Consumer complaint received 2020-03-02
Company: PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES INC
State: CT
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Credit card debt
Issue: Written notification about debt
Sub-issue: Didn't receive notice of right to dispute

Complaint:
RE : Portfolio Recover Associates, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, VA XXXX I attempted to file a XXXX  complaint however because this case already went to courts it does not qualify for a XXXX  complaint. Instead they suggested I contact your office. This company, Portfolio Recovery Associates has  tarnished my credit without allowing me the opportunity to resolve and satisfy this debt. Had they notified me, they would have known that I did not pay as a result of disputed charges that went unaddressed by the creditor. 

The first notification I received from this company was the notice I received from my employer regarding a garnishment that was awarded through the courts. I was never served notice and was not aware of the court hearing as papers were served to a previous address. Upon receiving the wage garnishment notification I reached out immediately to the court and to Portfolio Recovery as suggested by the court. After numerous attempts and their poor misconduct, abusive employee tones and behavior on calls and their unprofessional work ethics I requested a cease and desist. The level of disrespect received upon answering their call at work or in front of others was too embarrassing and gave me XXXX  at the thought of having to deal with their nonsense. I feel that as a result of me filing a cease and desist, they are retaliating against me and now refuse to acknowledge or even discuss any resolution which is resulting in me not being able to purchase a home, fix my credit and move forward with my life. 

Since requesting cease and desist I attempted to reach out directly to the creditor in which they are collecting for and was advised that since they sold the account to Portfolio, unfortunately I would have to deal with them. I have sent them letters offering settlements and they do not respond. I discussed and offered settlements via phone which was forwarded to the collection agency under Attorney XXXX XXXX XXXX. A letter offering settlement and calls offering settlements were ignored and ultimately denied. 

As a final resort I took the case back to court on XX/XX/XXXX, since I was never involved the first time to defend my case. I met with the Attorney representing Portfolio Recovery who denied my request and decided to proceed with garnishment that was previously approved. Because I have a current garnishment that does not finish until XXXX my argument on XX/XX/XXXX to Attorney XXXX office is that they are attempting to collect {$3100.00}. Based on the fact that my current garnishment does not end for another year and by the time it does end and this one kicks in they will be paid at minimum {$25.00} biweekly. Instead I offered to pay a lump sum in the amount of {$1000.00} immediately to settle the account. This is more than 33 %. Between original creditor XXXX XXXX XXXX, the collection agency Portfolio Recovery and the attorney office of XXXX XXXX XXXX, they have tarnished my credit long enough. 

I have children and am XXXX. At this time I am trying to purchase a home as I have not been able to do so for years. This company fraudulently took this case to court under the impression that they legally served me but never did. After all that I still attempted to satisfy the debt and settle on an agreed amount and am asking your office and team to please get involved. This company is a fraud! They are messing with real lives and doing the worst. This is my complaint.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation