Consumer complaint received 2024-10-19
Product: Debt collection — Other debt
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company: First Credit Services Inc. (MD)

I am writing to formally file a complaint and request assistance regarding an alleged debt being pursued by First Credit Services. Despite my repeated requests for validation and proof of the debt, First Credit Services has failed to provide sufficient documentation, and my consumer rights under federal law have been violated. 

Background of the Issue : On XX/XX/year>, I contacted First Credit Services via a written dispute, demanding validation of an alleged debt associated with [ Account Number, if available ]. I explicitly requested that First Credit Services provide documentation proving : That I owe the debt in question. 
That the original creditor had authorization to transfer or communicate the debt to First Credit Services. 
Despite this, First Credit Services has not provided adequate documentation to substantiate their claim and continues to pursue collection efforts and report this disputed debt to credit reporting agencies. This failure to provide sufficient proof violates federal consumer protection laws. 

Applicable Consumer Protection Laws : Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) 15 U.S.C. 1692g Under this law, I have the right to request validation of the debt, and the collection agency must cease all collection activity until they provide sufficient documentation. However, First Credit Services has not fulfilled this obligation by failing to provide adequate proof of the debt.

Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 This law requires data furnishers, like First Credit Services , to report accurate information to credit bureaus. Reporting an alleged debt without providing proper validation, especially after the debt has been disputed, constitutes a violation. The continued reporting of inaccurate information is negatively impacting my credit profile. 

Violations of My Rights : Failure to provide sufficient proof of the debt : First Credit Services has failed to meet the requirements under FDCPA ( 15 U.S.C. 1692g ) by not providing the necessary validation of the alleged debt. This includes failure to provide sufficient documentation connecting me to the debt or substantiating the amount. 
Improper credit reporting : Despite the disputed status of the alleged debt, it continues to be reported on my credit report. This is a violation of the FCRA ( 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ), which mandates that only verified and accurate information be reported.

Failure to cease collection efforts : First Credit Services continues to pursue this debt without sufficient validation, in violation of FDCPA ( 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ) ). 
What a Proper Debt Validation Investigation Entails : A proper debt validation investigation, as required by the FDCPA, includes : Review of Original Creditors Documentation : First Credit Services should have obtained records from the original creditor that prove the existence of the debt, such as a copy of the original agreement, contract, or billing statements. 
Breakdown of the Debt Amount : The collection agency is required to provide a clear, itemized breakdown of the total debt amount, including the original balance, interest, late fees, and other charges that apply.

Proof of Ownership and Transfer of the Debt : The agency must provide documentation proving that the debt was legally transferred or sold to them from the original creditor. This must include any assignment of debt paperwork or agreements showing the agencys right to collect the debt. 
Verification of Consumer Identity : Sufficient documentation should be provided that directly links the alleged debt to me, ensuring that the correct individual is being pursued for the correct amount. 
First Credit Services has failed to provide sufficient proof of the debt, as outlined above, and continues to pursue unlawful collection efforts without validation. 

Action Requested : I respectfully request that the CFPB investigate this matter and take appropriate action to enforce compliance with the FDCPA and FCRA. Specifically, I request : That First Credit Services immediately cease all collection efforts until they provide sufficient proof and validation of the alleged debt. 
That they remove any negative information regarding this disputed debt from all credit reporting agencies until adequate validation is provided. 
That the CFPB require First Credit Services to conduct a thorough investigation of the debt, including obtaining proper documentation from the original creditor. This must include any assignment of debt paperwork or agreements showing the agencys right to collect the debt. 
That I be notified of the results of the CFPBs investigation and any actions taken against First Credit Services. 
I have enclosed copies of my prior correspondence with First Credit Services, including my debt validation request from XX/XX/year>. I hope that the CFPB will act swiftly to ensure that my rights as a consumer are upheld and that First Credit Services is held accountable for their violations. 

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response and resolution. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX, CPA