Consumer complaint received 2020-10-08
Company: ARS National Services, Inc.
State: NY
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Credit card debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed
Sub-issue: Debt was paid

Complaint:
I received a telephone message on XX/XX/XXXX at XXXX XXXX  and XX/XX/XXXX at XXXX XXXX  ( see attached voicemail transcripts by my phone carrier ). I returned the initial call at XXXX XXXX  and left a message for XXXX XXXX at XXXX. 

On the following day, XX/XX/XXXX, I called again and spoke with XXXX XXXX XXXX who identified herself as being from XXXX XXXX in North Carolina. XXXX XXXX XXXX stated that they have offices in many places. ) She stated that I had an outstanding balance with XXXX of {$7100.00} and she was prepared to offer me pandemic relief for half the amount {$3500.00} as a settlement of this debt. 

I explained that I did not owe this debt and had in fact settled this {$7100.00} XXXX debt via another agency, ARS National Services, in XXXX. She advised me to send documentation of payment to XXXX, which I forwarded on XXXX XXXX  on XX/XX/XXXX. ( I initially sent this to the wrong email address : XXXX. When I received a notice from my email carrier stating this was not deliverable, I forwarded the email to the correct address. ) I spoke with XXXX XXXX of XXXX XXXX at XXXX again today XX/XX/XXXX at XXXX XXXX  in response to her voicemail message at XXXX XXXX. ( She initially provided a different number XXXX. ) She stated that the documents from ARS did not state paid in full, and that the account to which XXXX alleges is in question is XXXX for {$7100.00}. This is the EXACT AMOUNT referenced under ARS account number XXXX. 

Firstly, I notified XXXX XXXX that I did not receive notification of this alleged issue in writing of and she replied, things are different these days. Further, I requested a validation letter substantiating this alleged debt. XXXX XXXX indicated that this this would have to come from another unspecified entity ( To to me, meant that they were not the party responsible for this and I believe that this is incorrect ). 
XXXX XXXX stated that she will mark the file as disputed and stated that I should take my documents to court. 

As I had only ONE XXXX XXXX, I believe that XXXX XXXX  is attempting to collect a debt that was resolved in XXXX by another agency, ARS National Services. ( In addition, I believe that the statute of limitations may also be a factor, since this matter is now over 8 years old. That being said, I am sure that this debt was already paid. ) I provided the following documentation to XXXX XXXX and am attaching them herewith : ( A ) Statement from ARS Natonal Services , Inc. which indicates the amount owed of {$7100.00}. ARS Natonal Services offered several payment options, to resolve this delinquent account. I chose payment plan number 3 for three separate payments of {$1600.00} to settle my account due on XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX and XX/XX/XXXX. 
( B ) Three bank statements which indicates three withdrawals drawn on my bank on the following dates : XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX and XX/XX/XXXX. All were automatic deductions from my account. 

In addition, I am attaching herewith copies of phone messages left for me on my voicemail and transcribed by my phone carrier, two of them threaten legal action.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation