Consumer complaint received 2019-07-22
Company: Monterey Financial Services LLC
State: TX
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Other debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed
Sub-issue: Debt was result of identity theft

Complaint:
To : Monterey Collection Service I am writing to dispute fraudulent charge ( s ) on my account in the amount of {$2500.00}, and posted on XX/XX/2016. I am a victim of identity theft, and I did not make these charges. 

To date I have not received that information. I have received some documents from your office that includes a statement that is signed by someone other than myself. The notice also indicates that the bank account was linked to a institution named XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. I have never had an account with this bank. The letter also indicates this was an set up with a retailer XXXX XXXX, please provide a copy of my identification or other form of verification that was used with this retailer to confirm identity. I have also attached correspondence from the bank listed on the documents that also prove that this is in fact not my account. 

Enclosed is a copy of my Identity Theft Report supporting my position, and a copy of my credit report showing the fraudulent items related to your company that are the result of identity theft. Also enclosed is a copy of the Notice to Furnishers issued by the Federal Trade Commission, which details your responsibilities under the Fair Credit Reporting Act as an information furnisher to CRAs. The Notice also specifies your responsibilities when you receive notice from a CRA, under section 605B of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, that information you provided to the CRA may be the result of identity theft. Those responsibilities include ceasing to provide the inaccurate information to any CRAs, and ensuring that you do not attempt to sell or transfer the fraudulent debts to another party for collection. In addition, under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, I have the right to request validation of the debt you say I owe you. I am requesting proof that I am the correct party, and there is some contractual obligation which is binding on me to pay this debt. This is NOT a request for verification via XXXX or proof of my mailing address, but a request for VALIDATION made pursuant to the above-named Title and Section of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Reporting inaccurate and unsubstantiated information to a credit reporting agency may constitute fraud under federal law. Compliance with this request is required under the laws of state and federal statutes. I requested Debt validation which was to include the following : 1. Who was the original creditor on this account, and what was the account number? 
2. What was the original amount owed? A complete payment history, starting with the original creditor. 
3. Documentation that indicates that I agreed to pay someone this sum of money. 
4. What was the original date of delinquency for this account? 
5. Agreement that grants you the authority to collect on this alleged debt, or proof of acquisition by assignment. 
6. What did you pay for this account, and how did you calculate the current amount owed? 


I require compliance with the terms and conditions of this letter within 30 days of your certified receipt, or a complete removal from my credit profile, in writing, of your claim. In the event of noncompliance, I reserve the right to file charges and/or complaints with the FTC, and appropriate county, state, and federal authorities. I also hereby reserve my right to take private civil action against your company to recover damages. Please investigate this matter and send me a written explanation of your findings and actions.

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