Consumer complaint received 2021-07-28
Company: Stenger & Stenger, P.C
State: TN
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Credit card debt
Issue: Communication tactics
Sub-issue: Used obscene, profane, or other abusive language

Complaint:
I called Stenger & Stenger P.C. ( " Stenger '' ) on XX/XX/2021. I was placed on hold while waiting to speak to speak to someone. While on hold I was subjected to hearing a pre-recorded solicitation for paying an alleged debt. The recording gave a website where payment could be made. The language is obscene and profane and violates 15 U.S. Code 1692d ( 2 ). I spoke to a debt collector by the name of XXXX XXXX ( " XXXX '' ). He asked me for the last 4 digits of my social security number which I never gave him or anyone else at the company my direct consent to have access to it. XXXX told me that he had access to view my full social security number. I am VERY upset about this. I am being subjected to identity theft. XXXX stated I owe {$4000.00} which violates XXXX confirmed that my correspondence was received on Monday, XX/XX/2021 and was under review by the compliance department. XXXX who is located in Michigan stated that XXXX XXXX XXXX ( " XXXX '' ) who is located in Ohio was unavailable for calls and " out at hearings ''. 

I also spoke with debt collector XXXX XXXX XXXX on his personal cell phone number I found on XX/XX/2021 right after speaking to XXXX. XXXX stated he was required by Federal Law to verify the last 4 digits of my social security number which is abusive because he has no right to have access to it. I never gave my direct consent. XXXX is completely oblivious to Federal Law including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Truth In Lending Act. He identifies as an Attorney who is licensed to practice law but is EXTREMELY incompetent. XXXX stated XXXX XXXX is his client which violates 15 U.S. Code 1692e ( 2 ) ( B ), " The false representation ofany services rendered or compensation which may be lawfully received by any debt collector for the collection of a debt ''. He stated that his " client '' XXXX XXXX is " the proper owner of the debt ''. He referred to XXXX XXXX properly selling the debt. That's when I really became livid. XXXX is describing a crime that took place in relation to my credit. It violates 15 U.S. Code 1692e ( 12 ), " The false representation or implication that accounts have been turned over to innocent purchasers for value ''. XXXX has no idea of that but states he is licensed to practice law .... 

I will attach a copy of both recordings. This company and its debt collectors are subjecting me to identity theft and I feel violated. XXXX NEVER had a contract with them. They have my private identifying information as a result of a credit sale that took place unbeknownst to me without my consent with XXXX XXXX who participated in a credit sale with XXXX XXXXXXXX Retail Services  for a XXXX XXXX Retail Credit card debt that I created and was funded by my open end credit plan. XXXX stated that the court " indicated the debt was valid '' in favor of his client which violates 15 U.S. Code 1692e ( 10 ), " The use of any false representation or deceptive means to collect or attempt to collect any debt or to obtain information concerning a consumer ''. 

XXXX stated that he feels that the time to make the claim has passed. There is no statute of limitations on fraud and pursuant to 15 U.S. Code 1692g ( c ), " The failure of a consumer to dispute the validity of a debt under this section may not be construed by any court as an admission of liability by the consumer. '' Then he proceeded to attempt to collect the debt which violates 15 U.S. Code 1692g ( b ) because his company is in receipt of my dispute. XXXX stated that was the original creditor for the debt was XXXX XXXX Retail services was the original creditor and that is completely false. I am the original creditor. XXXX is a debt collector is in violation of 15 U.S. Code 1692e ( 3 ), " The false representation or implication that any individual is an attorney or that any communication is from an attorney ''. He also admitted to rendering services for his client which violates 15 U.S. Code 1692e ( 2 ) ( B ), " any services rendered or compensation which may be lawfully received by any debt collector for the collection of a debt ''. XXXX also implied that I was harassing him which violates 15 U.S. Code 1692e ( 7 ), " The false representation or implication that the consumer committed any crime or other conduct in order to disgrace the consumer ''. Referring to conduct that is a disgrace to me the consumer. I was simply attempting to educate him on how he violated my rights under Federal Law. He is not properly educated or informed about Consumer rights. That is evident from this call. Or he is still attempting to defraud me. Either way I am an affected consumer who is being violated by Stenger, its employees, and namely XXXX and XXXX.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation