Consumer complaint received 2024-02-19
Product: Debt collection — Private student loan debt
Issue: False statements or representation — Attempted to collect wrong amount
Company: Strauss Factor Laing & Lyons (GA)

Subject : Complaint Regarding Unfair Debt Collection Practices Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint against XXXX, XXXX, XXXX & XXXX for XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Collection Agency Name ] regarding their unfair and unethical practices in attempting to collect a debt from me. My name is XXXX XXXX, and I am deeply troubled by the actions of your agency in relation to a debt stemming from a judgment issued over 15 years ago by the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, with the case details as follows : Date : XX/XX/year> Amount : {$1300.00} Filing Number : XXXX Plaintiff : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Defendant : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX : Amount : {$1300.00} Interest : 0.00 % Attorney Fee : {$0.00} Costs : {$75.00} Other Fees : {$0.00} Total : {$1400.00} XXXX left this school above and joined the XXXX in 2008. When I was XXXX from the service, I was XXXX and could not find work. This is how this debt occurred. Now, 15 years later, I find out there is still history here. Now, Despite my sincere efforts to settle this debt, I have encountered significant obstacles from your agency. I have offered to pay the full amount of the judgment, which I acknowledge as a legitimate obligation. However, I am appalled by the egregious fees your agency has added, which far exceed the original judgment amount. These excessive fees have been imposed upon me without justification or explanation. 

As a XXXX 100 % XXXX veteran living on a fixed income and raising XXXX children, all of whom are also on XXXX, I face considerable financial challenges. My only source of income is a XXXX check. I am determined to fulfill my financial responsibilities, but the exorbitant demands of your agency are placing an intolerable burden on me and my family. I wish to emphasize that my inability to pay the debt in full is not due to negligence or unwillingness, but rather to circumstances beyond my control. 

Following my service in the XXXX, I struggled to secure employment and fell into homelessness, living in hotels for a prolonged period. It was only recently that I was able to find a stable home for myself and my children, thanks to a VA loan. However, the unresolved debt from Strauss, Factor, Laing & Lyons [ Debt Collection Agency Name ] is now preventing me from finalizing the purchase of our home using the VA loan. I have repeatedly requested a payoff statement from your agency and have sought to negotiate a settlement in good faith as well as explain my hardship to you. However, my requests have been met with refusal and disregard. 

Furthermore, despite my eligibility for a hardship consideration, I have been denied the opportunity to apply for such relief. I demand that Strauss, Factor, Laing & Lyons for XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX [ Debt Collection Agency Name ] immediately cease their unfair and exploitative practices and either release me from this debt or accept the original judgment amount as payment in full. I am willing and able to fulfill my financial obligations, but I refuse to be extorted or manipulated into paying an inflated sum that I do not owe. Please be advised that I expect a prompt and satisfactory resolution to this matter. Failure to comply will leave me with no choice but to explore further legal options to protect my rights and interests. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.