Consumer complaint received 2021-04-22
Company: Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP
State: SC
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Other debt
Issue: False statements or representation
Sub-issue: Attempted to collect wrong amount

Complaint:
I am being extorted and harassed by Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP for a debt was paid immediately upon being notified of a toll amount of {$5.00} was due to XXXX XXXX XXXX  ( XXXX  ) in XXXX, Virginia for using the Downtown tunnel on XX/XX/XXXX. 

I never received a toll bill from XXXX. XXXX mailed the bill to my previous home address. I moved from that location in XX/XX/XXXX and immediately changed my Driver 's License and vehicle registration to my new address. 

LGBS has no motivation to correct their mistakes. I believe they systematically implement high pressure intimidation tactics to extort money from out of state motorists. It is my opinion that LGBS is running a legally sanctioned scam that violates Virginia law. 

I submit the attached documentation and chronological order of events as evidence of the following behaviors by LGBS which in my opinion include : Extortion, intimidation, harassment, mail fraud, ethical misconduct, ignorance of the law, bad faith dealings, broken public trust and hiding behind their good old boy relationship with XXXX XXXX XXXX to run a legally sanctioned scam against out of state motorists. 

Enclosed please find a copies of the following evidence that documents the chronological order of events that have lead me to file this complaint : XXXX XXXX XXXX passed through the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Exhibit 1 - XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) receives Notice of Debt letter dated XX/XX/XXXX from Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP. ( LGBS ) XXXX Exhibit 2 XXXX  mails dispute letter to LGBS certifying that she never received a request from XXXX to pay a toll. She asked for proof the invoice for the toll was actually sent to her. She agreed to pay the original toll amount upon receipt of the original toll invoice. 

XXXX Exhibit 3 XXXX  receives Second Notice from LGBS dated XXXX. 

XXXX Exhibit 4 XXXX  submits second dispute notice to LGBS. 

XXXX - Exhibit 5 XXXX  receives Debt Validation Notice ( DVN ) from XXXX dated XXXX. 

XXXX Exhibit 6 XXXX  responds to LGBS and confirms the DVN proves the original invoice was mailed to her previous address which was XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, SC XXXX. XXXX certified that the USPS did not forward the ERT invoice to her new address. XXXX moved and re-established her permanent residence at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX, SC XXXX in XX/XX/XXXX which was more than two years before XXXX XXXX drove through the tunnel. 

Exhibit XXXX Copy of SC Department of Motor Vehicles SC Document of Registration issued XXXX to XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX, SC XXXX XXXX Exhibit 8 Copy of Original invoice with {$5.00} cash taped to it that was mailed to LGBS along with all enclosed documentation that proved LGBS incompetence created a totally fabricated debt and penalties for their personal enrichment at the expense of the motoring public. 

XXXX Exhibit 9 XXXX response to LGBS demand for payment referencing all previous correspondence and previously submitted proof that the debt was fictitious. 

XXXX Exhibit 10 XXXX  receives Debt Validation Notice XXXX and LGBS demand for payment. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) called LGBS and spoke to a representative who confirmed LGBS had applied the {$5.00} to the outstanding balance and confirmed that LGBS had received all documents that had been submitted and had determined the remaining balance had to be paid or debt collection actions against XXXX would continue. XXXX requested to speak to an attorney about these matters and was told he would be contacted by one of LGBSs attorneys. 

XXXX Someone claiming to represent LGBS called XXXX at XXXX Eastern from XXXX and insisted that the entire debt was due and that LGBS had dismissed the authenticity and validity of all documentation that had previously been provided. The individual claimed that collection activities for the full amount would continue until paid.

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