Consumer complaint received 2022-07-07
Company: Self Financial Inc.
State: GA
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Credit card debt
Issue: Communication tactics
Sub-issue: Used obscene, profane, or other abusive language

Complaint:
SELF FINANCIAL is attempting to use extortionate means to conspire with the credit reporting agencies to coerce me to pay a debt that has already been paid through the access of my social security credit card. In their last correspondence SELF pro-ported that they will report a charge off to my consumer report if I do not pay a certain amount. 18 USC 891 clearly states ( 6 ) An extortionate extension of credit is any extension of credit with respect to which it is the understanding of the creditor and the debtor at the time it is made that delay in making repayment or failure to make repayment could result in the use of violence or other criminal means to cause harm to the person, reputation, or property of any person. SELF has threatened violent action ( reporting a charge off to my consumer report ) which would cause harm to me the natural person and my reputation. My credit report is part of my reputation and using psychological XXXX against me to coerce me into making a payment is extortionate means. I came across a publication that describes psychological XXXX as : Psychological XXXX  ( also referred to as emotional or mental abuse ) includes verbal and non-verbal communication used with the intent to harm another person mentally or emotionally, or to exert control over another person. 

The impact of psychological XXXX can be just as significant as that of other, more physical forms of violence, as the perpetrator subjects the victim to behaviour which may result in some form of psychological trauma, such as anxiety, XXXX or XXXX XXXX XXXX. This includes, but is not limited to : expressive aggression ( e.g., humiliating and degrading ), coercive control ( e.g., limiting access to things or people, and excessive monitoring of a persons whereabouts or communications ), threats of physical or XXXX XXXX, control of reproductive or XXXX health, and exploitation of a persons vulnerability ( e.g., immigration status or XXXX ). 
This not only leads to mental health problems, but also to severe physical problems, such as psychosomatic disorders. Lastly, 18 USC 892 ( 6 ) clearly states ( a ) Whoever makes any extortionate extension of credit, or conspires to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both. ( c ) In any prosecution under this section, if evidence has been introduced tending to show the existence of any of the circumstances described in subsection ( b ) ( 1 ) or ( b ) ( 2 ), and direct evidence of the actual belief of the debtor as to the creditors collection practices is not available, then for the purpose of showing the understanding of the debtor and the creditor at the time the extension of credit was made, the court may in its discretion allow evidence to be introduced tending to show the reputation as to collection practices of the creditor in any community of which the debtor was a member at the time of the extension. This means even if you dont think you are in violation the courts may allow evidence that can be brought against you showing your reputation of extortionate practices. SELF has used violent words to try and control me and this has caused me anxiety, stress, and XXXX. I will seek damages for this as well.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation