Consumer complaint received 2017-12-21
Company: First Data Corporation
State: WA
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Other debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed
Sub-issue: Debt was result of identity theft

Complaint:
In XXXX XXXX, we received two notices from XXXX XXXX XXXX indicating they are a debt collector trying to collect on two bad checks : one notice indicated a check was written on XXXX XXXX, XXXX, at XXXX, in the amount of $ XXXX, and it was returned with a " stop payment ; '' the other notice indicated a check was written on XXXX XXXX, XXXX, at XXXX in the amount of $ XXXX, and it was returned due to a " hold on funds ; '' there is an additional {$30.00} with this transaction for " returned check fee. '' After receiving these notices, my wife went to the credit union that we bank with. They had received no notification regarding these checks and also pointed out these check numbers are not in sequence with our current checks. We were very confused and concerned as to why we received these notices. On XXXX, my father told us that his checkbook was stolen when his house was burglarized in XXXX XXXX, a few days before the checks were written. He said the local Police Department had contacted him asking if a certain person was on his checking account. He told them " no, he had no idea who this person was '' and the officer said thank you. My father then went to his bank, as he was concerned that someone was using his stolen checks. The bank closed his account and refunded him for the one check that did clear. My wife and I at this point realized that my name was on my father 's accounts at his bank and the notices I had received from XXXX XXXX XXXX were in regards to the checks that had been stolen from my father and were being used fraudulently. My wife filed a police report on XXXX XXXX, XXXX, with the Police Department for these fraudulent checks and the crime committed against me. There is also a police report for the break-in at my father 's house. 

On XXXX XXXX, XXXX, I sent a letter to XXXX XXXX XXXX via fax and certified mail indicating these checks were stolen, fraudulent and forged. I included both police report numbers in my letter. I also included correspondence from the bank indicating that check # xxxx was not written by anyone authorized on my father 's account. I also explained that the account was closed which is why check # xxxx was returned. I told them to cease any collection processes and requested written correspondence that collection procedures had been stopped. XXXX XXXX XXXX sent me correspondence dated XXXX XXXX, XXXX, indicating " this debt was incurred by you or someone acting with your authority and was NOT due to forgery, fraud or identity theft. You are still responsible for paying this debt. '' They further indicated " As a result of this investigation, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. considers this dispute resolved. We will assume you agree with this finding unless we learn otherwise from you. '' These checks were clearly fraud and forged and I feel I am being harassed by XXXX XXXX XXXX. We have good credit, have never been pursued by a collection agency for any reason and are very reluctant to continue communication with this company.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief