Consumer complaint received 2020-01-07
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt was paid
Company: Blitt and Gaines, P.C. (IL)

In XXXX of XXXX, I noticed multiple debts on my credit report that I did not recognize. I sent validation of debt request, that included my current mailing address and a Cease and Desist notification until they could validate the debt pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 USC 1692g Sec. 809 ( b ), via USPS Certified Return Receipt mail to the collection company listed on my credit report as XXXX XXXX, XXXX ( original debt listed as XXXX XXXX XXXX ) ( copy of letter attached ). XXXX received the letter on XX/XX/XXXX ( copy of Return Receipt attached ). I received a response dated XX/XX/XXXX from an attorney, Blitt and Gaines , P.C . who claimed they were retained by XXXX XXXX to collect the debt. The letter was mailed to an address where I have not resided for several years. I responded in XXXX with a validation of debt request, again sent Certified Return Receipt mail ( copy of letter attached ). Blitt and Gaines responded with phone calls threatening legal action and I was intimidated into making a payment arrangement with them before I knew how this debt was created ( Receipt of Payment attached ). I also filed a complaint with CFPB that XXXX and Blitt and Gaines were mailing correspondence to old addresses despite having my current address ( complaint attached ). Since paying for this debt that I did not recognize in XXXX, I became aware that I was a victim of Identity Fraud and I have been trying to address each account on my credit file as well as taking the necessary steps to mitigate and remedy the damages. Most creditors removed the debts after I supplied them with the police report filed in XX/XX/XXXX, however there were two that refused to comply. In XX/XX/XXXX I discovered IdentityTheft.gov and immediately filed a complaint where I was directed to send letters to all three credit bureaus with a list of debts that I believed were the result of identity theft. The debt to XXXX XXXX XXXX was included even though it was already paid in full because it remained on my credit as a " charge off. '' I received a letter from XXXX XXXX XXXX  dated XX/XX/XXXX stating they investigated the inquiry they received from the credit bureaus and had determined the debt to belong, that it had been sold to XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and to mail a copy of the police report within 45 days if I still disputed the debt ( letter attached ). On XX/XX/XXXX, I sent a letter to XXXX XXXX XXXX   explaining that I had already paid this debt with Blitt and Gaines and was therefore perplexed as to why this would have been sold to yet another third-party collector and I enclosed the police report ( letter and police report attached ). I received another similar letter from XXXX XXXX XXXX dated XX/XX/XXXX stating they received my correspondence and completed further investigation and requesting me to again send the same police report if I dispute their findings ( letter attached ). Despite multiple requests for debt validation and sending full payment for the listed debt, this debt has been sold to another third-party collector. Despite notification that this debt is the result of identity theft, this debt remains on my credit reports as a charge off. This company and its representative third-part collection companies and attorneys have violated several statues of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.