Consumer complaint received 2023-05-23
Company: LT17 Services LLC
State: TN
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Payday loan debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed
Sub-issue: Debt was result of identity theft

Complaint:
I was contacted on XX/XX/XXXX by XXXX XXXX ( an affiliate of LT Service Group ). I spoke with XXXXXXXX XXXXs ( Case Manager- Phone # XXXX ). She informed me she was a mediation company trying to resolve a debt from a pay day loan originating with XXXX XXXX from approx. XXXX. I informed her that during that time frame, I was a victim of identity theft and would need documentation of the debt in order to file suit against the person who did this. She told me that she could not provide me with any additional documentation other than what she told me verbally, along with a paid receipt and an authorization form I would need to sign. I asked to call my husband to discuss, since she was requesting {$2000.00} to fulfill the {$2500.00} outstanding loan. She said if I hung up with her, my file would be immediately sent to judgment since they work on an electronic system and there was nothing she could do. I proceeded to text with my husband and then gave her my credit card number. She sent me a " receipt '' and then sent me to the processing dept. in order to sign a document that they emailed me via drop box to authorize payment. I started asking more questions. I asked if she could provide me with a validation of the debt, so I could pursue legal action accordingly. She said she could not provide that because they are a mediation company and NOT a debt collector. I then asked if my attorney could call with questions and in order to get necessary documents and she informed me that it would cost an additional " several XXXX dollars '' to speak to my attorney. I continued to question how I would get the necessary documents in order to make my case. I asked if I could talk to her manager or supervisor and she informed she that she was the " owner of my account '' and the only one overseeing it. I did NOT end up signing the drop box authorization form, and she continued to call me. I told her I would feel more comfortable if I could talk to someone else in order to verify this debt. Again, I have been through the legal process, as a victim of identity theft, and am aware of the necessary documents/proof that I would need in order to file a case against the person who did this. She was not willing and or able to provide me with anything other than the verbal information she gave me along with the receipt and drop box form. The drop box form is the only one that references XXXX XXXX. This woman, although cordial, uses manipulation and harassment tactics in order to secure payment. They did charge my card, and I called my credit card company to let them know I am disputing. I just need additional information in order to proceed. I don't feel as if this company has the legal authority it claims to take action and uses that to scare people into paying. I was not disputing the legitimacy of the loan, because my name could very well be on it, but again, I was a victim of identity theft during that time and did end up sending my perpetrator to federal prison for financial crimes, and identity theft. This loan was falsely processed and now I am expected to pay for his crime... not going to be a victim a second time. This company needs to provide individuals with documentation necessary to press charges and XXXX XXXX  was not able or willing to do that.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation