Consumer complaint received 2021-04-26
Company: Merchants' Credit Guide Company
State: AZ
Product: Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports
Sub-product: Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a credit reporting company's investigation into an existing problem
Sub-issue: Their investigation did not fix an error on your report

Complaint:
On XXXX I submitted complaint number XXXX in reference to obtaining debt validation from Merchants Credit Guide Under the following Account numbers : Account # XXXX {$94.00}, {$100.00}, {$210.00}, {$670.00} Account # XXXX {$94.00}, {$150.00}, {$280.00} Account # XXXX {$94.00}, {$74.00}, {$67.00}, {$69.00}, {$94.00}, {$58.00} Account # XXXX {$94.00} I also sent a certified letter VIA USPS to Merchants Credit Guide on XXXX requesting validation of the above listed debts. 
On XXXX I received a response from Merchants Credit Guide via CFPB portal. The response contained inaccurate information including the amount of transactions, the amount of creditors Etc. 

I respectfully requested information on how they validated the above listed accounts and received no response in reference to ANY investigation being conducted. 

They advised that they would provide a detailed accounting of all the accounts and have failed to do so. 

This is a second request to validate the above listed accounts and debts. 

Merchants Credit Guide added a derogatory marks on my Credit report per XXXX. Upon further research, this account was transferred/sold and I am no longer responsible for this account. Debtor 's creditor did not verify this collection. Please be advised that this is not a refusal to pay the debt, but a notice sent pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 1 : USC 1692g Sec 809 ( b ) that your claim that I owe you money is disputed, and validation is requested. 

Under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, I have the right to request validation of all of the above listed debt you say I owe you. I am requesting proof that I am the correct party, and there is some contractual obligation which is binding on me to pay this debt. 

This is NOT a request for verification via E-Oscar or proof of my mailing address, but a request for VALIDATION made pursuant to the above named Title and Section of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Reporting inaccurate and unsubstantiated information to a credit reporting agency may constitute fraud under federal law.

Compliance with this request is required under the laws of state and federal statutes. 

Debt Validation includes the following : 1. Who was the original creditor on this account, and what was the account number? 
2. What was the original amount owed? Please provide a complete payment history, starting with the original creditor. 
3. Please provide me documentation that indicates that I agreed to pay someone this sum of money. 
4. What was the original date of delinquency for this account? 
5. Agreement that grants you the authority to collect on this alleged debt, or proof of acquisition by assignment. 
6. What did you pay for this account, and how did you calculate the current amount owed?

7. Please provide me all documentation that you have in your file that you allege to validate this debt. 
Also there was NO written form of communication, contract or signature for this accused debt AT ALL. A bill without a written signature does not validate the debt and anybody can send a bill and say that it is mine. I require compliance with the terms and conditions of this letter within 30 days of your certified receipt, or a complete removal from my credit profile, in writing, of your claim. 

In the event of noncompliance, I reserve the right to file charges and/or complaints with the FTC, and appropriate county, state, and federal authorities. 
I also hereby reserve my right to take private civil action against your company to recover damages. 

There appears to be duplicate charges on my account and these would also need to be investigated as well. Account # XXXX there are two Entries showing the same amount of {$94.00}. In addition, the Fair Credit Reporting Act states that while this item is being investigated you must indicate to the bureau that the account is under dispute and will remove/cease from reporting this information to the Credit Reporting Agency until full validation has been completed.

I have sent a copy of this request for validation to the three national Credit Reporting Agencies to begin their 30-day investigational process concurrent with your investigation. 

It should be noted that this is the SECOND REQUEST FOR VALIDATION, YOUR COMPLIANCE IS REQUIRED BY LAW. 

Please include in your response to this complaint the above listed documents, either electronically through this portal or via mail to the address on the attached letter. 

If we have not received a satisfactory response within 30 days from the receipt of this complaint, we will consider that another act in the furtherance of non compliance with the FCRA and a suit will be filed.

Company public response: Company disputes the facts presented in the complaint
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation