Consumer complaint received 2022-07-22
Company: CITIBANK, N.A.
State: NC
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Credit card debt
Issue: Took or threatened to take negative or legal action
Sub-issue: Threatened to sue you for very old debt

Complaint:
Was contacted by a man named XXXX XXXX, stating he was representing a law firm, in an attempt to collect a debt with XXXX XXXX on XX/XX/XXXX. He stated that they had attempted to serve me a subpoena to court because they were going to take legal action for the unpaid debt, which originated on XXXX. He stated that I owed {$7900.00}, which included attorney fees ( {$1.00} ) and filing fees ( {$240.00} ). He stated that he could speak with the attorneys and see if there could be a settlement for a reduced amount. I did have a VERY old unpaid account with Best Buy, didnt recall it being that high, but I did have it in my past. He came back to me with an amount of {$5800.00} because the had removed the attorney and filing fees. He asked me what I could afford each month and I told him around {$300.00}. At the time I was actively trying to improve my credit so I thought this would help. He told me that he would send me a XXXX document outlining the payment plan. We set up a date for it to be charged to my debit card each month and I gave him my card information. I received the document via my email from XXXX XXXX, which I thought odd, within a few hours. The cover sheet stated it was from XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. It had my current address listed ( not the original address ) a case number, the original creditor ( XXXX Best Buy ), my original account number ( which I have no clue if it is accurate ), my SSN, and amount due ( {$5800.00} ). It also listed the monthly payment amount {$300.00} and due date of each month ( XXXX ) to begin on XX/XX/XXXX and to continue until paid in full, which would be XX/XX/XXXX. Every payment has been made since that date, approximately {$3300.00}, unless I have called and arranged a different date. 

Earlier in this year, XXXX of XXXX, I began REALLY investigating my debt because I would like to get a divorce and I was considering equitable distribution prior too. At that time I realized I had never once received a receipt from XXXX XXXX whatever.so I called, spoke with XXXX and he said he would have the accounting dept be sure to send one after each payment. When I received the first receipt, it was to XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, which was never disclosed to me or on any paper work that I received that they would be processing the payment. I have attached a copy of the payment agreement signed on XXXX and a copy of the first receipt I received on XXXX. 

I began do my own research on these companies and my rights as a consumer. I called XXXX again and asked for pretty simple information about my case and he refused to give it to me. I was told it was confidential and I would have subpoena it from the lawyers, at my own cost. Did some more investigating, my Best Buy account was charged off on XXXX, way past the XXXX in NC of 3 years to file suit. I also have found out that a I can not be threatened with legal action for a debt that is time barred per the FDCPA I have called XXXX and asked for more information about my case but have not heard back. 

My consumer rights were violated because I was naive to the law but it had been over 10 years since the charge off when I was initially contacted, they knew EXACTLY what they were doing. I was never informed that they were attempting to collect a debt that was time barred by the statue of limitations in NC, my residence. I never received any type of written notice from this company in attempt to collect. When I requested information about the original debt, it was denied to me. I have found quite a few consumer complaints on the web about XXXX, XXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX in XXXX XXXX, CA stating they were called about a debt from XXXX for ridiculous amounts and asked to settle right then and there or be sued.

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