Consumer complaint received 2018-12-10
Company: ONLINE Information Services, Inc.
State: NY
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Other debt
Issue: Written notification about debt
Sub-issue: Didn't receive enough information to verify debt

Complaint:
I have been in contact with this organization XXXX XXXX since earlier this year. They stated that they were collecting on an old utility bill that I supposedly had with XXXX XXXX XXXX here in New York state, where I am located. I am not sure if the notice for this bill was sent to a previous address as I NEVER received this bill from the company all the sudden, I am getting contacted by this collection agency that is operating out of North Carolina. When I pulled my credit report, I show that this is showing as an active collection agency account and was absolutely floored by this! They stated that I needed to pay them over {$1500.00}. When I asked for additional information about that bill from a representative by the name of XXXX, I was told that I needed to pay them all of this money and she gave me minimal information about it. She indicated that they did not own the account, but was collecting on behalf of the company, which totally confused me. I decided that I would call the original company, XXXX XXXX   XXXX to see if I was able to get any further information. When I called the company, I was told they couldnt give me any information about the account as it was SOLD to an outside agency. I even tried to speak with them to see what was owed and was given no further information but was told to call the collection agency back. I then called back to the agency and spoke with Rep XXXX AGAIN, who then told me that I was given misinformation by the original creditor and they did not own the debt but was collecting on their behalf. When I asked how we could get this off my credit report, I was informed that they would not take this off of my credit report, even if I was able to an agreement with them. I truly dont even know what all this amount includes and honestly feel that a large portion of the debt was obtained by the new tenet who moved in after I left and kept the bill on in my name for some time before switching over. There is no way I could owe this much moneyIt was just not possible. I was always very diligent about paying my utilities and just wanted information as to how this amount was calculated, but I was unable to get any of this from the Rep. I then asked to speak with her manager, and she transferred me to lady by the name of XXXX. XXXX started the conversation so nicely, but then became extremely rude after I told her that I would like more information on this collection account and it needed it to be taken off my credit report. She was very aggressive and told me that the original creditor was lying to me and they did not own the debt and I needed to pay the full amount to settle and they will NOT be taking their name off my credit reports. We continued to go back and forth, as I told her I needed to understand why this was showing on my credit report and how this amount was being calculated. It was totally unfair, and I didnt have the opportunity to properly investigate the issue, as no one would give me proper information. If there was a bill, it was not even sent to the correct address and now, I have this collection account showing on my credit report. How unfair and such a violation of my rights under the FDCPA. I never even had the opportunity to request validation of the debt. I told her that I had sent in multiple request to have this investigated, but they sent me nothing the mailAT ALL. She started yelling at me on the phone, at which time I asked if I could speak with her manager and she told me NO. I could have his voice mail. When I asked what his name was, she indicated it was XXXX and would not give me his ext. When I asked for her ID number, she accused me of having someone coerce me in the back ground, which was totally false and completely out of line. She continued to over talk me and tell me how they and that I needed to pay them. I practically begged them for a settlement offer, because I know that I dont owe this amount and I just wanted the reporting to stop, at which time she stated that she could give me 10 % off the original balance, which was a total contradiction from what she said when I initially started to speak with her. She told me that I would have to pay the full amount! Which was a bold face LIE! I want this company to remove themselves off of my credit report, as they have no right to be reporting anything. They will not send me ANY information in the mail, that even constitutes them having the right to either report on my credit or attempt to collection on a debt, that I must assume was being sent to the wrong address to begin with.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation