Consumer complaint received 2022-03-02
Company: Couch Lambert LLC
State: TX
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Credit card debt
Issue: False statements or representation
Sub-issue: Attempted to collect wrong amount

Complaint:
On XX/XX/XXXX, I wrote to XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  ) asking them to settle for {$2400.00}, a portion of the {$9700.00} debt as I had lost my employment, could not secure employment, and could no longer make payments. I also asked them to freeze my account so we could talk about the settlement. Prior to this, I had asked for lower interest rates and they refused, saying I wasn't on their list. Just recently, I was informed that I wasn't on their list because I was a customer in good standing. 

I finally heard back from XXXX in XX/XX/XXXX regarding discussing a settlement. I called them at the number on the letter and we both agreed to a settlement amount of {$2400.00} and they went into the script regarding the settlement agreement. When they finished, I told them that I would need that in writing and I would pay. The representative told me she could not put that in writing. I did not know what to do as I read that I should make sure it is in writing ; otherwise they can just say it was a payment. If found this to be deceptive and did not pay them. 

Couch Lambert is trying to get a judgment against me in court for {$11000.00} on behalf of XXXX. I called them multiple times and asked them who they are exactly and they said they are the lawyers for XXXX. I told them about the previous settlement and they said they would settle for over {$8000.00}. I told them that is not doable. They replied that they just want a judgment against me. 

I never received anything from XXXX saying they had turned over my account to any collection agency. so on XX/XX/XXXX, I called XXXX directly and spoke to XXXX XXXX I had to ask her name and she did not help resolve my problem. She transferred me to someone else who also got off the phone without stating her name. XXXX did not state who she was transferring me to. I had been calling about a settlement that had been negotiated previously. She mumbled something about the exact negotiated amount ( so I know it is in their records ), but did not acknowledge the problem or why she could not handle it. 

I was finally transferred multiple times with mumble mouths and I was ultimately forwarded to Couch Lambert and spoke to XXXX who refused to negotiate or acknowledge any previous negotiation. 

I called XXXX  again today and was told that XXXX had charged off the account for {$11000.00} on XX/XX/XXXX and that they were not handling it. He said I had to speak to XXXX XXXX and transferred me to them. I wound up speaking to XXXX XXXX who transferred me to her boss XXXX XXXX ( the same couple of people from Couch Lambert ). I asked them if they were XXXX XXXX or Couch Lambert. They said Couch Lambert. I asked them who are they representing, XXXX XXXX or XXXX. He said they are the attorneys for XXXX I feel like I am being deceived. I again mentioned the previous settlement and even offered him {$4100.00}. XXXX put me on hold and told me XXXX would not settle for less than the XXXX. I feel like I am being deceived, that they no longer represent XXXX and that I am being scammed.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation