Consumer complaint received 2018-11-29
Company: ERC
State: NC
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Other debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed
Sub-issue: Debt is not yours

Complaint:
After reviewing my credit report, I have discovered an inaccurate listing from ERC Company or XXXX reporting an amount of {$1400.00} with XXXX, XXXX and XXXX credit reporting agencies. I have never had a contract or received services from ERC Company or XXXX, which has ultimately resulted in ERC or XXXX failing to VALIDATE by providing a signed contract. 

This has been on my credit report for four years, I have disputed this on numerous occasions, I have reached out to ERC Company or XXXX for validation ( a signed contract ) and not verification ( account summary ) but ERS has only verified the account information, which anyone could have used my personal information to initiate this account and they have failed to provide the requested information. This account has three different phone lines and I have never had or used any of these cell phone numbers. 

In this case, I am truly not reliable for collection for this debt from ERC or XXXX. I sent debt verification letters to ERC and the credit bureaus requesting the original signed contract and the account summary on XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX and once again XX/XX/XXXX. On XX/XX/XXXX, ERC reported to the credit bureaus that my account was being reinvestigated and on XX/XX/XXXX they stated that they do not have to obtain a copy of the original wet ink sighed signature or simply provide the original contract confirming that I had an account and I personally signed a contract with XXXX ( attached ). Please also see the last claimed filed for the exact same information. I have also filed two claims through the XXXX/CFPB and they were closed due to being duplicate request, however, I have been instructed to submit this claim once again due to ERC failing to respond on the last claim submitted. The collection agency has confirmed ( see attachment ) " Please note that the FDCPA does not define verification beyond the above language. It also does not require the debt collector to obtain a copy of the original contract. As indicated above, ERC collects on behalf of our client, XXXX. ". They are confirming that they do not have a copy of the original contract and I requested specific verification and validation. If they are XXXX   clients, then they should have no issues providing the original or wet ink signature contract. No other contact was made until XX/XX/XXXX dispute. Once again ERC has only provided a four-page account summary document from XXXX in the amount {$1400.00} ( see attached ). A bill is not proper validation of the debt and if they are acting on behalf of XXXX, there should be no reason why a signed contract cant be provided. Which each dispute, I have never refused payment and it appears they are attempting to force this debt on me instead of providing facts and consider that this account will continue to be disputed for reasons that it is invalid. 

In conclusion, I have disputed this collection account with all three credit bureaus and ERC has not provided any information, contract or adequate proof, that I signed a contract with this company and that I owe the amount listed. I have never had a contract with either ERC or XXXX. Please advise ERC to provide a signed contract or delete this account from my credit report. If needed, I will start with filing a police report, follow up with the attorney general 's office, FTC, XXXX, CPFB and anybody else in regard to this account. Please have ERC remove the negative report against my SSN with all three credit reporting agencies ( XXXX, XXXX and XXXX ). Lastly, to remove all personal information from all accounts in this company database. In addition, the business has agreed to have no contact in any form with me regarding this account now or in the future.

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