Consumer complaint received 2019-12-30
Company: Vargo & Janson PC
State: CO
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Other debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed
Sub-issue: Debt was already discharged in bankruptcy and is no longer owed

Complaint:
To Whom it May Concern, I have been being constantly harassed by Vargo XXXX Janson, a law firm in XXXX, CO, attempting to illegally collect outdated tuition costs on behalf of the University XXXX XXXX. I filed bankruptcy and qualified as a result of the outstanding tuition bill I had with the University XXXX XXXX. At the time this debt was incurred, I was a lot younger and I made the mistake of representing myself in court after Mr. XXXX responded to a complaint I made against him to the US Bankruptcy court. His law firm continued to illegally garnish me after the debt was discharged, per the documentation listed in regards to my bankruptcy. He stated it was a student loan even though neither this law firm or the University are a student loan provider ( the University XXXX XXXX is also legally registered as a non-profit ) and the court initially ruled that they were not. 
The judge presiding over the complaint not only ruled in favor of the law firm stating the debt was a student loan, but he denied my hardship dischargeI did research and found out he also attended XXXX : His name is XXXX XXXX XXXX. Apparently he is continuing to issue new judgements to collect on this debt. The trustee of the bankruptcy court, XXXX XXXX, initially discharged the debt and disagreed with the Judges ruling. 
I also owed a small amount of tuition to XXXX XXXX University XXXX XXXX at the same time I filed for bankruptcy, and this was discharged as a bill/debt and not a student loan. Same circumstance, different school. 
I had outstanding Federal student loans that were not eligible for discharge on which I currently make monthly payments via XXXX and XXXX. I contacted the US Department of Education and they stated Mr. XXXX was committing fraud - and they have no record of this debt being listed as a student loan or qualifying as such. The representative advised I report this as fraud if he tried to illegally collect again - I received a wage garnishment order today from my employer. 
Another issue regarding this is that if this is a student loan, they have consistently broken the regulations and laws surrounding student loan repayment. The last time I dealt with them they wouldnt offer me less than a $ XXXX payment plan ( this was in 2018 ). I made less in 2018 than I do now, and the actual student loans I have are only charging me $ XXXX combined. I was never given an income based repayment plan option or any other options legally allowed by the US Department of Education. They have also garnished my paycheck when I was in school, and never offered a forbearance option. In either case, XXXX XXXX XXXX has consistently broken multiple state and federal laws in regards to this debt, and I am asking assistance in receiving justice and possible restitution. 
Even if I had not have declared bankruptcy, he should not have been allowed to collect on this tuition past the seven year mark. When I first reached out to an attorney, they wanted {$8000.00} to defend me and prevent MrXXXX XXXX from illegally collecting on this debt. I did not have that at the time and was unaware I had other options, which is why I am reaching out to you eleven years later. 

I appreciate you time and attention to this manner, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Company public response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation