The CBE Group, Inc

2018-12-28

NJ

Communication tactics

Debt collection: Other debt

You told them to stop contacting you, but they keep trying
Complaint: CBE group has constantly harassed me about a debt claim owed by XXXX. I told them and XXXX i don't owe this. I told them Verbally in writing and told XXXX directly to stop all communication. I disputed this with all 3 credit bureaus as well. CBE Group uses XXXX area phone numbers in hoping i will answer. I have blocked 20 different numbers they have called from. The number doesn't identify them as a debt collector or their name. I have received on days 6 calls even after i repeatedly informed them to stop. They just call from different numbers, even Identifying as XXXX, i questioned the rep that but said she didn't know.I They won't tell me why they are calling. I know why, they tell me they can't unless i give address and social security number. I was a victim of identity theft so i won't give my social. Explained to them, they still asked immediatley after
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-12-27

IA

Written notification about debt

Debt collection: Other debt

Didn't receive notice of right to dispute
Complaint: In XX/XX/2018 I received a phone call from XXXX XXXX XXXX out of XXXX Iowa. When they contacted me, I answered the phone, and a lady said " Hello, my name is blank and I have a {$9000.00} account in your name that XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX College sent over to have us collect ''. I asked her if XXXX sold them my debt. She said, No. I then proceeded to ask, " If XXXX did not sell you the debt, how can you legally contact me and collect for an account you do not own ''. She said something about how they partner with businesses to collect debts not sold. I know a brief amount about the Fair Trade Commission. However, I am under the understanding, A collection company can not call and collect on a debt that they legally do not own. Anyway, I went to my college and asked the Supervisor of Student Accounts about my account. Long story short. I have received little to no information from both, my college as well as this collection company. What I do know however, is I went in and spoke with the Supervisor of Student Accounts on Thursday, XX/XX/XXXX at around XXXX in the afternoon. I walked out of that meeting that day with nothing but a printout saying " account balance equals XXXX '' I want it to be known, The Supervisor of Student Accounts told me this : " since the debt is over 2 years old, we have it in our bad debt account its a book keeping thing '' I replied with, " okay, well, can I obtain a copy ''? The Supervisor of Student Accounts said : " Unfortunately, no, If I give you your account I will have to give you the account information of every student in our bad debt account ''. As soon as I left that meeting, the Supervisor of Student Accounts had emailed CBE requesting they close and return the account. The follow Tuesday, XX/XX/18 I received an email from the Director of Financial Aid. Saying my {$9000.00} account has been paid in full by XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX College. Which is great, however, I never to this day have gotten an answer, Why? I believe, I have found the answer. I believe, I have enough evidence to prove my previous institution has committed the following : Fraud, Extortion, Abuse, Manipulation, Harassment as well as, irresponsible use of Federal Funding. I believe, the collection agency, CBE is involved with my previous institutions " Scam ''. I believe, I have enough evidence to show the allegations that, I am making toward XXXX and CBE Group. Yesterday, ( XX/XX/18 ) I called CBE Group. Because, again, to this day I, have still not received any information concerning me or this account. I want it to be known, Yesterday ( XX/XX/18 ) when I contacted CBE Group. I spoke with a Representative, because I was needing information about my account. As soon as she pulled up my account and I began explaining what I believe is going on. I was immediately, put on hold and transferred to the Director of Operations he had no answers to give me. He was tripping over his words a lot. As if, he knew something was going on. I then proceeded to ask for my account number of this account. The account number that the Director of Operations gave me was my Student ID number from when I attended college. I believe what has happened here, is this : My school made an error by incorrectly confirming my status. They did not catch their error until the next year, during their routine Financial Aid Audit. When they did, by Federal Regulation, they were required to return all of the federal money. They did that, however, turned around and opened an in-house account in my name telling me this was my error, my mistake, I have to eat this. I have the evidence that I believe confirms this was all a scam. And, I believe the college and CBE are working together as a " scare tactic '' to put people in positions where they feel as though they have to pay it or else. Because, ( and you can listen to every recorded phone conversation ) they called me, and said " you have until the end of XXXX to pay this account in full. Or else, we will report to your Credit ''. -However, how can they Legally report to my Credit, if they never owned my debt? -How can they Legally call me when, I never received a letter from either my school or the collection agency? -How is it this account was " legit ''. Yet, I asked one question and XXXX decides to do a " good '' and pay my {$9000.00} " account ''. I apologize if this complaint is long and kind of everywhere, you have absolutely no idea how big a burden, this has been on me for the last three years. I had to quit college. I had to literally re-invent where I was going to go with my life without a college degree. So with that said, my complaint is this : Fraud, Extortion, Abuse, Financial Harassment, Manipulation I also want to remind to whomever is reviewing my complaint, I have received absolutely nothing from this Collection Agency.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-12-24

Reidsville, NC

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: I do not know

Debt was result of identity theft
Complaint: I have reached out previously around XXXX regarding this debt ... that I do not recognize .... I was previously a victim of identity theft and as a result of my identity being stolen accounts using fake addresses have been used to open up accounts in my name this account is a result of that identity theft and needs to be removed and my letters regarding this account have gone largely unanswered so I am choosing to address this issue through the cfpb to see if I can get some help fixing this matter.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-12-20

Lakewood Village, TX

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt was result of identity theft
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-12-19

Brooklyn, NY

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: I do not know

Debt is not yours
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-12-18

Bakersfield, CA

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: XXXX has been non-compliant with removing the unverified account CBE GROUP which has been deleted by XXXX and XXXX. XXXX and XXXX have both completed their research and determined that CBE GROUP was not established by myself but XXXX keeps verifying this accounts. Also, when I called the company they responded that XXXX did not send them all of the verifying evidence to confirm each account is unverified.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-12-17

Beaver Creek, OH

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt is not yours
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-12-17

Atl, GA

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

2018-12-14

Murray, UT

Communication tactics

Debt collection: Medical debt

You told them to stop contacting you, but they keep trying
Complaint: I spoke to The CBE Group months ago that the debt was not correct and that XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) took it back and wrote it off, asked them to stop calling me and to contact the originator of the debt to verify. This is after several months of back and forth with them and XXXX and many hours of calls and frustrating conversations. They called again today, rude and harassing in tone, threatening to call repeatedly even after I told them to never call me again, and that I had already requested no contact. The agent, XXXX, told me that XXXX sent the bill to them again a few days ago, so they ignored my request for no contact and contacted me because it was sent new. He grew very angry in our conversation and eventually hung up on me after implying threats against my credit and further harassment. I contacted a supervisor to complain against XXXX, they informed me that I was on the no contact list and that this was unacceptable behavior.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-12-11

Ferndale, NY

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

2018-12-09

IL

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt is not yours
Complaint: XXXX Illinois electric company has hired a debt collector " The Cbe Group Inc-former '' to attempt to collect {$1000.00} from me on a electric bill that is not mine. I am on the national do not call list and they call me at work even after I tell them they are breaking the law. I don't have this debt and it is innacurate. This has impacted my credit score and effected my personal and work life.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-12-06

Ogden, UT

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Medical debt

Debt is not yours
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-12-05

Cincinnati, OH

Communication tactics

Debt collection: Other debt

Frequent or repeated calls
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-12-04

Chicago, IL

False statements or representation

Debt collection: Other debt

Attempted to collect wrong amount
Complaint: I called back in XXXX to settle this account after they switched to a new collection agency for a XXXX XXXX account. We agreed to 3 payments of XXXX appx. They took the first payment in XXXX, all events are for year 2018,. After the first payment I called back within that same first week and asked to cancel the arrangement because I could not afford it any longer and I was moving soon. The representative was very rude and threatened to report the account back to the credit bureau under the previous full balance versus what I even just paid. She told me she would cancel the arrangement and when I asked to speak to her supervisory regarding her service she refused and told me no supervisors were available when I called back I was placed on a block list. I called back today XXXX to find out why they charged my account again I spoke with a very rude supervisory who began to raise her voice to me and yell. I asked to speak with her manager because I wanted the previous call reviewed in XXXX she told me she would not do that nor did she have available and begin to get really rude saying I could call back and speak to a supervisory who was her equivalent. Once again when I tried to call back to customer service my number was blocked and I did record it this time. They charged my account when I asked to cancel the arrangement and refused to resolve the bill error they caused and threatened to report the full amount less the one payment I made.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-11-30

Brooklyn, NY

Communication tactics

Debt collection: I do not know

Called before 8am or after 9pm
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-11-30

Tarzana, CA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt is not yours
Complaint: Hello CFPB, Thank you for assisting us, the borrowing public, with our credit and finance matters in dealing with the notorious consumer-law breaking credit reporting agencies, debt collectors and creditors. They so blatantly violate the consumer-protection laws and rules. All of the above entities are rascals and must be reigned in. My complaint is with debt collector CBE GROUP of XXXX XXXX, Iowa. I had disputed this debt in the amount of {$210.00} about 9 months ago with XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX of XXXX XXXX, Minnesota who deleted the negative remark after I had complained to the credit reporting agencies for lack of response from XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Then, The creditor or XXXX XXXX XXXX sold it to the present debt collector, XXXX XXXX as it was not collectible due to its invalid status. Fortunately, this negative remark is only on my XXXX credit profile. I have herewith attached a copy of my dispute letter addressed to the original debt collector, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, and to which they failed to reply. Please contact the debt collection firm, CBE GROUP and request them to remove the derogative because it is interfering with my ability to get ahead financially. Also, please advise the debt collectors, in somewhat harsh language, to behave and align with the consumer-protection laws. Again, thank you very much CFPB staff for the good work you are all doing at the CFPB.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-11-29

Arco, CA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: I do not know

Debt was result of identity theft
Complaint: I have attempted to have this debt as a result of Identity Theft removed from my credit several times over the past year with this company and they refuse to honor my requests.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-11-28

Mem, TN

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt is not yours
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-11-28

East Spencer, NC

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt was paid
Complaint: XXXX to XXXX XXXX. Sent me to collections but I paid it before it was ever sent to collections and I have teh bank statement to prove it.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-11-21

Leeton, UT

Incorrect information on your report

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

Account information incorrect
Complaint: CBE Group keeps putting new collections on my credit report when I already have payment arrangements with them. For one these shouldn't have went to collections, they were to be paid by insurance, so I am fixing this. Secondly I am making payments in an arrangement with you guys even though I shouldn't be because insurance should pay it ... But Im doing my part so I don't know why they keep putting new items on and I have not even got notices for them. I mean honestly. Im trying my hardest, to resolve this and this is unfair
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-11-20

Hillsdale, NJ

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: I do not know

Debt was paid
Complaint: RE : Bill collection sent by CBE regarding Department of Health and Human Services, for a bill they did not paid ever. I have submitted almost 2 years ago, a complaint against Medicare that starting asking me to pay a debt to them for NON services in regarding medical bills never paid by them. In XX/XX/XXXXI had a car accident caused by a teenager. As consequence in XX/XX/XXXX I had a medical necessity XXXX on my XXXX XXXX due to the injuries and physical and psychological suffering, at that time my car insurance provider XXXX paid all the bills directly to each provider. Therefore, after the case was settle the attorney charged 30 %, for its representation, and from my small portion left, he sent to pay doctors, XXXX XXXX, every treatment done to me at the end I got few dollars. Medicare " never paid one penny, since never my attorney notified them, for the simple reason that when it is a car accident never medical providers accept Medicare, or Medicaid, only personal health insurance I had none. Hence, I had only Medicaid at that time since I was not XXXX, I was not qualified to have it yet, I was XXXX. At last I qualified for Medicare after I turned XXXX in XX/XX/XXXX but they took three months after my birthday to give a last my Medicare card. Having my XXXX one year before and XXXX every time paying every provider immediately how come Medicare try to ask me to pay for non paid bills done by them, and my XXXX was in XX/XX/XXXX? So how come Medicare could paid such bills never sent them to them, either the attorney reported to Medicare because my car insurance was taking care of every bill. Likewise, since was a car accident and only the providers accepts personal private health insurances or through an employer, never Medicare, or Medicaid. It is clear they are lying and trying to collect a non existent debt and have sent me to collection again, even that after I submitted a complaint against Medicare for false claim, I got a letter on my behalf. Hence, if having no Medicare how come they came to ask to pay them for non medicals bill paid by them? On the other hand either Medicaid, never, paid a penny since was a car accident case and only my car insurance paid every bill. Nevertheless no bills were sent to Medicare neither to Medicaid since attorneys or providers rejects those kind of health insurances. My attorney at that time stated that all the bills were submitted to XXXX, never to Medicare either to Medicaid, is obvious. On the other hand I called myself the attorney and XXXX to find out if they had submitted any medical bills to Medicare or Medicaid, I was told never they did, because my car insurance provider took care of everything. After the case was settled, the attorney took his 30 % for representation and from the small portion left he sent to pay in full every provider, at the end I have almost nothing today living with some XXXX problems since I have a XXXX on my XXXX XXXX they got the most, I got the less. According to the law, when a person it might received some money due to physical pain and psychological suffering we the person affected we have not obligated to pay, since is like a kind of compensation for that suffering. Today I had received a letter this time from XXXX XXXX XXXX, asking me to pay {$1100.00}, I can see it doesn't states Medicare as used to be, at this time says " Original Creditor Department of Health and Human Services, principal balance {$970.00}, Interest {$200.00} penalty {$0.00}, fees {$0.00}, current balance {$1.00}, 178.29. It is clear that from Medicare they switched to Department of Health and Human Services, it doesn't matter how they are trying to collect funds for bills never paid by them. I am tired dealing with this people, how come physical injuries, pain and psychologic suffering by a human being also we have to live harass asking to pay for bills never they took care, since was not necessary due to the case that was covered by my car insurance penny by penny. I need you to stop that CBE group collection agency, since they are they are threatening to put a lien on my Social Security benefits, when I don't owe them a penny and this money is protected by the government. Please I need your help, today I am living from fixed income from retirement {$800.00}. This is horrible how money turns crazy some people oh my XXXX!. What unfair act from this people. I need your help. Thank you
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-11-15

Seattle, WA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Credit card debt

Debt was paid
Complaint: I received a call on my cell from a phony debt collector about a XXXX XXXX account that I closed back in XX/XX/XXXX. At first he wouldn't tell me who the creditor was that was attempting to collect the debt. Then he finally told me it was XXXX XXXX which is impossible because I called them and confirmed that no debt was owed or sold to a collection agency. I was also told by XXXX XXXX that a debt from XX/XX/XXXX would no longer be collectable. He had an old address of mine and tried to use it to show that they " had my information on file. '' He kept pushing me to give him my current address but I refused. The call was received at XXXX on my cell from phone # XXXX. When I looked up the number on XXXX there are multiple reports of this being a scam number.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-11-08

NY

Threatened to contact someone or share information improperly

Debt collection: I do not know

Contacted you after you asked them to stop
Complaint: Over the past several months I have continued to receive unwanted calls from a company called " CBE Group. '' I have blocked several of their numbers ( which all originate in XXXX, New York ). However, they keep calling me with different lines every time. I have received numerous calls before XXXX in violation of several laws and regulations. They are harassing me with their calls. Last time I told me to stop calling me and the representative assured me they would put me on a " no-cal list. '' Despite these assurances, I have continued to receive illegal and unwanted calls from this company. See attached proof. I also suspect the company uses false names for their representatives. Please check if a " XXXX XXXX '' is actually an employee there or if its another deceptive tactic this company is using.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-11-07

OH

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other debt

Debt was result of identity theft
Complaint: On XX/XX/2018 a collection account from The CBE Group Inc-Former was added on my credit report on all 3 Credit Bureaus for an account with XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX that states it was opened XX/XX/2018. First off from doing my research XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX is based and services in California. I have lived in Ohio for the last 2 years and prior to that I lived in XXXX for 7 yrs. and XXXX for 20 yrs. Not once did I ever have this service provider in those 28 yrs. This came up on my Credit report once before I believe in XX/XX/2018. It was removed shortly after, as this is not an account I opened and also they deemed it as Fraudulent and was removed from my tradeline then magically I was applying for an Auto Loan and this Company added a collection account to all 3 credit bureaus. Now they are " Parking and Re-aging a debt that is not mine. They have never contacted me via mail, phone or any sort of communication. So not only has this account been removed once from a different collection agency due to it not being my account and not mine and not accurate. I want this removed from my tradeline on all 3 credit bureaus immediately.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response

2018-11-03

Hollywood, CA

Attempts to collect debt not owed

Debt collection: I do not know

Debt was result of identity theft
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Timely Response