Consumer complaint received 2020-02-19
Company: Optima Advocates
State: KY
Product: Student loan
Sub-product: Private student loan
Issue: Dealing with your lender or servicer
Sub-issue: Received bad information about your loan

Complaint:
I had calls from Optima Advocates selling the Student Loan Forgiveness and Loan Discharge. I verified my personal information to include my name, phone, email, and address. I learned the representative already had these details available. 
I was told to complete a Cease and Desist form notifying my original lenders ( XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX  ) ) that OA would continue all future correspondence moving forward. This form was notarized on XX/XX/XXXX with signatures from both myself and my mother, XXXX XXXX ( co-signer on original loan agreements ). 
XX/XX/XXXX, I got verification of my enrollment in the PSLDP, and OA had been in contact with my previous lenders about a payment plan. XXXX XXXX, a rep, ensured me I should discontinue my payments to my original lenders. I was also told my payments would be made to XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX ). 
I began making monthly payments of {$260.00} on XX/XX/XXXX. I had an email on XX/XX/XXXX from XXXX XXXX ; however, it informed me OA needed personal security questions to alter my demographics of my previous lenders accounts. I was also highly advised to stop making payments to my original lenders. She informed me it was important that my accounts be in delinquent status of at least 150+ days. I received a call from OA which I supplied my security answers, and following their advice, I no longer made payments to XXXX XXXX and/or XXXX. 
XX/XX/XXXX, I was emailed my case manager had now been reassigned to XXXX XXXX. I replied telling OA I had messages from XXXX  alerting I had become behind. It had also been reported on my credit report. The case manager replied I should ignore the debt collection attempts ( I also included attachments to my case manager who then continued to dismiss their attempts ). 
XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX asked me for a copy of my drivers license and social security card to have on file. I sent these documents via email and received confirmation of its arrival. 
XX/XX/XXXX, my case manager changed to XXXX XXXX. She gave an update reading OA sent debt validation letters to XXXX XXXX and XXXX. I was told it would take 30-45 business days and would hear a response. 
XX/XX/XXXX, I was told by XXXX XXXX , XXXX that my XXXX loan had been transferred their collections. As of XX/XX/XXXX, it is still in collection status under a new company named XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. 
I didnt receive updates from OA until XX/XX/XXXX. I got a voice mail with questions concerning my account. I returned the call, and again was informed my case had been given care. XX/XX/XXXX, I asked my case manager by email to speak to me about continued debt collection attempts and questions about my status with OA. I did not receive a reply until XX/XX/XXXX, which I was again left a voicemail. 
I reached out to XXXX on XX/XX/XXXX with concerns ; however, I can no longer contact a representative of Optima Advocates by email ( recipient addresses are invalid ) or phone as all lines report disconnected. As a result, my last payment to OA was on XX/XX/XXXX.

Company response to consumer: Untimely response