Consumer complaint received 2022-07-28
Company: Statewide Credit Services Corp.
State: NY
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Private student loan debt
Issue: Communication tactics
Sub-issue: Frequent or repeated calls

Complaint:
I had attended classes at a trade school titled, " XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXX XXXX. '' I enrolled prior to the pandemic. I was given an old school catalog for the prior academic calendar year XXXX. Despite not having clear understanding of dates of courses and deadlines, I paid full tuition out of pocket for first block of classes. Prior to the second block of classes, I had experienced financial hardship due to loss of hours and income as a result of the pandemic. As clearly indicated in the course catalog, it states 'student may cancel his/her enrollment at anytime and date of withdrawal is last physical attendance. ' I notified the dean on XX/XX/XXXX in writing that I can not continue with this program prior to instruction of second block of courses which prompted a meeting. During the meeting, I was very clear that I can not continue with this program. I was blamed and also shamed for my decision to withdraw and high pressure sales tactics were used. She eventually offered to waive the initially required XXXX XXXX course, something I had taken in my prior schools. Out of pressure, I did take 2 additional classes ( which were also paid for in full ). I was also promised by the dean that the Financial Aid office would assist with giving some of the relief funds awarded through HEERF through Cares Act though I did not receive. Ultimately I I continued with my initial decision to withdraw from the program and informed my teacher the second time around rather than notifying the dean. 

After receiving several harrassing bills expecting me to pay for a class that I did not take, I sent a certified letter to the school on XX/XX/XXXX. The dean sent me a reply letter on XX/XX/XXXX indicating that my corrections were correct and acknowledged that I do not owe anything. I had the understanding this matter was resolved. 

I received a call on XX/XX/XXXX from someone identified as XXXX XXXX from Schwartz Schwartz and Associates located at XXXX XXXX XXXX in XXXX. She spoke to me in a threatening matter indicating how their office will come after me, my credit score will drop and I will be taken to court. They were and continue to insist that I owe the amount of XXXX for a class that I did not take. Despite attempts to reason with this office, they spoke over me and frequently attempted to intimidate me. I tried to reason with XXXX XXXX however she spoke to me in a very offensive manner, spoke down to me and insisted that I was wrong. After XX/XX/XXXX, I have received over 50 calls from this office including threatening letters and now a letter from Statewide Credit Services Corp located at XXXX XXXX XXXX. This agency issued a demand letter which stipulation indicating that a lawsuit will be brought to me. 

I am writing this letter as a form of a formal complaint, particularly with the office of Schwartz , Schwartz and Associates along with Statewide Credit Services for harrassment. I have spoken to 2 other colleagues who also withdrew from this program and are not being targeted or being treated like I am. Given that these other students are not being harrassed, I even feel being potentially discriminated against due to this unethical business practices. I would like these offices to refrain from contacting me at this time. I think it is important to bring attention to this matter, especially how some businesses are operating in such a matter in the time of a pandemic and health crisis.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation