Consumer complaint received 2023-11-02
Company: Sequium Asset Solutions, LLC
State: FL
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Telecommunications debt
Issue: Written notification about debt
Sub-issue: Didn't receive enough information to verify debt

Complaint:
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to file a formal complaint against XXXX XXXX regarding an unjust collection account placed on my credit report. I was a loyal customer of XXXX for XXXX XXXXars, from XXXX to XXXX. In XXXX, I utilized XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and the {$10.00} a month overseas calling plan. However, I consistently encountered overcharges by XXXX, with instances where I was billed over {$1000.00} in a single billing cycle. Despite having full bars in areas with 5G coverage, my phone service was often unreliable, frequently disconnecting. 

Frustrated with these issues and the unaddressed overcharges, I decided to switch to XXXX XXXX XXXX in XXXXXXXX XXXX. Upon canceling my XXXX service, I updated my address multiple times and communicated with XXXX customer service about the overcharges and my service concerns. While some charges were removed, I was promised further follow-up and a final bill that I never received. I never heard from XXXX again until I discovered a significant drop in my credit score ( a XXXX drop ) due to a closed account placed in collections by Sequium Asset Collection, stating that I owed XXXX XXXX {$470.00}, plus {$75.00} in fees. 

When I reached out to Sequium Asset Collection to inquire about the debt, they were unable to provide specific information regarding the debt, apart from the outstanding balance. The {$75.00} in fees was explained as their charge for debt collection services. I informed them that I was uncertain about the debt and that I intended to contact XXXX directly. 

Upon contacting XXXX, I was unable to reach customer service due to my account no longer being active. After hours on the phone, I was finally directed to the billing and collections department, where I was informed that they couldn't assist me further as the case was closed on their end. I was redirected back to Sequium Asset Collection. With no other option, I paid the debt in full to Sequium and subsequently filed an internal complaint with XXXX, requesting the removal of the payment from my credit report. 

In my complaint to XXXX, I emphasized that this situation was not my fault, as I had never received a final bill from XXXX, and they had inaccurate information. I also raised concerns about Sequium 's persistent calls, despite my request for them to cease, and that selling my debt to a collection agency without my written consent is a violation of my consumer rights. 

During my interaction with a XXXX billing and collections supervisor, I was met with a lack of empathy, indifference to my situation, and rudeness. The supervisor maintained that, according to company policy, they were not responsible for updating credit reports, even when XXXX was in the wrong. Additionally, she falsely claimed that Sequium was not a collection agency but a third party working on behalf of XXXX, despite substantial evidence to the contrary. 

I inquired as to why I was required to pay Sequium rather than XXXX directly if they were acting on XXXX 's behalf, to which the supervisor provided no satisfactory explanation. I also requested her full name and employee number, to which she refused, providing only the name " XXXX. '' This situation has resulted in multiple violations of my consumer rights and has had a detrimental impact on my credit score and overall financial well-being. I kindly request that the XXXX XXXX XXXX  investigate this matter thoroughly and work to rectify these violations and ensure a fair resolution in my favor. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation