Consumer complaint received 2024-10-25
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt was result of identity theft
Company: V and H Portfolio (LA)

This complaint is filed against Vance & Huffman , LLC, and XXXX due to improper handling of a disputed debt and reporting inaccuracies that violate my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). These violations have led to a recent unwarranted decrease in my credit score, negatively impacting my financial standing and creditworthiness. 

I received a letter from Vance & Huffman on XX/XX/XXXX, alleging a disputed debt owed to XXXX XXXX, established in XXXX. However, this is the first time I have been made aware of this debt, which I suspect is a result of identity theft. 
Due to a history of identity theft after my wallet was stolen, I filed multiple police reports, the latest in XX/XX/XXXX, documenting fraudulent activity. The provided contract from Vance & Huffman includes an electronic signature that is not mine, further suggesting this debt was fraudulently established. 

FDCPA Section 809 : Vance & Huffmans failure to provide valid debt verification and their claim that I initiated a previous dispute are misrepresentations and violations of my rights as a consumer. 
FCRA Section 611 : By law, XXXX is required to ensure accuracy in all credit report entries and to provide a fair opportunity for the consumer to dispute inaccurate information. XXXX has allowed this account to appear on my credit report without granting me the 30-day dispute period, which is mandated by law. 
FCRA Section 623 : Information furnishers, such as Vance & Huffman, must verify disputed accounts thoroughly before they are reported. Allowing an unverified, disputed account onto my credit file is a clear violation of this section, especially given the nature of potential identity theft involved. 

Due to the erroneous reporting of this disputed debt, my credit score has recently decreased, resulting in tangible financial harm and limiting my ability to access credit. This reporting error has caused undue damage to my reputation and financial health.

FCRA Section 605B ( Identity Theft Victims Rights ) : As a victim of identity theft, I have the right to dispute fraudulent information appearing on my credit report. I am asserting these rights under Section 605B, which stipulates that credit reporting agencies must remove identity-theft-related items from credit reports if provided with adequate documentation ( e.g., police report and affidavit of identity theft ). 
FCRA Section 609 ( e ) ( Consumers Right to Documentation ) : This section entitles me to obtain all records of the alleged debt related to the identity theft. I am requesting these records to demonstrate my lack of association with this debt.

FDCPA Section 809 : Protects consumers from misrepresentation by debt collectors and mandates transparent verification of debt.

FCRA Sections 611 and 623 : Credit reporting agencies and information furnishers must ensure accuracy and allow consumers a 30-day period to dispute, which XXXX has failed to honor. 
FCRA Section 605B : Entitles victims of identity theft to have fraudulent items promptly removed from their credit reports upon documented identity theft.

FCRA Section 609 ( e ) : Grants consumers the right to obtain records of debts associated with identity theft.