Consumer complaint received 2023-10-19
Company: Andrews & Cox, P.C.
State: VA
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Other debt
Issue: Took or threatened to take negative or legal action
Sub-issue: Seized or attempted to seize your property

Complaint:
I had some financial difficulties last year and a personal loan went to a debt collector called XXXX, XXXX, & XXXX in XX/XX/XXXX. I would like to report the unethical and criminal activities of this debt collector for incorrectly charging late fees when my account was paid in advance for a full year, for charging legal fees during an accelerated collection process that was done for the sole purpose of them extrapolating additional funds from me because my account was paid in advance and garnishment of my bank account several weeks after the entire debt had been paid in full. 

The debt collector failed to maintain accurate records : The debt collector took over my debt of {$3500.00} in XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  and requested $ XXXX to resolve the debt. I made a {$1500.00} payment to Bleecker, Brodey, & Andrews on XX/XX/XXXX. And yet, their office refused to credit the funds to my loan account for 3 months. Please see their letter from XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  attached. 

I made an additional {$500.00} payment to Bleecker, Brodey, & Andrews in XX/XX/XXXX. At this point, my account was paid in advance for an entire year. 

The debt collector failed to exercise due diligence in presenting accurate information to the court : Bleecker, Brodey and Andrews filed a court order on XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  for the full amount of the personal loan in the amount of {$3500.00} despite the fact that I had made a {$1500.00} payment on XX/XX/XXXX. ( More than 30 days prior to the hearing. ) The debt collector has aggressively pursued collection that is not in keeping with the spirit of the law : Despite having paid a year in advance, Bleecker, Brodey, & Andrews accelerated the debt collection process and sought relief in the form of a garnishment. They charged attorney fees, late fees, judgement costs, additional interest and garnishment costs to my account. I issued payment in full for the remainder of my account PLUS these additional expenses in the amount of {$2700.00} on XX/XX/XXXX. 

The debt collector failed to act in good faith : While Bleecker, Brodey and Andrews acknowledged that my account had a {$0.00} balance, they failed to resend the garnishment order. Please see their letter from XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  attached. On XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  my bank received the garnishment order and seized all the funds in my bank account. The bank charged a {$150.00} garnishment fee to process this request. This caused my personal payments for my auto insurance and electric bills to bounce. It also left me with NO funds to feed my family. 

I dont understand why they are doing this to me and my family. When I called their office yesterday, I spoke to XXXX who advised it will take them approximately 2 weeks to resolve this matter. This is simply unacceptable. They are abusing their power and taking advantage of financially disadvantaged people. I respectfully request that you open an investigation into their actions and billing practices.

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