Consumer complaint received 2019-03-07
Company: Riverwalk Financial Corporation
State: NY
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Auto debt
Issue: Written notification about debt
Sub-issue: Didn't receive enough information to verify debt

Complaint:
XXXX XXXX XXXX appeared on my credit report without company ever notifying me in XX/XX/XXXX. I contacted company and complained that they did not contact me first before reporting to credit bureau. Rep XXXX admitted that they had my contact information but failed to notify me. I felt this was a bulky tactic. I made payment arrangement because I wanted it off my credit. I knew of the original creditor but nothing of this collection company. After four monthly payments I was unable to reach my rep XXXX to find out why monthly payment was not taken out. I tried every number on the internet for the company as well as XXXX and all were disconnected. I read on internet that company was raided by the fbi and shut down. I had concerns about where my payments went and if they were a legitimate company. I consulted with my bank and they advised to get a new debit card and not give XXXX anymore money until information of debt could be verified. I also looked up laws in NYS where I reside and found the New York Debt Collection Regulations which was implemented to protect consumers. I read the requirements that XXXX was supposed to provide me about the death and realized that they sent me no paperwork at all. At this point XXXX was back in business after one month of no activity. I finally spoke with XXXX and she said that there were problems with the phones and is why the numbers were all disconnected. When I mentioned the company being raided by FBI she then backpedaled and admitted they were shut down. She became very nasty after I told her I wasnt making any more payments due to my not trusting the company. XXXX emailed letter stating back in business. I responded to email and requested the information they were supposed to send to be per the rules of my state. On XX/XX/XXXX someone named XXXX XXXX responded to the email. She merely filled in answers to some of the questions I listed. I told her that wasnt sufficient documentation and that I didnt know who she was as there was no signature block stating such. She said that she would mail info requested. To date I have not received this information. I have the email correspondence. I disputed info on my credit report with XXXX XXXX. There removed it because couldnt verify accuracy. On XX/XX/XXXX I filed a dispute with XXXX for the third time. I provided email. XXXX sent statement on XXXX merely asking for a payment. They still did not send verification of information. I sent statement to XXXX to add to dispute and for the third time ( maybe even fourth ) they said they verified information with XXXX. They said because they verified my personal information that was proof enough. I am outraged once again by XXXX  and their lack of concern and diligence to protect me as a consumer. If I could file a complaint a complaint about them I very much would. Please assist me with this matter. Below are notes I took with dates as things occurred up until XX/XX/XXXX when I resubmitted dispute. I have dates of prior dispute submissions if you need them. 

-Went straight to credit bureau dated XX/XX/XXXX -No paperwork sent -had current contact info -notified company they said sent to old address even though had new address. 
-still sent no paperwork -payment arrangement made over phone. Nothing in writing -paid {$150.00} for 4 months XX/XX/XXXX to XX/XX/XXXX -shut down by FBI on XX/XX/XXXX. XX/XX/XXXX payment not taken off card -could not reach them using any of listed numbers or direct number for personal rep XXXX -notified XXXX to dispute transactions -XXXX payment taken off debit card. Notified XXXX advised to get new card. Numbers still not working -XXXX call number and get voice mail of XXXX. XXXX doesnt leave title or company but ends message this is attempt to collect debt -XXXX call number again transferred to rep XXXX who first says they had phone issues. I tell her it was on the internet that they were shut down by FBI then she admitted that they were but are now up and running. Asked if wanted to resume payments. Told her no did not feel comfortable due to them not being reachable for a month and being shut down. She said she would send me letter from lawyer showing they are good to go. 
-XX/XX/XXXX I look up NY law on Credit and send email requesting info. Receive Response from XXXX XXXX who provides no title or contact info merely enters general info to my questions. I inform info is not sufficient and send link with all info I am requesting and want in writing. She says she will send. 
-XX/XX/XXXX XXXX dispute complete. XXXX remains on account. Verified. They dont need paperwork from them. 

Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide with this ongoing matter. 

Sincerely XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation