Consumer complaint received 2024-10-07
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt is not yours
Company: PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES INC (IL)

I have identified several issues related to Portfolio Recovery Associates ( PRA ) and their handling of an account that I do not recognize or owe. The actions taken by PRA have caused harm to my credit report and financial standing. Below is a detailed description of the issue : Description of the Issue : Portfolio Recovery Associates has reported a debt on my credit report that I do not recognize and have no record of owing. I believe this account was opened or assigned in error, or potentially as part of identity theft. Despite disputing the validity of this account, PRA continues to report it as delinquent, which is negatively impacting my credit score.

Actions Taken : 1. Disputed the Debt : I have formally disputed the debt with Portfolio Recovery Associates and the credit reporting agencies, requesting validation of the debt under 15 U.S.C. 1692g of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). To date, PRA has failed to provide proper documentation proving the validity of the debt.

2. Sent a Cease and Desist Request : I have requested that Portfolio Recovery Associates cease all further communication and collection efforts regarding this disputed debt until they can provide proper validation.

3. Placed a Fraud Alert : I have placed a fraud alert on my credit report with the credit bureaus to prevent any further unauthorized or erroneous reporting.

Applicable Law : Under 15 U.S.C. 1692g of the FDCPA, Portfolio Recovery Associates is required to validate a debt upon request, providing clear and accurate information regarding the debts origin and legitimacy. PRA has failed to do so, which constitutes a violation of my consumer rights under the FDCPA. Additionally, by continuing to report this unverified debt to the credit reporting agencies, they may also be violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) by reporting inaccurate information.

Fair Resolution Requested : 1. Removal of the Debt from My Credit Report : I request that Portfolio Recovery Associates immediately remove this unverified debt from my credit report, as they have not provided validation proving the legitimacy of the debt.

2. Written Confirmation : I request written confirmation from Portfolio Recovery Associates that the account has been deleted from my credit file, and that no further collection activities will occur regarding this disputed debt.

3. Cease Collection Efforts : I request that PRA cease any and all collection efforts until they can provide documentation that proves the validity of this debt.

4. Assurance of Compliance with FDCPA and FCRA : I expect Portfolio Recovery Associates to fully comply with both the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) in handling my dispute, ensuring that no further violations occur and that my rights as a consumer are upheld.

Summary of the Issue : The continued reporting and collection efforts by Portfolio Recovery Associates regarding a debt that I do not owe has caused damage to my credit profile and financial standing. I request that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) intervene to ensure that Portfolio Recovery Associates properly investigates this account, removes the erroneous information from my credit report, and ceases all further collection activity until the debt is validated.