Consumer complaint received 2020-08-12
Company: Merchants and Professional Bureau, Inc.
State: PA
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Other debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed
Sub-issue: Debt is not yours

Complaint:
I, XXXX XXXX, is filing the complaint on behalf of my son, XXXX XXXX, presently not in the country. And, was not in the country at the origination of the debt during XX/XX/2019. The original bill is via a company named XXXX, where the only communication began with the billing of the amount {$300.00}. 

The origin of this bill began with an application named " XXXX. '' " XXXX '' began texting XXXX during XX/XX/2019 about monthly savings on bills. I have never solicited any service from " XXXX ''. At no time was there a live individual. Everything was via text messaging. The people or customer service representative was unknown. " XXXX, '' and those behind the scene, strangely reviewed my bills and stated that they could save me money. I was curious but there was no agreement for services or fees. Eventually " XXXX '' text that they could save money by lowering my cell phone monthly bill. At no time was the other party, XXXX, ever introduced through the various text messages. " XXXX '' had access to all of my accounts. It is uncleared as to where this company extracted the information ; i.e. banking, credit report, etc. Even up to this point, XXXX was not introduced. They were the " invisible '' partner of this scam. Keep in mind, as a customer of XXXX, I could have easily called to discussed lowering the bill. 

On XX/XX/2019, I received a text invoice from XXXX for a fee of {$300.00}. Was my bill lowered, no! I emailed " hiCharlie '' with my protest at XXXX. Who is XXXX? The entire scenario is suspicious and it is probable that " XXXX '' was actually a separate entity or application of the organization XXXX. Now, XXXX is on the scene. I disputed this charge and communicated with XXXX. XXXX stated it had to be handled through " XXXX ''. Now, XXXX is stating there is nothing that they can do. XXXX does not have any agreement from me or my son for their services. I, XXXX XXXX, never ever granted permission for a {$300.00} billing for something that I could have done. 

A complaint was filed with your agency, CFPB, XX/XX/2019 regarding these fraudulent practices of the owner of " XXXX '' and association with BillShark. XXXX is fully aware of the bait and switch tactics used through this application, " XXXX. '' I honestly believed that they worked together.. Let it be cleared that " XXXX '' appeared via the phone number XXXX, which I, XXXX XXXX, is the owner. This verifies the fraud practices of XXXX. The XXXX  bill has three ( 3 ) numbers associated on it and one owner. I, XXXX XXXX, is an authorized user on that account. However, I, did not authorized nor agree to the billing of any services via " XXXX '' or XXXX. And, since XXXX XXXX was not in the United States, neither did he. 

The original associate of XXXX that began billing was XXXX. 
Now XXXX has sent this bill to Merchants & Professional Collection Bureau.

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