Consumer complaint received 2016-07-11
Company: Overton, Russell, Doerr and Donovan, LLP
State: VA
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Medical
Issue: Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed
Sub-issue: Debt was paid

Complaint:
I am writing regarding a debt collection action wrongly pursued against me by XXXX and the law firm of Overton, Russell, Doerr and Donovan. The negative information they reported to the credit bureaus has caused me to not qualify for credit I applied for, and to pay higher rates for loans and insurance. I want all traces of this collection action removed from all of my credit reports, and my good credit to be restored. I also want all documentation showing this collection action was taken in error forwarded to me. 

From XXXX XXXX through XXXX XXXX, my family used XXXX XXXX XXXX for all of our XXXX and XXXX. We always paid our bills on time, and never had a payment issue. In XXXX XXXX, we relocated to XXXX, Virginia. 

In a notice dated XXXX XXXX, XXXX, XXXX notified me I had an outstanding balance, and if the balance was not paid within 14 days, I would be referred to collections, to be pursued by the law firm of Overton, Russell, Doerr and Donovan. The amount of this outstanding balance was {$82.00}. Please find this notice attached. 

On XXXX XXXX, XXXX, my wife contacted XXXX XXXX XXXX and made a payment for the outstanding balance of {$82.00}. Please find attached the receipt for this payment with the amount of {$82.00} highlighted. 

In a Debt Collection Notice dated XXXX XXXX, XXXX, Overton, Russell, Doerr and Donovan, demanded I pay the debt of {$82.00}. I ignored this notice as the debt had already been satisfied. Please find attached this Debt Collection Notice. 

Today, upon reviewing my credit report, I found Overton, Russell, Doerr and Donovan, had reported this debt as a collection. This debt collection, reported in error, resulted in a XXXX point drop in my credit rating. 

At approximately XXXX., I contacted XXXX XXXX XXXX billing department and spoke to XXXX. XXXX allowed me leave a message for Business Office Manager, XXXX XXXX. 

At approximately XXXX., I contacted Overton, Russell, Doerr and Donovan, and notified them the debt was paid prior to any collection action. I was told they would take no action to resolve this issue, and I needed to provide them with proof the debt had been paid, for them to consider taking any action to remedy their error. 

At approximately XXXX., I received a call back from XXXX XXXX, Business Office Manager XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX stated Overton, Russell, Doerr and Donovan were notified by XXXX on XXXX XXXX, XXXX, that the debt of {$82.00} had been paid. XXXX XXXX stated she had just contacted XXXX from Overton, Russell, Doerr and Donovan, and this collection would be removed from my credit report. XXXX XXXX stated she would forward documents to me showing the debt had been satisfied, and that Overton, Russell, Doerr and Donovan were actually notified of this prior to them taking collection action against me. XXXX XXXX could not tell me how soon the error would be corrected. 

I 'm extremely disappointed with the haphazard handling of this matter by XXXX and Overton, Russell, Doerr and Donovan. Their joint carelessness has harmed my credit and forced me to pay higher rates on loans and insurance. I am seeking your assistance in order to restore my good credit and warn other consumers of their malicious collection practices.

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