Consumer complaint received 2020-11-16
Company: Berlin-Wheeler, Inc. (Kansas)
State: VA
Product: Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports
Sub-product: Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report
Sub-issue: Information belongs to someone else

Complaint:
In XX/XX/2020 I received a notification that a new item was added to my credit report for Berlin-Wheeler. I checked my report and it was listed as a collection account for a XXXX XXXX. As I have never had any dealings with Berlin-Wheeler or an account with XXXX XXXX I immediately identified their information and sent them a letter requesting validation of the debt they were pursuing in addition to how it was calculated, copies of the original contract with my signature and their licensing information as a debt collector in my state. All of these items were requested from Berlin-Wheeler pursuant to my rights under the Fair Debt Collection practices. I informed them that I did not and have any current or past dealings with their company or their collectee XXXX and that the account was in error and if they could not furnish a validation document with my signature or contract that the item should be removed from my credit report immediately. 

In XX/XX/2020 I received a response from Berlin-Wheeler with an itemized statement and account summary or bill and nothing else. I was NOT provided with any original documentation to show that I owed the debt or that I entered into any agreement or contract with Berlin or XXXX or with any of their license information to demonstrate they were licensed in my state to collect such a debt. 

In XX/XX/2020 I again sent a follow-up letter to Berlin-Wheeler to notify them that they did not satisfy my request for validation of the debt and that a itemized statement does not demonstrate the assignment of this debt to me. I have had several cases of mistaken bills being assigned to me without my knowledge or consent and I again reiterated to the company that I did not enter into such a debt and that they were erroneously reporting this unverifiable debt to me and requested its removal. I demanded that the items either be properly and lawfully validated or removed immediately. I did not receive a response from Berlin-Wheeler to my letter. 

In late XXXX after not hearing back from Berlin-Wheeler I filed an online formal dispute with the credit bureau as well stating that this account did not belong to me. As of XX/XX/XXXX, Berlin-Wheeler has again " certified '' that the information is accurate after at least 2 communications with me whereas I vehemently protested to the validity of the information and expressed that the debt did in fact NOT belong to me and not being provided with any validation of the debt whatsoever. 

I have attempted amicably to resolve this situation with the debt collector to restore my good name and credit from this tarnish upon my record. I attest that I do not and have nor have I ever had any account or dealings with Berlin-Wheeler, any subsidiaries or any XXXX XXXX. And if the aforesaid, Berlin-Wheeler, is not able to provide an original agreement, contract or agreement with my signature or evidence that it was in fact me that agreed to the debt that has been assigned to me I demand that my rights be upheld and this erroneous record be immediately removed from my credit record, all credit reporting agencies and not reinstated at any time in the future.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation