Consumer complaint received 2021-06-15
Company: TRANSWORLD SYSTEMS INC
State: CO
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Other debt
Issue: Written notification about debt
Sub-issue: Didn't receive enough information to verify debt

Complaint:
Three of us moved into XXXX XXXX in XXXX of XXXX and were leased to move out XX/XX/XXXX. One roommate moved out a few days prior to the XXXX, and the remaining two were to move out on the XXXX. The two remaining roommates went on the XXXX, however, to find that their locks had already been changed. This actually constitutes an illegal eviction from a property as we still had more days left on our lease. 

After getting into the apartment through the garage, the remaining two roommates moved out. 

Approximately two months later, we received an outstanding balance of {$2300.00}, and were notified they were keeping our {$500.00} deposit that did no go towards that outstanding amount. Upon review of the balance form, a number of charges were incorrect and not something that should or could have been charged for. ( 1 ) charge for missing XXXX - two of the roommates PHYSICALLY DELIVERED this item to the resident office prior to move-out ; ( 2 ) shower/tub resurfacing - it had been stated on our move-in sheet that these were rusted and " gross '' ; and most notably ( 3 ) items left in the apartment - we left zero items in the apartment, which made one roommate contact XXXX to request more information. During this communication, it was discovered that XXXX had incorrectly charged this because they had illegally evicted us prior to our actual move out, so they took all of their evidential pictures and documentation PRIOR to all three roommates moving out. This means they did not walk the apartment after all three were moved out, so they had thought items that had not yet been LEGALLY MOVED were " left '' behind. 

We then spent approximately six months going back and forth with XXXX regarding the outstanding charges, ultimately getting all three of the above-mentioned incorrect charges removed, bringing the total cost down to {$1100.00} ( balance change XX/XX/XXXX ). 

Even with those charges removed, we still disputed the remaining balance because it was a total for replacing the entire, two-story condo carpet, alleging damage. We adamantly disputed this because we had gotten the carpet professionally cleaned prior to moving out ( but before XXXX illegally evicted us ) and had proof of cleaning ( photo and receipt statement XXXX, whereas XXXX provided no proof whatsoever that they needed replacing, and, more so, that the ENTIRE condo needed replacing. 

We began receiving contact on XX/XX/XXXX from a debt collection agency of the outstanding balance and continued to receive numerous notices until XXXX of XXXX. We told XXXX about this and they told us to " not worry about it '' as they ( XXXX XXXX were in contact with us over a dispute in the amount and not to respond. 

Our guarantor ( none of the three roommates received this ) received a notice from the debt collection agency on XX/XX/XXXX, stating we had 30 days to submit a written dispute of the amount owed. At this time, we had already lowered the price with XXXX and XXXX had indicated to us on XX/XX/XXXX that the debt collection agency had confirmed with them they had the lowered amount ; yet, our dispute notice stated the incorrect, original amount. 

We sent in a detailed dispute on XX/XX/XXXX ( all items have been attached to this complaint ). We provided proof of all communications with XXXX, all incorrect statements made by XXXX, information on the illegal eviction, and proof of the carpets not requiring to be replaced. We wanted proof from them/TAVA that the carpets needed to be replaced or else we would not be paying any amount whatsoever. 

After we sent in our dispute, we never heard back from XXXX nor the debt collection agency. By XX/XX/XXXX, we all assumed ( and very reasonably so ) that they could not verify the amount claimed by XXXX and could not provide sufficient proof to validate the amount, so we believed it to be resolved. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX of the roommates received notification from the Bar Association she had a debt deficiency with the debt collection agency, thus affecting her application to sit for the bar exam in XXXX. She then contacted the debt collection agency by phone and a mess ensued from there. 

She was told the following and in the following order : - stated the debt was in the amount of {$2100.00} ; - stated they agree to the amount of {$1100.00} ; - confirmation they did receive our dispute ; - stated they still needed to hear back from their client, XXXX ; - stated this dispute is shown as being resolved on XX/XX/XXXX ; - stated AGAIN that the amount is {$2100.00} ; - stated XXXX valided the amount was {$2000.00} on XX/XX/XXXX ; - stated they did not have pictures of the carpet after it was cleaned ( even though this was in the dispute and they had already confirmed they had it ) ; - stated XXXX verified the amount on XX/XX/XXXX, then reached out to the debt collection agency on XX/XX/XXXX asking why their amount was of {$1100.00} ( XXXX themselves had a ledger of this amount and had indicated they confirmed this with the debt collection agency back in XXXX XXXX ; - stated they can not find the pictures of the cleaned carpet, then indicated the pictures were " blank '' ( important to note that the pictures were in fact physically printed at a XXXX and physically sent in the mail, so they could not be blank ) ; *Pictures were then sent by us to them again* - stated they would " request '' documents from TAVA. 


As is very clear by this conversation with the debt collection agency, they failed to keep accurate and consistent records of this matter ( as did XXXX XXXX, and not only that, but they failed to verify the dispute we had sent in back on XX/XX/XXXX, they failed to validate the CORRECT ( or any, for that matter ) amount in dispute with XXXX, and failed to send written notice of verification or proof of sufficiency in the claim to us, not only in a timely manner ( as generally considered to be within 30 days after receipt of the dispute letter ) but also AT ALL. By XX/XX/XXXX, we all very reasonably believed this was resolved and we owed nothing, yet they are now on this date demanding money, yet they are still unsure of how much they are even demanding, almost one year later.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation