Consumer complaint received 2022-07-26
Company: Upgrade, Inc.
State: GA
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: Investigation took more than 30 days

Complaint:
I Didn't receive validation of debt or notice of right to dispute. Alleged debt amount being disputed ( {$6700.00}. ) Since XX/XX/2022 I have been attempting to dispute an alleged debt with Upgrade Inc. During that period, I waited more than 60 days for additional information on information being furnished to the consumer credit reporting bureaus unlawfully. I didnt receive any type of response until I sent another notice on the validation of the debt ( more than 60 days ). I requested a validation notice regarding the account in accordance with the FDCPA 15 U.S.C 1692 ( g ). In that initial request I outlined information that must be provided to me when the investigation was concluded such as : 1.Original creditor name and address 2. Current creditor name and address 3. Document proving who is liable for alleged debt 4. Evidence that UPGRADE Inc is authorized to perform debt collection. On XX/XX/2022, I sent over another letter stating that due to no response of the validated debt, please remove the account. However, I was sent a COPY OF RECEIPT OF LOAN DISCLOSURES that doesnt have a WET signature. This is not evidence that shows the validated debt. I have called a number of times to verify if they have started their investigation. During the conversation Upgrade agents were not helpful and refused to move forward with the request and would not provide any information towards my investigation. Continued to be transferred to different departments and finally to their debt collection department.Representatives continuously brought up that they do not know what the FDCPA is and I must pay the debt and they do not need to validate it. I was informed that someone from their legal team would be in touch with me within 24-72 hours. No one has reached out to me in regards to this matter. VIOLATIONS The initial validation notice was sent to Upgrade Inc. Under the FDCPA guideline they were to respond within a 30 days period. During the validation dispute, all collection activities must cease until the investigation is concluded. Upgrade violated many of the FDCPA while this matter was being investigated. ( 1 ) 15 U.S.C. 1692 ( g ) Validation of debt No written notification of debt was received from Upgrade and they failed to cease all collection activities. They have yet to provide the requested information for validation of debt in the thirty ( 30 ) day period. ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 1692 ( d ) Harassment and abuse. After withdrawing all consent for electronic communication via email and during multiple phone calls with Upgrade, they continued to call from the collection department and kept sending email notifications regarding attempting to collect the alleged debt. ( XXXX ) 15 U.S.C. 1692 ( e ) False or misleading representation 4 ) 15 U.S.C. 1692 ( f ) Unfair practices Continuous attempt to collect the debt even though it was disputed and under investigation. ( 5 ) 15 U.S.C. 1692 ( c ) Communication in connection with debt collection Even though I distinctly stated no communication should be made unless it's by mail, Upgrade kept calling and sending emails to collect the alleged debt. 15 U.S.C. 1692 ( k ) Civil liability for violation Under the FDCPA 15 U.S.C 1692 ( k ) any debt collector who fails to comply with any provision of this chapter with respect to any person is liable to such person in amount equal to the sum of -- To prevent further legal steps, I would like to close this account effective immediately. Thank you

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation