Consumer complaint received 2019-04-25
Company: PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES INC
State: WA
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Other debt
Issue: False statements or representation
Sub-issue: Attempted to collect wrong amount

Complaint:
In XX/XX/XXXX, my vehicle broke down. It was my only source of transportation and I use it for my full time job at XXXX. I had checked my credit report earlier that year in XX/XX/XXXX and my credit was good, I had no collection accounts on my credit report, since I had dealt with them the previous year. 

When I went to the Auto Dealership, thinking I had decent credit and would qualify for a low rate on an Auto Loan, they ran my credit through 10+ lenders and I was denied due to a debt collection account that appeared out of nowhere. I didn't receive a notification in writing from this company or a chance to validate. The Dealership said I would need to dispute this account with the credit bureaus. 

I have tried everything, disputing with the credit bureaus, requesting validation and documents from PRA, the collector. This is causing me EXTREME hardship, to the point where I may become unemployed and homeless. 

I need transportation for work and I am forced to rent a vehicle for {$1000.00} per week just to do my job, when I could have a $ XXXX/month car payment. This is costing me {$3700.00} per month in actual damages and expenses. This is causing hardship for me and my family and these companies blatantly violate the law with nobody holding them accountable. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I sent a dispute to XXXX, XXXX, XXXX   and also requested validation from PRA. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I received notification that the account was verified with all 3 credit bureaus and PRA wrote back saying that I didn't send them enough information, they refused to investigate and validate. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I requested the Method of Verification that XXXX, XXXX and XXXX   used to verify the account. I also challenged the accuracy of the debt and re-requested validation from PRA. 

XX/XX/XXXX, I received notification from XXXX, XXXX and XXXX that the I didn't supply enough information for them to give me the method of verification they used ( they are required under the FCRA to show you the method they used to verify an account ). I'm now clear they are using the automated system and not doing an actual investigation. 

XX/XX/XXXX, I received a notification from PRA saying that this was considered validated and they sent me a screenshot of a statement that didn't have any identifying information on it. They didn't send me any proof of the name, ssn, dob match. They didn't sent me any contract and they didn't send me any proof that the debt wasn't paid or settled with another collection agency. They never proved that they have ownership of this debt. 

XX/XX/XXXX, I send a request to XXXX, XXXX   and XXXX to do an actual investigation on this account to prove they followed compliance procedures, to prove the account wasn't previously paid to another collector and that PRA had ownership of this debt. 

XX/XX/XXXX, I receive the same letters back from XXXX, XXXX and XXXX. They were form letters that didn't address my concerns, show any method of verification and they failed to show they did any investigation at all. 

XX/XX/XXXX. I received a template letter from PRA sending the exact same screenshot of 1 statement from a credit card company that doesn't clearly identify me, or a debt that I owe. They haven't shown me any proof that they own this debt, that the debt wasn't paid to another collection agency and they haven't complied with any of my requests for a contract or actual validation of the debt. 

I have sent them enough letters, wasted enough time. This has caused me thousands of dollars in actual damages and hardship. It's costing me {$3700.00} per month that PRA and the credit bureaus waste. I really need someone to help me, I'm experiencing extreme hardship.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation