Consumer complaint received 2024-09-25
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive notice of right to dispute
Company: PORTFOLIO RECOVERY ASSOCIATES INC (FL)

I have also filed with the AG office here in Florida and have began consultation with an attorney to file suing for violations. 

Re : Formal Complaint Regarding Improper Debt Collection Practices and Violations of FDCPA/FCRA by Portfolio Recovery Associates I am writing to formally request your offices assistance in addressing serious concerns regarding Portfolio Recovery Associates , LLC ( PRA ) and their improper and unlawful debt collection practices. PRA is currently attempting to collect a time-barred debt from me using deceptive and harassing methods, which I believe constitute violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), and Florida consumer protection laws. 

Background of the Dispute PRA claims that I owe a debt related to XXXX accounts originally held by XXXX XXXX. These accounts, which allegedly originated with XXXX and XXXX, were charged off in 2015. However, I have no record of either debt, and I have had a XXXX account in good standing for the past XXXX years. Upon receiving PRAs collection attempts, I formally disputed the debts and requested documentation to validate their claims. Despite my request, PRA has failed to provide adequate proof of the debts, including responding that they don't have to provide these documents as follows : A detailed statement of the account. 
A copy of the original credit agreement with my digital signature. 
The purchase agreement and bill of sale showing the transfer of the debts from XXXX XXXX. 
Proof of ownership and the chain of custody for the debts. 
Verification that the debts are still legally collectible under Florida law. 
Time-Barred Debt The alleged debts were purportedly charged off in 2015, making them time-barred under the statute of limitations for debt collection in Florida. Despite this, PRA continues to pursue collection efforts on these expired debts, which I understand to be illegal under both Florida law and the FDCPA. PRA has also failed to inform me that the debts are time-barred, which is deceptive and unlawful. 

Deceptive and Harassing Collection Practices In addition to pursuing a time-barred debt, PRA has engaged in harassing communication practices. They have sent me misleading letters stating they are not required to provide documentation, despite the fact that I have requested validation. Furthermore, their letter implies that I have an obligation to pay these debts, even though they are no longer legally enforceable. PRAs refusal to provide the necessary documentation further exacerbates my concerns that this debt is either invalid or unverifiable. 

Legal Violations I believe PRAs actions violate the FDCPA, the FCRA, and Florida consumer protection laws for the following reasons : Failure to Validate the Debt : PRA has failed to provide the required documentation to validate the debts as mandated by the FDCPA. 
Pursuing a Time-Barred Debt : PRAs continued attempts to collect on a debt that is no longer legally enforceable violate the FDCPA. 
Deceptive Practices : PRAs refusal to inform me that the debt is time-barred and its misleading communications are clear violations of federal and state laws. 
Request for Assistance I respectfully request that your office investigate PRA for violations of the FDCPA, FCRA, and Florida consumer protection laws. Specifically, I am asking for assistance in : Compelling PRA to cease all collection activities on these time-barred debts. 
Requiring PRA to provide the proper documentation, including the original credit agreement with my signature, the bill of sale, and proof of ownership of the debts. 
Ensuring that these debts are not reported to any credit reporting agencies and that PRA does not continue to engage in unlawful collection practices.

Imposing penalties on PRA for their violations of the law, including any deceptive or harassing practices they have employed. 
The practices employed by Portfolio Recovery Associates are distressing and have caused me unnecessary anxiety. I trust that your office, as the state 's consumer protection authority, can help me resolve this matter and hold PRA accountable for their unlawful actions. Just to note that since they called me I have been getting calls frm various spoof numbers looking for a XXXX????????????????? They say they hve no resord of calling me or texting but I do. 

Thank you for your attention to this serious issue. Please feel free to contact me if you require any additional information or documentation to further your investigation.