Consumer complaint received 2020-08-31
Company: WAKEFIELD & ASSOCIATES, INC.
State: CO
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Medical debt
Issue: Took or threatened to take negative or legal action
Sub-issue: Threatened or suggested your credit would be damaged

Complaint:
XX/XX/XXXX Consumer Financial Protection Bureau XXXX XXXX   XXXX XXXX XXXX, IA XXXX XXXX fax Online Complaint On or around XX/XX/XXXX, Wakefield & Associates placed a Collection on my credit report. The matter came to them from XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX in the amount of {$270.00}. When I was aware of the Collection, I called Wakefield to inquire, as this was the first notice or bill that I had received that I owed money to XXXX XXXX and told them so. They said they didnt care and to take it up with XXXX. On XX/XX/XXXX I called XXXX XXXX XXXX and spoke to XXXX. She informed me that they sent the bill to the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. This is a residence I have not lived in since XXXX. She further informed me that the current resident at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX contacted them to tell them that I did not live there and stop sending my bill there. She stated I gave them that address, that is FALSE. I have also obtained the XXXX Hospital paperwork from this incident and the doctor notes. In addition to the wrong address, it lists my ex-wife as a contact. I have been divorced for 15 years. So XXXX knew that was not my address and did not research the matter any further as to my correct address. This was negligent, abusive, and has damaged me. Wakefield had no problem contacting me. At my request XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX sent me a copy of the bill on XX/XX/XXXX. This is the first time I ever seen a bill. As I have now a bill, payment was mailed XX/XX/XXXX and is PAID. Wakefield & Associates is negligent as they refused to take action on my lack of knowledge of the bill. When I called them back to explain they just said take it up with XXXX. I filed a dispute with XXXX, in which did not even reach out to me for an explanation and just denied the dispute. In the meantime, I have had 3 creditors reduce my credit lines based on my credit report and they have done so in significant amounts for a total of {$15000.00}. I work hard to build and maintain a positive credit rating. I am a XXXX XXXX   and use those accounts to fund my expenses in between commission checks. I have no other derogatory items in my credit file. I agree I owe the money and have paid. My complaint is that I should not be notified that I owe someone money or a bill by placing a Collection on my credit report. My complaint is also directed at XXXX for not conducting a thorough investigation into the complaint I filed with them. These are violations of my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. And it has cost me financially. Specifically, due to the decreased credit lines at a time when business is slow due to Covid-19. I am seeking a judgement in my favor, resolution in my favor as I have been taken advantage of and harmed. Specifically : 1. Delete the collection from my credit report. NOT mark it as a paid collection. 2. I would like financial restitution or redress for the damage caused to me from this action. The reduction in my credit lines which have created a financial hardship. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Wakefield Associate XXXX are directly responsible for my injury. Please see the attachment of XXXX Reviews as this appears a common practice with this organization and has harmed other consumers as well. Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, CO XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation