditor, the original date of the account and provide their current contact information ; 5. Proof that the Statute of Limitations has not expired on this account ; 6. Documentation showing that you have the legal right to collect this debt ; 7. Documentation showing that you are licensed to collect in my state ; and 8. Provide me with the contact information for your Registered Agent for Service of Process I am fully aware of my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act and I know that because I have disputed this debt in writing within 30 days of the date of your bill, you must obtain verification of the debt against me and mail these items to me at your expense. Additionally, you can not add interest or fees except those allowed by the original contract or state law. While you are not required to respond to this dispute, any attempt to collect this debt without validating it violates the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Also, be advised that I am keeping very accurate records of all correspondence from you and your company, and I will not hesitate to report violations of the law to my State Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau. I have disputed this debt ; therefore, until validated, you know your information concerning this debt is inaccurate. Therefore, if you have already reported this debt to any credit-reporting agency, such as XXXX, XXXX or XXXX, then you must immediately inform them of my dispute with this debt. Furthermore, reporting information that you know to be inaccurate or failing to report information correctly violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act. If your offices have reported invalidated information to any credit reporting agency, said action might constitute fraud under both Federal and State Laws. Thank you for your cooperation, XXXX XXXX ; XXXX All rights reserved
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief

Timely Response

2019-03-25

Decatur, GA

False statements or representation

Debt collection: I do not know

Attempted to collect wrong amount
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response