Consumer complaint received 2020-01-21
Company: GLA Collection Company, Inc.
State: IN
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Medical debt
Issue: Written notification about debt
Sub-issue: Didn't receive enough information to verify debt

Complaint:
GLA Collection Agency, Inc.called me XX/XX/XXXX in attempt to collect a debt of {$150.00}. I asked for a written notice, as I had never received any original bills, either from the original creditor ( an outsourced anesthesia company ) or from GLA. As it turns out, they did not have my address correct. The representative with GLA was very rude to me, stating that it was my fault the address was wrong, which simply isn't true. ( When I checked in at the hospital, the registrar looked at my drivers license and typed in the address, so if there were any errors made, I didn't make them. ) The GLA representative also attempted to force me to pay immediately over the phone by stating that this would decrease my credit score. I told her I didn't feel comfortable paying until I knew what I was paying, again requesting written information. GLA mailed a written notice dated XX/XX/XXXX to the correct address, which I received about a week later. I then requested more information in writing to dispute the debt. The letter was dated XX/XX/XXXX and postmarked either XX/XX/XXXX or XX/XX/XXXX, within the 30-day time frame stated in their letter. In the meantime, I called the hospital billing department, who referred me to their outsourced XXXX  billing. Both of those companies stated that I did not now nor ever owe a debt to them for {$150.00} on the date of service in question. I also spoke to the XXXX  department at the hospital, and they did not show any debts either. The collection account showed up on my credit report. I disputed this through XXXX, as I hadn't received enough information to make an informed payment decision yet. XXXX  reported on XX/XX/XXXX that the collection account was deleted from my credit report. GLA called again XX/XX/XXXX. I asked the representative to stop calling because the collection account had been deleted from my credit report. She stated that they would continue to put it on my credit report every month until it was paid. When I asked why XXXX  would delete it if the debt was valid, she did not provide an answer. I asked about the status of my request for more information. She stated that they received my letter but that they did not have to respond because I was outside the 30-day window. I recalled the dates ( XXXX ) and noted that they were indeed inside a 30-day window. The representative then stated that the 30 days started in XXXX when they first mailed a written notice ( to the incorrect address ), despite what their letter dated XX/XX/XXXX said. I told the representative that I also contacted the hospital, department, and billing company, and was told I did not have said debt. She again did not respond with any useful information. 

If I had known I had a bill to begin with ( again, not my fault ), it  never would have gone to collections. I don't mind paying a bill when I know it's legitimate. GLA hasn't been able to provide me with any indication that this isn't a total scam.

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