Consumer complaint received 2019-09-11
Company: Sequium Asset Solutions, LLC
State: FL
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Other debt
Issue: Written notification about debt
Sub-issue: Didn't receive enough information to verify debt

Complaint:
I received an email from XXXX that a collection had been reported on my credit. I immediately called Sequium to inquire what it was for and the phone was answered by a recording that sounded very similar to the recording used by the IRS scam calls that are being perpetrated around the nation. I pressed 0 and someone with an untintelligible voice answered. It was extremely difficult to understand and when I asked to be transferred to someone in the US they stated that they were in the US. Fearing a scam, I called again during the week and spoke to someone who I could understand but she explained that she need to transfer me overseas. I found this very suspect but I was able to get enough information from them to determine that the account was for an old XXXX XXXX account that I had terminated and XXXX XXXX had continued charging me for two months. I confirmed with the person that if I paid XXXX XXXX  directly ( so I could continue to dispute ) the item would be removed from the reporting agencies within a reasonable time. This was an extremely important condition of my satisfying the account because otherwise I would have continued communication with XXXX XXXX about the dispute. I was applying for licensing in Florida and having the item remain after paid would be something that would more than likely affect the outcome. I called XXXX XXXX immediately and settled the amount. I called Sequium some time later to confirm the payment and that account would be removed. I was advised that it took some time to update the account and to call at a later time. In the meantime, I disputed the account to the three reporting agencies in an effort to expedite the matter. I just received a response to one my disputes and the only thing Sequim did was revise the account to show that it was paid. When I called this afternoon and spoke to a supervisor they stated that no one had told me that it would be removed and too bad. I believe this is a very unfair tactic used by this company to collect on these probably small amounts from unsuspecting consumers. They do not send notice of the item and immediately report to the credit reporting agencies with a promise to remove upon payment. They are probably one of the few collections agencies that employ this tactic as I have seen online that most credit collection agencies remove the negative item from the report as soon as it has been satisfied. Unfortunately, the matter remains on my reports, I have no standing with which to dispute the account with XXXX XXXX since I have paid them and the negative account will affect my application. I believe this is something that should be investigated and that companies such as Sequium be penalized or fined for this deceptive trade practice and unfair credit collection. I am sure they have done this to countless unsuspecting consumers who are now looked upon as felons or criminals since they have a collection report on their credit reports. Sadly, I would like everyone who reads this TO NOT PAY SEQUIUM AND CONTINUE TO DISPUTE THE DEBT since paying the debt off will give you no leverage to have the item removed even if it was reported incorrectly.

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