Consumer complaint received 2020-05-03
Company: PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES INC
State: KS
Product: Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports
Sub-product: Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report
Sub-issue: Account status incorrect

Complaint:
On XXXX I contacted XXXX XXXX  the original creditor on a credit card I had. They verified on a balance that was sold to XXXX my optional insurance paid {$770.00} of the bill as well as wrote off {$310.00} in late fees, {$310.00} in interest, and {$110.00} in plan refund fees resulting in an overpayment of the nearly {$1400.00} sold to XXXX for collections ( and I recorded this call. In addition to it being used as evidence for the lawsuit I will be filing against Portfolio Recovery Associates, I also offered the rep for PRA a copy of the call so they can use it to verify the account was paid if necessary ). 

While Portfolio Recovery Associates certainly cashed the check from XXXX XXXX  and were made aware of the write-offs per a phone conversation I had with them on XXXX and I specifically said I disputed the remaining balance they only adjusted the credit bureau for the {$770.00} check that was sent to them. 

The at no point contacted XXXX XXXX  to verify they had the correct balance and subsequently that they were reporting the correct balance to my credit bureau. Instead, they continued to collect on an account that had been overpaid both on the phone conversation on XXXX as well as in their actions by reporting an account as collections with a {$710.00}. A copy of my credit bureau is attached. 

These actions resulted in blatant violation of both federal law as well as Regulation Z because XXXX is attempting to take part in the credit company when they purchased the debt and under new Supreme Court rulings are essential in the eyes of the law, the original creditor. As such, federal credit card regulations must apply to PRA. 

Despite this, they are refusing to comply with federal regulations. Further, they continue to report the item as an unpaid debt on my credit bureau despite it actually not only being paid off but they are holding a {$100.00} overpayment check that should be sent to me immediately as well as the tradelines being deleted immediately. 

I know the CFPB will probably not do anything. And frankly, the only reason I am filing this complaint today is to document these facts as I will be filing a XXXX-dollar lawsuit against PRA as the courts seem to be the last place of refuge for consumers. 

This king of blanket illegal activity being committed by Portfolio Recovery Associates is unconscionable, abusive, and in bad faith. It clear probably cause for the CFPB to demand an audit of all of Portfolio Recovery Associates accounts and practices to ensure they are compliant with consumer regulations. 

Additionally, I allege they violated state-specific consumer protection laws and as such will be suing for violation of these state-specific consumer protection statutes. 

Attached is a copy of my XXXX  Credit Report as reported by XXXX XXXX that clearly shows Portfolio Recovery Associates adjusted the balance being reported to my credit Bureau from {$1400.00} to {$700.00} but did not take any actions to verify the account is paid off which as not only resulted in irreparable harm to my credit but has also resulted in XXXX XXXX anguish and XXXX   which I will be seeking damages for in the lawsuit I will be filing against Portfolio Recovery Associates.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation